
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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207
(o) Recommended operations
(●) Mandatory operationsReplace cabin air filter
4
o●o●o●o●o●o●o●o Spark plug replacement
6
●● 1.
The SOS back up battery must be replaced every five years, regardless of mileage.
2. If oil degradation ratio (data collectible from diagnostic device) is more than 80% (oil quality less than 20%) engine oil and filter replacement is recommended.
3. The actual interval for changing engine oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signaled by the warning light or message in
the instrument panel. In all cases, never exceed 1 year/10,000 miles (16,000 km).
4. If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
5. The brake fluid replacement has to be done every two years, irrespective of the mileage.
6. The spark plug change interval is mileage-based only. Yearly intervals do not apply.
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and affect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 207

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
210
(o) Recommended operations
(●) Mandatory operations
Change the brake fluid.5Replace cabin air filter.
4
o●o●o●o●o●o●o●o Spark plug replacement.
6
●●●●● 1.
The SOS back up battery must be replaced every five years, regardless of mileage.
2. The actual interval for changing the brake pads and the carbon ceramic brake discs depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signaled by the warning light or message
on the instrument panel. After each discs replacement, reset the warning light using the diagnostic socket.
3. Areas that are not dusty: recommended maximum mileage 36,000 miles (60,00 km). Regardless of the mileage, the belt must be replaced every
four years. Dusty areas and/or demanding use of the vehicle (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 18,000 miles (30,000 km). Regardless
of the mileage, the belt must be replaced every two years.
4. If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
5. The brake fluid replacement has to be done every two years, irrespective of the mileage.
6. The spark plug change interval is mileage-based only. Yearly intervals do not apply.
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and affect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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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219
To activate this function, move the lever
upward for at least three seconds.Windshield Wiper Stalk
Function Deactivation
The function is deactivated if:
More than two minutes passes before
placing the ignition in the STOP position
after having raised the lever and putting the
wipers into service position.
The ignition is placed in the ACC position
and the windshield wiper control is used.
If, after using the function, the ignition is set
back to ACC with the blades in a position other
than rest position (at the base of the wind -
shield), 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 Windshield Wiper Blades
Proceed as follows:
1. Raise the wiper arm, press tab of the attachment spring and remove the blade
from the arm.
Wiper Release Tab
2. Fit the new blade, inserting the tab in the dedicated housing in the arm and
checking that it is locked.
3. Lower the wiper arm onto the windshield.
NOTE:
Do not operate the windshield wiper with the
blades lifted from the windshield. Windshield Washer
The window washer nozzles are fixed. If there
is no jet of fluid, first check that there is fluid in
the reservoir.
Windshield Washers
Then, check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged; use a needle to unblock them if
necessary.
1 — Washer Nozzles
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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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
234
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of
the following information: Tire Markings, Tire
Identification Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings
Tire Markings
NOTE:
P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based
on US design standards. P-Metric tires have
the letter “P” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example:
P215/65R15 95H.
European — Metric tire sizing is based on
European design standards. Tires designed
to this standard have the tire size molded
into the sidewall beginning with the section
width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15
96H.
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based
on US design standards. The size designa-
tion for LT-Metric tires is the same as for
P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that
are molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
Tire Sizing Chart
1 — US DOT Safety Standards Code (TIN)
2 — Size Designation
3 — Service Description
4 — Maximum Load
5 — Maximum Pressure
6 — Treadwear, Traction and Tempera -
ture Grades
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on US design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on US design standards, or
T or S = Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
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235
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
"R" means radial construction, or
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure,
vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL = Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
EXAMPLE:
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 235