check engine light Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2017 User Guide

NOTE:If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is readyand you can proceed
to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replace-
ment, you may need to do nothing more than drive
your vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to update. A recheck with the above test
routine may then indicate that the system is
now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle ser-
viced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the
engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/scheduled mainte-
nance and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by
the use of parts which are not quality-equivalent to
genuine parts for maintenance and repairs will not be
covered by the manufacturer ’s warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

regular intervals. The best time to check the engine oil
level is before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight.
Do not check oil level when the engine is warm.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is warm will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground,
and has sat overnight, will improve the accuracy of the
oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The safe range is
indicated by a crosshatch zone. Adding 1 quart of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated
range will result in the oil level at the full end of the
indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
temperature. This loss of oil pressure and increased
oil temperature could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it
is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled mainte-
nance. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information.
NOTE:The actual interval for changing the oil and
replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle
usage conditions and is signalled by the warning light
or message (if present) on the instrument panel or every
12 months.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for
turbocharged engines under all types of operating
conditions, the manufacturer recommends synthetic
engine oils that are API Certified and meet the require-
ments of FCA Material Standard MS-12991.
Engine Oil Viscosity — 1750 Turbo Engine (SAE
Grade)
SAE 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil is recommended for
all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves
low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy.
220 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

may result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. Riding the
brakes may also reduce braking capacity in an
emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. 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 cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under any of the above circumstances, the following
checks need to be performed more frequently than
indicated in the Maintenance Schedule:
•Check front and rear disc brake pad condition and
wear.
• Check cleanliness of tailgate locks.
• Check cleanliness and lubrication of chassis and
steering linkage.
• Visually inspect condition of: engine, gearbox, trans-
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (gaiters - sleeves -
bushes - etc.).
• Check battery charge and battery fluid level (electro-
lyte).
• Visually inspect condition of the auxiliary drive belts.
• Check and, if necessary, change engine oil and re-
place oil filter.
• Check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter. Using the vehicle on a track should be regarded as an
exception. The vehicle has been designed and manufac-
tured for road use.
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty environ-
ment the engine air filter has to be changed every
6,500 miles (10,000 km).
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip/Periodic Checks
Every 600 miles (1,000 km) or before long trips, check
and, if necessary, top off the following:
•
Check engine oil level.
• Check brake fluid level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for un-
usual wear or damage.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and add as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 269

# Recommend using Midtronics tester to check charge
status and, if necessary, recharge battery.
* The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essen-
tial to ensure correct operation and prevent serious
damage to the engine:
•Only use spark plugs of the same make and type
which are specially certified for such engines (refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information).
• Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement
interval given in the maintenance schedule for spark
plug replacement.
• C
ontact your Alfa Romeo Dealer if you have questions.
** Regardless of the distance covered, the timing belt
must be changed every 4 years for particularly demand-
ing use (cold climates, city driving, long periods of
idling) or at least every 5 years. *** The actual interval for changing the oil and replac-
ing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage
conditions and is signalled by the warning light or
message (if present) on the instrument panel or every 12
months.
**** If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty
environment the engine air filter has to be changed
every 6,500 miles (10,000 km).
***** DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two
years regardless of mileage.
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 effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 275

Parking............................ .154
Warning Light ........................100
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........54
Bulb Replacement .....................251, 252
Bulbs, Light ..........................59, 251
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .........263
Capacities, Fluid ........................ .263
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ..........................220
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............56, 193
Car Washes ............................241
Cellular Phone ..........................130
Chains, Tire ............................183
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................164
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ..............217
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............55
Checks, Safety ...........................55
Child Restraint ...........................46
Child Restraints Booster Seats ..........................49
Child Restraints ........................46
Child Seat Installation ....................52
Infants And Child Restraints ...............48Older Children And Child Restraints
.........48
Clean Air Gasoline .......................190
Cleaning Wheels ............................ .242
Windshield Wiper Blades .................224
Climate Control ........................ .131
Manual ............................ .131
Clutch ............................... .236
Clutch Fluid ............................236
Compact Spare Tire .......................178
Contract, Service ........................ .279
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................263, 264
Cooling System ..........................231
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ..............233
Coolant Level .....................232, 235
Disposal Of Used Coolant ................234
Drain, Flush,

And Refill ..................232
Inspection .......................... .235
Points To Remember .................234, 235
Pressure Cap ........................ .234
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........232
Corrosion Protection ..................... .240
Cruise Light .........................114,115
Cupholders .............................9110
INDEX 285

