dashboard warning lights Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

216
SAFETY
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fig. 4 - 2.4 JTDMversionsA0F0203m
1.Engine oil
2.Battery
3.Brake fluid
4.Windscreen washer fluid
5.Engine coolant
6.Power steering fluid

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ENGINE OIL
Fig. 5: 1750 TURBO BENZINA versions
Fig. 5/a: 2.2 JTS Selespeed versions
Fig. 6: 3.2 JTS versions
Fig. 7: 2.0 JTD
Mversions
Fig. 8: 2.4 JTD
MversionsChecking engine oil
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with
the car parked on level ground.
A0F0277mfig. 5
A0F0276mfig. 7
A0F0069mfig. 6A0F0202mfig. 8
Remove the dipstick Aand clean it, put
it back in completely, remove it and
check that the level is within the MIN
andMAXmarks on the dipstick. The
gap between the MINandMAX
marks corresponds to about one litre of
oil.
A0F0018mfig. 5

Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered sta-
bilised after the first 5000 - 6000 km.
IMPORTANTThe oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANTDo not add oil with
specifications other than that already
in the engine. Topping up engine oil
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler
neckB, until reaching the MAXmark.
Oil level shall never exceed the MAX
mark.
IMPORTANT If a routine check re-
veals that the oil level is above the
MAXmark, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the correct lev-
el restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or chang-
ing the oil, let the engine turn over for
a few seconds and wait a few minutes
after turning it off before you check the
level.
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When the engine is hot,
take care when work-
ing inside the engine compart-
ment to avoid burns. Remem-
ber that when the engine is
hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Used engine oil and fil-
ter contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the oil
and filter changed.

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The cooling system uses
PARAFLUUPthat shall be
used for topping up and
that cannot be mixed with oth-
er types of fluids. Should other
fluids be added, do not start the
engine and contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services as soon as
possible.
Do not remove the
reservoir cap when the
engine is hot: you risk scalding
yourself.
WARNING
The cooling system is
pressurised. If neces-
sary, replace the cap only with
another genuine one, other-
wise system efficiency could
be compromised.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
fig. 9
If the level is low, pour slowly a mixture
of 50% distilled water and 50%
PARAFLU
UPthrough the filler neck A.
A 50% mixture of distilled water and
PARAFLU
UPgives freeze protection to
–35
°C.
For particularly hard climate conditions,
we recommend use of a 60%
PARAFLU
UPand 40% demineralized
water mixture.
A0F0017mfig. 9
WINDSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHER FLUID fig. 10
To top up, remove the cap Aand then
pour a mixture of water and TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35, in the fol-
lowing concentrations:
❒30%TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer;
❒50%TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35 and 50% water in winter.
In case of temperatures below –20
°C,
use undiluted TUTELA PROFES-
SIONAL SC 35.
A0F0029mfig. 10

220
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Do not travel with the
windscreen washer
reservoir empty. The wind-
screen washer is fundamental
for improving visibility.
WARNING
Certain commercial ad-
ditives for windscreen
washers are inflammable. The
engine compartment contains
hot components which may set
it on fire.
WARNINGPOWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 11-12
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum level: this operation shall
be carried out with the car on level sur-
face, engine not running and cold.
Check that the fluid level is at the MAX
mark on the reservoir or at the top mark
(maximum level) shown on the dipstick
under the reservoir cap.
If the fluid level in the reservoir is below
the specified level, top up as follows:
❒start the engine and wait until the
fluid level in the reservoir has stabi-
lized;
A0F0027mfig. 11 - 1750 TURBO BENZINA
2.2 JTS Selespeed - 2.4 JTDMversions
A0F0234mfig. 12 - 3.2 JTS - 2.0 JTDMversions
❒with the engine started, turn re-
peatedly the steering wheel fully
rightwards and leftwards;
❒top up until reaching the MAX
mark then refit the cap.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Do not allow the pow-
er steering fluid to
touch the hot parts of the en-
gine: it is inflammable.
WARNING

221
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Brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts involved im-
mediately with neutral soap
and water, then rinse thor-
oughly. Call the doctor imme-
diately if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 13
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum. Top up with the brake
fluid specified in the table “Fluids and
lubricants” (see section “Technical Spec-
ifications”).
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When
opening the cap take the utmost care to
prevent impurities entering the tank.
When topping up, always use a funnel
with built-in filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 0.12 mm.
A0F0016mfig. 13
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
From time to time, check the instrument
panel warning light
x: pressing on cap
A(with key fitted into the ignition de-
vice) the warning light shall turn on.
IMPORTANTBrake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the Service Schedule.
Symbolπon the con-
tainer indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distinguish-
ing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irre-
versibly damages the special
braking system rubber seals.
WARNING

222
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AIR FILTER/
POLLEN FILTER
Air cleaner or pollen filter replacement
shall be carried out at Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
BATTERY
The battery does not require top ups of
distilled water to replenish the elec-
trolyte. A periodic check carried out at
an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services is,
however, necessary to check efficien-
cy.
IMPORTANT The charge in the bat-
tery should be checked at the start of
winter to limit the risk of electrolyte
freezing. This check should be carried
out more frequently if the car is used
mainly for short trips, or if it is fitted with
accessories that permanently absorb
electricity also with the ignition key re-
moved, especially in the case of after
market accessories.
After connecting / dis-
connecting the battery,
wait for 3 minutes at
least before fitting the electron-
ic key into the ignition device in
order to allow the climate control
system control unit to reset the
positions of the electric actuators
that adjust air temperature and
distribution.
The liquid in the bat-
tery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
eyes and skin. Do not bring
naked flames or possible
sources of sparks near to the
battery: risk of fire and ex-
plosion.
WARNING

223
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Running the battery
with low fluid level can
damage the battery beyond
repair and could also cause its
explosion.
WARNINGREPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Service schedule in this section will
no longer be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the car. If after buying
the car, you want to install elec-
tric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm,
free-hand phone kit, etc.) contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most
suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, check-
ing whether the car’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding
the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more
powerful battery.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have
the battery changed at Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services,
which is properly equipped for
disposing of used batteries re-
specting nature and the law.

224
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If the car is left inactive
for long periods at cold,
remove the battery and store
it in a warm place to prevent
freezing.
WARNING
When working on the
battery or near it, al-
ways wear the proper gog-
gles.
WARNINGUSEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
lengthen its life, observe the following
indications:
❒when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly;
❒the ceiling lights must be off. The car
is however provided with an auto-
matic system for switching off inter-
nal lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g.: sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched
on for a long time when the engine
is not running;
❒before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
battery negative terminal cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be
perfectly tightened.

225
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IMPORTANTA battery which is kept
at a charge of less than 50% for any
length of time will be damaged by sul-
phation leading to a reduction in crank-
ing power.
Moreover, this might lead to a higher
risk of the battery electrolyte freezing
(this may even occur at –10°C). If the
car is inactive for a long period of time,
refer to “Car inactivity”, in section “Cor-
rect use of the car”. If after buying the car, you want to in-
stall electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.)
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel, in addition
to suggesting the most suitable devices
available at Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric ab-
sorption, checking whether the car’s
electric system is capable of withstand-
ing the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more pow-
erful battery. In fact, since these devices
continue absorbing energy even when
the ignition key is off, they gradually run
down the battery.The total intake of these systems (fac-
tory and after-market) must be less than
0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery) as shown
in the following table:
Battery Maximum
admitted
stand-by intake
50 Ah 30 mA
60 Ah 36 mA
70 Ah 42 mA
90 Ah 54 mA