2005 Alfa Romeo GT wheel

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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
164
11. 5-MIXFunction select button:
– Call station no. 5
– Store station no. 5
– Random CD track playing
12. 4-RPTFunction select button:
– Call station no. 4
– Store station no. 4
– Continuous CD track playing
13. BN-ASRadio frequency range select
function (FM1, FM2, FMT,
MW, LW) - Autostore
14. SRC-SCOperating mode select button
Radio - Compact Disc - CD-
Changer and Scan function
(hearing stations in se-
quence)
15. 3-IIFunction select button:
– Call station no. 3
– Store station no. 3
– CD playing pause
16. 2-CLRFunction select button:
– Call station no. 2
– Store station no. 2
– CLR function (CD track stor-
age clearing)17. 1-TPMFunction select button:
– Call station no. 1
– Store station no. 1
– TPM function (storing CD
playing sequence)
18. AUD-LDSound function select button:
bass tones, treble tones,
right/left and front/rear bal-
ancing and Loudness (ex-
cluding versions with HI-FI
BOSE sound system)
19. VOL-Volume lowering button
20. ON-
zFunction select button:
– Set on/off
– Mute on/off
21. VOL+Volume highering button
CONTROLS ON THE STEERING
WHEEL
(fig. 155)
The main radio function controls are re-
peated on the steering wheel, to allow eas-
ier control.
1.Volume increase button
2.Volume decrease button
3.Mute button
4.Radio frequency range select button
(FM1, FM2, FMT, MW, LW) and avail-
able sources (Radio - Compact Disc - CD-
Changer)
5.Multifunction button:
– Radio: call preset stations (from 1 to
6)
– Compact Disc player: select next piece
fig. 155
A0A0640b

Never push, tow or
coast start the vehicle.
This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalyst damaging
it irreversibly.
Remember that the
engine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort
than usual is needed on the brake
pedal and steering wheel.CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
202
For cars with tur-
bocharger in particular,
but for all cars in general,
sharp accelerating should be
avoided before switching the
engine off.
A “kick” on the accelerator
serves no purpose, consumes fuel
pointlessly and may cause seri-
ous damage to the turbocharger
impeller bearings.EMERGENCY STARTING
If the Alfa Romeo CODE system does not
recognise the code transmitted by the igni-
tion key (warning light
Yon the instru-
ment cluster glowing on steadily) emer-
gency starting may be carried out using
the code of the CODE card.
For the correct procedure see the chapter
“In an emergency”.
IMPORTANTIf the engine turns off
with the vehicle on the move, the next
time it is started, the Alfa Romeo CODE
warning light may turn on(
Y). In this
case, check that switching off and starting
the engine again with the vehicle station-
ary, the warning light stays off. If not, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
ENGINE SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and wait
until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and switch off the engine.
IMPORTANTAfter a tiring journey it is
advisable to let the engine “get its breath
back” allowing it to idle a while to lower
the temperature in the engine compart-
ment.

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
208
It is necessary therefore to limit their use
to the purposes for which they are certified.
IMPORTANTWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the vehicle
(increased by 5%), place a notice in the
passenger’s compartment, plainly in the dri-
ver’s view, which states the maximum per-
missible speed of the winter tyres (as per
CE Directive).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four
wheels (brand and profile) to ensure high-
er driving safety when braking and good
handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres. WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for dri-
ving on snow and ice, to be fitted in
replacement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as nor-
mal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of the
tyre most suited to the use the Customer
intends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and specifications of winter
tyres, follow the instructions given in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are
reduced considerably when the tread
depth is below 4 mm. In this case, they
should be replaced.
Due to the winter features, under normal
conditions of use or long motorway jour-
neys, the performance of these tyres is
lower than that of normal tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations.
For versions 1.8 T. SPARK, 2.0
JTS and 1.9 JTD, tyre 195/60 R15 can
be fitted with snow chains (use snow chains
with reduced size with max. protrusion be-
yond the tyre profile of 12 mm), whereas
tyres 205/60 R15 - 205/55 R16 -
205/55 ZR16 - 215/45 R17 - 215/45
ZR17 - 225/40 ZR18 cannot be fitted with
snow chains.
On version 3.2
V6, tyres 215/45
R17” and 215/45 ZR 17” can only be fit-
ted with chains of the spiker spider type
whereas tyres 225/45 ZR17 - 225/40
ZR18 cannot be fitted with snow chains.
Snow chains SPIKES SPIDER COMPACT
(model 17003 compact) with 9 spikes with
16 mm adjustable length and 17 inch wheel
cap adapter are available at Lineaccessori
Alfa Romeo.
Snow chains should only be applied to
the drive wheels (front).
Before purchasing or using snow chains,
you are recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Check the tensions of the chain after the
first few metres have been driven.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
209
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted.
Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements to
prevent damaging the tyres, sus-
pension and steering. Remember
that with snow chains fitted the
brake distance will increase.
VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle is to be left inactive for
long periods, the following precautions
should be noted:
– House the vehicle under cover in a dry
and possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Check that the handbrake is not
engaged.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by
protective wax.
– Cover the rubber windscreen and
rearscreen wiper blades with talcum pow-
der and raise them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5
bars above normal. If possible rest the
tyres on wooden planks and periodically
check the pressure.
– Do not turn on the electronic alarm
system.– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal (–) from the battery and check the
battery charge. This check should be
repeated once a month during stowage.
Charge the battery if the loadless voltage
is below 12,5V.
– Do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.
– Cover the vehicle with a fabric or per-
forated plastic cover. Do not use compact
plastic covers which prevent the humidity
on the surface of the vehicle from evapo-
rating. Snow chains cannot be
fitted to the compact
spare wheel. So, if a front
(drive) wheel is punctured and
chains are needed, a rear wheel
should be fitted to the front of
the vehicle (inflate the tyres to
the specified pressure as soon as
possible) and the spare wheel
should be fitted to the rear. This
way, with two normal drive
wheels, snow chains can be fitted
to them to solve an emergency.
With snow chains fitted
it is advisable to turn off
the ASR system. Press
the ASR-OFF button, led on but-
ton on.

