
127
Unnecessary Loads
Do not travel with an overloaded trunk. The
weight of the vehicle and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
Electric Devices
Use electrical systems only for the amount of time
needed. The rear window defroster, additional
headlights, windshield wipers and heater blower
fan require a considerable amount of energy;
increasing the current uptake increases fuel
consumption (by up to +25% when city driving).
Climate Control System
Using the climate control system will increase
consumption: use standard ventilation when the
temperature outside permits.
Devices for Aerodynamic Control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic
control may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs
when the vehicle is stationary; this causes the
engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is
therefore advisable to drive off immediately,
slowly, avoiding high speeds: by doing this the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary Actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights or
before stopping the engine. This action is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.Gear Selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road conditions
allow it. Using a low gear for faster acceleration
will increase fuel consumption. Improper use of a
high gear increases consumption, emissions and
engine wear.
Maximum Speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as
speed increases. Maintain a constant speed,
avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel consumption and
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects
consumption and emissions: acceleration should
be gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold Starting
Short trips and frequent cold starts will not allow
the engine to reach optimum operating
temperature. This results in a significant increase
in consumption levels (from +15 to +30% in city
driving) and emissions.
Traffic And Road Conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic,
for instance when traveling in traffic with frequent
use of low gears or in cities with many traffic
lights. Winding mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Stops In Traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. railway crossings),
turn off the engine.
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS
TRANSPORTING ANIMALS
The intervention of the airbags may be dangerous
for an animal on the front seat. It is therefore
advised to arrange animals on the rear seat
inside dedicated cages restrained by the
vehicle’s seat belts.
Keep in mind that, in the event of a sudden
braking or an accident, an inadequately
restrained animal may be projected within the
passenger compartment, risking injury to the
animal itself and the other occupants of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to leave children in
a parked vehicle when the temperature
outside is very high. The heat inside the
passenger compartment may have serious,
or even fatal, consequences.
Never travel in the trunk of the vehicle. In the
event of an accident, anyone inside the trunk
would be at greater risk of serious or even
fatal injury.
Ensure that all the occupants of the vehicle
wear their seat belts correctly and that any
children are positioned correctly on the
dedicated child restraint systems.
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155
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is
wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air
bags, any or all of the following may occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the
occupants as the air bags deploy and unfold.
The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns
or those you might get sliding along a carpet or
gymnasium floor. They are not caused by
contact with chemicals. They are not
permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly
within a few days, or if you have any blistering,
see your doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal
by-product of the process that generates the
non-toxic gas used for air bag inflation. These
airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles
settle on your clothing, follow the garment
manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have
deployed. If you are involved in another collision,
the air bags will not be in place to protect you.
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be taken
to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will
determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the following
functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any
of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC
Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the: • Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump (if equipped)
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition
to the OFF position and remove the key from the
ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Care -
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine
compartment and fuel tank before resetting the
system and starting the engine. If there are no
fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical
devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset
the system by following the procedure described
below. If you have any doubt, contact an autho -
rized dealer.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners
cannot protect you in another collision. Have
the air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and the
seat belt retractor assemblies replaced by an
authorized dealer immediately. Also, have the
Occupant Restraint Controller System serviced
as well.
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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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183
MAINTENANCE PLAN — 2.0L ENGINE
Thousands Of Miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands Of Kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped).1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge condition and
expiration date.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic tool)
and, if equipped, engine oil degradation.
2●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes),
rubber elements (sleeves, bushes, etc.).
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade.●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer system
and adjust nozzles, if necessary.
●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage.
●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear disc brake
pads and operation of pad wear indicators.●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect the condition and tensioning of the
accessory drive belt(s).
●●●●●●●●●●●●
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185
MAINTENANCE PLAN — 2.9L ENGINE
Thousands Of Miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands Of Kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped).1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge condition and
expiration date.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic tool).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes),
rubber elements (sleeves, bushes, etc.).
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade.●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer system
and adjust nozzles, if necessary.
●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage.
●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear disc brake
pads and operation of pad wear indicators.●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect the brake discs surface and edge.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Brake pads/brake discs replacement.
2
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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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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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
202
BULB REPLACEMENT
General Instructions
Before replacing a bulb, check the contacts for oxidation.
Replace blown bulbs with others of the same type and power.
After replacing a headlight bulb, always check its alignment.
When a light is not working, check that the corresponding fuse is intact before changing the bulb
Ú
page 197.
NOTE:
In some particular climate conditions, such as low temperature, humidity, or after washing the car, a thin condensation layer may form on the internal
surfaces of the front and rear headlights. This condensation will disappear after switching on the headlights.
Types Of Bulbs
The vehicle may be equipped with the following bulbs
Glass Bulbs (Type A): They are press-fitted. Pull to extract.
Bayonet-Type Bulbs (Type B) : To remove them from their holder, press the bulb and turn it counterclockwise, then
extract it.
Tubular Bulbs (Type C) : Release them from their contacts to remove.
Halogen Bulbs (Type D) : To remove the bulb, turn the connector to the side and pull it out.
Halogen Bulbs (Type E) : To remove the bulb, turn it counterclockwise.
Xenon Gas Discharge Bulb (Type F) : to remove the bulb, contact an authorized dealer.
23_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 202