GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
143
CELL PHONE
PROVISION
The car may be fitted with a provision for
installing a cell phone.
The mobile phone provision consists of:
– radio + cell phone dual-purpose anten-
na;
– connection and supply cables with spe-
cific connector for connecting hands-free kit.
ODDMENT RECESSES ON
CENTRE CONSOLE
(fig. 141)
On the centre console, at the side of the
hand brake lever, depending on the versions,
the following recesses are provided:
– can holder (B);
– magnetic card or toll ticket holder (C);
– pen or pencil holder (D);
– coin holder (E).
SUN VISORS (fig. 142)
The visors can be directed at the front and
side.
Behind, the visors have a courtesy mirror
with a light at the side(A). To use, open the
cover (B).
The lights allow use of the mirrors with dim
light.
The passenger’s sun visor has a symbol
concerning correct use of a child’s seat in the
presence of the passenger’s air bag. For fur-
ther details, refer to the passenger’s front
air bag paragraph.
fig. 141
A0A0118b
fig. 142
A0A0121b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
146
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 (see “Ex-
tending the luggage compartment” in the
chapter “Getting to know you car”):
– tilt the rear seat cushions;
– tilt the backrests;
– - pull the string to unlock (A-fig. 146)
(the string is in the tailgate imprint on the
right).
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. 145)
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.
fig. 145
A0A0637b
fig. 146
A0A0658b
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 147)
The loads carried may be secured with
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
THE 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. 147
A0A0638b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
148
Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
For safety reasons the
bonnet shall always be
perfectly closed when trav-
elling. Always check for proper
bonnet locking. If the bonnet is left
inadvertently open, stop the car
immediately and close the bonnet.
To close:
– lower the bonnet until approx. 20 cm
from the engine compartment and then let
it drop, ensuring it is fully closed and not just
held in position by the safety catch.
If the bonnet does not close properly do
not push it down but open it again and re-
peat the above procedure.
HEADLIGHTS
The adjustment of the headlights is vital to
your safety and comfort and to that of oth-
er road users.
The adjustment of the headlights is also
governed by precise regulations.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the headlights correctly adjusted.
IMPORTANTThe headlight inner sur-
face may get slightly misted: this does not
mean it is faulty; it is a natural phenome-
non due to low temperature and the air hu-
midity level. Misting will disappear as soon
as the headlights are turned on. The pres-
ence of water drops inside the headlight in-
dicates water infiltration: contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
COMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 150)
When the vehicle is loaded, the beam from
the headlights is raised due to the back-
wards tilt of the vehicle.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– press the arrow on the button (
A), to
increase by one position (e.g.:0
➟1➟2➟
3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), this will low-
er by one position (e.g.:3
➟2➟1➟0);
The display (B) in the tachometer shows
the positions while adjustment is being ma
fig. 150
A0A0093b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
149
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes.
fig. 152
A0A0199b
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartmentHEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 152)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the ve-
hicle is marketed. In countries with opposite
circulation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehi-
cles it is necessary to cover the area of the
headlights as shown below; this is done us-
ing non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustration refers to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
fig. 151
A0A00677b
IMPORTANTThe compensation for tilt of
Xenon headlights (if fitted) is carried out au-
tomatically and therefore in the versions fitted
with this type of headlights the aiming de-
vice is not present (fig. 151).
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
151
Always take due care when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the
pressure, but keep the pedal firm-
ly pressed with no fear; this way
you will stop in the least space
possible, compatibly with the con-
ditions of the road surface.
Following these instructions you will be
in the best braking condition under all cir-
cumstances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors.The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andx
warning lights turn on simultane-
ously with the engine running, this
indicates an EBD system failure; in
this case with sharp braking the
rear wheels might lock too early,
with the possibility of skidding.
Driving extremely carefully, go to
the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system
checked.
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally in-
dicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system checked
over, driving in such a way as to
avoid sharp braking.
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immedi-
ately and contact the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. Any
loss of fluid from the hydraulic sys-
tem will negatively affect the op-
eration of the braking system be it
of the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
If the compact spare wheel
is used, operation of the
ABS system is cut off and
the
>warning light on the instru-
ment cluster turns on.
IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn
on when starting the engine and go off af-
ter starting. This should not be considered
as a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
155
ASR system
failure warning
In the event of a fault, the ASR system
switches off automatically and the
Vwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on,
together with the message on the reconfig-
urable multifunction display.
In the event of an ASR system operating
failure, the car behaves in the same way
as a car that is not fitted with this system:
in any case, it is advisable to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as soon as pos-
sible.
MSR SYSTEM
(Engine drive adjustment)
The car is fitted with a special system, in-
tegral with the ASR system, that in case of
sudden gear shifting, cuts in providing torque
to the engine thus preventing excessive dri-
ving wheel drive that, specially in poor grip
conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board Di-
agnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of the
components of the car correlated with emis-
sions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light
Uon the instrument panel
(on some versions together with the mes-
sage + symbol on the reconfigurable multi-
function display) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”), when these condi-
tions are no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
– to keep the system efficiency under con-
trol;
– to warn when a fault causes emission
levels to increase;
– to warn of the need to replace deterio-
rated components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropriate
tools, which makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis. This
check can also be carried out by the traffic
police. During use of the compact
spare wheel, the ASR func-
tion is cut off and the
V
warning light on the instrument
cluster turns on glowing steadily
together with the message on the
reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play.
For correct operation of
the ASR system the tyres
must absolutely be of the
same brand and type on all wheels,
in perfect conditions and, above all,
of the specified type, brand and
size.
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on snow
with snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR device off: in fact, in these condi-
tions, slipping of the driving wheels when
moving off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.
Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
Always remove the igni-
tion key when leaving the vehicle
and take it with you.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when
the engine is not running.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
203
PARKING
When the vehicle is parked, proceed as
follows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the vehicle is faced
uphill or reverse if the vehicle is facing
downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the vehi-
cle will immediately come to a halt if the
handbrake slips.
REDUCING RUNNING
COSTS AND
ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save vehicle running costs
and reduce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance
have the checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Maintenance Programme”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely
at an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the
boot. The weight of the vehicle (especial-
ly in urban traffic), and its geometry heav-
ily affect consumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rearscreen heating, addi-
tional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further
load bearing heavily on the engine induc-
ing higher consumption levels(up to
+20% on average). Outside temperature
permitting, preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
204
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts
do not allow the engine to reach optimum
operating temperature. This results in a
significant increase in consumption levels
(from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emission of harmful substances.
Traffic situations and road
conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied
to situations with heavy traffic, for exam-
ple in queues with frequent use of the
lower gears or in cities with many traffic
lights. Also winding mounting roads and
rough road surfaces adversely affect con-
sumption.
Stopping in the traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level cross-
ings) it is advisable to switch the engine
off.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at
a standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up
much more slowly, increasing electrical
consumption and emissions. It is therefore
advisable to move off immediately, slow-
ly, avoiding high speeds. This way the
engine will warm faster.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traf-
fic lights or before switching off the
engine. This and also double declutching is
absolutely pointless on modern cars and
also increase consumption and pollution.
Gearshifting
As soon as the conditions of the traffic
and road allow, use a higher gear.
Using a low gear to obtain brilliant per-
formance increases consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Maintain an even as possible
speed, avoiding superfluous braking and
accelerating, which cost in terms of both
fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating heavily taking the engine to
a high speed has a considerably adverse
effect on consumption and emission lev-
els; it is wise to accelerate gradually and
not exceed the maximum torque.