2005 Alfa Romeo 147 ESP

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
113
STARTING THE ENGINE
The engine can be started either with a
gear engaged or in neutral (N) provided
that the brake pedal is fully depressed.
IMPORTANTIf the brake pedal is not
depressed, the starter motor will not turn,
thus preventing the engine from being start-
ed.
After starting, the gearbox sets to neutral
automatically, the reconfigurable multifunc-
tion display shows the letter (N) and the
system selects the semiautomatic operating
mode (manual).
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
AND SYSTEM DEACTIVATION
Turning the ignition key to STOPthe en-
gine turns off but the Selespeed system is
still active waiting for the car to stop com-
pletely. After about 2 - 4 seconds from when
the key has been moved to STOP, the hy-
draulic part is deactivated and the reconfig-
urable multifunction display is turned off im-
mediately afterwards; at this point is the Se-
lespeed system deactivated.
The gear selected before switching off the
engine remains engaged.
If the engine is stopped with the gearbox
in neutral (N), the buzzer calls the driver’s
attention so that the car can be put in safe-
ty conditions engaging first gear (1) or re-
verse (R). In this case, the ignition key
should be turned to MARand with the
brake pedal pressed, engage first gear (1)
or reverse (R).
IMPORTANTIf the engine is stopped
with the CITYmode engaged, this will be
stored by the system. Indeed, the next time
the engine is started, this condition will still
be active.IMPORTANTShould the engine go off
with the car on the move, the next time it
is started the Alfa Romeo CODE warning
light (Y) may come on. In this case check
that the warning light goes off turning the
engine off and on again with the vehicle sta-
tionary. If not contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.
NEVER leave the car with
the gears in neutral (N).
WARNING
Never remove the ignition
key when the car is mov-
ing. In addition to the fact that the
Selespeed system would not work
properly up to stopping the car, the
steering wheel would lock auto-
matically the first time it is turned.
WARNING
If the engine fails to start
with the gear engaged, the
driver is informed of the potential-
ly dangerous situation due to the
fact that the gearbox is in neutral
by the buzzer and by the reconfig-
urable multifunction display.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
114
MOVING THE CAR
With the engine on and the car stationary,
the gears that can be engaged for moving
off are only first (1), second (2) and/or
reverse (R).
To shift gears, keep the brake pedal
pressed and use only the lever on the cen-
tre console since the stalks on the steering
wheel can be only operated if the car speed
exceeds 10 km/h.IMPORTANTReverse gear (R) can be
engaged from any of the following other ra-
tios: neutral (N), first (1) or second (2).
If the car is moving, the request is not ac-
cepted, it is necessary to wait for the car
to stop completely and request the en-
gagement of reverse again (R).
The driver is informed of the reverse gear
engaged condition by the reconfigurable
multifunction display on the instrument clus-
ter and by the intermittent sound of a
buzzer.
IMPORTANTIf when shifting from re-
verse (R)➞first (1) or neutral (N)➞first
(1) sticking occurs on first gear, the system
automatically engages second gear (2).
This is not to be considered as a fault as it
is part of the operating logic. For the same
reason, in the case of sticking on reverse
gear, the system partially closes the clutch
to allowgear engagement; in this case the
engagement of reverse gear (R) will not be
as smooth as usual.Moving off of the car is obtained:
1) releasing the brake pedal;
2) gradually pressing the accelerator pedal.
The more the accelerator is pressed the
higher the pickup torque.
When the ASR system is off (through the
relevant ASR OFF button) max pickup is ob-
tained (“sprint" starting)
It is absolutely necessary
to turn off the engine and
then turn off the Selespeed system
keeping the brake pedal pressed:
ONLY release the pedal when the
reconfigurable multifunction display
on the cluster has gone out.
WARNING
After a request to shift
gear with the car station-
ary, before pressing the accelera-
tor pedal to make the car move,
the driver must always check the
display to see that the gear en-
gaged is the one required.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
115
WARNINGS
– With the car stopped and a gear en-
gaged always keep the brake pedal pressed
until deciding to move off;
– during prolonged halts with the engine
running it is advisable to keep the gearbox in
neutral;
– when the car is parked facing uphill, do
not use the moving off manoeuvre to keep
the car still; use the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal only when deciding to
move off;
– use second gear onlywhen more con-
trol is needed for moving off manoeuvres at
low speed;
– if, in reverse gear, first gear is engaged
or vice versa, shift gear only when the car
is stopped completely and with the brake
pedal pressed.
Though highly unadvisable, if when trav-
elling downhill for some unexpected reason
the car is set to neutral (N), when the en-
gagement of a gear is requested the system
automatically engages the best gear in re-
lation to the speed of the car to allow the
correct transmission of torque to the wheels.When travelling downhill with a gear en-
gaged and the accelerator released (if the
vehicle is moving), beyond a pre-established
speed, the system engages the clutch au-
tomatically to give the car adequate engine
braking.
For safety reasons the Selespeed system
activates the buzzer when:
– clutch overheating occurs while the ve-
hicle is being started; in this case it is nec-
essary to “force” starting avoiding hesita-
tion or, if the car is on a slope, release the
accelerator and use the brake pedalto stop
the car;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged, (e.g.: it moves for-
wards with reverse gear engaged; in this sit-
uation it is necessary to stop the car and en-
gage the correct gear, keeping the brake
pedal pressed.
Still due to safety reasons, with the car sta-
tionary, the engine running and gear (1),
(2) or (R) engaged, the system activates
the buzzer and automatically shifts to neu-
tral (N) when:
– no action is made on the accelerator
and/or brake pedals for at least 3 minutes;
– the brake is pressed for over 10 minutes;
– the driver’s door is opened and the ac-
celerator and brake are not touched for at
least 1 second.
STOPPING THE CAR
To stop the car, simply release the accel-
erator pedal and, if necessary press the
brake pedal.
Regardless of the gear engaged and the
operating mode activated (MANUALor
CITY) the system automatically disengages
the clutch and shifts to a lower gear.
If deciding to move off again without hav-
ing stopped the car completely, the most
suitable ratio will be available for acceler-
ating again.
Stopping the car the system automatical-
ly engages first gear (1).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
116fig. 105
A0A0098m
fig. 104
A0A0097m
fig. 106
A0A0096m
OPERATION
The gearbox can work in two operating
modes:
– the first is semiautomatic (MANUAL),
in which the driver directly decides when to
shift gear.
– the second is completely automatic
(CITY), in which the system decides di-
rectly when to shift gear according to the
type of driving.
TheCITYmode can be selected by press-
ing the specific button CITYon the gearbox
lever knob; when this mode is selected, the
CITY sign appears on the display.
SEMIAUTOMATIC OPERATION
(MANUAL)
In the operating mode, the reconfigurable
multifunction display on the cluster shows
the gear engaged.
In this operating mode, the decision to
change gear is left to the driver who decides
the most appropriate moment.
The requests to change gear may take
place through:
– the control lever on the centre console
(A-fig. 104);
– steering wheel stalks (fig. 105),
which can be operated only when the car
speed exceeds 2 km/h.TheMANUALoperating mode is set
when, with the CITYmode selected, the
CITYbutton(A-fig. 106) is pressed
again, excluding the previously selected
mode.
When changing gear it is not necessary
to release the accelerator pedal because the
Selespeed system directly controls the en-
gine in such a way as to:
– reduce and then increase engine torque;
– adapt the engine speed to the latest
gear engaged.
When downshifting, the engine is accel-
erated automatically to bring it to the speed
necessary with the new gear ratio.
The neutral command (N) is accepted un-
til the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h. The
reverse gear engagement command (R) is
accepted only if the vehicle is stationary.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
117
In the “MANUAL” operating mode there
are certain automatic/security devices which
simplify driving:
– when slowing down the clutch is opened
and the transmission ratio is automatically
reduced to be ready for picking up again;
otherwise, when the car is stopped, the
gearbox will automatically be in firstgear
(1);
– requests to change gear that would take
the engine to above maximum speed or be-
low minimum speed are not accepted;
– if jamming occurs during gear engage-
ment, the system firstly tries to engage the
gear required again and, if it is still not pos-
sible, it automatically engages the imme-
diately higher one to avoid leaving the car
inneutral.
IMPORTANTIt is advisable to wait for
the end of a gear shifting operation before
requesting another one, to avoid multiple
requests in rapid succession.AUTOMATIC OPERATION (CITY)
The automatic operating mode CITYis se-
lected pressing button (A-fig. 106) at the
base of the gearshift lever.
In addition to the gear, the reconfigurable
multifunction display shows the word CITY
(fig. 99).
The system decides directly when gearshift-
ing according to the engine running speed
and the driving style.
Releasing the accelerator pedal quickly, the
system does not engage a higher gear in or-
der to maintain an adequate level of engine
brake.
FAILURE WARNING
Failures of the Selespeed gearbox are shown
by the
twarning light (fig. 100) con-
nected with the associated failure message,
both shown on the display.
When the system is turned on (turning the
ignition key to MAR), the warning light
should turn on glowing steadily for about
4 seconds and then turn off.If the warning light stays on it means that
a fault to the gearbox has been detected; at
the same time a buzzer sounds intermit-
tently for 4 seconds to attract the driver's
attention.