Customer Assistance..................... .278
Daytime Running Lights ....................78
Dealer Service .......................... .218
Deck Lid ...............................22
Deck Lid, Release .........................74
Defroster, Windshield ......................57
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................81
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................216
Dimmer Control ..........................79
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............234
Door Locks .............................18
Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors .....19
Power Door Locks ......................15
Doors .................................18
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water ........................153
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .......89
Electrical Power Outlets ....................89
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................64
Electronic Brake Control System ..............156
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........83Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
.......102
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher .................198
Jump Starting ........................ .206
Overheating ..........................198
Emission Control System Maintenance .........217
Engine Air Cleaner ..........................221
Break-In Recommendations ................54
Checking Oil Level .....................219
Compartment ........................ .215
Cooling ............................ .231
Exhaust Gas Caution .................56, 193
Fails To Start ........................ .141
Flooded, Starting ..................... .141
Fuel Requirements .....................189
Jump Starting ........................ .206
Oil .............................219, 263
Oil Filler Cap ........................ .220
Oil Filter ............................221
Oil Selection ..........................220
Over

heating ..........................198
Starting ............................ .140
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........212
Ethanol ...............................190
286 INDEX

Heated Mirrors...........................65
Heater ............................ .131, 133
Holder, Cup .............................91
Ignition .................................9
Key .................................9
Ignition Key Removal .......................9
Illuminated Entry .........................14
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................11
Inside Rearview Mirror .....................63
Instrument Cluster ....................105, 113
Instrument Cluster ......................97
Instrument Panel And Controls ...............96
Instrument Panel Cover ....................245
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ..............245
Interior Appearance Care ...................244
Interior Lights ...........................80
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ............81
Introduction .............................4
Jump Starting .......................... .206
Key Fob Lock The Doors ........................15
Unlock The Doors ......................15 Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .16
Key-In Reminder
.........................11
Key, Replacement .........................12
Keys ...................................9
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ...................11
Lane Change Assist .......................78
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................27
Latches ................................59
Lead Free Gasoline .......................189
Leaks, Fluid .............................59
Life Of Tires ............................181
Light Bulbs ..........................59, 251
Lights ...............................59, 77
AirBag...........................57, 103
Brake Warning ........................100
Bulb Replacement ..................... .252
Cruise ...........................114,115
Engine Temperature Warning ..............105
Exterior ..............................59
Hazard Warning Flasher .................198
Illuminated Entry .......................14
Interior ..............................80
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........111
Park ............................ .78,1
14
288 INDEX

Passing..............................78
Seat Belt Reminder .....................103
Service ............................. .252
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ...........106
Turn Signal ........................59, 113
Warning (Instrument
Cluster Description) .................105, 113
Loading Vehicle Tires ...............................168
Locks .................................18
Auto Unlock ..........................19
Door ................................18
Power Door ...........................18
Lubrication, Body ........................224
Lug Nuts ............................. .199
Maintenance Free Battery ...................222
Maintenance, General .....................219
Maintenance Procedures ...................219
Maintenance Schedule .....................268
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .....................111,217
Manual, Service ........................ .281
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection .....................265 Master Cylinder (Brakes)
...................236
Methanol ............................. .190
Mirrors ................................63
Electric Remote ........................64
Heated ..............................65
Outside .......................... .63, 64
Rearview .............................63
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ..............6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ...............185
MTBE/ETBE .......................... .190
Multi-Function Control Lever ................77
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................54
Occupant Restraints .......................24
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ...............189
Oil, Engine ..................... .219, 263, 264
Capacity ............................263
Change Interval .......................220
Checking ........................... .219
Disposal ............................ .221
Filter ...............................221
Filter Disposal ........................221
Materials

Added To ....................221
Pressure Warning Light ..................102
10
INDEX 289

Recommendation...................220, 263
Viscosity ............................220
Oil Filter, Change ........................221
Oil Filter, Selection .......................221
Oil Pressure Light ........................102
Onboard Diagnostic System .................216
Operating Precautions .....................216
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................63
Overheating, Engine ..................... .198
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,281
Paint Care ............................ .240
Parking Brake .......................... .154
Passing Light ............................78
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ......168, 169
Power Door Locks ...........................18
Mirrors ..............................64
Windows .............................20
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ..............31
Pretensioners Seat Belts .............................32
Radial Ply Tires ........................ .175Radio Frequency
General Information ..................12, 17
Radio Operation ........................ .130
Reclining Front Seats ......................72
Recreational Towing ..................... .195
Reformulated Gasoline ....................190
Refrigerant ............................ .224
Reminder, Seat Belt ........................25
Remote Keyless Entry Remote Keyless Entry ....................14
Unlock The Doors ......................15
Replacement Bulbs .......................251
Replacement Keys ........................12
Replacement Parts ........................218
Replacement Tires ........................182
Reporting Safety Defects ...................280
Restraint, Head ..........................73
Restraints, Child ..........................46
Rotation, Tires ..........................184
Safety Checks

Inside Vehicle .................56
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ................58
Safety Defects, Reporting ...................280
Safety, Exhaust Gas ........................56
Safety Information, Tire ....................163
290 INDEX