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Move the stalk upwards (unstable
position) to limit operation to the time
for which the stalk is held in this position.
When released, the stalk will return to its
default position and the windscreen
wiper will be automatically stopped.
“Smart washing” function
Pull the stalk towards the steering wheel
(unstable position) to operate the
windscreen washer. Keep the stalk pulled
for more than half a second to operate
the windscreen washer jet and wiper
automatically with a single movement.
The windscreen wiper stops working
three strokes after the stalk is released.
A further stroke after approx. 6 seconds
completes the wiping cycle.
RAIN SENSOR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
It can detect the presence of rain and
consequently manage windscreen wiping
in accordance with the amount of water
on the windscreen.
The sensor is activated when the ring 2
fig. 22 is turned to "automatic" position
("AUTO" control): the windscreen wiper
stroke frequency is thus adjusted in
accordance with the amount of water on
the windscreen.
If no rain is detected, the wiper will not
carry out any strokes.If the engine is switched off with the
lever in the automatic position, when the
car is next started, no wiping cycle will
take place even if it is raining. This is to
prevent unwanted activation of the rain
sensor when the engine is started (i.e.
when the windscreen is being washed by
hand or the wiper blades are stuck to the
windscreen by ice).
To restore automatic operation of the
rain sensor, turn the ring on the right stalk
2 fig. 22 from automatic position (AUTO)
to positionOand then turn ring 2 back to
the AUTO position.
When the rain sensor is reactivated using
any of the manoeuvres described above,
reactivation is indicated by a single
stroke of the windscreen wipers,
regardless of the condition of the
windscreen.
REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This operates only with the ignition key
turned to MAR.
Turn ring 1 fig. 22 from positionOto
position
to operate the rear window
wiper as follows:
in intermittent mode when the
windscreen wiper is not operating;
in synchronous mode (at half the
speed of the windscreen wiper) when the
windscreen wiper is operating;
in continuous mode with reverse gear
engaged and the control active.
Pushing the stalk towards the dashboard
(rocking position) will activate the rear
window washer jet. Keep the stalk pushed
for more than half a second to activate
the rear window wiper as well. Releasing
the stalk will activate the smart washing
function, as described for the windscreen
wiper.
IMPORTANT
5)Never use the windscreen wipers to
remove layers of snow or ice from the
windscreen. In such conditions, the
windscreen wiper may be subjected to
excessive stress and the motor cut-out
switch, which prevents operation for a few
seconds, may intervene. If operation is not
restored (even after restarting that car with
the key), contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
6)Do not operate the windscreen wiper with
the blades lifted from the windscreen.
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Page 136 of 216

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys,
check and, if necessary, top up the
following:
engine coolant, brake fluid and
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of screen wash/wipe system
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rearscreen wiper blades
Check and top up, if required, the engine
oil level every 3,000 km.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil
quantity, always check using the dipstick.
Carry out the check with the vehicle
parked on level ground.
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If the vehicle is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried out
more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect condition of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - 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 pollen
filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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HEADLIGHT WASHERS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
These are located within the front
bumper.
They are activated when the dipped
beam and/or main beam headlights are
on and the windscreen washer is
activated.
Check the correct condition and
cleanliness of nozzles at regular
intervals.
WARNING
137)Driving with worn windscreen/rear
window wiper blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad weather.
IMPORTANT
46)Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with the blades lifted from the windscreen.
BATTERY
The battery 5 (see previous pages) does
not require the electrolyte to be topped
up with distilled water. A periodic check
carried out at an Alfa Romeo Dealership
is, however, necessary to check
efficiency.
INSPECTING THE CHARGE AND THE
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
138) 139) 140) 141)
47)
5)
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make
it last longer, observe the following
instructions:
when you park the car, ensure that the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly, to prevent any lights from
remaining on inside the passenger's
compartment;
switch off all roof lights inside the car:
the car is however equipped with a
system which switches all internal lights
off automatically;
do not keep accessories (e.g. radio,
hazard warning lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable.
IMPORTANT Every time the battery is
disconnected, the steering must be
initialised. This is indicated by the
appearance of the icon
. To carry out
this procedure, simply turn the steering
wheel all the way from one end to the
other or drive in a straight line for about a
hundred metres.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery is
damaged by sulphation, reducing its
capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
-10°C). Refer to the "Vehicle inactivity"
paragraph in "Starting and driving"
chapter if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE