Alfa Romeo Giulia - I do an Oil Change on the daily!

On today's episode I dive into the seedy under-tray-laden world of oil changes on modern Alfas! To do this service you'll need...
Oil 0w-30: amzn.to/2XCx0Tc
Filter: amzn.to/35GvlQR
Torx T-30 bit: amzn.to/39thnTE
13mm Wrench: amzn.to/2LO434f
Multi-ECUScan: www.multiecuscan.net
Drain plug Torque 15-20 ft lbs
Timecodes
00:00 Intro
2:32 Under-tray Removal
3:30 Bolt Differences
4:35 Drain the oil
5:00 What do you mean "no dipstick"?!?
7:30 Add the oil
7:52 Reset the oil light

[@bhvrdr]

Drain plug torque is 15 ft/lb. Oil spec is a 0w30 SN Plus or SP rated oil.

[@ZswizzzyTTG]

Love your channel, extremely helpful and fun to watch!

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Thank you Taylor!

[@Kons213]

Excellent content, much appreciated from a fellow Giulia owner!

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Thank you!

[@pyoung168]

So I preface this by saying I have a 2019 Guilia Q4 that got a factory-ordered system software update in mid-2020. I found that there are 19 under tray mounting bolts, 17 of which are one type and size and 2 are of a second type and size. They are relatively easy to identify between one another and there respective locations. Also I found the routine for resetting the dash oil service message (in the info screen between the speedo and tach) was straight forward: ignition on (no engine start); depress gas pedal to the floor three times within 5 seconds; start engine. If I turned off the ignition rather than starting the engine as the final step I was unable to reset the message. I also found that I can display the oil level indicator in the same message center by turning on the ignition and pressing the gas pedal to the floor twice. Thereby avoiding the need to work down through the infotainment menus. Hope this helps others and thanks for the video.

[@danilo367]

I'm happy to hear this giulia has a muffler delete or something like that, good quality content overall thank you!

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Thank you! The exhaust is made by REMUS USA, they call it their racing cat-back system.

[@fluke9]

Also reset "Oil Adaption Parameters" in the Engine ECU for the Multiair to continue to work properly.

[@EuroAutoEnthusiast]

Thanks for the share on Multiecuscan software 👊🏽🍀

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

You bet!

[@allisonandrews3266]

I so wish I had a lift. I want to do my own maintenance but I have never seen the underside of my Giulia lol. Thanks for the great video.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

You’re welcome! Yeah an oil change on your back on this car is not a fun day…

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Mate, you forget an important step, which is going (into MultiEcuScan) into the engine ECU and reset the self oil adaptation, which is needed for the multiair engine head. It says "Oil change" into the adjustment part.

[@robertoberrios1142]

Great video. Oil change done in less than an hour.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Thank you!

[@shamster7182]

I wondered why I had to put a washer or two on the undertray fixings.

[@marcosaiani7944]

Very good video and clarification. I agree, Is a very good and funny car. See you soon. Marco from Florence Italy.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Thanks! 😃

[@Armeeno_Collectibles]

Bro I have a 2018 Giulia 2.0 also, but also I am a 240sx enthusiast. I noticed the sr20 in your garage!!!

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Yep! I’m putting it in my 1968 Datsun Roadster

[@justacomment1657]

I sold my SX once I had the giulia.... It just handles so much better... 🙈

[@Chuck-tq3kq]

Do one of the transmission oil

[@Charkatak]

Good, informational video! I wonder if a good OBD scan tool can do the oil light reset?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I have a couple, the obd Mx+ and an Ancel. Neither could do it, but that was not super recently and maybe a software update fixed that.

[@Vexulus]

Definitely cutting a whole in mine and replacing it with a door panel to open next time I need to

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

A very not recommended way to do it. But to each their own!

[@joelperez4802]

Great video wanted to know what you used to top off your engine coolant.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I haven’t had to add coolant yet, but my best advise is get it from the dealership.

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Just check the car manual and get any coolant with the specs reported there. The spec is 9.55523 for all the engines.

[@jesusrascon8576]

Hey bud, by any chance do you think the dealer will give us any issues for doing our own oil changes and resetting the maintain light, since they tend to only want us to go straight to the dealer sadly? I just got my guilia and was going to do my oil change until I couldn’t figure out how to reset the oil maintenance lol

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I can’t speak for every dealership, but I’ve had some warranty issues and they haven’t cared a bit that I did my own oil changes (or other maintenance). I don’t see it as being any different then taking the car to an independent shop for work. I would think that adding a tuner would be something that could cause issues however.

[@jflo4073]

My previous Alfa was a 2018 with the secure gateway on the CAN. Had to fit the bypass module under the dash and couldn't wait for shipping for the OBD adapters so I made my own out of some OBD plugs and a switch. Fun times. Then I retrofitted the paddles to it cause there was nothing else to spend money on it.

[@brandonroth3972]

For the oil used, does it meet the strict requirements set by alfa Romeo? I heard it must be SN+, which liquimoly does not meet. I also heard mobil1 advanced fuel economy 0-30 is the correct stuff. Thanks for the informative video

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

It does not have the SN+ label, however even my own dealer (and quite likely yours as well) does not use SN+ oil for changes. Personally I think a little too much emphasis is put on that standard as most of it has to do with how the oil interacts with environmental standards then performance standards.

[@sahersesostris8332]

Hi there Great video 👍 I am interested in buying the mutieuscan software with all the connectors Any recommendations from where to purchase both ? I saw it on eBay but sellers are in Europe! Thanks

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I bought mine from “gendanltd” on eBay. It was a good experience!

[@sahersesostris8332]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin thanks for your reply I couldn’t find it Do you have a link by chance? Thanks again 👍👍

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

it looks like things have changed a little bit and they don't offer it as a total bundle anymore. so here is the link for the cables I use www.ebay.com/itm/Diagnostic-Hardware-Bundle-for-MultiECUScan-Package-for-Fiat-Alfa-Lancia-/161932211680?hash=item25b3e975e0 you'll need to buy the software from MES directly, www.multiecuscan.net/RegisterPD.aspx and they will email you a software key and download link.

[@sahersesostris8332]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin Got it👍 thank you again! It seems I need to add the SGW bypass adapter too .

[@davidBarrel]

Hi, new Suscriber here, can you remap , stage up the ecu with multiEcuScan ?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Nope! You can’t modify tuning. Look to eurocompulsion for tunes

[@davidf1288]

Hi Grumpy Penguin, this is a car I'm definitely interested in for the reasons you mentioned... impressive driving manners and handling. However, seems everyone brings up their reliability. What has your real-world experience been? The same as other competitors (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

David, these are great cars. My personal experience has been rock solid. After 40k miles and 3 years of ownership all the switches, knobs and features work without issue. All I’ve done is change the oil and brake pads. If I did have 1 complaint (which is fixable) it would be the lifespan of the rear pads. I only got about 20k miles out of the first set, but the replacements are lasting much longer due to the addition of the “race” mode selector. The benefit there is it turns down the traction control so it’s no longer relying heavily on the rear pads for control.

[@davidf1288]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin Thanks for the reply! Appreciate the tip on the brakes/brake pads.

[@jflo4073]

Mine I liked better than my 4 series, more mature suspension and way better driving feel. Reliability has not been bad, though mine was a low mileage unit. The only thing worse than my BMWs is the nav/infotainment, but that's only because the BMW one is maybe the best out there. Maybe they could have added hands free trunk closing and a HUD, but that's about it. Sold mine to get into a second one with an LSD and sport seats. My BMW I still keep because it's a convertible, so no alternative for that yet.

[@ZwaanAfghan]

Where do you get the torque values for Giulia? I mean not only for the engine oil but but other nuts and bolts too. I haven’t seen it in the manual.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

The website I was using as a reference seems to now be shut down. I’ll post another source if I find it.

[@coolwaterhubby5208]

Very interesting on how Alfa make their money from a customer. I have a certificate in auto mechanic and also willing to learn new things. Would like to know how much the kit cost as well as software updates, thank you.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

The software and cables are around $100. So pretty reasonable considering the capabilities!

[@nikosstories]

Hello!! Do you know if alfa romeo giulia has an elektronik service book (like mercedes) or you have only a papper service book?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

The Mopar app allows user entries, but I’m not 100% sure it will sync with the database, it may just be local to the mobile device they’re entered on

[@josephhamam2705]

How and/or what did you do to add the tuner to make the exhaust and start up sound that good? I would love to add that to my car

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Nothing done to the tune at all. That’s just the Remus Race car back system. I got mine from Alfa9 but several vendors carry it. Honestly how these should have come from the factory!

[@josephhamam2705]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin Thank you very much! I appreciate it, I’m going to look into it. What do you mean you added race mode and turn ESC off? Thanks

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

You can check out my race mode video for more info, but basically its the DNA knob from the QV cars, once programmed it allows you to fully disable the traction control. Great for track days, autoX, or general hooning

[@josephhamam2705]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin thank you so much!

[@Skatersesh10]

How often do you do your oil change on your giulia ?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Sorry for the late reply! I do a 5000 mile interval

[@bretunderhill]

Where did you get that obd2 kit?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I’m not sure where you’re located, but here is MESs list of distributors www.multiecuscan.net/Distributors.aspx If you’re in the states eBay is a good option as well

[@robertoberrios1142]

Quick question. I did the oil change and reset the oil change light with a register multi scan and went smooth. Now 3 weeks later I’m getting the oil change light on the driver cluster 🤦. But on the center console you bring up the maintenance and is good. Don’t get it. Have you heard about this?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Yes. There are two sections to do the oil light reset. The second is in the engine page of MES. You’ll see a milage (or km) setting there that needs done

[@robertoberrios1142]

Thanks for the instructions. Super helpful and easy. The hard part is putting the bypass to get in the ECU. Thank you again.

