UNDERBONNET CHECKS & SPARK PLUGS

1 CHECK COOLANT

The engine coolant expansion tank can be checked by shining a torch at the side – look for MIN and MAX on the side. Alfa don’t offer a recommended renewal interval for the coolant, so test it with an antifreeze hydrometer and renew it if its freezing capacity is too high.

2 TOP-UP SCREENWASH

The screenwash reservoir’s filler neck is located on the nearside front corner of the engine bay, close to the top of the wing and headlight. Prise off the cap and top-up with a mixture of screenwash and water or pour a sachet of concentrated screenwash in and dilute it with tap water.

3 CHECK BATTERY

Make sure the battery is secure along with its terminals – and check the terminals are clean. Measure the battery’s voltage or, if you have a battery tester, check its condition. There’s a fusebox next to the battery, so check inside to see if any fuses have blown or if there are traces of corrosion.

4 CHECK BRAKE FLUID

The brake and clutch fluid reservoir is located along the engine bulkhead, close to the nearside inner wing. The fluid level can be checked by looking at the outside of the transparent reservoir (MIN and MAX markers). If necessary, top-up with DOT 4 brake fluid.

5 GREASE BONNET RELEASE

Spray a light grease over the bonnet release mechanism on the top of the slam panel to help prevent it seizing. Open all four doors and the tailgate to apply more of this grease to the hinges, locks and check straps.

6 REMOVE ENGINE COVER

The engine cover is clipped on to the top of the engine, so prise it off. Check that all breather, fuel and coolant hoses and pipes are secure with no signs of fluid leaks. Make sure the exhaust heat shield at the front of the engine bay is secure.

7 REMOVE COIL PACKS

If the spark plugs are being replaced, start by removing the individual coil packs. Each one is secured with a 10mm bolt. Carefully prise out the coil pack. When refitting them, add a tiny drop of dielectric grease on to the top of the spark plug or inside the coil pack to achieve a good electrical contact and reduce the risk of corrosion.

8 REPLACE SPARK PLUGS

Remove the four long-reach spark plugs using a 14mm spark plug socket. Check the replacement spark plugs are the same length, especially the length of the thread. Tighten them to 26Nm.