Alfa Romeo 4C 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

PERIODIC CHECKSEvery 1,000 km or before long
journeys, check and, if necessary, top
up the following:
❒engine coolant level;
❒ brake fluid;
❒ screen washer fluid;
❒ tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒ operation of lighting system
(headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒ operation of screen washing/wiping
system and positioning/wear of
wiper blade.
Every 3,000 km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF
THE CARIf the car is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
❒ if the car is used under demanding
conditions, e.g. on track;
❒ dusty roads;
❒ short, repeated journeys (less than
7–8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒ engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long
periods of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒ check of front and rear disc brake
pad condition and wear;
❒ check cleanliness of tailgate locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒ visually inspect conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (boots -
sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒ check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
❒ visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts; ❒
check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒ check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
Using the car on track should be
regarded as an exception. The car has
been designed and produced for road
use.
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CHECKING LEVELS.The topping-up plug B and the dipstick A for checking the engine oil level and the reservoir C for the engine coolant can be
accessed by lifting the tailgate (see the procedure in the "Bonnet/Luggage Compartment" paragraph in the "Knowing your car"
chapter).
19)113) 114) 115)110
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The plugs for topping the brake fluid and the windscreen washer fluid are located between the bonnet and the windscreen, by
respectively removing the suitable panel D and the suitable protection grid E; to top up, use the suitable kit supplied as
standard (see descriptions below).
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ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick
A fig. 110.
For this check, take out the dipstick
from its seat, clean it with a lint-free
cloth, reinsert the dipstick; take it out
again and check the oil level.
116)
If the oil level is near or under the MIN
mark, add oil through the filler B fig.
110 until it reaches the MAX mark.
20)
Take out the engine oil dipstick A, clean
it with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it.
Extract the engine oil dipstick again and
check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
116)
The range between the MIN and MAX
levels corresponds to approximately
1 litre of oil.
Engine oil consumption
21)
3)
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1,000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil
consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5,000 - 6,000
km.IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine run for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
stopping it before you check the level.
ENGINE COOLANT
22)
117)
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, unscrew reservoir
plug C fig. 110 and add the fluid
described in the "Fluids and lubricants"
paragraph of the "Technical
Specifications" chapter.
WINDSCREEN WASHER
FLUID
118) 119)
To check the windscreen washer fluid
level, proceed as follows:
❒
to avoid any interference during the
procedure, lift the windscreen wiper
blade according to the "Windscreen
wiper" paragraph in the
"Maintenance and care" chapter;
❒ loosen the 4 self-tapping screws A
fig. 112 using the supplied
screwdriver. Remove the bonnet
grille;
❒ release the plug from the opening; ❒
leaving the plug close to the opening,
put a finger on the central hole B fig.
113 in the plug and remove it: the
level can be seen on the control pipe
C fig. 114 due to capillarity;
❒ after the check, reinsert the plug B
with the control pipe C in the initial
position;
❒ reposition the bonnet grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A.
WARNING Re-close the plug holding it
horizontally (not directed towards the
bonnet) to prevent the opening tang
from remaining locked in a position
difficult to reach.
It is recommended to check the
windscreen washer fluid regularly, in
particular in driving conditions needing
a heavier use of the windscreen washer.
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If the level is not sufficient, namely if
there is no fluid inside the pipe, proceed
as follows:
❒to avoid any interference during the
procedure, lift the windscreen wiper
blade according to the "Windscreen
wiper" paragraph in the
"Maintenance and care" chapter;
❒ loosen the 4 self-tapping screws A
fig. 112 using the supplied
screwdriver. Remove the bonnet
grille;
❒ take the white funnel D fig. 115 for
topping up the windscreen washer
fluid/fuel and its extension pipe from
the service kit in the luggage
compartment;
❒ take out the plug B fig. 113 with the
fluid control pipe through the bonnet
opening on the grille;
❒ introduce the funnel D fig. 115 and its
extension pipe in the reservoir neck
and top up;
❒ after topping up, remove the funnel D
with the extension pipe;
❒ refit the plug B with the dipstick;
❒ reposition the bonnet grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A. BRAKE FLUID
120) 121)23) 24)
To check the brake fluid level, proceed
as follows:
❒
loosen the 2 self-tapping screws E
fig. 116 and remove the protection
panel;
❒ check that the fluid is at the max.
level.
❒ after checking, reposition the
protection panel and tighten the 2
self-tapping screws E.
If the fluid level in the reservoir is not
sufficient, proceed as follows:
❒ take the black funnel for topping up
the brake fluid and its extension
pipe from the service kit in the
luggage compartment;
113
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❒loosen the reservoir plug and
introduce the funnel F fig. 117 with
the extension pipe in the reservoir
inlet;
❒ after topping up, remove the funnel F
with the extension pipe;
❒ tighten the reservoir plug;
❒ reposition the protection panel and
tighten the 2 self-tapping screws E.
WARNING Be very careful while
removing the plug from the opening to
prevent the plug from falling inside
the vehicle body.
IMPORTANT
19) Be careful not to confuse the various types of fluids while
topping up: they are not
compatible with each other!
Topping up with an unsuitable
fluid could severely damage your
vehicle.
20) The oil level should never exceed the MAX mark.
21) Do not add oil with specifications other than those of the oil already
in the engine. 22) PARAFLU
UP
anti-freeze fluid is
used in the engine cooling
system; use the same fluid type as
that already in the cooling system
when topping up. PARAFLU
UP
may not be mixed with other types
of anti-freeze fluids. If topping up
with an unsuitable product, under
no circumstances start the engine
and contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
23) Avoid allowing brake fluid, which is extremely corrosive, to come
into contact with painted areas.
