• Refit the access cover making sure to
engage the two projecting elements
indicated by the arrow fully home
into the bumper.
• Push cover lower end toward
bumper until the two retainers click
in place.
Towing Tips • Before setting out on a trip, check
operation of trailer rear lights and stop lights to ensure you do not
jeopardize other road users' safety.
• Make certain that the load is secured
in the trailer and will not shift
during travel. When trailering cargo
that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control.
• When hauling cargo or towing a
trailer, do not overload your vehicle
or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, damage to brakes,
driveline, steering, suspension or
tires.
• Safety metal wire must always be
used between your vehicle and
trailer. Always connect the wire to
the hook retainers of the trailer and
vehicle hitch. Cross the wire under
the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Comply with local applicable speed
limits.
• Towing any trailer will increase your
stopping distance. When towing,
you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do
so could result in an accident.
• For towing use “Normal” ride
height. • Do not exceed maximum specified
pressure for vehicle and trailer tires.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be
parked on a steep grade. When
parking, put the tow vehicle
transmission in P (Park) and apply
the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
• Do not use electronic Cruise Control
(CC and/or ACC) when driving on
slopes or when carrying heavy loads.
• The D (Drive) gear must be selected
when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when
towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in D
(Drive), if provided, you can use the
paddle shift switches to manually
select a lower gear.
• Using a lower gear while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, will improve
performance and extend
transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better
engine braking.Driving
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Scheduled Maintenance
Service Correct maintenance is clearly the best
way to guarantee vehicle performance
and safety features, ensure respect for
the environment and low operating
costs.
NOTE:
Also remember that the observance of
the maintenance procedures is
essential for keeping your vehicle
operating properly. Not adhering to
the “Scheduled Service Plan” can
impact your vehicle’s warranty.
Interval Running Coupons Maserati has therefore provided for a
series of checks and maintenance
operations involving the 1 st
service and
subsequent when the vehicle reaches
mileage/years reported on the
“Scheduled Service Plan” in this
section.
After the last service, maintenance
must be restarted with the operations
scheduled for the 1 st
,2 nd
and 3 rd
service. CAUTION!
The Scheduled Maintenance services
are prescribed by the Manufacturer.
Failure to have the services carried out
can affect your warranty.
The Scheduled Maintenance service is
provided
by an Authorized Maserati
Dealer . In the event that, when a
service is performed, further
replacements or repairs are found to
be necessary in addition to the
scheduled operations, these can be
carried out only with the specific
consent of the Customer.
CAUTION!
You are advised to notify the
Authorized Maserati Dealer of any
minor operating problem, without
waiting for the next scheduled service. NOTE:
• Change
your engine oil more often if
you drive your vehicle off-road for an
extended period of time or short
trips without reaching operating
temperatures. Even the use of the
vehicle with extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures and with
trailer tow may make more frequent
engine oil changes necessary.
• Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed
mileage/years reported on the
“Scheduled Service Plan” in this
section.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required
maintenance items may result in
damage to the vehicle.
Scheduled Maintenance
(Service) Indicator The service indicator system will
remind you the deadline for the
maintenance program.
The indicator light
on the
instrument cluster flashes for approx. 5
seconds displaying the message backed
by a beeping sound, indicating thatMaintenance and Care
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364
Main Operations/Service Coupons Interval running coupons: every 12,500 mi (20,000 km)
or 1 year
Service coupons 1° 2° 3° 4°
5° 6°
Main operations Available Pre-Paid Maintenance
Program
Vehicle road test III
Check with Maserati Diagnosi IIIIII
Engine oil and filter RRRRRR
Engine coolant level IIIIII
Engine check for leaks IIIIII
Cooling system connections and lines (check for leaks) III
Air filter R
Belt for alternator, water pump and air conditioning
compressor (3.8 V8 engine) IIIRII
Replace every time the part is removed
Belt for alternator (1) and belt for water pump and air
conditioning compressor (3.0 V6 engine) IIIRII
Replace every time the part is removed
Spark plugs RR
Intercooler check for leaks IIIIII
Brake fluid IIIIII
Replace every 2 years
Brake system (lines, calipers, connections) - Instrument cluster
warning light efficiency - Parking brake operation IIIIII
Tire wear, tire and spare tire (if equipped) pressure check IIIIII
Joints, rods for front and rear suspensions, front and rear
under-chassis IIIMaintenance and Care
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366
Interval running coupons: every 12,500 mi (20,000 km)
or 1 year
Service coupons 1° 2° 3° 4°
5° 6°
Main operations Available Pre-Paid Maintenance
Program
Correct operation and reliability of the seats and seat belts IIIIII
Pollen filter RRR
Windshield fluid level - Windshield washer and headlight
cleaner IIIIII
Headlight leveling IIIIII
Controls and adjustment systems in general, hinges, doors,
engine compartment lid and luggage compartment III
Condition of leather interiors III
(1) In case of heavy-duty use of the vehicle, highlighted by the presence of mud and dust in the engine compartment,
proceed to the preventive replacement of the alternator belt.
I = Inspect and carry out any other necessary operation.
R = Replace.
Periodic Maintenance Every 600 mi (1,000 km) or before
long journeys
Check:
• engine coolant;
• brake fluid;
• windshield washer fluid level;
• tire inflation pressure and condition; • operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning flashers, etc.);
• operation of windshield
washer/wiper system and wear of
windshield wiper blades.
Every 1,900 mi (3,000 km)
Check and top up, if required, the
engine oil level. WARNING!
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle
can expose you to chemicals including
such as, engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that
which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
(Continued)Maintenance and Care
7
367
(Continued)
defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-
vehicle
Heavy-Duty Vehicle Use If the car is mainly used under one of
the following conditions:
• towing a trailer;
• off-road;
• short, repeated journeys (less than
4–5 mi/7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
• engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long
periods of idleness;
you should perform the following
inspections more frequently than
recommended on the “Scheduled
Service Plan”:
• check front disc brake pad conditions
and wear; • 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 (boots - sleeves -
bushes - etc.);
• check battery charge;
• visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts;
• check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
• check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter of the A/C system;
• check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner filter.
CAUTION!
All maintenance operations for the
vehicle must be carried out by an
Authorized Maserati Dealer . For
routine and minor maintenance
operations which you can carry out
yourself, make sure that you have the
necessary experience and always use
suitable equipment, original Maserati
spare parts and the prescribed fluids.
Shall this not be the case, do not carry
any operation on your own and
contact an Authorized Maserati Dealer .
On Board Diagnostic System Your vehicle is equipped with a
sophisticated on board diagnostic
system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When
these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as
well as engine emissions suited to
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service,
the OBD II system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light
on the
instrument cluster display (refer to
“Instrument Cluster” in section
“Dashboard Instruments and
Controls”). The system stores as well
diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service
technician by performing repairs.
Although the vehicle will be driveable
and will not need towing, contact an
Authorized Maserati Dealer for service
as soon as possible.Maintenance and Care
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368
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL
on could cause further damage to
the emissions control system. It could
also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
• If the MIL
is flashing while the
engine is running, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service at
an Authorized Maserati Dealer is
required. Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs In some localities, it may be a legal
requirement to pass an inspection of
your vehicle's emissions control
system. Failure to pass could prevent
vehicle registration. For states that
require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies
the “Malfunction Indicator Light
”
is functioning and is not on when the
engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be
ready. The OBD II system may not be
ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery
or a battery replacement. If the OBD II
system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle
may fail the test.
To check if your vehicle's OBD II system
is ready, you must do the following: 1. Press the ignition device to the
RUN position, but do not crank or
start the engine.
2. As soon as you press the ignition
device to turn the engine On, you
will see the MIL remain
illuminated for 15 seconds, this is a
normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later,
one of two things will happen:
•
The MIL
will remain
illuminated and a message error
will appear on your instrument
cluster. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is not
ready and you should not
proceed to the I/M station.
•
The MIL
will turn Off. This
means that your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready and you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready, you
should see an Authorized Maserati
Dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle
was recently serviced or had a battery
failure or replacement, you may need
to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order
for your OBD II system to update. A
recheck with the above test routineMaintenance and Care
7
369
bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system
should be tested by an Authorized
Maserati Dealer .
• Keep the front of the radiator and
the condenser clean.
WARNING!
• Never add engine coolant
(antifreeze) when the engine is hot.
Do not loosen or remove the cap of
the engine coolant bottle to cool a
hot engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not
remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
• When adding coolant do not use a
pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
WARNING!
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle
can expose you to chemicals including
such as, engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-
vehicle
Brake Fluid Level Check
Check
the fluid level immediately if
the brake system warning light
and the related message turn
on indicating a low level of brake
fluid.
• Remove the brake fluid reservoir
access cover. • Clean the top of the master cylinder
reservoir before removing the cap.
• Add fluid to bring the level up to the
“MAX” mark on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir. Use only
manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid (see “Refillings” in section
“Features and Specifications”).
• Once the correct level is reached,
firmly close the cap.
Normal brake pad wear could cause
the fluid level to fall. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak
too, and requires accurate checkup of
the braking system.
CAUTION!
The symbol
on the tank cap
identifies the synthetic type of brake
fluid, distinguishing it from the
(Continued)Maintenance and Care
7
375
NOTE:
The Authorized Maserati Dealer can
provide you with information about
the Maserati recommended
“Windshield Washer Fluid” with
antifreeze, available in the “Genuine
Accessories” catalog.
WARNING!
• Commercially available windshield
washer solvents are flammable.
They could ignite and burn you.
Care must be exercised when filling
or when working around the
windshield/headlight washer
system.
• Do not drive with the windshield/
headlight washer reservoir empty:
the action of the washer is essential
for improving visibility when
driving.
WARNING!
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle
can expose you to chemicals including
such as, engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-
vehicle
Engine Oil Level Check
T
o assure proper lubrication of your
vehicle's engine, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level.
If the
warning light illuminates
and the related message of low oil
level displays, or during scheduled
services (see “Scheduled Maintenance
Service” in this section) it is necessary
to check the engine oil level.
The best time to check the engine oil
level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off or
before starting the engine after it has
sat overnight. In both cases the vehicle
should be parked on level ground to
improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings. CAUTION!
• Do not top up with oil with different
characteristics than the engine one
(refer to “Refillings” in section
“Features and Specifications”).
• Overfilling or underfilling the oil pan
will cause aeration or loss of oil
pressure. This could damage your
engine.
• Do not add any supplemental
materials to the engine oil. Engine
oil is an engineered product, and its
performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives.
• Remove the inspection cover on the
right
engine bank (3.8
V8 Engines, in
picture GTS Version).
• Remove the dipstick and clean it
with a dry and clean cloth. 3.8 V8 EnginesMaintenance and Care
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