maintenance Alfa Romeo Giulia 2017 Owner's Guide

ENGINE OIL
The engine oil level can be seen on the
instrument cluster display every time
the engine is started, or on the Connect
system display by activating on the
main menu (MENU button) the following
functions in sequence: “Apps”; “My
Car” and “Oil Level”.
Check on the display using the
6 notches that the oil level is between
the MIN and MAX level: 1 notch MIN
level, 6 notches MAX level.
If the oil level is close to or below the
MIN mark, add oil gradually through the
filler, considering that each notch
shown on the display corresponds to
approximately 8.8 fl oz (250 ml).
The oil level can also be checked
manually.
Caution!
Make sure not to add too much oil when
topping off the engine. Engine oil in excess
may damage the engine. Have the vehicle
checked. Never exceed the MAX level
when topping off engine oil. It is advisable
to check the oil level in intermediate steps
using the oil dipstick.
The oil level is not refreshed immediately on
the display after topping off. Consequently,
wait for the oil level to be refreshed on the
display and follow the procedure below.
Manual oil level checking
procedure
Check that the oil level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on dipstick, clean
it with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it.
Extract the dipstick again and check
that the level is between the MIN and
MAX marks.
Top-up and oil level indication
update on display
Ifaengineoiltop-offisneeded,inorder
to ensure the correct indication of the
oil level on the display, leave the car on
flat ground with the engine running for
approximately 5 minutes (temperature
higher than 176°F (80°C)) and proceed
with the process below:
Wait for five minutes, turn the ignition
to the ON mode without starting the
engine and wait for a few seconds. If
the indication is not correct after the
procedure, contact your authorized
dealer. Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 14.1 ounces (400 grams,
0.88 pounds) every 620 miles
(1,000 km). When the vehicle is new,
the engine needs to be run in; therefore
the engine oil consumption can only be
considered established after the first
3,100 - 3,730 miles (5,000 - 6,000 km).
Warning!
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for
the engine to cool down before loosening
the filler cap, particularly for vehicles with
aluminium cap (if equipped). WARNING:
risk of burns!
Caution!
The oil level must never exceed the MAX
mark.
If the MAX mark is exceeded MAX (last
notch on the right turns red) after the fill-up,
go to your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the oil in excess removed.
Do not add oil with specifications different
from those of the oil already in the engine.
Used engine oil and oil filters contain
substances which are harmful to the
environment. To change the oil and filters,
we advise you to contact your authorized
dealer.
210
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Battery
The battery does not require the
electrolyte to be topped up with distilled
water. A periodic check carried out at
an authorized dealer, however, is
necessary to check efficiency.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
manufacturer’s instructions for
maintenance.
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
“Emergency Starting” in “In Case Of
Emergency” 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.
Note:
It will not be possible to open the trunk
with a key or by pressing the button in
the passenger compartment when the
battery is disconnected. So, always
position the manual trunk opening strap
on the trunk lock before disconnecting
the battery. The procedure is described
in the "Storing The Vehicle" paragraph
in this chapter.
BATTERY
RECHARGING
Important Notes
Warning!
Never charge or recharge a frozen
battery: it may explode because of the
nitrogen trapped inside the ice crystals.
At all times while charging or recharging
the battery, make sure that any sparks or
open flames are kept sufficiently far away
from the battery.
Note:
Before using the charging device,
always make sure that it is appropriate
for the installed battery, with constant
voltage (below 14.8 V) and low
amperage (maximum 15 A).
Recharge the battery in a well
ventilated environment.
Before using any devices to charge
or to maintain the charge of the
battery, carefully follow the instructions
provided with the device in order to
properly and safely connect it to the
car battery.
212
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

DEALER SERVICE
The following pages contain
instructions on the required
maintenance from the technical
personnel who designed the vehicle.
In addition to these specific
maintenance instructions specified for
routine scheduled servicing, there are
other components which may require
periodic maintenance or replacement
over the vehicle’s life cycle.
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Level Check
To ensure correct engine lubrication, the
oil must always be kept at the
prescribed level (see "Engine
Compartment" in this chapter).
Check the oil level at regular intervals,
for example every 1864 miles
(3000 km).
It must be checked about five minutes
after stopping the engine, once full
operating temperature is reached. The
vehicle must also be parked on as level
a surface as possible.
Ensure that the oil level is within the
interval on the dipstick between the
minimum and maximum limits.
The engine oil level can be checked
using the Connect system. To access
the function, activate the main menu
(MENU button) and select the following
options in sequence: “Applications”;
“My Car”; “Oil level”.Changing the Engine Oil
See the "Maintenance Plan" for the
correct servicing intervals.
Choice of Engine Oil Type
To ensure optimal performance and
maximum protection in all operating
conditions, it is advisable to use solely
certified engine oils (see description in
"Fluid And Lubricants" in the "Technical
Specifications" chapter).
Additives for Engine Oil
It is strongly recommended not to use
additives (other than leak detection
dyes) with the engine oil.
The engine oil is a product designed
specially for the vehicle and its
performance may be deteriorated
through the use of further additives.
Disposal of Used Engine Oil and
Filters
For the disposal of the engine oil and
filters, contact the appropriate body to
determine local regulations.
Note:
Used engine oil disposed of incorrectly
may seriously harm the environment.
Engine Oil Filter
Replacing the Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter must be replaced
each time the engine oil is changed. It is
advised to replace it with a genuine spare
part, specifically designed for this vehicle.
Air Filter
Replacing the Air Cleaner
See the "Maintenance Plan" for the
correct servicing intervals. It is advised
to replace it with a genuine spare part,
specifically designed for this vehicle.
Air Conditioning System
Maintenance
To ensure the best possible
performance, the air conditioning
system must be checked and undergo
maintenance at an authorized dealer at
the beginning of the summer.
Caution!
Do not use chemicals to clean the air
conditioning system, since the internal
components may be damaged. This kind of
damage is not covered by warranty.
Replace The Cabin Air Filter
See the "Maintenance Plan" for the
correct servicing intervals. For cleaner
replacement, contact an authorized
dealer.
214
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

This function can only be activated
within two minutes of cycling the
ignition to STOP.
To activate this function, move the lever
upward for at least three seconds.
Function deactivation
The function is deactivated if:
Wait for longer than two minutes
before turning the ignition to the STOP
position, after having raised the lever
and starting the service procedure in
this way.
The ignition is cycled to position ON
and the windshield wiper control.
If, after using the function, the ignition is
set back to ON with the blades in a
position other than rest position (at the
base of the windshield), they will only
return to rest position following a
command given using the stalk (stalk
upwards, into unstable position) or when a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) is
exceeded.
Replacing The Windshield Wiper
Blades
Proceed as follows:
Raise the wiper arm, press tab of
the attachment spring and remove
the blade from the arm.
Fit the new blade, inserting the tab
in the dedicated housing in the arm
and checking that it is
locked.Lower the wiper arm onto
the windshield.
Note:
Do not operate the windshield
wiper with the blades lifted from the
windshield.
Windshield Washer
The window washer nozzles are fixed. If
there is no jet of fluid, first check that there is fluid in the reservoir (see
paragraph “Engine compartment” in
this chapter).
Then, check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
Exhaust System
Adequate maintenance of the engine
exhaust system represents the best
protection against leaks of carbon
monoxide into the passenger
compartment.
If an unusual noise from the exhaust or
the presence of smoke in the
passenger compartment is identified, or
if the underbody or rear section of the
vehicle have been damaged, have the
entire exhaust system and adjoining
09046S0001EMMultifunction Lever
09046S0002EMWiper Release Tab
09046S0003EMWindshield Washers
1 — Washer Nozzles
216
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

bodywork areas checked at your
authorized dealer to identify any
components which are broken,
damaged, worn or have moved from
their correct fitting position.
Open welding or loose connections
may permit exhaust gas to enter the
passenger compartment.
Have the exhaust system checked
every time the vehicle is raised. Replace
the components where necessary (for
these operations, contact an authorized
dealer).
In normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter does not require
maintenance. To ensure that it operates
correctly, however, and prevent it from
getting damaged, it is extremely
important that the engine operates
perfectly.
To minimize the risk of damaging the
catalytic converter, proceed as follows:
Do not stop the engine or deactivate
the ignition with gear engaged and
vehicle in motion.
Do not attempt to start the engine
by bump starting.
Do not persist in using the vehicle if
idling is very irregular or the operating
conditions are very notably irregular.
Warning!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if
you park over materials that can burn.
Such materials might be grass or leaves
coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your
vehicle in areas where your exhaust system
can contact anything that can burn.
Cooling System
Warning!
Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan
motor lead before working near the radiator
cooling fan.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts
automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Engine Coolant Check
Check the engine coolant level every oil
change or before long trips.
If there are impurities in the engine
coolant, the system must be drained,
flushed and refilled: contact an
authorized dealer.
Check the front part of the condenser
to check for any build-up of insects,
leaves or other debris. Should it be
dirty, clean it by spraying delicately with
water.
Check the hoses of the engine cooling
system to ensure that the rubber has
not deteriorated and that there are no
cracks, tears, cuts or obstructions in
the expansion tank side and radiator
side connectors. Should there be any
217