In the case of a fault to the gearshift con-
trol lever, the system automatically engages
the automatic operating mode CITYto
make it possible to reach the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service to have the fault
eliminated.
In the case of a fault to other gearbox com-
ponents, the system only allows the en-
gagement of certain gears: first gear (1),
second gear (2) and reverse (R).
If warning light tand
the message appear on the
display, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services as soon as pos-
sible to have the fault eliminated.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
120
FRONT ROOF LIGHT (fig. 110)
The roof light comprises two courtesy lights
with corresponding control switch.
IMPORTANTWhen a door is opened
the roof light turns on and timing of about
3 minutes is activated automatically, after
which it goes off; closing the doors (within
the 3 minutes) a second timing of about 7
seconds is activated to allow vehicle start-
ing.IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOPturning the roof light on is only pos-
sible for 15 minutes; after which, the sys-
tem turns it off to avoid draining the battery.
IMPORTANTBefore leaving the car,
make sure that both switches are in the cen-
tral position. By so doing, the roof lights will
turn off when the doors are closed. Forget-
ting a door open the lights will turn off au-
tomatically after a few seconds. Unlocking the doors using the remote con-
trol, the roof light turns on gradually and tim-
ing is activated automatically for about 15
seconds. Locking the doors with the remote
control the roof light turns off gradually.
The lights are turned off moving the igni-
tion key to MAR(with the doors closed).
With switch (A) in the central position
(1), both lights are turned on when a door
is opened.
Pressing switch (A) to the left (position
0), the lights stay off (OFFposition).
Pressing switch (A) to the right (position
2) both lights stay on.
Switch (B) turns the lights on individual-
ly.
Pressing switch (B) to the left (position
0) the left light is turned on. Pressing the
switch to the right (position 2) the right light
is turned on.
With switch (B) in the central position (po-
sition1) the lights stay off.
fig. 110
A0A0111m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
127fig. 123
A0A0125m
IMPORTANTIf the car is fitted with a
safety anti-crushing system, after locking the
doors, keeping the corresponding remote
control button pressed for about 2 seconds,
triggers automatic closing of the roof and
windows. The button should be pressed un-
til the roof and windows have completed
their stroke; releasing the button sooner, the
windows and roof will stop in the position
they are in at that moment.
When leaving the vehicle
the ignition key should be
removed to prevent the sunroof
from being operated inadvertently
and harming anyone remaining in
the vehicle.
WARNINGOn all versions, after releasing the doors,
keeping the corresponding remote control
button pressed for about 2 seconds, obtains
opening of the roof and windows.
RAISING AT THE REAR
With the ignition key at MARturn the
control knob (A-fig. 124), in the direc-
tion of the arrow, choosing one of the three
opening positions available.
To close the roof, move the control knob
(A) to the centre position.
EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the electrical control device does not
work the sunroof can be operated manual-
ly as follows:
– apply leverage in the points shown by
the arrows and remove the plate (A-
fig. 125);
– insert a special Allen wrench in the seat
(B) with hexagon slot;
– then turn the wrench clockwise to open
the roof or counter-clockwise to close.
fig. 124
A0A0124m
fig. 125
A0A0126m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
129fig. 128
A0A0132m
TAILGATE CLOSING
To lock, push in correspondence with the
Alfa Romeo badge to lower tailgate, until
you feel the click of the lock.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
LIGHTING
(fig. 128)
When the tailgate is opened the light turns
on automatically (A) in the right-hand side
of the boot. Closing the tailgate, the light
turns off automatically.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOP, opening the tailgate, turning on the
light will only be possible for 15 minutes;
after which the system turns it off to avoid
draining the battery.
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 130)
The loads carried may be secured straps
hooked to the special rings (A) in the boot.
The rings also serve for fastening the lug-
gage restrainer, if present (in any case avail-
able c/o Alfa Romeo Authorised Services).
CAUTIONS FOR CARRYING
LUGGAGE
Travelling at night with a load in the boot
it is necessary to adjust the height of the low
beam headlights (see next paragraph
“Headlights” in this chapter). For correct use
of the aiming device, also make sure that
the load does not exceed the values given
in the same paragraph.
fig. 130
A0A0133m
fig. 129
A0A0373m
EMERGENCY OPENING
OF TAILGATE
To succeed in opening the tailgate from the
inside, should the car battery be flat, or be-
cause of a defect of the electric lock of the
tailgate itself, proceed as follows (refer to
“Extending the Luggage Compartment” in
the chapter “Getting to know your car”):
– remove rear headrests;
– tilt the rear seat cushions;
– tilt the backrests;
Operate on lever (A-fig. 129) as shown,
to achieve the tailgate mechanical release,
operating from the inside of the luggage
compartment.