GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
123
REAR ASHTRAYS (fig. 116)
For the rear passengers there are two con-
cealed ashtrays.
To use or remove pull in the direction of
the arrow.
CD COMPARTMENT
(fig. 117)(for versions/
markets where applicable)
To open the CD compartment, press it as
shown by the arrow.
CARD HOLDER RECESS AND
GLASS HOLDER
(fig. 117/a)
(for versions/markets where
applicable)
The interior fittings are completed by the
removable card holder recess(A) and glass
holder (B) located at the centre of the dash-
board. To use them, press as shown.
fig. 116
A0A0434m
Always ensure that the
cigar lighter has turned off.
fig. 117/a
A0A0116mfig. 117
A0A0515m
Do not use the ashtray as
waste paper basket: it
might set on fire in contact with
cigarette stubs.
WARNING
The cigar lighter gets ex-
tremely hot. Handle with
care and prevent its use by chil-
dren: danger of fire and/or burn-
ing.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
126
SLIDING FORWARDS/
BACKWARDS
With the ignition key at MARturn the
control knob (A-fig. 122), in the direc-
tion of the arrow, choosing one of the 6
opening positions available.
To close the roof, take the control knob
(A) to the centre position.
The sunroof is fitted with a sliding curtain
below, which prevents sun radiation and is
drawn by hand using a catch.
The curtain is drawn by the roof when it
opens and is pushed completely inside the
roof panel when the sunroof is opened com-
pletely. With the closing movement, it will
come out partially so that the hand catch
is accessible (fig. 123).
fig. 122
A0A0123m
SUNROOF RADIO
TRANSMITTERS
AND CELL PHONES
Cell phones and other radio transmitter de-
vices (CB for instance) may not be used in-
side the car, unless a separate aerial is used
fitted outside the car.
Moreover the transmission and reception
efficiency of these devices may be down-
graded by the screening effect of the car
body.
The use of cell phones, CB
transmitters or the like in-
side the passenger compartment
(without outside aerial) produces
radio frequency electromagnetic
fields which, amplified by the reso-
nance effects inside the passenger
compartment, may cause, besides
potential health hazards for the
passengers, also malfunctioning of
the electronic systems with which
the vehicle is fitted, such as engine
control unit, ABS/EBD control unit
etc., which could adversely affect
vehicle safety.
WARNING
Do not open the sunroof
with snow or ice on it:
damage may result.
WARNING
Open and close the sunroof
only with the vehicle sta-
tionary.
WARNING
Improper use of the sunroof
can be dangerous. Before
and while operating it, always
make sure that the passengers are
not exposed to the risk of harm
caused either directly by the sun-
roof in motion or by personal items
drawn or knocked by it.
WARNING
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
130fig. 132
A0A0437m
BONNET
The bonnet opening lever is under the left
end of the dashboard.
To open:
– pull the lever (A-fig. 131) until the
bonnet clicks open.
– press the safety lever (A-fig. 132)
upwards.
– raise the bonnet.
IMPORTANTBonnet raising is aided by
two gas springs. Do not tamper with these
springs and accompany the bonnet while
raising it.
fig. 131
A0A0436m
A heavy load that has not
been secured may cause
serious harm to passengers.
WARNING
Do not load the boot above
the permitted maximum
(see “Technical specifications”). Al-
so make sure that the objects con-
tained in the boot are well secured
to prevent them from being thrown
forward,causing harm to the pas-
sangers.
WARNING
If you want to carry re-
serve fuel in a can, follow
legal regulations, only using a cer-
tified can, suitably fastened to the
load securing eyelets. Even in this
way the risk of fire is increased in
the case of an accident.
WARNING
Do this only with the car
stationary.
WARNING
DANGER-SERIOUS INJURY.
When carrying out checks
or maintenance operations in the
engine compartment, take special
care not to bump the head on the
raised bonnet.
WARNING
If checks are needed in the
engine compartment, when
it is still hot, do not approach the
fan: it might start working also
with the ignition key removed.
Wait for the engine to cool down.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
131
To close:
– lower the bonnet until approx. 20 cm
from the engine compartment and then let
it drop, ensuring that 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.
Scarves, ties and other loose
clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
WARNING
For safety reasons the
bonnet shall always be
perfectly closed when travelling.
Always check for proper bonnet
locking. If the bonnet is left inad-
vertently open, stop the car im-
mediately and close the bonnet.
WARNING
ROOF RACK
PROVISION
The front hooks are in points (A-
fig. 133).
The rear hooks are located in the points (B)
shown by the serigraph (
▼) on the side rear
windows.
Follow the regulations in
force concerning maximum
clearances.
IMPORTANTClosely follow the assem-
bly instructions provided in the kit. Assem-
bly must be carried out by skilled personnel.
Never exceed the maxi-
mum permissible loads (see
“Technical Specifications”
chapter).
fig. 133
A0A0232m
After a few kilometres,
check that the fastening
screws are firmly tightened.
WARNING
Distribute the load evenly
and when driving, bear in
mind the increased sensitivity to
side wind.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
132fig. 135
A0A0199m
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 compartmentCOMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 134)(excluding versions
with Xenon headlights)
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), this
will increase by one position (eg.: 0
➟1
➟ 2➟3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), this
will lower by one position (eg.: 3
➟2➟
1➟0);
The display (B), in the tachometer shows
the positions while adjustment is being
made.
fig. 134
A0A0467m
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.
IMPORTANTOn the inside surface of
the headlight there could appear a slight
coat of fogging; this does not show a defect,
since it is a natural occurrence due to low
temperature and to the degree of humidity
in the air; it will soon disappear as soon as
the lights are turned on. The presence of
drops inside the headlight shows water seep-
age, refer to the Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 135)
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 areas of the
headlight 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.
GAS DISCHARGE
HEADLIGHTS
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The gas (xenon) discharge headlights op-
erate with a voltaic arc, in an ambient sat-
urated with pressure xenon, instead of the
glow filament.
The resulting illumination is sensibly high-
er to that of conventional lamps, both for
light quality (clearer light) and for the width
and positioning of the illuminated area.
The advantages of better illumination can
be perceived (due to less eyesight fatigue
and greater orientation capacity for the dri-
ver, which in turn means higher driving safe-
ty) especially in case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road signs, thanks to the
better illumination of the side parts of the
visual field, normally obscured.
The large increase of the side part illumi-
nation increases driving safety since it allows
the driver to better see the other users on
the edge of the road (pedestrians, cyclists
and bikers).The triggering of the voltaic arc requires a
very high voltage, while subsequent power
supply can take place at a low voltage.
The headlights achieve their top luminosi-
ty approx. 15 seconds after they are switched
on.
The intense light produced by this type of
headlights requires the use of an automat-
ic system to keep headlight trim constant
and avoid dazzling the vehicles coming from
the opposite direction in case of braking, ac-
celeration or when carrying loads.
The electric mechanical system for auto-
matically keeping the trim constant, makes
unnecessary the device for compensating
the headlight dip and the visual indication
of the position on the display.
Xenon lights have a very long life, there-
fore breakdowns are unlikely.
If necessary, have the sys-
tem checked and repaired
only by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
134
ABS
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes full use of the grip
and within the limits of the grip available,
keeps the car controllable also in emergency
braking.
When braking a slight pulsing accompa-
nied by noise may be felt on the brake ped-
al due to the action of the ABS system.
This should not be interpreted as a brak-
ing malfunction. It is the signal to the driver
that the ABS has come into action: it is the
warning that the car is travelling at the lim-
it of its grip and therefore the speed should
be adapted to the type of road.
The ABS system is an additional part of the
base braking system; in the event of a fail-
ure it is disabled, leaving the braking sys-
tem in the same conditions as a vehicle with-
out ABS.
In the case of a failure, the anti-lock action
is no longer present, the braking capacity of
the vehicle is not adversely affected at all.If you have never previously used cars fit-
ted with ABS, it is advisable to practice a lit-
tle on a slippery surface, naturally in safe-
ty conditions and in accordance with the lo-
cal Highway Code you are also advised to
read the following instructions carefully.
The advantage of the ABS over a conven-
tional system is that it makes it possible to
obtain the highest degree of handling also
when braking completely under limited grip
conditions, preventing the wheels from lock-
ing.
However, with the ABS do not expect the
braking distance to always shorten: for ex-
ample, on soft surfaces like gravel or fresh
snow or a slippery surface, the space might
increase.
To better exploit the possibilities of the an-
ti-lock system in the case of need, the ad-
vice given below should be followed.
If the ABS cuts in it means
that the limit of grip is be-
ing reached between the tyre and
the road surface: it is therefore
necessary to slow down to adapt
driving to the grip available.
WARNING
The ABS better exploits the
grip available, but cannot
increase it; caution is therefore nec-
essary on slippery surfaces, with-
out taking unnecessary risks.
WARNING
In the event of a system
failure, with the turning on
of the
>warning light on the
instrument cluster, have the car
checked immediately by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services driving slow-
ly, to be able to have the system re-
stored to fully efficient conditions.
WARNING