maintenance Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2017 User Guide

CAUTION!(Continued)
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recom-
mended that you take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealership to have your sensor function
checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Sensor.
NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. •
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres-
sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire
pressure in the tire.
Base System
This is the TPMS warning indicator located in
the instrument cluster.
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure
levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Re-
ceiver Module.
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle regularly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
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Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
ADDING FUEL/SMART FUEL
NOTE:
• The Smart Fuel is a device placed on the top of the
filler pipe; it opens and closes automatically when
the fuel nozzle is inserted or extracted.
• Only the correct nozzle size diameter allows the flap
door to open when the nozzle is inserted.
Refueling Procedure
1. Open the fuel filler door pulling towards outside.
Fuel Filler Door Location
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STARTING AND OPERATING 193

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1750 TURBO . . .215
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM —
OBDII ............................ .216
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity .......................216
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS ............217
 REPLACEMENT PARTS .................218
 DEALER SERVICE ....................218
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ..........219
▫ Engine Oil ........................ .219
▫ Engine Oil Filter .....................221
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...............221
▫ Engine Cover .......................222
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ..............222 ▫
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............223
▫ Body Lubrication ....................224
▫ Wiper Blades .......................224
▫ Windshield Washer Nozzles .............226
▫ Adding Washer Solvent ................227
▫ Exhaust System .....................229
▫ Cooling System .....................231
▫ Brake System .......................236
▫ Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission ..........239
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ..........................240
 FUSES ............................ .247
▫ Engine Compartment Fuses .............247
▫ Dashboard Fuse Box ..................250
7

WARNING!
•ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port
in order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in the
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” section.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control sys-
tem. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Main-
tenance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is
not on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be deter-
mined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail
the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check
if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217

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

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could result in
civil penalties being assessed against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the requiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed
your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the
future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended mainte-
nance intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in
these components as the chemicals can damage
your engine, transmission, or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219

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

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the
addition of any additives (other than leak detection
dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil
and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to
the environment. Contact your authorized dealer, ser-
vice station or governmental agency for advice on how
and where used oil and oil filters can be safely dis-
carded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dis-
posable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consid-
erably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine oil filters
are high quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section for the proper maintenance
intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.)
can provide a measure of protection in the case of
engine backfire. Do not remove the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal
is necessary for repair or maintenance. Make sure
that no one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction system
(air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so
can result in serious personal injury.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.
Engine Cover
To avoid possible damage to the engine cover, please
disconnect each of the four mounting studs by pulling
the engine cover upward, and then lift off the complete
cover. Tilting the engine cover when one or more studs
are still engaged will lead to premature failure of the
couplers.
To reassemble the cover back onto the engine, first make
sure it is properly aligned, the oil cap is centered, and
that all four studs are lined up with their couplers. Then
gently push on the four corners of the engine cover to
snap the stud back into position.
No tools are required to remove or reassemble the
engine cover.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free bat-
tery. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery
fluid 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. Refer
to “Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
• 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.
(Continued)
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should include cleaning of the condenser fins and a perfor-
mance test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
NOTE:
•
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants ap-
proved by the manufacturer for your air conditioning
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flam-
mable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap-
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the sys-
tem to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Warranty
Information Book, located on the USB card, for
further warranty information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant un-
der high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air condition-
ing system as the chemicals can damage your air
conditioning components. Such damage is not cov-
ered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223