[@DanimalJackson]

How did you manage to turn the traction control off?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

The rDNA selector did it!

[@briand3743]

Where did you get the obd adapters?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Bought the whole kit on eBay. The vendor is no longer listed but if you search for the kit MultiECU recommends it should come up

[@Nocloudedminds]

can I use 5/20 for the summer ??? 2020 alfa romeo giulia ?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I would stick to the factory oil weight. The Multi Air system is very specific about what oil it needs to operate the valves correctly. Whatever brand you choose is up to you…

[@tomclawson9191]

The oil level thing do you know where to get them at mine needs changed

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

What are you referring to? The oil level sensor?

[@tomclawson9191]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin yes the dealership changed my oil thus last time and like a week later is said I was low on oil but I wasn't something happened to where the oil light is always on now

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Those sensors can fail, I don’t know the part number off hand, but the dealership will likely have to install the new one. Unless you have MultiECU or AlfaOBD to reprogram and calibrate the new sensor

[@josephdelucia7368]

what is the oil drain bolt size ?

[@jodytatum5418]

13mm

[@pbuosseiboy1544]

I don't know if this was changed from 2018 to 2019, but there's a way of resetting the oil light by pressing the brake 3 times when it's half-started. I'm not sure what the exact procedure is.

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

There is a “pedal dance” but I can never seem to get it to work

[@repairvehicle]

How often should oil change happen?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I would recommend every 5000 miles!

[@repairvehicle]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin any oil consumption?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

@@repairvehicle nope none!

[@alexandreryffen6983]

Hello i want to buy a giulia 2.2. Is it a good motor?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

If you’re referring to the 2.0 multiair engine, yes it is! Love it

[@alexandreryffen6983]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin hello un 2,2jtd

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin In Europe we have also the 2.2 diesel one in various powers and up to 210HP. He is referring to that one.

[@alextrg11]

How much oil do you put in after the change before you measure the oil with the built in gauge? I’m asking because I’ve heard some… interestingly negative stories of over filling on the forums..

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

I have overfilled once, it was a huge PITA. I put in 5 quarts, then idle the car and check. the extra half almost always ends up going in, but just in case its good to go slow

[@SoulSharter]

Is there any downside to just removing all that nonsense under the car?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Yeah. I wouldn’t do that. It will likely cause cooling issues and way more noise (bad noise not beautiful exhaust noise) in the cabin

[@laszlokulcsar2341]

selenia original oil...

[@autotrimmers6353]

Are these expensive to maintain

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Not based on my experience, but as you can see I do most of the work myself. The only item it goes through quickly is rear brakes (I got 22k miles out of mine)

[@AM-qi4ro]

My dealer does this for less than $100 with coupon, and gives a free continental breakfast as well as shuttle service around town. Who wants to spend a Saturday morning doing this?

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Some of us just like to diy! Also my closest dealer is 1.5 hours away, charges $250 and doesn’t provide anything.

[@AM-qi4ro]

@@thegrumpiestpenguin That's a great reason to not buy thus car, service is a pain. My car is suppose to SAVE me time nit waste it.

[@massimoparente9331]

Olio sbagliato! 0/30 selenia foward, 4.3 lt olio filtro !

[@DonViToCRLNE]

Fin quando usa il Fiat 9.55535 GS1 e tutto in ordine.

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Qualunque olio 0W-30 con specifiche 9.55535-GS1 va bene. Non serve "la marca specifica" ma le corrette specifiche.

[@BobC777]

Tell me this isn't your own personal garage!

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

Ok I won’t (but it is!) 🤣

[@Jornfromtjorn]

heard that they consume oil, sounds bad for souch new car. this and no dip stick and you need a computer for a simple oil change makes me if this car is something i want to buy. bad bad design alfa!

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

So pretty much all modern cars consume some oil, mine will use 4 fl oz in about 5000 miles, nothing to be worried about. The no dipstick is a pain, but Alfa is not the first to do this, BMW and Mercedes have both gone down this road in past and current models. The software for an oil light reset is a pain, but as I said, there is some kind of pedal dance, I just didn’t get it to work. Worst case is don’t reset the light and keep track of your mileage the old school way, with a sticker on the windshield…

[@loopba]

total insanity in every way, strongly considered the Alfa until seeing the catastrophic maintenance requirements, difficultly and cost. No wonder this company is nearly bankrupt

[@thegrumpiestpenguin]

It’s really not that bad? It’s a little specific in some ways, but my friends 2019 ford fusion was honestly worse to do oil changes on. I think most modern cars utilize under trays. As for cost, the oil and filter are no cheaper then other cars. It uses rear brakes quickly, but they aren’t terrible for expense.