— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is
a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II
that monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. This warning light will illuminate when
the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the
ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in nor-
mal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if
you drive slowly or park over flammable sub-
stances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle
control system. It also could affect fuel economy
and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe
catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
— Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will illuminate if there is an
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Failure.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 81
to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to
the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Cold Weather Operation
Your engine is designed to operate at temperatures as
low as 0°F (-18°C).
CAUTION!
Use of the recommended oil and adhering to the
prescribed oil change intervals is important to pre-
vent engine damage and ensure satisfactory starting
in cold conditions.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with a Alfa Twin
Clutch Transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and once the engine has started, ignite and dam-
age the converter and vehicle.
•
To prevent damage to the starter, do not continu-
ously crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
Turbo Charger “Cool Down”
This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool
the turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Depending
on the type of driving and the amount of cargo, the
pump will run for up to five minutes after the engine
has been shut off to circulate coolant through the
turbocharger.
Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet opera-
tion, it is normal to hear it running during this time.
138 STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, and rear axle) in your new ve-
hicle.
Driving your vehicle with a new transmission requires
no special techniques but, to reach optimal shifting
quality and help with engine Break-in, Dynamic and
Race Mode will be inhibited until the vehicle has
accumulated 155 miles (250 km).
Additionally, for the first 200 miles (300 km), following
these few simple guidelines is all that is necessary for a
good break-in.
•Avoid very aggressive driving.
• Avoid driving at a constant speed, either fast or slow,
for long periods.
• Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration while cruising within the posted
speed limits of local traffic laws.
• Use the proper gear for your speed range.
• Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended
maximum break-in speed. •
Avoid excessive idling.
• Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave manual
transmission in REVERSE (R) or FIRST (1st) gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the central tunnel.
To apply the parking brake, pull the parking brake lever
up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake,
pull the parking brake lever up slightly, push the center
button, then lower the parking brake lever completely.
Parking Brake Lever
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 139
Driving Modes
The Alfa DNA system lever will always return to the
center position after use.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED switching in the panel and by an indi-
cation on the display.
Dynamic Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to the letter
“D”) and hold in this position for half a second, until
the corresponding LED lights up and the Dynamic
mode activation indicator appears on the display.
When Dynamic mode is activated, the turbocharger
pressure and engine oil temperature screen is displayed
automatically. When released, the Alfa DNA system
lever will return to the central position.
NOTE:Dynamic Mode will be inhibited until the
vehicle has accumulated 155 miles (250 km). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
The ESC and ASR system ensures more enjoyable,
sportier driving while guaranteeing the stability of the
vehicle.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.
NOTE:
In Dynamic mode, the engine response to the
accelerator pedal position increases considerably. Con-
sequently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,
move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and hold for half
a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up
and the Natural mode activation indication will appear
on the display.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 147
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid ap-
pears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’sHazard Warning flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the
ground. This will allow the Tire Service Kit Hoses
and to reach the valve stem and keep the Tire Service
Kit flat on the ground. This will provide the best positioning of the kit when injecting the sealant into
the deflated tire and running the air pump. Move the
vehicle as necessary to place the valve stem in this
position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK and place the igni- tion in the OFF position.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Remove speed limit sticker off of the sealant car- tridge and place it inside the vehicle visually avail-
able for the driver to see.
Setting Up To Use The Tire Service Kit
1. Push in the sealant cartridge inlet into the sealant cartridge receptacle.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
Sealant Cartridge Components
1 — Sealant Hose (Clear)
2 — Sealant Cartridge
3 — Sealant Cartridge Inlet 184 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING ...............197
▫ Maintenance Plan ....................199
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ...............204
▫ 1750 Turbo Engine ...................204
▫ Checking Oil Level ...................205
▫ Adding Washer Solvent ................205
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ..............208
DEALER SERVICE ....................209
▫ Engine Oil ........................ .209
▫ Engine Oil Filter .....................210
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...............210
▫ Engine Cover .......................211
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............211
▫ Body Lubrication ....................212 ▫
Wiper Blades ...................... .213
▫ Windshield Washer Nozzles .............214
▫ Exhaust System .....................215
▫ Cooling System .....................216
▫ Brake System ...................... .221
▫ Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission ..........224
RAISING THE VEHICLE ................225
TIRES ............................. .226
▫ Tire Safety Information ................226
▫ Tires — General Information ............234
▫ Tire Types ......................... .241
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ..............242
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ............245
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ...........246
8
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156
Or Kilometers:
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
220,000
240,000
260,000
Check condition and wear of front brake
pads and discs, and operation of pad wear
indicator XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Check condition and wear of rear brake
pads and discs, and operation of pad wear
indicator XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Check and top off, if required, fluid levels
(engine coolant, brake/hydraulic clutch
fluid, windscreen washer fluid, battery
fluid, etc) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Visually inspect the condition of accessory
drive belt(s) XX X X
Check condition of timing belt X X X
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if
necessary (or every 12 months) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Check engine control system operation
(via diagnostic tool) XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Check and, if necessary, top off oil level of
twin clutch transmission XX
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 201