IN AN EMERGENCY
212
STARTING BY INERTIA
If the car is equipped with “Kit for tyre
repair Fix&Go“, see the instructions con-
tained in the following chapter.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
As an alternative to FIX & GO, the com-
pact spare wheel or a wheel with the nor-
mal size can be supplied upon request;
wheel changing and correct use of the
jack and compact spare wheel call for
some precautions as listed below.
IN THE EVENT OF A PUNCTURE
Never push, tow or
coast start the vehicle.
This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalyst damaging
it irreversibly.
Remember that the
engine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort
than usual is needed on the brake
pedal and steering wheel.
Signal the presence of
the stationary vehicle
according to current regu-
lations: hazard warning lights,
reflecting triangle etc..
Any passengers should leave
the car and wait for the wheel to
be changed out of harm of the
traffic.
If parked on a slope or rough
surface, chock the wheels with
wedges or other suitable devices
to prevent the car from rolling.
Never start the engine
with the car jacked.
When driving with a
trailer, disconnect the trailer
before raising the car.
The compact spare wheel is spe-
cific to your car, do not use it on
other models, or use the spare
wheel of other models on your
vehicle.
Should the type of wheels used
be changed (alloy rims instead of
steel), it is also necessary to
change the whole set of fastening
bolts with others of suitable size.
The compact spare wheel is nar-
rower than normal wheels, it
should be used only for the dis-
tance necessary to reach a service
point to have the punctured tyre
repaired and, during its use, the
car speed must not exceed 80
km/h.

IN AN EMERGENCY
213
The spare wheel has a
sticker that summarises
the main cautions for use
and limitations. The sticker
should never be removed or cov-
ered. The sticker contains the fol-
lowing in four languages:
CAUTION! FOR TEMPORARY
USE ONLY! MAX 80 km/h!
REPLACE BY NORMAL WHEEL AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT
COVER THIS LABEL IN USE.
Never fit a wheel cap on a com-
pact spare wheel.
The vehicle will handle differ-
ently with the spare wheel fitted:
avoid heavy braking and acceler-
ating, sharp corners and fast
bends.The life of the spare
wheel is approx. 3000
km, after this distance it
should be replaced with another
of the same type.
Never attempt to fit a conven-
tional tyre on a rim designed for
use as a compact spare wheel.
Have the punctured wheel
repaired and refitted as soon as
possible.
Two or more compact spare
wheels should never be used
together.
Do not grease the threads of
bolts before installing them; they
might slip out.
The jack only serves for chang-
ing wheels on the car with which
it is provided or on cars of the
same model. It must not be used
for other purposes such as for
instance raising cars of other
models. In no case should it be
used for repairs under the vehi-
cle.
Incorrect positioning of the jack
may cause the jacked vehicle to
fall.
Do not use the jack for higher
capacities than stated on its
label.Snow chains cannot be
fitted on the compact
spare wheel, so, if a front
wheel is punctured and chains
need to be used, the front axle
should be fitted with normal
wheels and the compact spare
wheel fitted to the rear. This
way, with two normal wheels at
the front, snow chains can be fit-
ted thereby solving the emer-
gency situation.
Never tamper with the inflation
valve.
Do not insert tools of any kind
between the rim and the tyre.
Check, and if necessary, restore
the pressure of the tyres and of
the compact spare wheel to the
values given in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter.