engine oil ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 2021 Owner's Manual

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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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

206

Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of linkage●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear
disc brake pads and operation of pad wear indicators●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect the condition and tensioning of the
accessory drive belt(s)
●●●●●●●●●●●●
Change engine coolant
●
Change engine oil and replace oil filter
3
Replace transfer case oil (AWD models only)●
Replace accessory drive belt(s)●
Replace engine air cleaner
4●●●●●
Replace additional fuel filter (if equipped)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Change the brake fluid
5
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
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207

(o) Recommended operations
(●) Mandatory operationsReplace cabin air filter
4
o●o●o●o●o●o●o●o Spark plug replacement
6
●● 1.
The SOS back up battery must be replaced every five years, regardless of mileage.
2. If oil degradation ratio (data collectible from diagnostic device) is more than 80% (oil quality less than 20%) engine oil and filter replacement is recommended.
3. The actual interval for changing engine oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signaled by the warning light or message in
the instrument panel. In all cases, never exceed 1 year/10,000 miles (16,000 km).
4. If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
5. The brake fluid replacement has to be done every two years, irrespective of the mileage.
6. The spark plug change interval is mileage-based only. Yearly intervals do not apply.
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and affect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
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209

Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer
system and adjust nozzles, if necessary.●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of linkage.
●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear
disc brake pads and operation of pad wear
indicators.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect the brake discs surface and edge.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Brake pads/brake discs replacement.
2
Visually inspect the condition and tensioning of the
accessory drive belt(s).●●●●●●●●●●●●
Change engine coolant.
●
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belt/s.
3
Replace engine air cleaner.4●●●●●●●
Replace additional fuel filter (if equipped).●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
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211

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Checking Levels — 2.0L Engine
1 – Engine Oil Filler Cap4 –Windshield/Headlights Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 – Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 5 – Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
3 – Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

212

Checking Levels — 2.9L Engine
1 – Engine Oil Dipstick4 – Windshield/Headlight Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
2 – Engine Oil Filler 5 – Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap Access Cover
3 – Engine Coolant Reservoir Cap 6 – Intercooler Coolant Reservoir Cap
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213

Engine Oil
The engine oil level can be seen on the instru-
ment cluster display every time the engine is
started, or on the Information and Entertain -
ment 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, (refer
to “Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display” in this section) 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 on
2.9L Engine.
NOTE:

Always reinstall the oil cap and tighten to
proper torque whenever it is removed to add
oil to engine. Never run the engine with cap
removed as this could cause oil to leak from
engine.
Manual Oil Level Checking Procedure — 2.9L
Engine
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 — 2.9L Engine
If an engine oil top-off is needed, in order to
ensure the correct indication of the oil level on
the display, proceed with the process below:
Leave the car on flat ground with the engine
running for approximately five minutes
(temperature higher than 198°F (90°C)
and shut the engine off.
Wait for five minutes, turn the ignition to the
ON mode without starting the engine and
wait for a few seconds.

NOTE:

If the level indication is not updated after the
previously described procedure, repeat the
engine adjustment, shut the engine off and
wait another five minutes before starting it
again. If the indication is not updated after the
second start, contact an authorized dealer.
Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On
Display — 2.0L Engine
If an engine oil top-off is needed, in order to
ensure the correct indication of the oil level on
the display, proceed with the process below:
Leave the car on flat ground with the engine
running for approximately five minutes
(temperature higher than 176°F (80°C)
and shut the engine off.
Start the engine again and idle it for about
two minutes.

NOTE:

If you have added the specified amount of oil
and the indicator is not reading “Full”, please
contact an authorized dealer. 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 (2.9L Engine Only).
CAUTION!

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.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

214

Engine Coolant
If the level is too low, remove the cap of reser-
voir and add the fluid described on

Ú
page 267.
Washer Fluid For Windshield/Headlights
The windshield and headlights washer fluid
reservoir has a telescopic filler.
If the level is too low, remove reservoir cap and
lift the filler. Then, add the fluid described on

Ú
page 267.

NOTE:

The headlight washing system will not work if
the liquid level is low (as indicated by the
symbol on the instrument cluster display). On
vehicles equipped with headlight washers,
there is a reference notch on the dipstick:
ONLY the windshield/rear window washer
operates with the level below this reference.
Brake Fluid
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If
the fluid level in the tank is low, contact an
authorized dealer to have the system checked.

Automatic Transmission Activation System Oil

The transmission control oil level should only
be checked at an authorized dealer.
Useful Advice For Extending The Life Of
Your Battery
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, observe the following instructions:
When you park the car, ensure that the
doors and trunk are closed properly to
prevent any lights from remaining on inside
the passenger's compartment.
Do not keep accessories (e.g. radio, hazard
warning lights, etc.) switched on for a long
time when the engine is not running.
Before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the negative
battery cable.
If you wish to install electrical accessories
after purchasing the car that require perma -
nent electrical supply (e.g. alarm, etc.), or
accessories which influence the electrical
supply requirements, contact an authorized
dealer, whose qualified staff will evaluate the
overall electrical consumption.
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
aluminum cap (if equipped). WARNING: risk
of burns!
CAUTION!
The oil level must never exceed the MAX
mark.
If the MAX mark is exceeded (last notch on
the right turns red) after the fill-up, go to an
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 an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
If the charge level remains under 50% for a
long time, the battery may be damaged by
sulphation, reducing its capacity and
efficiency during a vehicle start. The battery
is also more prone to the risk of freezing (at
temperatures as high as 14°F (-10°C).
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217

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
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 replace-
ment 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 appropriate level.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, for
example every 1,864 miles (3,000 km).
It must be checked once full operating
temperature is reached.
The vehicle must also be parked on as level a
surface as possible.
The engine oil level can be checked using the
Information and Entertainment 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
For the correct servicing intervals

Ú

page 204.
Choice Of Engine Oil Type
To ensure optimal performance and maximum
protection in all operating conditions, it is
advisable to only use certified engine oils

Ú
page 267.
Additives For Engine Oil
It is strongly recommended not to use addi -
tives (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 addi -
tives.
Disposal Of Used Engine Oil And Filters
For disposal of used engine oil and filters,
consult the appropriate local regulations.

NOTE:

Inappropriate disposal of used engine oil may
seriously harm the environment.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be
used for replacement. The quality of replace -
ment filters varies considerably. Only high
quality Mopar certified filters should be used.
Engine Air Cleaner
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar certified
filters should be used.
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.
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