2023 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA engine coolant

182

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 conditions.
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 Scheduled
Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an authorized
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 the
manufacturer. 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 necessary

Ú
page 188.
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,
transmission, 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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

184

(o) Recommended operations
(●) Mandatory operations
Change engine coolant.●
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
3
Repla

ce transfer case oil (AWD models only).
●
Replace accessory drive belt(s).●
Replace engine air cleaner.
4●●●●●
Replace additional fuel filter (if equipped).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Change the brake fluid.
5
Repla

ce cabin air filter.
4o●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 60,000 miles for NAFTA market or 60,000 km outside NAFTA. 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

186

(o) Recommended operations
(●) Mandatory operations
Visually inspect the condition and tensioning of the
accessory drive belt(s).●●●●●●●●●●●●
Change engine coolant.
●
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belt/s.
3
Repla

ce engine air cleaner.
4●●●●●●●
Replace additional fuel filter (if equipped).●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Change the brake fluid.
5
Repla

ce cabin air filter.
4o●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 (60,000 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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187

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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188

CHECKING LEVELS — 2.9L ENGINE
E
NGINE OIL
The engine oil level can be seen on the
instrument cluster display every time the engine
is started, or on the Information and
Entertainment system display by activating on
the main menu (MENU button) the following
functions in sequence: “Vehicle Information”;
“Engine Oil”. Check on the display using the 6 notches that the
oil level is between the MIN and MAX level:
1 notch MIN level, 6 notches MAX level.

NOTE:
Use care when filling under hood fluids such as
engine oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
etc. to minimize spillage onto the top of the
engine. Any excess fluid that is spilled onto the
top of the engine should be removed using
compressed air or an absorbent cloth.If the oil level is close to or below the MIN mark,
add oil gradually through the filler, (refer to
“Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display” in this section) considering that each
notch shown on the display corresponds to
approximately 8.8 fl oz (250 ml).
The oil level can also be checked manually on
2.9L Engines.
1 – Engine Oil Dipstick
4 – 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
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189

NOTE:
Always reinstall the oil cap and tighten to proper
torque whenever it is removed to add oil to
engine. Never run the engine with cap removed
as this could cause oil to leak from engine.
Manual Oil Level Checking Procedure —
2.9L Engine
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and
MAX marks on dipstick, clean it with a lint-free
cloth and reinsert it. Extract the dipstick again
and check that the level is between the MIN and
MAX marks.
Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display — 2.9L Engine
If an engine oil top-off is needed, in order to
ensure the correct indication of the oil level on
the display, proceed with the following process:
Leave the car on flat ground with the engine
running for approximately five minutes
(temperature higher than 198°F (90°C) and
shut the engine off.
Wait for five minutes, turn the ignition to the
ON mode without starting the engine and wait
for a few seconds.

NOTE:
If the level indication is not updated after the
previously described procedure, repeat the
engine adjustment, shut the engine off and wait
another five minutes before starting it again. If
the indication is not updated after the second
start, contact an authorized dealer.
Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display — 2.0L Engine
If an engine oil top-off is needed, in order to
ensure the correct indication of the oil level on
the display, proceed with the following process:
Leave the car on flat ground with the engine
running for approximately five minutes
(temperature higher than 176°F (80°C) and
shut the engine off.
Start the engine again and idle it for about two
minutes.

NOTE:
If you have added the specified amount of oil and
the indicator is not reading “Full”, please contact
an authorized dealer.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the level is too low, remove the cap of reservoir
and add the fluid described on
Ú
page 233.
WASHER FLUID FOR WINDSHIELD/
H
EADLIGHTS
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 233.

NOTE:
Use care when filling under hood fluids such as
engine oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
etc. to minimize spillage onto the top of the
engine. Any excess fluid that is spilled onto the
top of the engine should be removed using
compressed air or an absorbent cloth.
CAUTION!
Make sure not to add too much oil when
topping off the engine. Engine oil in excess
may damage the engine. Have the vehicle
checked. Never exceed the MAX level when
topping off engine oil. It is advisable to check
the oil level in intermediate steps using the oil
dipstick (2.9L Engine Only).
CAUTION!
The oil level is not refreshed immediately on
the display after topping off. Consequently,
wait for the oil level to be refreshed on the
display and see the following procedures.
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.
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195

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.
Check the front part of the condenser for any
buildup 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 authorized
dealer.
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú
page 182.

NOTE:

For topping up, use a fluid with the same
characteristics as those indicated on

Ú
page 233.
Do not use pure water, alcohol-based coolants,
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.
Use care when filling under hood fluids such as
engine oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
etc. to minimize spillage onto the top of the
engine. Any excess fluid that is spilled onto the
top of the engine should be removed using
compressed air or an absorbent cloth.
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.
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 pressure 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 automatically 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 position. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON position.
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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196

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.
BRAKING SYSTEM
In order to guarantee the efficiency of the braking
system, periodically check its components; for
this operation, contact an authorized dealer.
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú
page 182.

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 unneces-
sary strain on it to prevent the brakes from over -
heating: 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
reservoir (in the engine compartment)
completely closed.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Use only a transmission oil with the same charac -
teristics as those indicated on
Ú
page 234.
Special Additives
Do not use any type of additive with the
automatic transmission oil. The automatic
transmission oil is a product designed especially
for this vehicle and its performance may be
compromised through the use of further
additives.
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.
WARNING!
Use only the manufacturer recommended
brake fluid
Ú
page 234. 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.
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 an 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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