maintenance
Tune-Up - Major
for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.7 h
Tools
13
Steps
12
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Complete major tune-up service including spark plug replacement, ignition coil inspection, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, throttle body cleaning, and full fluid service including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and rear differential fluid.
Warnings
⚠️Engine and exhaust components will be extremely hot. Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work (minimum 2 hours).
⚠️Vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
⚠Twin turbo engines operate under high boost pressure. Ensure all air intake components are properly sealed to prevent boost leaks.
⚠ZF 8-speed transmission requires specific Lifeguard 8 fluid. Do not substitute with generic ATF.
⚠Coolant system must be properly bled using vacuum fill method to prevent air pockets in twin turbo cooling circuits.
ℹ️Keep track of all fasteners and their locations. Some engine covers use different length bolts in specific positions.
Tools required
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Torx bit set (T20-T40)Essential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Fluid transfer pumpEssential
Funnel setEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Spark plugs (NGK or Champion equivalent) × 6 — Use OEM specification
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Engine air filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Cabin air filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fuel filter (if equipped with serviceable filter) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission drain plug seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Differential drain plug seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Selenia Racing 10W-60 — 5.5 qt
- ZF Lifeguard 8 — 10 qt
- Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt
- DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 1 qt
- 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
- Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at all four corners
- Remove engine undertrays to access oil pan, transmission pan, and differential
- Remove engine cover by releasing clips and removing fasteners
- Have all fluids, filters, and parts ready before starting drain procedures
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oil and replace filterPosition drain pan under oil pan. Remove oil drain plug and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 15 minutes). Remove oil filter using filter wrench. Install new oil filter hand-tight plus 3/4 turn. Clean drain plug threads and install new crush washer. Install drain plug and torque to specification.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- 2Drain and refill transmission fluidPosition large drain pan under transmission pan (fluid capacity is 10 quarts). Remove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or burnt smell. Install new seal on drain plug. Clean drain plug threads and install, torquing to specification. Using fluid transfer pump, refill transmission through fill port with ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid to specified capacity. Check fluid level with transmission at operating temperature.⚠Transmission must be at operating temperature (50-80°C) for accurate fluid level check. Follow ZF fill procedure exactly.Torque specMounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- 3Service rear differentialPosition drain pan under rear differential. Remove differential drain plug and allow gear oil to drain completely. Inspect magnetic drain plug for metal shavings (light residue is normal). Clean drain plug and install new seal. Install drain plug and torque to specification. Remove fill plug and use transfer pump to fill differential with 75W-140 synthetic gear oil until fluid reaches bottom of fill hole. Install fill plug.ℹ️Some metal particles on magnetic drain plug are normal. Excessive chunks indicate potential differential wear.Torque specMounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- 4Replace spark plugsRemove plastic engine covers to access ignition coils. Disconnect electrical connectors from all six ignition coils using connector release tabs. Remove ignition coil mounting bolts and carefully pull coils straight up from spark plug wells. Use compressed air to clean debris from spark plug wells before removal. Using spark plug socket with extension, remove all six spark plugs. Inspect old plugs for wear patterns and electrode gap. Check new spark plug gaps (should be pre-gapped to 0.028-0.031 inches). Apply small amount of dielectric grease to spark plug boots. Install new spark plugs hand-tight, then torque to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) using torque wrench. Reinstall ignition coils and torque mounting bolts to specification.⚠Do not over-torque spark plugs in aluminum cylinder heads. Use calibrated torque wrench and do not exceed specified torque.Torque specSensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 5Replace air filtersOpen hood and locate air filter housing on driver side of engine bay. Release air box clips and remove upper housing. Remove old engine air filter and inspect housing for debris. Vacuum out any dirt or debris from air box. Install new engine air filter ensuring proper seating. Reinstall upper housing and secure clips to specification. Access cabin air filter behind glove box by removing filter access panel. Slide out old cabin filter (note airflow direction arrow). Install new cabin filter with airflow arrow pointing correct direction. Reinstall access panel.Torque specAir Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 6Clean throttle bodyDisconnect air intake duct from throttle body by loosening clamp. Spray throttle body cleaner on clean microfiber cloth (never spray directly into throttle body on electronic throttle systems). Carefully wipe throttle plate and bore, removing carbon deposits. Do not force throttle plate open manually. Allow to dry completely before reconnecting air duct. Tighten intake duct clamp securely.⚠Do not spray cleaner directly into electronic throttle body. Liquid can damage throttle position sensor.
- 7Drain and refill coolant systemEnsure engine is completely cool. Remove coolant reservoir cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate coolant drain petcock on lower radiator tank or remove lower radiator hose at radiator. Drain coolant into appropriate container. Close drain valve or reinstall hose with new clamp. Using vacuum fill tool attached to coolant reservoir, draw vacuum on cooling system to -0.8 bar and hold for 2 minutes to check for leaks. Open Maserati OAT coolant container and allow vacuum to draw coolant into system. Fill to MAX mark on reservoir. Run engine to operating temperature with heater on full hot to purge air from system. Top off coolant as needed and verify no leaks.⚠️Never open coolant system when hot. Pressurized coolant can cause severe burns.⚠Twin turbo V6 cooling system requires vacuum fill method to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating.
- 8Flush and refill brake fluidUsing brake fluid bleeder or manual bleeding method, start at right rear caliper and work forward (RR, LR, RF, LF sequence). Remove old DOT 4 fluid until fresh clear fluid emerges. Monitor master cylinder reservoir constantly and refill as needed to prevent air entry. Repeat process at each wheel. Fill reservoir to MAX line with DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid. Pump brake pedal to verify firm pedal feel.⚠Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Use fresh fluid from sealed container and do not reuse old fluid.⚠Do not allow brake fluid to contact painted surfaces. It will damage paint.
- 9Inspect and service PCV systemInspect PCV valve and hoses for cracks or oil buildup. On twin turbo engines, check PCV hoses from valve covers to turbo inlet for condition. Replace PCV valve if clogged or rattles excessively when shaken. Clean or replace breather hoses as needed. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent boost leaks.ℹ️Compromised PCV system on turbocharged engines can cause oil consumption and boost pressure loss.
- 10Inspect belts and pulleysVisually inspect serpentine belt for cracks, glazing, or fraying. Check belt tension and condition of automatic tensioner. Inspect all pulleys for smooth operation and bearing noise. Spin alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor pulleys by hand to check for rough bearings. Replace belt if showing wear or if mileage exceeds manufacturer recommendation.ℹ️Serpentine belt failure on twin turbo engine can cause immediate overheating. Replace if any doubt about condition.
- 11Refill engine oilLower vehicle from jack stands. Using funnel, pour 5.5 quarts of Selenia Racing 10W-60 into engine oil fill port. Install oil fill cap. Start engine and let idle for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes for oil to drain into pan. Check oil level with dipstick and add oil as needed to reach FULL mark. Inspect under vehicle for any oil leaks from drain plug or filter.ℹ️High-performance 10W-60 oil is required for twin turbo V6 due to high temperatures. Do not substitute with conventional oil.
- 12Reinstall undertrays and perform systems checkReinstall all engine undertrays and secure with fasteners. Reinstall engine covers and secure clips. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Start engine and verify no warning lights. Check all fluid levels with engine at operating temperature. Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to verify smooth operation, proper boost delivery, and no leaks. After test drive, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for any leaks.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)Bracket Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all drain plugs are torqued to specification with new crush washers or seals
- Verify all electrical connectors on ignition coils are fully seated and locked
- Double-check that air intake system is fully sealed to prevent boost leaks
- Confirm all engine covers and undertrays are properly installed
- Verify battery is reconnected and all systems power up normally
Verification
- Check engine oil level with dipstick at operating temperature - should read at FULL mark
- Verify coolant level is at MAX mark on reservoir when cold
- Check transmission fluid level at operating temperature per ZF procedure
- Verify brake pedal is firm with no sponginess
- Start engine and verify no warning lights on dashboard
- Inspect under vehicle for any fluid leaks from drain plugs or filters
- Test drive vehicle and verify smooth acceleration, proper turbo boost, and no unusual noises
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner - should have no active codes
- Verify engine runs smoothly at idle and revs freely without hesitation
- After 50-100 miles, recheck all fluid levels and re-inspect for leaks