doubt regarding leaks from the system
(e.g. if frequent top ups are required),
have the seal checked at an authorized
dealer.
With the engine off and at normal
operating temperature, check that the
cooling system radiator cap is closed
properly.
Warning!
Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than
the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
Note:
Before removing the engine coolant
reservoir cap, wait for the system to
cool down. Topping Up / Draining / Flushing
The Engine Coolant
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty,
have cleaning and flushing carried out
at an authorized dealer.
See the "Maintenance Plan" for the
correct servicing intervals.
Note:
For topping up, use a fluid with the
same characteristics as those
indicated in the "Fluids And
Lubricants" table (see "Technical
Specifications" chapter).
Do not use pure water,
alcohol-based coolants, corrosions
inhibitors or additional anti-rust
products because they may be
incompatible with the engine coolant
and cause the clogging of the radiator.
The use of propylene glycol-based
coolant is also not recommended.
Engine Cooling System Cap
To prevent loss of engine coolant, make
sure that the expansion tank cap is
closed. If it is open, screw it completely
until you reach/hear the click.
Periodically check the cap and clean it
from any foreign bodies that may have
deposited on the external surface.
Warning!
Never add coolant with the engine hot
or overheated.
Do not attempt to cool an overheated
engine by loosening or removing the cap.
The heat causes a considerable increase in
pressure in the cooling system.
To prevent damage to the engine, only
use the engine cooling circuit caps
provided.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Disposal of engine coolant is subject to
legal requirements: contact the
appropriate body to determine local
regulations.
Note:
To prevent the fluid from being
ingested by children or animals, do
not keep it in open containers or pour
it on the ground. If ingested, contact a
doctor immediately. Eliminate any
traces of fluid from the ground
immediately.
When the vehicle stops after a short
trip, steam may be seen coming out
from front of the hood. This is a
normal phenomenon which is due to
the presence of rain, snow or a lot of
moisture on the surface of the radiator.
218
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

With engine and system cold, do
not top up with coolant beyond the
maximum level indicated on the
reservoir in the engine compartment.
Braking System
In order to guarantee the efficiency of
the braking system, periodically check
its components; for this operation,
contact an authorized dealer.
See the "Maintenance Plan" for the
correct servicing intervals.
Note: Driving with your foot resting on
the brake pedal may compromise its
efficiency, increasing the risk of
accidents. When driving, never keep
your foot on the brake pedal and don’t
put unnecessary strain on it to prevent
the brakes from overheating: excess
pad wear may cause damage to the
braking system.
When an insufficient oil level is
detected, contact an authorized dealer
to have the system checked.
Always keep the cap of the brake
fluid reservoir (in the engine
compartment) completely closed.
Warning!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” 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 cylinder reservoir.
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
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Use only a transmission oil with the
same characteristics as those indicated
in the "Fluids and Lubricants" table (see
"Technical Specifications" chapter).
Special Additives
Do not use any type of additive with the
automatic transmission oil. The
automatic transmission oil is a product
designed specially for this vehicle and
its performance may be compromised
through the use of further additives.
Caution!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
219

Frequency of Oil Changes
In normal vehicle operating conditions,
it is not necessary to change the
transmission oil.
Caution!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. Your
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another battery with the same
specifications. It is advised to contact
an authorized dealer for replacement.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
Note:
It will not be possible to open the trunk
with a key or by pressing the button in
the passenger compartment when the
battery is disconnected. So, always
position the manual trunk opening strap
on the trunk lock before disconnecting
the battery. The procedure is described
in the "Storing The Vehicle" section in
this chapter.
RAISING THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle requires lifting, visit an
authorized dealer which is equipped
with shop jacks or jack arms.
The vehicle lifting points are marked on
the side skirts with the
symbols.
09056S0001EMVehicle Lift Point Locations
220
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT =
Department of Transportation
– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is
approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
– 03 means the 3rd week
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
– 01 means the year 2001
– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was
manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
Tire Terminology And Definitions
Term Definition
B-Pillar
The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three
hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa
(kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation PressureThe maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this
tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation PressureVehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard.
Tire PlacardA label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the
original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
222
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Steps For Determining Correct
Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)(5) Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals
635 kg and there will be five 68 kg
passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) =
295 kg) as shown in step 4.
Note:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. The following table
shows examples on how to calculate
total load, cargo/luggage, and towing
capacities of your vehicle with varying
seating configurations and number and
size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load
carry capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
224
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE