GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
80
Engine Oil Change Required — If Equipped
The telltale is illuminated only for a
limited time.
NOTE:
After the first indication, each time the engine
is started the symbol will continue to illumi -
nate as described above until the oil is
changed.
If the telltale flashes, this does not mean that
there is a fault on the vehicle, rather it simply
reports that it is now necessary to change the
oil as a result of regular use of the vehicle. The
deterioration of engine oil is accelerated by
using the vehicle for short drives, preventing
the engine from reaching operating tempera -
ture.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
The telltale will illuminate in the
event of engine oil pressure sensor
failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Engine Oil Level Sensor Failure
The telltale will illuminate in the
event of engine oil level sensor
failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System
Failure — If Equipped
The telltale will illuminate in the case
of failure of the Forward Collision
Warning system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Stop/Start System Failure
This telltale will illuminate to report a
Stop/Start system failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Rain Sensor Failure
The telltale will illuminate in the case
of failure of the automatic wind -
shield wiper.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Dusk Sensor Failure
The telltale will illuminate in the case
of failure of the automatic low beam
alignment.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Blind Spot Monitoring System Failure — If
Equipped
The telltale will illuminate in the
event of a Blind Spot Monitoring
system failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Fuel Level Sensor Failure
The telltale will illuminate in the
event of fuel level sensor failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Deteriorated engine oil should be replaced
as soon as possible after the symbol is
switched on, and never more than
500 miles (805 km) after it first switches
on. Failure to observe the above may result
in severe damage to the engine and
invalidate the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. When this symbol comes on, it
does not mean that the level of engine oil is
low, so if it flashes you do not need to top
up the engine oil.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 80
87
How to use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met
before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK (P).
Doors closed.
Hood closed.
Trunk closed.
Hazard switch off.
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not
pressed).
Battery at an acceptable charge level.
PANIC button not pushed.
System not disabled from previous remote
start event.
Vehicle alarm system indicator flashing.
Ignition in the OFF mode.
Fuel level meets minimum requirement.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When Remote Start is activated, the heated
steering wheel and driver heated seat features
will automatically turn on in cold weather.
These features will stay on through the dura -
tion of remote start also until the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN mode. Remote Start Windshield Wiper De–Icer Acti
-
vation — If Equipped
When remote start is active and the outside
ambient temperature is less than 39°F (4°C),
the Windshield Wiper De-Icer will be enabled.
Exiting remote start will resume previous oper -
ation, except if the Windshield Wiper De-Icer is
active.
The Windshield Wiper De-Icer timer and oper -
ation will continue.
Cold Weather Operation
To prevent possible engine damage while
starting at low temperatures, this vehicle will
inhibit engine cranking when the ambient
temperature is less than –22°F (–30°C) and
the oil temperature sensor reading indicates
an engine block heater has not been used. An
externally-powered electric engine block
heater is available as optional equipment or
from an authorized dealer.
The message “plug in engine heater” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster when the
ambient temperature is below 5°F (–15°C) at
the time the engine is shut off as a reminder to
avoid possible crank delays at the next cold
start.
Extended Park Starting
If the vehicle has not been started or driven for
at least 30 days, it is advisable to follow the
indications below.
To start the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Briefly push the ignition button
2. If the engine does not start, wait five seconds and let the starter cool down and
then repeat the starting procedure
3. If the engine does not start after eight attempts, let the starter cool down for at
least 10 seconds, and then repeat the
starting procedure
If the problem persists, contact an authorized
dealer.
NOTE:
After prolonged vehicle inactivity, very difficult
starting, that can be noticed through rapid
fatigue of the starter, might also be due to a
discharged battery. In this case you may jump
start the vehicle
Ú
page 199.
CAUTION!
Use of the recommended oil and adhering
to the prescribed oil change intervals is
important to prevent engine damage and
ensure satisfactory starting in cold
conditions.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 87
89
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the cord to a 110-115 Volt AC elec-
trical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten -
sion cord.
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
the engine block heater is recommended. For
ambient temperatures below -20°F (-29°C),
the engine block heater is required.
Follow the steps below to properly use the
engine block heater:
1. Locate the engine block heater cord (access door on the passenger side wiper
cowl).
2. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a grounded, three-wire exten -
sion cord.
3. After the vehicle is running, properly stow away behind access door on the
passenger side wiper cowl.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not
equipped, heater cords are available from
an authorized dealer.
The engine block heater will require 110 Volts
AC and 6.5 Amps to activate the heater
element.
