service interval Alfa Romeo 147 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
105
WING MIRROR
AND REARSCREEN
DEFROSTING/DEMISTING
BUTTON
((fig. 90)
Pressing button (9)
(turns on demist-
ing/defrosting of the rearscreen and, if pre-
sent, the wing mirror coils.
The turning on of this function is shown by
the turning on of the led on the button.
This function is timed and switches off au-
tomatically after 20 minutes, or pressing the
button again; the function is also switched
off when the engine is stopped and will not
be switched on again the next time the en-
gine is started.
IMPORTANTThe system turns on
rearscreen heating automatically if the tem-
perature is below 3
°C.
IMPORTANTDo not apply stickers on
the inside of the rearscreen over the heat-
ing filaments to avoid damage that might
cause it to stop working properly.
POLLEN FILTER
Have the conditions of the filter checked
by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services at least
once a year, preferably at the onset of sum-
mer.
If the vehicle is used mainly in dusty or pol-
luted areas it should be checked and if nec-
essary replaced, at shorter intervals.
A0A0214m
The filter has the specific capability of com-
bining the mechanical filtering of the air with
an electrostatic effect so that the outside air
admitted to the passenger compartment is
purified and free of particles such as dust,
pollen, etc.
In addition to the above, it also effective-
ly reduces the concentration of pullutants.
The filtering action takes place under all
air inlet conditions and it is clearly most ef-
fective with the windows shut.The failure to replace the
filter may considerably re-
duce the effectiveness of
the climate control system up to
blocking the air flow from the out-
lets and vents.
fig. 90

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
182
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at
an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if the
pressure is too low consumption levels in-
crease as resistance to rolling is higher. It
should be underscored that in these condi-
tions tyre wear increases and vehicle per-
formance is lower, therefore also its safety.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the boot.
The weight of the vehicle (especially in ur-
ban traffic), and its geometry heavily affect
consumption levels and stability.
Luggage/ski racks
Remove the luggage rack or ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer used.
These accessories lower air penetration and
adversely affect consumption levels. When
needing to carry particularly voluminous ob-
jects, preferably use a trailer.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy
therefore, increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels (up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a
standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up much
more slowly, increasing electrical consump-
tion and emissions. It is therefore advisable
to move off immediately, slowly, avoiding
high speeds. This way the engine will warm
faster.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine. This
and also double declutching is absolutely
pointless on modern cars and also increase
consumption and pollution.
Gear shifting
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance increases
consumption. In the same way improper use
of a high gear increases consumption, emis-
sions and engine wear.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
225
IMPORTANT
Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy condi-
tions:
– trailer or caravan towing
– dusty roads
– frequently idling engines or long distance
low speed driving or in case of a long term
inactivity
– short distances (less than 7-8 km) re-
peated and with external temperatures be-
low zero replace engine oil more frequent-
ly than required on Service Schedule.
IMPORTANT
Air cleaner
Using the car on dusty roads change the
air cleaner more frequently than specified in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
For any doubts concerning the intervals be-
tween engine oil and air cleaner replacement
in relation to how the vehicle is used, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.IMPORTANT
Battery
It is advisable to check the battery charge,
preferably at the onset of winter, to prevent
the possibility of the electrolyte freezing.
This check should be carried out more fre-
quently if the car is used mainly for short
trips, or if it is fitted with accessories that
permanently absorb electricity even with the
ignition key removed, especially in the case
of after market accessories.
If the vehicle is used in hot climates or par-
ticularly harsh conditions it is wise to check
the level of the battery fluid (electrolyte)
more frequently than specified in the Sched-
uled Maintenance Programme.Vehicle maintenance should
be entrusted to Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. For
routine and minor maintenance op-
erations you wish to carry out your-
self, always make sure you have the
proper equipment, genuine Alfa
Romeo spares and the necessary flu-
ids;do not however carry out these
operations if you have no experi-
ence.IMPORTANT
Pollen filter
If the vehicle is used frequently in dusty or
heavily polluted environments it is advisable
to replace the filtering element more fre-
quently; in particular it should be replaced
if a reduction of the amount of air admitted
to the passenger compartment is noted.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
227
Used engine oil and filter
contain harmful substances
for the environment. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices, to have the oil and filter
changed as they are equipped to
dispose of the waste oil and filters
respecting nature and the law.
ENGINE OIL (fig. 3)
The engine oil should be checked with the
vehicle on a level surface a few minutes
(about 5) after the engine has been
switched off.
Remove the dipstick (A) clean it, put it
back in completely, remove it and check that
the level is within the MINandMAX
marks on the dipstick. The interval between
theMINandMAXmarks corresponds to
about one litre of oil.If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler neck
(B), until reaching the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTIf a routine check reveals
that the level is above the MAXmark, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to have
the correct level restored.
IMPORTANTAfter topping up the oil,
before checking the level again, run the en-
gine a few seconds and wait for a few min-
utes after stopping it.Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually 400
grams every 1000 km.
During the initial period of use the engine
settles, therefore engine oil consumption
may be considered stabilised only after the
first 5000 ÷ 6000 km.
IMPORTANTEngine oil consumption de-
pends on the way of driving and the condi-
tions of use of the vehicle.
fig. 3
A0A0406m
Do not add oil with spec-
ifications (classification,
viscosity) other than those
of the oil already in the engine.
