2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO engine

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

218

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 liftgate with
a key or by pushing the button in the
passenger compartment when the battery is
disconnected. Always position the manual lift-
gate opening strap on the liftgate lock before disconnecting the battery. The procedure is
described in the “Liftgate Emergency
Opening”
Ú

page 62.
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 vehicle battery.
You can recharge the battery without discon -
necting the wires of the vehicle's electrical
system.
To reach the battery, remove the load floor
inside the liftgate.
Load Floor
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. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water
Ú
page 201.
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!
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.
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219

Locate the battery access panel under the
load floor.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 Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS), which is able to measure
the charge and discharge voltage, 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 in 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.
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 prescribed level

Ú
page 214.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, for
example every 1,864 miles (3,000 km).
It must be checked about five minutes after
stopping the engine.
1 — Protective Cover
2 — Negative Post (Nut)
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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Full operating temperature must be 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:
1. “Applications”
2. “Vehicle Information”
3. “Oil level”
Ensure that the oil level is within the interval
on the dipstick between the minimum and
maximum limits (Quadrifoglio only).
Changing The Engine Oil
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú
page 209.
Choice Of Engine Oil Type
To ensure optimal performance and maximum
protection in all operating conditions, it is
advised to use certified engine oils

Ú
page 263.
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 the disposal of the engine oil and filters,
contact the appropriate body to determine
local regulations.

NOTE:

Incorrectly disposed used engine oil may seri
-
ously harm the environment.
Engine Oil Filter
Replacing the Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter must be replaced each
time the engine oil is changed. It is advised to
replace it with a genuine spare part, specifi -
cally designed for this vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner Filter
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú
page 209. It is advised to replace the engine
air cleaner filter with a genuine spare part,
specifically designed for this vehicle.
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. Replace The Cabin Air Filter
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú

page 209. For cleaner replacement, 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), liftgate and
hood are periodically lubricated with
lithium-based grease to ensure correct, silent
operation and to protect them from rust and
wear.
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.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor
lubricants approved by the manufacturer
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.
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221

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. Opera-
tions of the hood are to be carried out with the
engine cold. 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, 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. It is advised
to replace the blades approximately 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 neces
-
sary, replace them.
Raising The Windshield Wiper Blades
(“Service Position” Function)
The “service position” function allows the
driver to replace the windshield wiper blades
easily. It is also recommended to activate this
function when it is snowing and to make it
easier to remove any dirt deposits in the area
where the blades are normally positioned,
while washing.

NOTE:

If the windshield wipers are raised while not in
the “service position,” it is possible to damage
the hood. Activation Of The Function
To activate this function, disable the wind
-
shield wiper before placing the ignition in the
OFF position.
This function can only be activated within two
minutes of placing the ignition in the OFF posi -
tion.
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 has passed before
placing the ignition in the OFF position after
raising the lever and placing the wipers in
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
WARNING!
Driving with worn windshield wiper blades
is a serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather conditions.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

222

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, push 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. Front/Rear Windshield Washers
The window washer nozzles are fixed. If there
is no jet of fluid, first check that there is fluid in
the reservoir
Ú

page 214
Front Windshield Washers
Rear Windshield Washer Then, check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged; use a needle to unblock them if
necessary.
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, and prevent
it from getting damaged, it is extremely
important that the engine operates perfectly.
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223

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 use the vehicle if irregular idling or
operating conditions are experienced.
Cooling System
Coolant Check
Your vehicle has two cooling systems and both
need to be checked to ensure they are at
proper fill levels
Ú
page 214.
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. Check the front part of the condenser for any
build-up of insects, leaves or other debris.
Should it be dirty, clean 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.
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. 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 over -
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pres -
sure 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.
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224
(Continued)
(Continued)
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 209.

NOTE:

For topping off, and proper coolant specifi -
cations
Ú
page 263.
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. Contact the
appropriate body to determine local regula
-
tions.

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 the
front of the hood. This is a normal phenom -
enon 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.
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 209.
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.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid
Ú
page 263. Using the wrong
type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its
performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on
the original factory installed hydraulic
master cylinder reservoir.
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225

Automatic Transmission
Use only a transmission oil with the character-
istics indicated
Ú
page 263.
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.
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.
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
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
1 — Electrical Circuit
2 — Blade Fuse With Good Electrical Circuit
3 — Blade Fuse With Bad Electrical Circuit
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 225