2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA check engine light

SAFETY

188

(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel or brake fluid leaks are suspected the
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before
installing any other floor mat. NEVER
install or stack an additional floor mat on
top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured
to your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and
year of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interfer -
ence. If your floor mat interferes with the
operation of any pedal, or is not secure to
the floor, remove the floor mat from the
vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
WARNING! (Continued)
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals then re-install the floor
mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
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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.
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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

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

208

Maintenance Plan — 2.9L 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).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
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.●●●●●●●●
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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

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

214

Engine Coolant
If the level is too low, remove the cap of reser-
voir and add the fluid described on

Ú
page 267.
Washer Fluid For Windshield/Headlights
The windshield and headlights washer fluid
reservoir has a telescopic filler.
If the level is too low, remove reservoir cap and
lift the filler. Then, add the fluid described on

Ú
page 267.

NOTE:

The headlight washing system will not work if
the liquid level is low (as indicated by the
symbol on the instrument cluster display). On
vehicles equipped with headlight washers,
there is a reference notch on the dipstick:
ONLY the windshield/rear window washer
operates with the level below this reference.
Brake Fluid
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If
the fluid level in the tank is low, contact an
authorized dealer to have the system checked.

Automatic Transmission Activation System Oil

The transmission control oil level should only
be checked at an authorized dealer.
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 and trunk are closed properly to
prevent any lights from remaining on inside
the passenger's compartment.
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.
If you wish to install electrical accessories
after purchasing the car that require perma -
nent electrical supply (e.g. alarm, etc.), or
accessories which influence the electrical
supply requirements, contact an authorized
dealer, whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
WARNING!
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for
the engine to cool down before loosening
the filler cap, particularly for vehicles with
aluminum cap (if equipped). WARNING: risk
of burns!
CAUTION!
The oil level must never exceed the MAX
mark.
If the MAX mark is exceeded (last notch on
the right turns red) after the fill-up, go to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the oil in excess removed.
Do not add oil with specifications different
from those of the oil already in the engine.
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 authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
If the charge level remains under 50% for a
long time, the battery may be damaged by
sulphation, reducing its capacity and
efficiency during a vehicle start. The battery
is also more prone to the risk of freezing (at
temperatures as high as 14°F (-10°C).
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215

(Continued)

NOTE:

After the battery is disconnected, the steering
must be initialized. The warning light on the
instrument panel switches on to indicate this.
To carry out this procedure, simply turn the
steering wheel all the way from one end to the
other, and then turn it back to the central posi-
tion.
Battery
The battery does not require the electrolyte to
be topped up with distilled water. A periodic
check carried out at an authorized dealer,
however, is necessary to check efficiency.
Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions
for maintenance.
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with another
original battery with the same specifications.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions
for maintenance.
NOTE:

It will not be possible to open the trunk with a
key or by pushing the button in the passenger
compartment when the battery is discon
-
nected. So, always position the manual trunk
opening strap on the trunk lock before discon -
necting the battery
Ú
page 250.
Pressure Washing
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
BATTERY RECHARGING
Important Notes

NOTE:

Before using the charging device, always
make sure that it is appropriate for the
installed battery, with constant voltage
(below 14.8 Volts) and low amperage
(maximum 15 Amps).
Recharge the battery in a well ventilated
environment.
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.
WARNING!
Battery acid is a corrosive solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery acid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps
Ú
page 199. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area
immediately with large amounts of water.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard
all parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against
water ingress cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Never charge or recharge a frozen battery:
it may explode because of the nitrogen
trapped inside the ice crystals.
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.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 215