2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA maintenance

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

216

You can recharge the battery without discon-
necting the wires of the vehicle's electrical
system.
To reach the battery, remove the access
panel inside the trunk.
Battery Access Panel
Remove the protective cover 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 next to the
negative terminal (-) of the battery. Battery
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.
1. Turn the charger on and follow the instruc
-
tions on the user's manual to completely
recharge the battery.
2. When the battery is charged, turn the charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery.
3. Disconnect the black cable terminal of the battery charger and then the red cable
terminal.
4. Refit the protective cover of the positive terminal of the battery and the access
cover to the battery compartment.

NOTE:

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.
1 — Protective Cover
2 — Negative Post (Nut)
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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
The following pages contain instructions on
the required maintenance from the technical
personnel who designed the vehicle.
In addition to these specific maintenance
instructions specified for routine scheduled
servicing, there are other components which
may require periodic maintenance or replace-
ment over the vehicle’s life cycle.
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Level Check
To ensure correct engine lubrication, the oil
must always be kept at the appropriate level.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, for
example every 1,864 miles (3,000 km).
It must be checked once full operating
temperature is reached.
The vehicle must also be parked on as level a
surface as possible.
The engine oil level can be checked using the
Information and Entertainment system. To
access the function, activate the main menu
(MENU button) and select the following
options in sequence: “Applications”; “My Car”;
“Oil level”. Changing The Engine Oil
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú

page 204.
Choice Of Engine Oil Type
To ensure optimal performance and maximum
protection in all operating conditions, it is
advisable to only use certified engine oils

Ú
page 267.
Additives For Engine Oil
It is strongly recommended not to use addi -
tives (other than leak detection dyes) with the
engine oil.
The engine oil is a product designed specially
for the vehicle and its performance may be
deteriorated through the use of further addi -
tives.
Disposal Of Used Engine Oil And Filters
For disposal of used engine oil and filters,
consult the appropriate local regulations.

NOTE:

Inappropriate disposal of used engine oil may
seriously harm the environment.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be
used for replacement. The quality of replace -
ment filters varies considerably. Only high
quality Mopar certified filters should be used.
Engine Air Cleaner
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar certified
filters should be used.
Air Conditioning System Maintenance
To ensure the best possible performance, the
air conditioning system must be checked and
undergo maintenance at an authorized dealer
at the beginning of the summer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemicals to clean the air
conditioning system, since the internal
components may be damaged. This kind of
damage is not covered by warranty.
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218

Replace The Cabin Air Cleaner
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú
page 204. For cabin air cleaner replace -
ment, contact an authorized dealer.
Lubricating Moving Parts Of The Bodywork

Ensure that the locks and bodywork junction
points, including components such as the seat
guides, door hinges (and rollers), trunk and hood
are periodically lubricated with lithium-based
grease to ensure correct, silent operation and to
protect them from rust and wear.

Thoroughly clean the components, eliminating
every trace of dirt and dust. After lubricating,
eliminate excess oil and grease. Also pay
particular attention to the hood closing
devices, to ensure correct operation. During
operations on the hood, to be carried out with
the engine cold, also remember to check,
clean and lubricate the locking, release and
safety devices. Lubricate the external lock barrels twice a
year. Apply a small amount of high-quality
lubricant directly into the lock barrel.
If necessary, contact an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Windshield Wiper
Periodically clean the windshield and rear
window and rubber profile of the windshield
wiper blades, using a sponge or a soft cloth
and a non-abrasive detergent. This eliminates
the salt or impurities accumulated when
driving.
Prolonged operation of the windshield window
wipers with dry glass may cause the deteriora
-
tion of the blades, in addition to abrasion of
the surface of the glass. To eliminate the impu -
rities on the dry glass, always operate the
windshield washers.
In the event of very low outdoor temperatures,
below 0°F (-17.8°C) , ensure that the move -
ment of the rubber part in contact with the
glass is not obstructed. Use a suitable deicing
product to release it if required.
Avoid using the windshield wipers to remove
frost or ice.
Also avoid contact of the rubber profile of the
blades with petroleum derivatives such as
engine oil, gas, etc.
NOTE:

The life of the windshield wiper blades varies
according to the usage frequency. In any case,
it is advised to replace the blades approxi
-
mately once a year. When the blades are worn,
noise, marks on the glass or streaks of water
may be noticed. In the presence of these
conditions, clean the windshield wiper blades
or, if necessary, replace them.
Raising The Windshield Wiper Blades
(“Service Position” Function)
The “service position” function allows the
driver to replace the windshield wiper blades
more easily. It is also recommended to acti -
vate this function when it is snowing and to
make it easier to remove any dirt deposits in
the area where the blades are normally posi -
tioned, when washing.
Activation Of The Function
To activate this function, disable the wind -
shield wiper before setting the ignition device
to OFF.
This function can only be activated within two
minutes of placing the ignition in OFF.
WARNING!

Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by FCA US LLC for your air conditioning
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Warranty Information Book, located in your
owner’s information kit, for further warranty
information.

