checking oil Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2017 Owner's Manual

Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odor-
less. Breathing it can make you unconscious and
can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
(CO), follow these safety tips:
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move
your vehicle in or out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/
liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all win-
dows are closed and the climate control BLOWER
switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the
recirculation mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine ex-
haust system. Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the
exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the
vehicle is damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect
the complete exhaust system and adjacent body areas
for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned
parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment.
In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding
belt or retractor condition, replace the belt.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING 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
7
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

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden
brake failure. This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Checking Brake Fluid
1 — Brake Fluid Protection Panel
2 — Washer Solvent Protection Panel
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237

1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solutionmay be used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly. NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper
turning loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with
a wet soft cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision
and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt
system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or
loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced imme-
diately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a colli-
sion if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.).
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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