
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Correct servicing permits the
performance of the vehicle to be
maintained over time, as well as limited
running costs and safeguarding the
efficiency of the safety systems.
This chapter explains how.SCHEDULED SERVICING.......194
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .......198
BATTERY RECHARGING ........201
DEALER SERVICE ............202
RAISING THE VEHICLE .........208
TIRES .................. .208
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES . .224
STORING THE VEHICLE........225
BODYWORK...............226
INTERIORS ............... .228
193

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has planned
a series of checks and services for your
vehicle at fixed intervals based on
distance and time, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an
authorized dealer according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in
addition to the ones scheduled, the need
arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out with the
owner’s explicit consent only.
Note:Scheduled Servicing intervals are
required by the Manufacturer. Failure to
have them carried out may invalidate the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
You are advised to inform your
authorized dealer of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
Periodic Checks
Every month or every 600miles
( 1,000 km) or before long trips check
and, if necessary, top off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level (if insufficient, see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible).
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.
Operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.).
Operation of windshield
washing/wiping system and
positioning/wear of wiper blades.
Every 2,000 miles ( 3,000km), check and
top off if required:
Engine oil level.
Heavy Usage Of The Vehicle
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated journeys less than
4 miles (7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures.
Engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity.
In the event of a long period of inactivity.
The following checks must be carried out
more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
Check cleanliness of hood and trunk
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of
linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of: engine,
transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and rubber
elements (sleeves/bushes, etc.).
Check battery charge and battery fluid
level (electrolyte).
Visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change engine
oil and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace cabin
air filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a
dusty and off-road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only
very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Plan (2.9 V6 Engine)
Thousands of miles10
20 30
40 50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers16
32 48
64 80
96
112
128
144
160
176
192
208
224
240
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if necessary.
Check the tire repair kit recharge condition and expiration
date. ●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel warning
lights, etc.). ●●●●●●●●●
●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
(1)●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic tool). ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes),
rubber elements (sleeves, bushes, etc.). ●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade. ●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer system and
adjust nozzles, if necessary. ●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage. ●●●●●●●
(1) Top up using the fluids indicated in the “Fluids And Lubricants” section of the “Technical Specifications” chapter only after checking that the system is intact.
195

Then, check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged; use a needle to unblock them if
necessary.
Exhaust System
Adequate maintenance of the engine
exhaust system represents the best
protection against leaks of carbon
monoxide into the passenger
compartment.
If an unusual noise from the exhaust or
the presence of smoke in the passenger
compartment is identified, or if the
underbody or rear section of the vehicle
have been damaged, have the entire
exhaust system and adjoining bodywork
areas checked at your authorized dealer
to identify any components which are
broken, damaged, worn or have moved
from their correct fitting position.Open welding or loose connections may
permit exhaust gas to enter the
passenger compartment.
Have the exhaust system checked every
time the vehicle is raised. Replace the
components where necessary (for these
operations, contact an authorized
dealer).
In normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter does not require
maintenance. To ensure that it operates
correctly, however, and prevent it from
getting damaged, it is extremely
important that the engine operates
perfectly.
To minimize the risk of damaging the
catalytic converter, proceed as follows:
Do not stop the engine or deactivate
the ignition with gear engaged and
vehicle in motion.
Do not attempt to start the engine by
bump starting.
Do not persist in using the vehicle if
idling is very irregular or the operating
conditions are very notably irregular.
Warning!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if
you park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system.
Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
Cooling System
Warning!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when the
hood is raised. The fan starts automatically
and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
09046S0003EMWindshield Washers
1 — Washer Nozzles
205

Frequency Of Oil Changes
In normal vehicle operating conditions, it
is not necessary to change the
transmission oil.
Caution!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another battery with the same
specifications. It is advised to contact an
authorized dealer for replacement.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
Note:It will not be possible to open the
trunk with a key or by pressing the button
in the passenger compartment when the
battery is disconnected. So, always
position the manual trunk opening strap
on the trunk lock before disconnecting
the battery. The procedure is described in
the "Storing The Vehicle" section in this
chapter.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
If the vehicle requires lifting, visit an
authorized dealer which is equipped with
shop jacks or jack arms.
The vehicle lifting points are marked on
the side skirts with the
symbols.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects
of the following information: Tire
Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire
Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings
09056S0001EMVehicle Lift Point Locations
0601085395USTire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT
Safety Standards
Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum
Load
2 — Size
Designation 5 — Maximum
Pressure
3 — Service
Description 6 — Treadwear,
Traction and
Temperature
Grades
208
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Note:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is
based on U.S. design standards. P-Metric
tires have the letter “P” molded into the
sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: P215/65R15 95H.
European — Metric tire sizing is
based on European design standards.
Tires designed to this standard have the
tire size molded into the sidewall
beginning with the section width. The
letter "P" is absent from this tire size
designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is
based on U.S. design standards. The size
designation for LT-Metric tires is the
same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the
sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: LT235/85R16.
Temporary spare tires are designed
for temporary emergency use only.
Temporary high pressure compact spare
tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/
80D18 103M.
High flotation tire sizing is based on
U.S. design standards and it begins with
the tire diameter molded into the
sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P =
Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
TorS = Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5= Section width in inches (in)
209

EXAMPLE:
R =
Construction code
"R" means radial construction, or
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H= Speed Symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure,
vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL= Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
210
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both
sides of the tire; however, the date code
may only be on one side. Tires with whitesidewalls will have the full TIN, including
the date code, located on the white
sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN
on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TINis not found on the outboard side, then
you will find it on the inboard side of the
tire.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DO
T= Department of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway
use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
03 means the 3rd week
01= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
01 means the year 2001
Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example:
031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
211