GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
78
Red Symbols
Alfa Steering Torque (AST) Failure
The switching on of the telltale
signals a failure in the automatic
steering correction system.
Contact an authorized dealer to have the
system checked.
Alternator Failure
The switching on of the telltale with
engine on corresponds to an alter -
nator failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Automatic Transmission Failure
The telltale turns on, together with a
buzzer warning, to indicate that the
automatic transmission is faulty.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Driver Attention Assist (DAA) System
Activation
The symbol appears, together with a
message on the display, in case of
activation of the DAA system.
Stop to pause while driving, pulling the car
over in safe conditions.
Door Open
The telltale turns on when one or
more doors are not completely shut.
An acoustic signal is activated with
the doors open and the car moving.
Close the doors properly.
Power Steering Failure
If the telltale remains on, you may
not have steering assistance and the
effort required to operate the
steering wheel may be increased;
steering is, however, possible.
NOTE:
After the battery is disconnected, the steering
wheel must be initialized. The Power Steering
Failure light on the instrument panel will illumi -
nate to indicate this. To carry out this proce -
dure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way
from one end to the other, and then turn it
back to the central position.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light, along with the
related message, signals a failure in
the ETC.
If a failure is detected, the warning light turns
on while the engine is running.
Place the gear selector in the Park (P) position
and the ignition in the off position: the warning
light should switch off. If the warning light
stays on with engine running, the vehicle can
still be driven.
If the warning light flashes with the engine
running, immediate intervention is required. A
loss of performance, irregular/high idling
speed or engine stopping might take place
and the vehicle may need to be towed.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Engine Coolant Temperature Too High
The telltale lights up when the
engine has overheated.
In normal driving conditions : stop the car, turn
off the engine and check that the coolant level
in the reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In
this case, wait for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, fill with
coolant and check that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir itself.
CAUTION!
Driving the vehicle with this symbol on may
severely damage the gearbox, with resulting
breakage. The oil may also overheat:
contact with hot engine or with exhaust
components at high temperature could
cause fires.
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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
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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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221
Check the front part of the condenser to check
for any build-up of insects, leaves or other
debris. Should it be dirty, clean it by spraying
delicately with water.
Check the hoses of the engine/intercooler
cooling system to ensure that the rubber has
not deteriorated and that there are no cracks,
tears, cuts or obstructions in the expansion
tank side and radiator side connectors. Should
there be any doubt regarding leaks from the
system (e.g. if frequent top ups are required),
have the seal checked at an authorized
dealer.
With the engine off and at normal operating
temperature, check that the cooling system
radiator cap is closed properly.
NOTE:
Before removing the coolant reservoir cap,
wait for the system to cool down.Topping Up / Draining / Flushing The Engine/
Intercooler Coolant
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, have
cleaning and flushing carried out at an autho
-
rized dealer.
For the correct servicing intervals
Ú
page 204.
NOTE:
For topping up, use a fluid with the same
characteristics as those indicated on
Ú
page 267.
Do not use pure water, alcohol-based cool -
ants, corrosions inhibitors or additional
anti-rust products because they may be
incompatible with the engine coolant and
cause the clogging of the radiator. The use
of propylene glycol-based coolant is also not
recommended.
Engine Cooling/Intercooler System Cap
To prevent loss of engine coolant, make sure
that the expansion tank cap is closed. If it is
open, screw it completely until you reach/hear
the click.
Periodically check the cap and clean it from
any foreign bodies that may have deposited on
the external surface. Disposal Of Used Coolant
Disposal of engine/intercooler coolant is
subject to legal requirements: consult the
appropriate local regulations.
NOTE:
To prevent the fluid from being ingested by
children or animals, do not keep it in open
containers or pour it on the ground. If
ingested, contact a doctor immediately.
Eliminate any traces of fluid from the
ground immediately.
When the vehicle stops after a short trip,
steam may be seen coming out from front of
the hood. This is a normal phenomenon which
is due to the presence of rain, snow or a lot of
moisture on the surface of the radiator.
With engine and system cold, do not top up
with coolant beyond the maximum level
indicated on the reservoir in the engine
compartment.
WARNING!
Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
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.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
WARNING!
Never add coolant with the engine hot or
overheated.
Do not attempt to cool an overheated
engine by loosening or removing the cap.
The heat causes a considerable increase
in pressure in the cooling system.
To prevent damage to the engine, only use
the engine cooling circuit caps provided.
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