WARNING!
Driving with worn windshield wiper blades
is a serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather conditions.
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220

Exhaust System
Adequate maintenance of the engine exhaust
system represents the best protection against
leaks of carbon monoxide into the passenger
compartment.
If an unusual noise from the exhaust or the
presence of smoke in the passenger compart-
ment is identified, or if the underbody or rear
section of the vehicle have been damaged,
have the entire exhaust system and adjoining
bodywork areas checked at an authorized
dealer to identify any components which are
broken, damaged, worn or have moved from
their correct fitting position.
Open welding or loose connections may permit
exhaust gas to enter the passenger compart -
ment.
Have the exhaust system checked every time
the vehicle is raised. Replace the components
where necessary (for these operations,
contact an authorized dealer).
In normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter does not require maintenance. To
ensure that it operates correctly, however, and
prevent it from getting damaged, it is
extremely important that the engine operates
perfectly. To minimize the risk of damaging the catalytic
converter, proceed as follows:Do not stop the engine or deactivate the
ignition with gear engaged and vehicle in
motion.
Do not attempt to start the engine by bump
starting.
Do not persist in using the vehicle if idling is
very irregular or the operating conditions
are very notably irregular.
Engine Cooling System
Coolant Check
Your vehicle has two cooling systems and they
both need to be checked to ensure they are at
proper fill levels.
Check the engine coolant and intercooler
coolant level every oil change or before long
trips.
If there are impurities in the engine coolant,
the system must be drained, flushed and
refilled: contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system pres
-
sure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automat -
ically and may start at any time, whether
the engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at
any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
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Braking System
In order to guarantee the efficiency of the
braking system, periodically check its compo-
nents; for this operation, contact an autho -
rized dealer.
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú
page 204.

NOTE:

Driving with your foot resting on the brake
pedal may compromise its efficiency,
increasing the risk of accidents. When driving,
never keep your foot on the brake pedal and
don’t put unnecessary strain on it to prevent
the brakes from overheating: excess pad wear
may cause damage to the braking system.
When an insufficient oil level is detected,
contact an authorized dealer to have the
system checked.
Always keep the cap of the brake fluid reser-
voir (in the engine compartment)
completely closed.
Automatic Transmission
Use only a transmission oil with the same char -
acteristics as those indicated on
Ú
page 268.
Special Additives
Do not use any type of additive with the auto -
matic transmission oil. The automatic trans -
mission oil is a product designed specially for
this vehicle and its performance may be
compromised through the use of further addi -
tives.
Frequency Of Oil Changes
In normal vehicle operating conditions, it is not
necessary to change the transmission oil.
WARNING!
Use only FCA US LLC recommended brake
fluid
Ú
page 268. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its perfor -
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for
your vehicle is also identified on the orig -
inal factory installed hydraulic master
cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in a lower
boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
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223

(Continued)
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with another
battery with the same specifications. It is
advised to contact an authorized dealer for
replacement.
Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions
for maintenance.

NOTE:

It will not be possible to open the trunk with a
key or by pressing 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.
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check
the electrical circuit inside of the fuse for a
break/melt.
Also, please be aware that using power outlets
for extended periods of time with the engine
off may result in vehicle battery discharge. Blade Fuses
J-CASE Fuse
WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use
an appropriate replacement fuse with the
same amp rating as the original fuse.
Never replace a fuse with another fuse of
higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other mate -
rial. Do not place a fuse inside a circuit
breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure to use
proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or property
damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that
the ignition is off and that all the other
services are switched off and/or disen -
gaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact
an authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety
systems (air bag system, braking system),
power unit systems (engine system, trans -
mission system) or steering system blows,
contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING! (Continued)
1 — Electrical Circuit
2 — Blade Fuse With Good Electrical Circuit
3 — Blade Fuse With Bad Electrical Circuit
1 — Electrical Circuit
2 — Case Fuse With Good Electrical Circuit
3 — Case Fuse With Bad Electrical Circuit
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Fuse Extracting Pliers
To replace a fuse, use the pliers hooked to the
fuse box.Fuse Box
Grab the pliers from the upper tabs, press
them, and extract the pliers pulling upwards.
The pliers have two different ends, both of
which are specifically designed to remove the
different types of fuses present in the vehicle: Fuse Extracting Pliers
After use, return the pliers to their proper posi -
tion by following the below procedures:
Grab the pliers from the upper tabs and
insert them into their housing.
Push downward on the pliers into their
housing until they click into place.
Fuse Location
The fuses, which can be replaced by the user,
are grouped in two boxes below the passenger
side foot board and inside the trunk.
Control Unit Under Passenger Side
Footboard
To access the fuses, proceed as follows:
1. Lift the upper end of the footboard on the passenger side, pulling to release the two
buttons.
Release Buttons On Footboard
1 — MINI fuse
2 — J-CASE fuse
1 — Footboard
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FUNCTIONFUSEAMPERAGE
Front power window (driver side)F3325
Front power window (passenger side) F3425
Supply for Information and Entertainment system, Climate Control system, Alarm,
Power door mirror folding, EOBD system, USB port F36
15
Safe Lock device (driver side door unlock – if equipped), Doors unlock, Central lock F3820
Windshield washer pump F4320
Rear left power window F4725
Rear right power window F4825
Heater rear window coil F9415
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