The engine block heater must be plugged in
at least one hour to have a warming effect
on the engine and at least four hours to
have a warming effect when ambient
temperatures are below -20°F (-29°C).
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
Engine Break-In
For both engines, use the following engine
break-in recommendations:
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera
-
tion. This should be considered a normal part
of the break-in period and not interpreted as
an indication of a problem. Please monitor
your oil level during the break-in period and
add oil as required.
It is recommended for the operator to observe
the following driving behaviors during the new
vehicle break-in period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 160 km):
Do not allow the engine to operate at idle for
an extended period of time.
Press the accelerator pedal slowly and not
more than halfway to avoid rapid acceleration.
Avoid aggressive braking.
Drive with the engine speed less than
3,500 RPM.
Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph
(88 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 89
204
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
Correct servicing is crucial for guaranteeing a
long life for the vehicle under the best condi-
tions.
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 Sched -
uled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically check
level of fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an autho -
rized 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
FCA US LLC. Failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
You are advised to inform an authorized
dealer of any small operating irregularities
without waiting for the next service.
Periodic Checks
Every month or every 600 miles (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.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Oil consumption of the engine depends on
conditions and driving style. For this reason,
the engine oil level must be checked every
1,860 miles (3,000 km), and top off if neces -
sary
Ú
page 213.
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 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, trans -
mission, 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 engine air
cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Vehicles that are operated in a dusty and
off-road environment, or predominately at idle
or very low engine RPM are known as Severe
Duty vehicles. It is recommended that you
change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)
or 350 hours of engine run time.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 204
205
Maintenance Plan — 2.0L Engine
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped)1●●●
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
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via
diagnostic tool) and, if equipped, engine oil
degradation
2●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
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
●●●●●●●●
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 205
211
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Checking Levels — 2.0L Engine
1 – Engine Oil Filler Cap4 –Windshield/Headlights Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 – Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 5 – Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
3 – Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 211
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
212
Checking Levels — 2.9L Engine
1 – Engine Oil Dipstick4 – Windshield/Headlight Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 – Engine Oil Filler 5 – Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap Access Cover
3 – Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap 6 – Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 212
213
Engine Oil
The engine oil level can be seen on the instru-
ment cluster display every time the engine is
started, or on the Information and Entertain -
ment system display by activating on the main
menu (MENU button) the following functions in
sequence: “Apps”; “My Car” and “Oil Level”.
Check on the display using the 6 notches that
the oil level is between the MIN and MAX level:
1 notch MIN level, 6 notches MAX level.
If the oil level is close to or below the MIN
mark, add oil gradually through the filler, (refer
to “Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display” in this section) considering that each
notch shown on the display corresponds to
approximately 8.8 fl oz (250 ml).
The oil level can also be checked manually on
2.9L Engine.
NOTE:
Always reinstall the oil cap and tighten to
proper torque whenever it is removed to add
oil to engine. Never run the engine with cap
removed as this could cause oil to leak from
engine.
Manual Oil Level Checking Procedure — 2.9L
Engine
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and
MAX marks on dipstick, clean it with a lint-free
cloth and reinsert it. Extract the dipstick again
and check that the level is between the MIN
and MAX marks.
Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display — 2.9L Engine
If an engine oil top-off is needed, in order to
ensure the correct indication of the oil level on
the display, proceed with the process below:
Leave the car on flat ground with the engine
running for approximately five minutes
(temperature higher than 198°F (90°C)
and shut the engine off.
Wait for five minutes, turn the ignition to the
ON mode without starting the engine and
wait for a few seconds.
NOTE:
If the level indication is not updated after the
previously described procedure, repeat the
engine adjustment, shut the engine off and
wait another five minutes before starting it
again. If the indication is not updated after the
second start, contact an authorized dealer.
Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display — 2.0L Engine
If an engine oil top-off is needed, in order to
ensure the correct indication of the oil level on
the display, proceed with the process below:
Leave the car on flat ground with the engine
running for approximately five minutes
(temperature higher than 176°F (80°C)
and shut the engine off.
Start the engine again and idle it for about
two minutes.
NOTE:
If you have added the specified amount of oil
and the indicator is not reading “Full”, please
contact an authorized dealer. CAUTION!
Make sure not to add too much oil when
topping off the engine. Engine oil in excess
may damage the engine. Have the vehicle
checked. Never exceed the MAX level when
topping off engine oil. It is advisable to
check the oil level in intermediate steps
using the oil dipstick (2.9L Engine Only).
CAUTION!
The oil level is not refreshed immediately on
the display after topping off. Consequently,
wait for the oil level to be refreshed on the
display and follow the procedure below.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 213