
199
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.
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 620 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;
for further information
Ú
page 205.
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 liftgate 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 air cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off-road
environment or is operated predominately at idle
or only very low engine RPM. This type of vehicle
use is considered Severe Duty.
23_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 199

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
200
MAINTENANCE PLAN — 2.0L ENGINE
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.1
SOS
backup battery replacement. (if equipped)
2 ●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire service kit recharge condition and
expiration date.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, deck lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
3●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic tool)
and engine oil degradation (if equipped).
4●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
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.●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
23_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 200

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
204
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECKING LEVELS — 2.0L ENGINE
1 – Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap4 – Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
2 – Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 5 – Engine Oil Filler Cap
3 – Windshield/Headlights Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
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205
CHECKING LEVELS — 2.9L ENGINE
ENGINE 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:
1. “Vehicle Information”
2. “Engine Oil”
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and
MAX level on the instrument cluster display using
the 6 notches shown. 1 notch displays the MIN
level and 6 notches displays the MAX level.
NOTE:
Use care when filling under hood fluids such as
engine oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
etc. to minimize spillage onto top of engine. Any
excess fluid that is spilled onto the top of the
engine should be removed using compressed air
or 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 Quadrifoglio models.
1 – Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap
4 – Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
2 – Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap Access Cover 5 – Engine Oil Dipstick
3 – Windshield/Headlight Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap 6 – Engine Oil Filler
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 Quadrifoglio Only).
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
206
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 Quadrifoglio
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 Quadrifoglio
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
ACC 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
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 FLUID
If the level is too low, unscrew the cap of the
reservoir and add the fluid described
Ú
page 252.
WASHER FLUID FOR WINDSHIELD/
H
EADLIGHTS
The windshield and headlight (if equipped)
washer fluid reservoir is equipped with a
telescopic filler neck.
If the level is too low, remove reservoir cap and lift
the filler neck. Then, add the fluid described
Ú
page 252. After filling the reservoir, lower the
filler neck and install the reservoir cap until you
hear it click.
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 follow the procedure below.
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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207
NOTE:
Use care when filling under hood fluids such as
engine oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
etc. to minimize spillage onto top of engine.
Any excess fluid that is spilled onto the top of
the engine should be removed using compressed
air or absorbent cloth.
NOTE:
The headlight washers are activated every
10 activations of the windshield washer.
NOTE:
The headlight washing system will not work if the
liquid level is low (situation indicated by the
symbol on the instrument cluster display
Ú
page 70). The windshield washer will keep
working.
On vehicles equipped with headlight washers,
there is a reference notch on the dipstick:
ONLY the windshield/rear window washer oper -
ates 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
S
YSTEM OIL
The transmission control oil level should only be
checked at an authorized dealer.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE LIFE
O
F YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, observe the following instructions:
When you park the vehicle, ensure that the
doors and liftgate 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 vehicle that require permanent
electrical supply (e.g. alarm, etc.), or accessories
which influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact an authorized dealer,
who’s qualified staff will evaluate the overall
electrical consumption.
NOTE:
After the battery is disconnected, the steering
must be initialized. The Power Steering
Warning Light on the instrument cluster display
switches on to indicate this. To carry out this
procedure, simply turn the steering wheel all the
way from one end to the other, and then turn it
back to the central position.
BATTERY
The battery does not require the electrolyte to be
topped up with distilled water. A periodic check
carried out at an authorized dealer, however, is
necessary to check efficiency.
CAUTION!
If the charge level remains under 50% for a
long time, the battery may be damaged by
sulfation, reducing its capacity and efficiency
during the vehicle start. The battery is also
more prone to the risk of freezing (at
temperatures as high as 14°F (-10°C).
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 192.
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.
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209
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 replacement
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 204.
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.
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. “Vehicle Information”
2. “Engine Oil”
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 200.
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 252.
Additives For Engine Oil
It is strongly recommended not to use additives
(other than leak detection dyes) with the engine
oil.
The engine oil is a product designed especially for
the vehicle, and its performance may be deteri -
orated through the use of further additives.
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, specifically designed
for this vehicle.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner Filter
For the correct servicing intervals
Ú
page 200. It
is advised to replace the engine air cleaner filter
with a genuine spare part, specifically designed
for this vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
M
AINTENANCE
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.
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.
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212
(Continued)
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
compartment 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
compartment.
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.
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 204.
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.
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 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.
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