check engine light ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 2021 User Guide

85

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal require-
ment to pass an inspection of your vehicle's
emissions control system. Failure to pass
could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M), this check
verifies the Malfunction 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 not be ready if your vehicle
was recently serviced, recently had a depleted
battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II
system should be determined 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 posi -
tion, but do not crank or start the engine.

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 Malfunc -
tion 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 illumi-
nated until you turn OFF the ignition or
start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is not ready and
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 ready and you
can proceed to the I/M station. If your

OBD II system is
not ready, you should
see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If
your vehicle was recently serviced or had a
battery failure or replacement, 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 serviced before going to the
I/M station. The I/M station can fail your
vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
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STARTING AND OPERATING

138

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing is not recommended for this
vehicle.
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING
Saving Fuel
Below are some suggestions which may help
you save fuel and lower the amount of harmful
emissions released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle Maintenance
Checks and operations should be carried out
in accordance with the Maintenance Plan

Ú
page 204.
Tires
Check the tire pressures at least once every
four weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance to
rolling is higher.
Unnecessary Loads
Do not travel with an overloaded trunk. The
weight of the vehicle and its arrangement
greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Electric Devices
Use electrical systems only for the amount of
time needed. The rear window defroster, addi -
tional headlights, windshield wipers and
heater blower fan require a considerable
amount of energy; increasing the current
uptake increases fuel consumption (by up to
+25% when city driving). Climate Control System
Using the climate control system will increase
consumption: use standard ventilation when
the temperature outside permits.
Devices for Aerodynamic Control
The use of non-certified devices for aerody
-
namic control may adversely affect air drag
and consumption levels.
Driving Style
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs
when the vehicle is stationary; this causes the
engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It
is therefore advisable to drive off immediately,
slowly, avoiding high speeds: by doing this the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary Actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights
or before stopping the engine. This action is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.
Gear Selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road condi -
tions allow it. Using a low gear for faster accel -
eration will increase fuel consumption.
Improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine wear. Max. Speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as
speed increases. Maintain a constant speed,
avoiding unnecessary braking and accelera
-
tion, which cost in terms of both fuel consump -
tion and emissions.
Acceleration

Accelerating violently severely affects consump -
tion and emissions: acceleration should be
gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.

Conditions Of Use
Cold Starting
Short trips and frequent cold starts will not
allow the engine to reach optimum operating
temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to
+30% in city driving) and emissions.
Traffic And Road Conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy
traffic, for instance when traveling in traffic
with frequent use of low gears or in cities with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads
and rough road surfaces also adversely affect
consumption.
Stops In Traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. railway cross -
ings), turn off the engine.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 138

145

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System — If
Equipped
The BSM system uses two radar sensors,
located in the rear fascia/bumper (one on
each side), to detect the presence of other
vehicles in the rear side blind spots of your
vehicle.Rear Sensor Location
The system warns the driver about the pres -
ence of other vehicles in the detection area by
illuminating the BSM Warning Light located
within the door mirror on the side in which the
other vehicle was detected. If equipped, an
audible chime will also be heard to alert the
driver (if option is selected within the radio
system). BSM Indicator Light
When the engine is started, the warning light
illuminates briefly to signal the driver that the
system is active.
Sensors
The sensors are activated when any forward
gear is engaged at a speed higher than
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or when
REVERSE is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is in
PARK.
The detection area of the system covers
approximately one lane on both sides of the
vehicle.
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for approximately 19 ft (6 m) towards
the rear part of the vehicle. When the sensors are active, the system moni
-
tors the detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle and warns the driver about the
possible presence of vehicles in these areas.
While driving, the system monitors the detec -
tion zone to check whether it is necessary to
send a signal to the driver on both sides. The
system monitors this detection zone in three
different situations:
When you are being overtaken by a vehicle.
When you are overtaking a vehicle.
When a vehicle approaches from the side.

NOTE:

The system does not alert the driver of the
presence of fixed objects (e.g. safety
barriers, poles, walls, etc.). However, in
some circumstances, the system may acti -
vate in the presence of these objects. This is
normal and does not indicate a system
malfunction.
The system does not alert the driver about
the presence of vehicles coming from the
opposite direction, in the adjacent lanes.
If a trailer is hitched to the car, the system
automatically deactivates.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

153

NOTE:

If the safety belts of the front seats are not
correctly fastened, the system will not inter-
vene on the braking system (only audible and
visual signals will be provided).
Changing The System Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be changed
through the radio system menu, choosing from
one of the following three options: "Near",
"Medium" or "Far". Refer to the description in
the Information and Entertainment System
Owner’s Manual Supplement for how to
change the settings.
The default setting is "Medium". With this
setting, the system warns the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front
when that vehicle is at a standard distance,
between that of the other two settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far", the
system will warn the driver of a possible colli -
sion with the vehicle in front when that vehicle
is at a greater distance, thus providing the
possibility of acting on the brakes more lightly
and gradually. This setting provides the driver
with the maximum possible reaction time to
prevent a potential collision.
With the option set to "Near", the system will
alert the driver of a possible collision with the
vehicle in front when that vehicle is close. This
setting offers the driver a lower reaction time
compared to the "Medium" and "Far" settings,
in the event of a potential collision, but
permits more dynamic driving of the vehicle. The system sensitivity setting is kept in the
memory when the engine is turned off.
System Limited Operation Warning
If a dedicated message is displayed, a condi
-
tion limiting the system operation may have
occurred. The possible reasons of this limita -
tion are if something is blocking the camera
view, or a fault is present.
If an obstruction is signaled, clean the area of
the windshield.
Although the vehicle can still be driven in
normal conditions, the system may be not
completely available.
When the conditions limiting the system func -
tions end, this will go back to normal and
complete operation. Should the fault persist,
contact an authorized dealer.
System Failure Signaling
If the system turns off and a dedicated
message is shown on the display, it means
that there is a fault with the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the
vehicle, but you are advised to contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Radar Indication Not Available
If conditions are such that the radar cannot
detect obstacles correctly, the system is deac -
tivated and a dedicated message appears on
the display. This generally occurs in the event
of poor visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily. The function of this system can also be tempo
-
rarily reduced due to obstructions such as
mud, dirt or ice on the fascia/bumper. In such
cases, a dedicated message will be shown on
the display and the system will be deactivated.
This message can sometimes appear in condi -
tions of high reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with
reflective tiles or ice or snow). When the condi -
tions limiting the system functions end, it will
go back to normal and complete operation.
In certain cases, this dedicated message
could be displayed when the radar is not
detecting any vehicles or objects within its
view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the reason
behind this message, check if the sensor is
dirty. It could be necessary to clean or remove
any obstructions in the area.

If the message appears frequently, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such as
snow, rain, mud or other obstructions, contact an
authorized dealer for a sensor alignment check.

In the absence of visible obstructions, manu -
ally removing the decorative cover trim and
cleaning the radar surface could be required.
Have this operation performed at an autho -
rized dealer.

NOTE:

It is recommended that you do not install
devices, accessories, or aerodynamic attach -
ments in front of the sensor or darken it in any
way, as this can compromise the correct func -
tioning of the system.
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SAFETY

166

nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter-
mittently or remains on while driving.

NOTE:

If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be
disabled. In this condition the air bags may not
be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could affect
the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light will illuminate on the instrument
panel. The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
will stay on until the fault is cleared. In addi -
tion, a single chime will sound to alert you that
the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light has
come on and a fault has been detected. If the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving have
an authorized dealer service the vehicle imme -
diately.
For additional information regarding the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light, see

Ú
page 73.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/
shoulder belts for both the driver and front
passenger. The front air bags are a supple -
ment to the seat belt restraint systems. The
driver front air bag is mounted in the center of
the steering wheel. The passenger front air
bag is mounted in the instrument panel, above
the glove compartment. The words “SRS
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air
bag covers. Driver Air Bag
Passenger Air Bag
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t
have the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a
bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if
it comes on as you drive, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
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SAFETY

172

Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communica-
tion network remains intact, and the power
remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
will determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the
following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery
has power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on
as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circula -
tion Door
Cut off battery power to the:
• Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump

NOTE:

After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition
to the OFF position and remove the key from the
ignition switch to avoid draining the battery.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the
engine compartment and on the ground near the
engine compartment and fuel tank before reset -
ting the system and starting the engine. If there
are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle elec -
trical devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident,
reset the system by following the procedure
described below. If you have any doubt, contact
an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure

After the event occurs, when the system is active,
a message regarding fuel cutoff is displayed.
Turn the ignition switch from ignition ACC or ON/
RUN to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle
for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on
the ground near the engine compartment and
fuel tank before resetting the system and
starting the engine.

Depending on the nature of the event the left
and right turn signal lights, located in the
instrument panel, may both be blinking and
will continue to blink. In order to move your
vehicle to the side of the road, you must follow
the system reset procedure.
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SAFETY

188

(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel or brake fluid leaks are suspected the
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before
installing any other floor mat. NEVER
install or stack an additional floor mat on
top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured
to your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and
year of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interfer -
ence. If your floor mat interferes with the
operation of any pedal, or is not secure to
the floor, remove the floor mat from the
vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
WARNING! (Continued)
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals then re-install the floor
mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
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204

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Correct servicing permits the performance of
the vehicle to be maintained over time, as well
as limited running costs and safeguarding the
efficiency of the safety systems.
This chapter explains how.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for guaranteeing a
long life for the vehicle under the best condi-
tions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has planned a
series of checks and services for your vehicle
at fixed intervals based on distance and time,
as described in the Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always necessary to
carefully follow the instructions in the Sched -
uled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically check
level of fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an autho -
rized dealer according to a set time schedule.
If, during each operation, in addition to the
ones scheduled, the need arises for further
replacements or repairs, these may be carried
out with the owner’s explicit consent only.

NOTE:

Scheduled Servicing intervals are required by
FCA US LLC. Failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
You are advised to inform an authorized
dealer of any small operating irregularities
without waiting for the next service.
Periodic Checks
Every month or every 600 miles (1,000 km) or
before long trips check and, if necessary, top
off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level (if insufficient, see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible).
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.

Operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights,
etc.).

Operation of windshield washing/wiping
system and positioning/wear of wiper
blades.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Oil consumption of the engine depends on
conditions and driving style. For this reason,
the engine oil level must be checked every
1,860 miles (3,000 km), and top off if neces -
sary
Ú
page 213.
Heavy Usage Of The Vehicle
If the vehicle is used under one of the following
conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated journeys less than 4 miles
(7 km) at sub-zero outside temperatures.
Engine often idling or driving long distances
at low speeds or long periods of inactivity.
In the event of a long period of inactivity.
The following checks must be carried out more
often than indicated in the Scheduled
Servicing Plan:
Check cleanliness of hood and trunk locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of: engine, trans -
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust/fuel
system/brakes) and rubber elements
(sleeves/bushes, etc.).
Check battery charge and battery fluid level
(electrolyte).
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory
drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change engine oil
and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace cabin air
filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace engine air
cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Vehicles that are operated in a dusty and
off-road environment, or predominately at idle
or very low engine RPM are known as Severe
Duty vehicles. It is recommended that you
change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)
or 350 hours of engine run time.
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205

Maintenance Plan — 2.0L Engine
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped)1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper
instrument
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge
condition and expiration date
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid,
passenger compartment, glove compartment,
instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via
diagnostic tool) and, if equipped, engine oil
degradation
2●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes,
etc.)
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer
system and adjust nozzles, if necessary
●●●●●●●●
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

208

Maintenance Plan — 2.9L Engine
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped).1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper
instrument.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge
condition and expiration date.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid,
passenger compartment, glove compartment,
instrument panel warning lights, etc.).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via
diagnostic tool).
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes,
etc.).
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade.●●●●●●●●
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208