2005 Alfa Romeo GT maintenance

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
267
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
(fig.17)
Regularly check that the spray jets are
intact and clean.
If it is necessary to direct the jet, contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salty air and humidity (coastal areas,
or hot humid climates)
– seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the
abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric
dust and sand and mud and gravel raised
by other vehicles.
On your car Alfa Romeo has implement-
ed the best manufacturing technologies to
effectively protect the bodywork against
corrosion.
fig. 17
A0A0704b
These include:
– Painting products and systems which
give the vehicle particular resistance to
corrosion and abrasion.
– Use of galvanised (or pretreated)
steel sheets, with high resistance to corro-
sion.
– Spraying of the underbody, engine
compartment, wheel arches and other
parts with highly protective wax products.
– Spraying of plastic parts, with a pro-
tective function, in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner wheel arch lin-
ings, etc.
– Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of mois-
ture from triggering rust inside.
VEHICLE EXTERIOR AND
UNDERBODY WARRANTY
Alfa GTis guaranteed against perfo-
ration due to rust of any original element
of the structure or body. For the general
terms of this warranty, refer to the
Warrantly Booklet.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
268
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the
vehicle should be washed
in areas equipped for collecting
and purifying the liquid used in
the washing process.Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substances many species
release give the paint a dull appearance
and increase the possibility of triggering
the rust processes.
IMPORTANTBird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
To correctly wash the car:
1) Remove the aerial from the roof to pre-
vent damage to it if the car is washed in
an automatic system.
2) Spray the vehicle with a low pressure
jet of water.
3) Pass a sponge moistened with a light
detergent solution, rinsing the sponge fre-
quently.
4) Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with
the less visible parts like door surrounds,
bonnet and around the headlights where
water may stagnate. The vehicle should
not be taken to a closed area immediate-
ly, but left in the open so that residual
water can evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has been
left in the sun or with the bonnet hot: this
may alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle. ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
The paintwork does not only serve an
aestethic purpose but also protects the
underlying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores,
you are advised to have the necessary
touching up carried out immediately to
avoid the formation fo rust.
Only original products should be used for
touching up paint (see “Body paint identi-
fication plate” in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the
conditions and environment of use. For
example, in highly polluted areas, or if the
roads are sprayed with salt, it is wise to
wash the car more frequently.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
269
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed,
without directing the jet against electronic
control units. Contact a specialised work-
shop to have this done.
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the en-
gine compartment should
be washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid
used in the washing process.
IMPORTANTThe vehicle should be
washed with the engine cold and the igni-
tion key at STOP. After washing make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rubber
caps and various covers) have not been
damaged or removed. Windows
Use specific products to clean the win-
dows. Use clean cloths to avoid scratching
or altering the transparency of the glass.
IMPORTANTThe inside of the
rearscreen should be wiped gently with a
cloth in the direction of the filaments to
avoid damaging the heating device.
Front headlights
IMPORTANTDo not use aromatic sub-
stances (e.g. petroleum) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) to clean the front headlight plas-
tic transparents.
Never use inflammable
products like fuel oil ether
or rectified petrol for
cleaning inside the car. The elec-
trostatic charges generated when
rubbing to clean may cause fire.
INTERIOR FITTINGS
Periodically check that water is not
trapped under the mats (due to water drip-
ping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which
could cause oxidisation on the sheet metal.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
– Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner
to remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if
the brush is moistened.
– Rub the seat with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral deter-
gent.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
270
Do not keep aerosol cans
in the car. They might
explode. Aerosol cans
must never be exposed to a tem-
perature above 50°C. The tem-
perature inside the car exposed
to the sun may go well beyond
that figure.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS
– Remove dried on dirt with a lightly
moistened chamois leather or cloth with-
out pressing too hard.
– Remove liquid and grease stains with
a dry absorbent cloth without rubbing.
Then wipe with a soft cloth or chamois
leather with water and neutral soap. If the
stain persists, use specific products, care-
fully following the instructions for use.
IMPORTANTNever use alcohol. Make
sure that cleaning products do not contain
alcohol and alcohol derivatives even at
low strength.
STEERING WHEEL/GEAR LEVER
KNOB WITH GENUINE
LEATHER COVERING
These components shall only be cleaned
with water and neutral soap. Never use spir-
it or alcohol-based products.
Before using special products for cleaning
interiors, read carefully label instructions and
indications to make sure they are free from
spirit and/or alcohol-based substances.
If when cleaning the windscreen with spe-
cial glass products, some drops fall on the
leather covering of the steering wheel/gear
lever knob remove them immediately and
then clean with water and neutral soap.
IMPORTANTTake the utmost care
when engaging the steering lock to prevent
scratching the leather covering.
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS
Clean plastic parts with a cloth
mositened with water and non-abrasive
neutral detergent. To remove grease or
hard stains, use appropriate products
designed to preserve the appearance of
components.
IMPORTANTNever use spirit or petro-
leum to clean the instrument panel or
other plastic parts.
Upholstery of your car has
been designed to withstand
wear deriving from com-
mon use of the car. You are how-
ever recommended to avoid strong
and/or continuous scratching with
clothing accessories such as metal-
lic buckles, studs, Velcro fastenings
and the like, since these items cause
circumscribed stress of the cover
fabric that could lead to yarn break-
ing, and damage the cover as a con-
sequence.

INDEX
291
I I
N N
D D
E E
X X
ABS system .............................. 150
Accessories purchased by the user .. 144
Additional stop light (third stop) .... 230
Air bags
- deactivating passenger’s air bag 40
- driver’s front air bag ................ 39
- front air bags ......................... 38
- general cautions ..................... 43
- passenger’s front air bag .......... 40
- side air bags
(side bag - window bag) .......... 41
Air cleaner .................................. 260
Air re-circulation .................... 105-120
Air vents ............................... 100-101
Alfa Romeo CODE ........................ 6
Armrest (front/rear) .............. 17-22
Ashtray (front/ rear) ............ 140 -141
ASR (system) ............................. 154
Battery ..................................... 261
- advice for preserving
the charge ............................. 263- checking the charge ................ 262
- replacement ........................... 263
- starting with an auxiliary
battery .................................. 211
Body marking/versions ......... 271-272
Bonnet ...................................... 147
Boot
- capacity ................................ 279
- extension .............................. 19
- lighting ................................. 146
- luggage net ........................... 22
- opening button ................ 124-145
- opening from inside ................ 145
- opening with remotecontro 18-145
- restraining the ........................ 146
- tailgate closing ....................... 146
- tailgate emergency opening ..... 146
- warnings for carrying luggage ... 146
Boot light
- changing bulbs ....................... 235
Brakes- checking fluid level
and topping up ....................... 258
- handbrake ............................. 126
- specifications ......................... 275
Braking lights (third stop) ............ 231
- changing bulbs ....................... 230
Bulbs replacement ....................... 221
Card holder ............................... 141
Cell phones (provision) ................ 143
Changing a wheel ....................... 212
Changing bulbs ........................... 222
Checking levels ........................... 253
Children (carrying safely) ............. 32
Cigar lighter ............................... 141
Cleaning and maintenance
- body ..................................... 268
- car interior ............................. 270
- engine compartment ............... 269
- fabric seats ............................ 270
- leather seats .......................... 270
- plastic parts ........................... 270

INDEX
293
- refuelling ............................... 198
Fuel consumption ........................ 286
Fuel flap .................................... 198
Fuses ........................................ 236
Gearbox lever ............................ 127
Getting to know your car.... 6
Glass holder ......................... 141-142
Glove compartment ..................... 138
Glove compartment light
- changing bulbs ....................... 234
Handbrake ................................ 126
Hazard warning lights .................. 124
Headlamp beam adjustment ......... 148
Headlight washers ................ 49-267
Headlights
- adjustment abroad .................. 148
- beam adjustment .................... 148
- changing bulbs ................. 221-224
- compensation for tilt ......... 148-149
Headrests (front/rear) .......... 18-21Horn ......................................... 52
Hoses ........................................ 265
Ignition device ............................ 14
Ignition switch and steering lock 14-15
In an emergency..................... 210
In the event of an accident ........... 246
Inertial fuel cut off switch ............. 125
Instrument cluster ................. 53-54
Instrument lighting adjustment ...... 59
Intelligent washing (windscreen) ... 47
Interior fittings ............................ 269
Interior lighting
- boot lighting .......................... 146
- dashboard lighting (rheostat) ... 59
- front lighting .................... 138-139
- rear lighting ........................... 140
Jack ......................................... 215
Levers (steering wheel) ............... 44
Lights ........................................ 44Load limiters (seat belts) ............. 29
Low beam headlights
- changing bulbs ................. 225-228
- switching on .................... 44-45
Luggage restrainer net ................. 22
Main beam headlights
- changing bulbs ................. 226-228
- switching on .......................... 45
Maintenance
- additional operations ............... 250
- annual inspection programme ... 250
- checking levels ....................... 253
- precautions and warnings ......... 251
- scheduled maintenance ........... 247
- scheduled maintenance
programme ............................ 248
Manual heater ............................ 102
Mechanical gearbox ..................... 127
Number plate lights
- changing bulbs ........................ 231

INDEX
294
Oddment recesses ...................... 138
Outside temperature ..................... 58
Paintwork
- colour label ............................ 272
Parking ...................................... 203
Parking sensor ............................ 123
Pockets on doors ......................... 142
Pollen filter ..................... 108-123-261
Power steering oil ....................... 258
Power windows .......................... 24
Pretensioners .............................. 28
Puddle lights .............................. 140
- changing bulbs ....................... 232
Radio transmitters
and cell phones ......................... 144
Radio with CD player ................... 156
Rain sensor ................................ 48
Raising the car
- with an arm lift ...................... 245
- with a workshop lift ................ 245
- with the jack .......................... 215
Rear ceiling light ......................... 140- changing bulbs ....................... 233
Rear fog guards
- changing bulbs ....................... 230
- switching on .......................... 125
Rear oddment pockets ................. 142
Rearview mirror .......................... 23
Reducing running costs
and environment pollution ......... 203
Refuelling
- specifications ......................... 282
Remote control
- additional remote controls ........ 11
- door opening-closing ............... 7
- tailgate opening ..................... 8
Rev counter ................................ 55
Reversing light
- changing bulbs ....................... 230
Roof rack (provision) ................... 150
Scheduled maintenance
programme .............................. 248
Seat belts .................................. 26
- carrying children safety ............ 31
- front belt height adjustment ..... 27
- general instructions ................. 29- load limiters ........................... 29
- maintenance .......................... 31
- pretensioners ......................... 28
- rear centre lap belt .................. 27
- use of belts ............................ 26
Seats, front ................................ 16
- adjustments ..................... 16-17
- centre armrest ........................ 17
- headrest ................................ 18
- heating ................................. 18
- rear pockets ........................... 18
- tilting the back rest ................. 17
Seats, rear ................................. 19
- boot extension ....................... 19
- centre armrest ........................ 22
- headrest. ............................... 21
Selespeed gearbox ...................... 128
Sidelights
- changing front bulbs ......... 225-228
- changing rear bulbs ................. 230
- switching on .......................... 45
Snow chains ............................... 208
Spray jets
- windscreen/rearscreen ............ 267

INDEX
295
Steering lock .............................. 15
Steering system
- adjustment lever ..................... 22
- technical specifications ............. 275
Steering wheel
- adjustment lever ..................... 22
- horn control ........................... 52
Sun visors .................................. 143
Suspensions (specifications) ......... 275
Tailgate
- opening from inside .......... 124-145
- opening with remote control 8-145
Technical specifications......... 271
Tools ......................................... 214
Towing the car ............................ 244
Towing trailers ............................ 205
Transmission ............................... 274
Tyres
- correct reading ....................... 276
- FIX&GO automatic .................. 217
- in the event of a puncture ........ 212
- inflating pressure .............. 279-304
- snow chains ........................... 208- types of tyres and rims ............ 278
- wear ..................................... 264
- winter ................................... 208
VDC system .............................. 152
Vehicle maintenance............. 247
Volumetric protection ................... 13
Warning lights .......................... 85
Washing the car
- engine compartment ............... 269
- exterior ................................. 268
- interior .................................. 270
Weights ..................................... 280
Wheels
- FIX&GO automatic .................. 217
- geometry .............................. 276
- replacement ........................... 214
- snow chains ........................... 208
- tyre inflating pressure ........ 279-304
- tyres and rims ........................ 278
- warnings ......................... 212-213
Windscreen washer
- operation ............................... 47- spray jets .............................. 267
Windscreen wiper
- blade replacement .................. 266
- operation ............................... 47
- rain sensor ............................. 48
- spray jets .............................. 266