When the engine is hot,
take care when working
inside the engine compartment to
avoid burns. Remember that when
the engine is hot, the fan may cut
in: danger of injury.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
232
AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send
to the control unit the electric signals need-
ed for correct operation of the injection and
ignition system.
It must therefore always be in perfect con-
ditions, to ensure correct operation of the
engine, low consumption and exhaust emis-
sion levels.
If the operations concern-
ing cleaner replacement
are not carried out correct-
ly and with the due precautions,
they may compromise the travel-
ling safety of the vehicle. You are
recommended to have this opera-
tion carried out by Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services.
Any attempt to clean the
cleaner may damage it,
leading to serious engine
damage.If the car is habitually
used in dusty areas, the
cleaner should be replaced
at shorter intervals than those
specified in the Programmed Main-
tenance Schedule.
POLLEN FILTER
This has a mechanical/electrostatic air fil-
tering action, provided that the windows and
doors are shut.
Have the dust/pollen filter checked once
a year by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services,
preferably at the onset of summer.
If the car is mainly used in dusty or heav-
ily polluted areas, the filter should be
changed at more frequent intervals than
specified in the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
IMPORTANTThe failure to replace the
pollen filter can considerably reduce the ef-
fectiveness of the climate control system.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
233fig. 10
A0A0393m
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited Mainte-
nance” type and is fitted with an optical in-
dicator (A-fig. 9) for checking the elec-
trolyte level and charge.
Under normal conditions of use the elec-
trolyte does not need topping up with distilled
water. To make sure that it is in efficient con-
ditions, at routine intervals check the indica-
tor on the battery cover which should be dark
in colour with a green central area.
If the indicator is a bright light colour, or
dark without the green central area, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
fig. 9
A0A0224m
Batteries contain harmful
substances for the environ-
ment. To change the bat-
tery we advise contacting Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services who
are equipped for disposal respect-
ing nature and the law.
The incorrect installation
of electric accessories may
cause serious damage to
the vehicle. If after buying the car
you wish to install accessories
(alarm, radio, radiotelephone etc.)
contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services who will be able to sug-
gest the most suitable devices and
above all advise about the need to
use a more powerful battery.
If the car is to remain in-
active for a long time in
very cold conditions, re-
move the battery and take it to a
warm place, otherwise it may
freeze.
The liquid contained in the
battery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the
skin or eyes. The battery should be
charged in a well ventilated place
away from naked flames or pos-
sible sources of sparks: danger of
explosion and fire.
WARNING
When working on the bat-
tery or near to it, always
protect the eyes with goggles.
WARNING

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
235
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption switched on by the
user, such as for example: baby bottle warm-
ers, vacuum cleaner, mobile phone, mini
fridge, etc., quicken the battery draining
processif they are turned on with
the engine offor running at idle speed.
IMPORTANT When installing addition-
al systems on the vehicle, bear in mind that
improper branches on connections of the ve-
hicle wiring are dangerous, particularly if
safety devices are involved.
Battery
60 Ah
70 AhMaximum permissible
loadless absorption
36 mA
42 mA
The maximum absorption of all the ac-
cessories (standard and fitted afterwards)
should be 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as
shown in the following table:CHANGING THE BATTERY
When changing the battery it should be re-
placed with another original one with the
same characteristics. If it is replaced by a
battery with different characteristics, the
maintenance intervals given in the Sched-
uled Maintenance Programme in this chap-
ter are no longer valid and for maintenance
it will be necessary to follow the battery
Manufacturer’s instructions.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining the battery and
ensure that it continues to work correctly,
the following should be noted:
– The terminals must always be firmly
tightened.
– Within reason, avoid using electrical de-
vices for a long time when the engine is
switched off (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.).– When the vehicle is parked in a garage,
ensure that the doors, bonnet, boot and in-
ner lids are closed properly so that the lights
do not stay on permanently.
– Before carrying out any work on the
electric system, disconnect the negative ca-
ble from the battery.
– If after buying the car, you wish to in-
stall electric accessories which require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft func-
tion etc.) or accessories that burden the elec-
tric system, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
services whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be integrated
with a more powerful battery. In fact, as
some of these devices continue absorbing
energy even when the ignition key is off (car
stationary, engine off), they gradually drain
the battery.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
247
SPARK PLUGS
Clean, intact spark plugs are determinant
with regard to engine efficiency and for re-
ducing the emission of pollutants.Spark plugs should be re-
placed at the intervals
specified in the Scheduled
maintenance programme. Only use
spark plugs of the specified type:
if the thermal capacity is inade-
quate or if the envisaged life is not
guaranteed inconveniences may en-
sue.
BRAKES
Service brakes: – front
– rear
Parking brake
If examined by an expert eye, the ap-
pearance of a spark plug is a sound clue
for locating a fault, even if not involving the
ignition system. Therefore if you are expe-
riencing any engine problems, it is impor-
tant to have the spark plugs checked by Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.
STEERING
Type
Turning radius (between pavements)
3.2 V6 24V - 3.2 V6 24V Selespeed
Disk self-ventilated
Disk
3.2 V6 24V 3.2 V6 24V Selespeed
Rack and pinion.
Hydraulic power steering with fluid reservoir in engine compartment
12.1 m 12.1 m Wheel anti-look system (ABS) with electronic braking distribution.
Servo-brake. Electronic control with brake pad wear sensors. Gaskets of ecological type.
Controlled by hand lever operating rear brakes.