engine Alfa Romeo GT 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
251
IMPORTANT
Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy con-
ditions:
– trailer or caravan towing
– dusty roads
– short distances (less than 7-8 km)
repeated and with external temperatures
below zero
– frequently idling engines or long dis-
tance low speed driving or in case of a
long term inactivity
replace engine oil more frequently than
required on Service Schedule.IMPORTANT
Diesel filter
The different grades of purity in diesel
fuel normally available might make it nec-
essary to replace the filter more frequent-
ly than indicated in the Service Schedule.
If the engine misfires it shows the filter
needs changing.IMPORTANT
Air cleaner
Using the car on dusty roads change the
air cleaner more frequently than specified
in the Schedule Maintenance Programme.
For any doubts concerning the intervals
between the engine oil and air cleaner
replacement in relation to how the vehicle
is used, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
253
1Engine oil - 2Battery - 3Brake fluid -4
Windscreen/rearscreen/headlamp
washer fluid - 5Engine coolant fluid -
6Power steering fluid - 7Selespeed
transmission oil (2.0 JTS Selespeed ver-
sions)
CHECKING LEVELS
Never smoke while
working in the engine
compartment; gas and
inflammable vapours may be pre-
sent, with the risk of fire.
When topping up take
care not to confuse the
various types of fluids:
they are incompatible with one
another and could seriously dam-
age the vehicle.fig. 1 - 1.8 T. SPARK version
A0A0736b
A0A0681b
fig. 1a - 2.0 JTS version

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
254fig. 3 - JTD 16Vversion1Engine oil - 2Battery - 3Brake fluid -4
Windscreen/rearscreen/headlamp
washer fluid - 5Engine coolant fluid -
6Power steering fluid
A0A0396b A0A0683b
fig. 2 - 3.2 V6version
1Engine oil - 2Battery - 3Brake fluid -4
Windscreen/rearscreen/headlamp
washer fluid - 5Engine coolant fluid -
6Power steering fluid

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
255
ENGINE OIL (fig. 4-4a-5-6)
The engine oil should be checked with
the vehicle on a level surface a few min-
utes (about 5) after the engine has been
switched off.
Remove the dipstick (A), clean it, put it
back in completely, remove it and check
that the level is within the MINand
MAXmarks on the dipstick. The interval
between the MINandMAXmarks cor-
respond to about one litre of oil.When the engine is hot,
take care when working
inside the engine com-
partment to avoid burns.
Remember that when the engine
is hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury.
Do not add oil with spec-
ifications (classification,
viscosity) other than
those of the oil already in the
engine.
fig. 4 - 1.8 T. SPARK version
A0A0737b
fig. 6 - JTD 16Vversion
A0A0398b
AB
fig. 5 - 3.2 V6version
A0A0406b
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filter neck
(B), until reaching the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTIf a routine check
reveals that the level is above the MAX
mark, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services to have the correct level restored.
IMPORTANTAfter topping up the oil,
before checking the level again, run the
engine a few seconds and wait for a few
minutes ater stopping it.
fig. 4a - 2.0 JTS version
A0A0682b

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
256
Used engine oil and filter
contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services to have the
oil and the filter changed, as they
are equipped to dispose of the
waste oil and filters respecting
nature and the law.
SELESPEED TRANSMISSION
OIL
(fig. 7)
The Selespeed transmission oil should be
checked with the vehicle on a level sur-
face and with the engine stopped and
cold.
To check the level, proceed as follows:
– turn the ignition key to MAR;
– disconnect the breather tube and
remove the cap (A) checking that the
level corresponds with the MAXmark on
the dipstick integrated with the cap;
– if the oil is below the MAXmark, top
up to reach the correct level;Do not add oil with spec-
ifications other than that
already in the gearbox.
fig. 7
A0A0197b
Used gearbox oil con-
tains dangerous sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. For changing the oil we
advise contacting Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services who are
equipped for disposing of used oil
respecting nature and the law.
Be very careful working
inside the engine com-
partment if the engine is
hot: danger of burns. Remember
that the fan may cut in if the
engine is very hot: danger of
injury.
Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
During the initial period of use the
engine settles, therefore engine oil con-
sumption may be considered stabilised
only after the first 5000 ÷ 6000 km.
IMPORTANTEngine oil consumption
depends on the way of driving and the
conditions of use of the vehicle.– after refitting the cap, insert the
breather tube firmly on the housing on the
cap and turn the ignition key to STOP.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
257
The cooling system is
pressurised. If necessary,
replace the cap only with
another genuine one, otherwise
the system efficiency could be
compromised. Do not remove the
tank cap with the engine hot:
danger of burns.
The engine cooling sys-
tem uses antifreeze pro-
tective fluid PARAFLU UP.
For topping up use the same type
of fluid contained in the cooling
system. The PARAFLU UP fluid
cannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. Should it occur,
never start the engine and contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
(fig. 8)
Do not remove the cap
when the engine is hot:
danger of burns.
The level of the coolant in the header
tank (reservoir) should be checked with
the engine cold and the car on a level sur-
face and it should be between the MIN
andMAXmarks on the tank.
fig. 8
A0A0240b
If the level is low, loosen the header tank
cap (A) and slowly pour a mixture of 50%
distilled water and 50% PARAFLU UP
FL Seleniathrough the filler neck until
nearing the MAXmark.
The antifreeze mixture of 50%
PARAFLU UPand 50% distilled water
guarantees protection down to –35 °C.

Oil consumption is very
low; if topping up again is
needed shortly after-
wards, have the system checked
for possible leaks by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
258
When loosening the
reservoir cap do not
allow the fluid to come
into contact with painted parts. If
it does, wash it off immediately
with water. Do not allow the power
steering fluid to touch hot
parts of the engine: it is
inflammable.
fig. 10
A0A0217b
fig. 9
A0A0400b
BRAKE AND HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH FLUID
(fig. 10)
Slacken the cap (A) and check that the
fluid contained in the reservoir reaches the
maximum mark.
POWER STEERING FLUID
(fig. 9)
Check that the level of the oil in the
reservoir is at maximum.
This operation should be carried out with
the vehicle on a level surface and the
engine switched off and cold.
Check that the level reaches the MAX
mark on the reservoir or coincides with the
upper notch (maximum level) on the dip-
stick (A) integral with the reservoir cap.
If the oil level in the reservoir is below
the specified one, top up only with one of
the products listed in the “Fluid and lubri-
cant Specification” table in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter proceeding as fol-
lows:– Start the engine and wait for the oil
level in the reservoir to stabilise.
– With the engine running, turn the
steering wheel lock to lock a few times.
– Top up to the MAXlevel notch, then
refit the cap.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
259
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reser-
voir empty: the action of
the windscreen washer is funda-
mental for improving vision.
To avoid damaging the
pump motor, do not use the
windscreen/rearscreen
washers when the reservoir is
empty.
Some commercial addi-
tives for windscreen wash-
ers are inflammable. The
engine compartment contains hot
components which may set it on
fire.
IMPORTANTBrake and hydraulic
clutch fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it 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 Scheduled Maintenance
Programme.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN
HEADLIGHT WASHER FLUID
(fig. 11)
Open the cap (A) and check the level in
the reservoir.
If necessary top up using a mixture of
water and TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35fluid as follows:
– 30% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer;
– 50% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 50% water in winter;
– in the case of temperatures below -
20°C use TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35fluid neat. Brake and clutch fluid is
poisonous and highly cor-
rosive. In the event of
accidental contact, wash the
parts concerned immediately with
neutral soap and water, then
rinse thoroughly. See a doctor at
once if the fluid is swallowed.
Theπsymbol on the
container indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distin-
guishing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irreversibly
damages the special braking sys-
tem rubber seals.
fig. 11
A0A0242b

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
260
DIESEL FUEL FILTER
(JTD16Vversions)
DRAINING CONDENSATION
WATER
The presence of water in
the supply circuit may
cause serious damage to
the entire injection system and
cause irregular running of the
engine. If the
cwarning light
turns on together with the mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multi-
function display, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as
soon as possible to have the sys-
tem relieved.
AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send
to the control unit the electric signals
needed for correct operation of the injec-
tion and ignition system.
It must therefore always be in perfect
conditions, to ensure correct operation of
the engine, low consumption and exhaust
emission levels.
If the operations con-
cerning cleaner replace-
ment described below are
not carried out correctly and with
the due precautions, they may
compromise the travelling safety
of the vehicle. You are recom-
mended to have this operation
carried out by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
If the car is habitually
used in dusty areas, the
cleaner should be replaced
at shorter intervals than those
specified in the Programmed
Maintenance Schedule.
Any attempt to clean the
cleaner may damage it,
leading to serious engine
damage.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
263
2.close the driver's window completely
keepingthe button pressedfor at
least 3 seconds after window closing (win-
dow upper stop);
3.repeat the same procedure (point 1
and 2) also for the front passenger's win-
dow;
4.check for proper initialisation by oper-
ating the windows automatically.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining the battery and
ensure that it continues to work correctly,
the following should be noted:
– The terminals must always be firmly
tightened.
– Within reason, avoid using electrical de-
vices for a long time when the engine is
switched off (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.). IMPORTANTIf the battery is kept
with a charge of below 50% it is damaged
by sulphation, its starting capability is
reduced and it is also more subject to the
possibility of freezing (this may occur
already at -10 °C). In the event of a pro-
longed inactivity, refer to the paragraph
“Vehicle inactivity”, in the chapter
“Correct use of the car”.
CHANGING THE BATTERY
When changing the battery it should be
replaced with another original one with
the same characteristics. If it is replaced
by a battery with different characteristics,
the maintenance intervals given in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme in
this chapter are no longer valid and for
maintenance it will be necessary to follow
the battery Manufacturer’s instructions.
IMPORTANTAfter control unit power
disconnection (battery replacement or dis-
connection and replacement of power win-
dow control unit protection fuses), the
power window automatism shall be
restored.
Proceed as follows with doors closed:
1.open the driver's window completely
keepingthe button pressedfor at
least 3 seconds after window opening
(window lower stop);– When the vehicle is parked in a garage,
ensure that the doors, bonnet, boot and in-
ner lids are closed properly so that the lights
do not stay on permanently.
– Before carrying out any work on the
electric system, disconnect the negative ca-
ble from the battery.
– If after buying the car, you wish to in-
stall electric accessories which require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft func-
tion etc.) or accessories that burden the elec-
tric system, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be integrated
with a more powerful battery. In fact, as
some of these devices continue absorbing
energy even when the ignition key is off (car
stationary, engine off), they gradually drain
the battery.