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do not keep accessories (e.g. Connect
system, 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
cable from the negative battery terminal.
If, after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply (e.g.
alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership, whose qualified staff will
evaluate the overall electrical
consumption.
IMPORTANT If the battery was
disconnected, do not start the engine
immediately after reconnecting the
terminals, but press the start button,
without operating the pedals, to turn on
the instrument panel and then start the
engine.
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 is also more prone to the risk of
freezing (already at 14 °F / -10°C).
Replacing the battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the samespecifications. Follow the battery
Manufacturer’s instructions for
maintenance.
WARNING
165)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of fire.
166)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is hot:
you may get burned. Do not get too close to
the radiator cooling fan: the electric fan may
start; danger of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
167)If the engine oil is being topped up, wait
for the engine to cool down before loosening
the filler cap, particularly for vehicles with
aluminium cap (where provided). WARNING:
risk of burns!
168)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine is
hot: you risk scalding yourself.
169)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Repeated operation of
the system without fluid could damage or
cause rapid deterioration of some system
components.
170)Some commercial additives for
windscreen washer fluid are flammable. The
engine compartment contains hot
components which may start a fire.171)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
172)Using the battery with insufficient
fluid irreparably damages the battery and
may cause an explosion.
173)If the vehicle must remain unused for a
long time at a very low temperature, remove
the battery and take it to a warm place, to
avoid freezing.
174)When performing any operation on the
battery or near it, always protect your eyes
with special goggles.
IMPORTANT
63)Be careful not to confuse the various
types of fluids while topping up: they are not
compatible with each other! Topping up with
an unsuitable fluid could severely damage
your vehicle.
64)The oil level must never exceed the MAX
mark.
65)If the MAX mark is exceeded (last notch
on the right turns red) after the top-up, go to
an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible to have the oil in excess removed.
66)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already in the engine.
67)Use a fluid of the same type as that
already present in the reservoir for any
topping up of the engine cooling system. The
fluid cannot be mixed with other types of
antifreeze fluids. In the event of topping up
with an unsuitable product, under no
circumstances start the engine and contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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IMPORTANT
4)Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. To change the oil and filters, we
advise you to contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
5)Used transmission fluid contains
substances that are harmful to the
environment. You are advised to contact an
Alfa Romeo Dealership for oil changes.
6)Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
BATTERY RECHARGING
IMPORTANT NOTES
175) 176)
IMPORTANT Before using the charging
device, always make sure that it is
appropriate for the installed battery,
with constant voltage (below 14.8 V) and
low amperage (maximum 15 A).
IMPORTANT Recharge the battery in a
well ventilated environment.
IMPORTANT Never charge or recharge a
frozen battery: it may explode because
of the nitrogen trapped inside the ice
crystals.
IMPORTANT At all times while charging
or recharging the battery, make sure that
any sparks or open flames are kept
sufficiently far away from the battery.
IMPORTANT Before using any devices to
charge or to maintain the charge of the
battery, carefully follow the instructions
provided with the device in order to
properly and safely connect it to the car
battery.
You can recharge the battery without
disconnecting the wires of the electrical
system of the car.
To reach the battery, remove the load
platform inside the luggage
compartment fig. 177;
remove the access cover fig. 178;
remove the protective cover 1
fig. 179 and connect the positive cable
terminal of the charger (usually red) to
the positive terminal (+) of the battery;
connect the negative terminal of the
charger (usually black) to nut 2 next to
the negative terminal (-) of the battery, as
shown in fig. 179;
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The vehicle is equipped with an IBS
(Intelligent Battery Sensor), which is able
to measure the charge and discharge
voltage and calculate the charge level
and the general condition of the battery.
The sensor is placed next to the negative
terminal (-) of the battery.
For a correct charge/discharge
procedure, the charge voltage must go
through the IBS sensor.
Turn the charger on and follow the
instructions on the user's manual to
completely recharge the battery;
when the battery is charged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery;
first disconnect the black cable
terminal of the battery charger and then
the red cable terminal;
refit the protective cover of the
positive terminal of the battery and the
access cover to the battery
compartment.
IMPORTANT If a "quick-type" battery
charger is used with the battery fitted on
the vehicle, before connecting it
disconnect both cables of the battery
itself. Do not use a "quick-type" battery
charger to provide the starting voltage.
WARNING
175)The process of charging or recharging
the battery produces hydrogen, a flammable
gas that can explode and cause serious
injury.
176)When charging or recharging the
battery, always follow the precautions
listed.
SERVICING PROCEDURES
177) 178) 179)
68) 69) 70) 71) 72) 73) 74)
AIR CONDITIONINGSYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
74) 75)
To ensure the best possible performance,
the air conditioning system must be
checked and undergo maintenance at an
Alfa Romeo Dealership at the beginning
of the summer.
WINDSCREEN WIPER
Raising the windscreen wiper blades
("Service position" function)
The "Service position" function allows the
driver to replace the windscreen wiper
blades more easily. It is also
recommended to activate this function
when it is snowing and to make it easier
to remove any dirt deposits in the area
where the blades are normally
positioned, when washing.
Activation of the function
To activate this function disable the
windscreen wiper (ring nut fig. 180 in
positionO) before setting the ignition
device to STOP.
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This function can only be activated within
2 minutes of setting the ignition device
to STOP.
To activate this function, move the lever
upwards (unstable position) for at least
three seconds.
If, after using the function, the ignition
device is set back to ON with the blades
in a position other than rest position (at
the base of the windscreen), they will only
return to rest position following a
command given using the stalk (stalk
upwards, into unstable position) or when
a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) is exceeded.
Replacing the windscreen/rearscreen
wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
lift the wiper arm, press the
attachment spring tab fig. 181 and
remove the blade from the arm;
fit the new blade, inserting the tab in
the dedicated housing in the arm and
checking that it is locked;
lower the wiper arm onto the
windscreen.
IMPORTANT Do not operate the
windscreen wiper with the blades lifted
from the windscreen.
Windscreen/rear window washer
The screen washer jets are located on the
windscreen wiper arms, the rear screen
wiper arm and the rear spoiler. If there is
no jet of fluid, firstly check that there is
fluid in the reservoir (see paragraph
“Engine compartment” in this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged; use a needle to unblock them if
necessary.
WARNING
177)The air intake system (air cleaner,
rubber hoses, etc.) can be a protection in the
case of blowbacks from the engine. DO NOT
REMOVE this system unless you need to
carry out repair or servicing operations.
Before starting the engine, ensure that the
system has not been removed: failure to
observe this precaution may result in serious
injury.
178)Exhaust emissions are very dangerous,
and may be lethal. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas which
can cause fainting and poisoning if inhaled.
179)The exhaust system may reach high
temperatures and may cause a fire if the
vehicle is parked on flammable material. Dry
grass or leaves can also catch fire if they
come into contact with the exhaust system.
Do not park or use the vehicle in a place in
which the exhaust system might come into
contact with flammable material.
IMPORTANT
68)Incorrect servicing of the vehicle or
failure to carry out operations or repairs
(when necessary) may lead to more
expensive repairs, damage to other
components or have a negative impact on
the vehicle performance. Have any
malfunction inspected immediately by an
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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69)The vehicle is equipped with fluids which
are optimised or protecting its performance
and life and extending service intervals. Do
not use chemicals for washing these
components since they may damage the
engine, the transmission or the climate
control system. This damage is not covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. If any component
needs to be washed due to malfunctioning,
use only the specific liquid for that
procedure.
70)An excessive or insufficient amount of
oil inside the base is extremely damaging to
the engine. Make sure it is always at an
adequate level.
71)Vehicles equipped with catalytic
converter must be fuelled only with unleaded
petrol. Leaded petrol would permanently
damage the catalytic converter and
eliminate its ability to reduce polluting
emissions, seriously compromising the
engine performance, which would be
irreparably damaged. If the engine does not
work correctly, especially if it starts
irregularly or if there is a reduction of its
performance, immediately go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership. Prolonged and faulty
operation of the engine may cause
overheating of the converter and, as a
consequence, possible damage to the
converter and the vehicle.
72)Using a gearbox fluid different from that
approved may compromise gearshifting
quality and/or cause vibration of the
gearbox itself.73)It is recommended to have the vehicle
serviced by an Alfa Romeo Dealership. When
carrying out normal periodic operations and
small servicing interventions personally on
the vehicle, it is recommended to use
suitable equipment, genuine spare parts and
the necessary fluids. Do not carry out any
interventions if you don't have the necessary
experience.
74)Always require the use of only
compressor coolants and lubricants
approved and suitable for the specific air
conditioning system fitted on the vehicle.
Some non-approved coolants are flammable
and may explode, with the risk of injuries. The
use of non-approved coolants or lubricants
may adversely affect system efficiency,
leading to expensive repairs.
75)The air conditioner system contains
coolant under high pressure: to avoid injuries
to people or damage to the system, any
coolant addition or repair that requires to
disconnect the cables must be carried out by
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.LIFTING THE VEHICLE
If the car needs to be jacked up, go to an
Alfa Romeo Dealership which is equipped
with shop jacks and jack arms.
The vehicle lifting points are marked on
the side skirts with the
symbols (see
fig. 182 ).
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WHEELS AND TYRES
180) 181) 182)
Before embarking on a long trip, and
every two weeks, check the tyre inflation
pressure. Check the tyres when cold.
SNOW CHAINS
76)
Rear Wheel Drive and All-wheel drive
versions
It is possible to fit 0.5 in (13 mm) chains
on all the tyres except for R20.
Important notes
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of each
country. In certain countries, tyres
marked with code M+S (Mud and Snow)
are considered as winter equipment;
therefore their use is equivalent to that
of the snow chains.
IMPORTANT The snow chains may be
applied only to the rear wheel tyres.
Installing them on the rear wheel tyres
could damage the suspension and
transmission.
Check the tension of the snow chains
after the first few metres have been
driven.
IMPORTANT Using snow chains with
tyres with non-original dimensions may
damage the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Using different size or type
(M+S, snow, etc.) tyres between front and
rear axle may adversely affect car
driveability, with the risk of losing control
of the car and resulting accidents.
SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE ROTATION
OF THE TYRES
The front and rear tyres are subject to
different loads and stress due to
steering, manoeuvres and braking. For
this reason they are subject to uneven
wear.
To resolve this problem, tyres should be
rotated at the appropriate time (6200 /
9300 miles (10000 / 15000 km)).
Inverting the tyres means moving them
to different positions on the same side of
the car (front to back and vice versa).
IMPORTANT Crossing the tyres is not
advised, so placing a tyre on a different
axle on the other side of the car is
impossible.
Tyre rotation contributes to the
preservation of the grip and traction
performance on wet, muddy or snowy
roads, guaranteeing optimal driveability
of the car.In the case of irregular wear of the tyres
identify the cause and correct it as soon
as possible, by contacting an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
WARNING
180)The road holding qualities of the car
also depend on the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.
181)If tyre pressure is too low, it may
overheat and be severely damaged as a
result.
182)Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
IMPORTANT
76)Keep your speed down when snow chains
are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h (or the
equivalent in miles). Avoid potholes, do not
drive over steps or pavements and do not
drive long distances over roads without
snow, to avoid damaging both your vehicle
and the road surface.
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BODYWORK
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paintwork
77)7)
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
Some parts of the car may be covered
with a matt paint which, in order to be
maintained intact, requires special care:
see the instructions in the warning at the
end of this paragraph.
78)
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
if high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, hold at least
16 in [40 cm] away from the bodywork to
avoid damage or alteration. Build up of
water could cause damage to the car in
the long term;
to make it easier to remove any dirt
deposits in the area where the blades are
normally located it is recommended to
position the windscreen wipers vertically
(service position), for more information
consult the “Maintenance procedures”
paragraph in this chapter.If you want to wash a car with automatic
transmission in a car wash that moves it,
you must do the following:
make sure that the car is on a flat
surface and that automatic engagement
of the parking brake when the engine is
switched off is disabled (for how to
disable it, refer to the “Electric parking
brake” section in the “Starting and
driving” chapter);
with the car stationary, the gear in N
(Neutral) and the brake pedal up: press
the start button. The car will remain in N
(Neutral) for 15 minutes, after which P
(Park) mode will be activated.
IMPORTANT
77)In order to preserve the aesthetic
appearance of the paint abrasive products
and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the vehicle.78)Avoid washing with rollers and/or
brushes in washing stations. Wash the car
only by hand using neutral pH detergents; dry
it with a wet chamois leather. Abrasive
products and/or polishes should not be used
for cleaning the car. Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive. Avoid (if at all possible) parking
the vehicle under trees; remove vegetable
resins immediately as, when dried, it may
only be possible to remove them with
abrasive products and/or polishes, which is
highly inadvisable as they could alter the
typical opaqueness of the paint. Do not use
pure windscreen washer fluid for cleaning
the front windscreen and rear window; dilute
it min. 50% with water. Only use pure screen
washer fluid when strictly necessary due to
outside temperature conditions.IMPORTANT
7)Detergents pollute the environment. Only
wash your vehicle in areas equipped to
collect and treat wastewater from this type
of activity.
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