Should it happen, immediately
wash with water.
24) Be very careful while topping up the brake fluid, as it could drip
from the extension pipe inside the
vehicle under-bonnet and on
parts of the body and windscreen,
corroding and damaging them.
Adopt suitable protection (e.g
absorbing paper) to reduce this
risk as much as possible.
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WARNING
113) The Alfa Romeo 4C is designedand produced for road use, in
compliance with the current
regulations. Vehicle use in the
track must be considered as
occasional and in any case under
the responsibility of the user.
The vehicle CANNOT be modified
or tampered with for any reason,
this would alter the Manufacturer
homologation and/or safety
requirements. Using a modified or
tampered product relieves the
Manufacturer from any
responsibility on it and may
expose people to serious risks.
114) Never smoke when performing operations in the engine
compartment. Flammable gases
and fumes may be present, with
the risk of fire.
115) Be very careful when working in the engine compartment if the
engine is hot: risk of burns. 116) If the engine oil is being topped
up, wait for the engine to cool
down before loosening the filler
plug, particularly for cars with
aluminium plug (for versions/
markets, where provided).
WARNING: risk of burns!
117) The cooling system is pressurised. If necessary, only
replace the plug with another
original one or the operation of
the system may be adversely
affected. Do not remove the
reservoir plug when the engine is
hot: risk of burns.
118) Do not travel with the windscreen washer reservoir
empty: the windscreen washer is
essential for improving visibility.
Repeated operation of the system
without fluid could damage or
cause rapid deterioration of some
system components.
119) Certain commercial additives for windscreen washer fluids are
inflammable. The engine
compartment contains hot
components which may set it on
fire. 120) Brake fluid is poisonous and
highly corrosive. In the event of
accidental contact, immediately
wash the affected parts with
water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor
immediately if swallowed.
121) The
symbol on the container
indicates a synthetic brake fluid,
which is different from a mineral
fluid. Using a mineral fluid will
damage the special rubber seals
of the braking system beyond
repair.IMPORTANT
3) Used engine oil and oil filters contain substances which are
harmful to the environment. You
are advised to go to a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership to have
the oil and filters changed.
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AIR CLEANERFor cleaner replacement, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
BATTERYBattery A fig. 118 does not require the
electrolyte to be topped up with distilled
water. A periodic check carried out at
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership
is, however, necessary to check
efficiency.
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
122) 123) 124) 125)25)4)
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery rapidly
and maintain its efficiency over time,
carefully observe the following
instructions:
❒
when you park the car, ensure that
the doors and tailgate are properly
closed, to prevent roof lights inside
the passenger and luggage
compartments respectively from
staying on;
❒ switch off the roof lights; the car is,
however, equipped with a system
which switches the interior lights off
automatically;
❒ 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.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at start-up.118
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The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
-10°C). Refer to the “Car inactivity”
paragraph in “Starting and driving” if the
car is left parked for a long time.
If, after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership, whose qualified
staff will evaluate the overall electrical
consumption.
WARNING
122) Battery fluid is poisonous andcorrosive. Avoid contact with the
skin and eyes. Keep open flames
away from the battery and do
not use objects that might create
sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
123) Using the battery with insufficient fluid irreparably
damages the battery and may
cause an explosion. 124) If the car will be unused for an
extended period of time in
extremely cold weather
conditions, remove the battery
and store it in a heated area to
prevent it from freezing.
125) Always wear appropriate goggles when working on or near
the battery.
IMPORTANT
25) Incorrect assembly of electricaland electronic accessories may
cause severe damage to your car.
Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership if you want to install
accessories (anti-theft systems,
etc.) after purchasing the car.
They can suggest the most
suitable devices and above all
advise you whether a higher
capacity battery needs to
be installed.
IMPORTANT
4) Batteries contain substanceswhich are very dangerous for the
environment. For battery
replacement, contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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WHEELS AND TYRESBefore embarking on a long trip, and
every two weeks, check the tyre
inflation pressure. Check the tyres when
cold.
126) 127) 128) 129) 130)
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in
the “Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 119:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn;
B low pressure: tread particularly wornat the edges;
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the centre. The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In
any case, follow the laws in force in the
country you are in.
IMPORTANT
For versions/markets, where provided,
the 4C may be equipped with
high-performance tyres able to
guarantee superior grip; this results,
however, in increased wear.
Take the following precautions to
prevent damage to the tyres:
❒
avoid violent impact against the kerb,
potholes or obstacles as well as
driving for extended periods on
uneven road surfaces;
❒ periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tread wear;
❒ avoid travelling with the car
overloaded. If a tyre is punctured,
stop immediately and change it;
❒ tyres age even if they are not used a
great deal. Cracks in the tread and
on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing.
Have the tyres checked by
specialised personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than 6 years;
❒ if replaced, always fit new tyres,
avoiding those of dubious origin; ❒
if a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve.
WARNING
126) The road holding qualities of
the car also depend on the correct
inflation pressure of the tyres.
127) If tyre pressure is too low, it may overheat and be severely
damaged as a result.
128) Do not switch tyres from the left to the right side and vice
versa, in order to prevent
inversion of the rotation direction.
129) Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at temperatures higher than
150°C. The mechanical
characteristics of the wheels
could be compromised.
130) The car is always equipped with front and rear wheels of different
dimensions. It is not therefore
possible to move the wheels from
the front to the back and vice
versa.
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