2006 Alfa Romeo 147 ABS

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
140
RADIO PRESETTING
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets where
applicable)
The car, if not delivered with sound sys-
tem, is fitted with a glove compartment on
the instrument panel (fig. 136a).
Sound system presetting system includes
the following:
– sound system power cables;
– front and rear speaker power cables;
– aerial power cable;
– sound system housing;
– aerial on car roof.The sound system shall be installed in the
proper housing occupied by the glove com-
partment that can be removed by pressing
the two retaining tabs fitted in the glove
compartment: here are the power cables.
If after buying the car you
want to install the sound
system, contact first Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services whose
qualified personnel, in addition to
suggesting the most suitable de-
vices, will evaluate the overall
electric absorption to safeguard the
battery. Excessive loadless ab-
sorption could damage the battery
and lose warranty.
The wiring diagram is the following (fig.
136b):Connector A
A1 N.C.
A2 N.C.
A3 N.C.
A4 + 30 (battery-powered)
A5 Aerial power supply
A6 Light
A7 + 15 (key-powered)
A8 Ground
Connector B
B1 RH rear speaker
B2 RH rear speaker
B3 RH front speaker
B4 RH front speaker
B5 LH front speaker
B6 LH front speaker
B7 LH rear speaker
B8 LH rear speaker
fig. 136a
A0A0715m
fig. 136b
A0A0709m

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
175
STARTING PROCEDURE
IMPORTANTIt is important never to
press the accelerator before the engine has
started.
1) Make sure the handbrake is engaged.
2) Move the gear lever to neutral.
3) Fully depress the clutch pedal, so that
the starter motor is not forced to crank the
gears.
4) Ensure that the electric systems and de-
vices, especially if they absorb high quanti-
ties of energy (e.g. heated rearscreen) are
switched off.
5) Turn the ignition key to the AV Vpo-
sition and release it as soon as the engine
starts.
6) If the engine does not start, return the
key to STOPthen repeat the procedure.
IMPORTANTIf it is difficult to start the
engine do not insist with extended attempts
which may damage the catalyst, but con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services. The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
device which obliges the driver to return the
key to the STOPposition before repeat-
ing the starting operation if the engine does
not start immediately.
Similarly, when the engine is running, the
device prevents the key being moved from
theMARto the AV Vposition.
STARTING
THE ENGINE
IMPORTANTThe car is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device. If the engine
fails to start, see “The Alfa Romeo CODE sys-
tem”.
C C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T
U U
S S
E E
O O
F F
T T
H H
E E
C C
A A
R R
We recommend that dur-
ing the initial period you do
not drive to full vehicle
performance (for example exces-
sive acceleration, long journeys at
top speed, hard braking etc.).When the engine is
switched off never leave
the ignition key in the MAR
position to prevent pointless cur-
rent absorption from draining the
battery.
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely
dangerous. The engines consumes
oxygen and produces carbon
monoxide which is a highly toxic
and lethal gas.
WARNING

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
176
IMPORTANTThe electric devices
that absorb a high amount of energy (cli-
mate control, rearscreen heating etc.) are
cut off automatically during starting.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, move the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If starting is difficult (with the Alfa
Romeo CODE system working properly),
do not insist with prolonged attempts.
Only use an auxiliary battery if the cause
is due to low battery charge. Never use a
battery charger to start the engine.WARMING THE ENGINE
– Drive off slowly, at medium revs with-
out accelerating abruptly.
– Do not drive at full performance for the
initial kilometres of the journey. Wait until
the engine coolant temperature reaches
50-60 °C.
SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and wait
until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOPpo-
sition 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 compartment.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
181
DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE
Here are a few suggestions for driving in
these conditions:
– Drive very slowly.
– On a snowy road, fit winter tyres or
snow chains; see the related paragraphs in
this chapter.
– Use engine braking where possible and
avoid abrupt braking.
– Braking with a car without ABS, avoid
locking the wheels, modulating the pressure
on the brake pedal.
– Avoid abrupt acceleration and changes
of direction.
– During cold weather even apparently dry
roads may be covered with occasional patch-
es of ice. Pay great attention therefore when
driving on roads which are in the shade, or
where rocks or trees line the road and on
which ice may persist.
– Keep further back from the vehicle in
front.
DRIVING WITH ABS
The ABS is a part of the braking system
which essentially offers 2 advantages:
1) it prevents locking, thus skidding, of the
wheels during emergency braking and es-
pecially under conditions with poor grip;
2) it allows braking and steering at the
same time, to avoid any sudden obstacles
or to direct the car as required when brak-
ing, compatibly with the physical limits of
lateral grip of the tyre.
To make the most of the ABS:
– In emergency braking or when grip is
low, a slight pulsing can be felt on the brake
pedal: this means that the ABS has come in-
to action. Do not release the pedal, but con-
tinue pressing it to give continuity to the
braking action.
– The ABS prevents the wheels from lock-
ing but it does not increase the physical lim-
its of grip between the asphalt and the road.
Therefore, also with a car fitted with ABS,
keep within a safety distance from the ve-
hicle in front and limit speed when ap-
proaching bends.
The ABS serves to increase vehicle con-
trollability not to go faster.
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
The conditions of the vehicle represent an
important factor which affects fuel con-
sumption as well as travelling tranquillity
and the life of the vehicle. For this reason,
it is wise to take care of its maintenance
have the checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Programme” (see... spark plugs, air
cleaner, timing).

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
182
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 in-
crease as resistance to rolling is higher. It
should be underscored that in these condi-
tions tyre wear increases and vehicle per-
formance is lower, therefore also its safety.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the boot.
The weight of the vehicle (especially in ur-
ban traffic), and its geometry heavily affect
consumption levels and stability.
Luggage/ski racks
Remove the luggage rack or ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer used.
These accessories lower air penetration and
adversely affect consumption levels. When
needing to carry particularly voluminous ob-
jects, preferably use a trailer.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy
therefore, increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels (up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.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 consump-
tion and emissions. It is therefore advisable
to move off immediately, slowly, avoiding
high speeds. This way the engine will warm
faster.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine. This
and also double declutching is absolutely
pointless on modern cars and also increase
consumption and pollution.
Gear shifting
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance increases
consumption. In the same way improper use
of a high gear increases consumption, emis-
sions and engine wear.

IN AN EMERGENCY
195
Drive carefully to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Service to check the tyre condi-
tions, then have it fixed or replaced.
It is absolutely necessary to communicate
that the tyre has been fixed with the quick
repairing kit.
WHEN NEEDING TO CHANGE A BULB
fig. 20
A0A0491m
Tyres fixed with the quick
repairing kit must be used
only temporarily.
WARNING
Halogen bulbs contain pres-
surised gas, in the case of
breakage they may burst.
WARNING
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system not car-
ried out correctly and without tak-
ing account of the system specifi-
cations may cause failures and the
risk of fire.
WARNING
Where possible, it is ad-
visable to have bulbs
changed c/o Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services. The correct opera-
tion and aiming of the outer lights
are vital to the safety of the ve-
hicle and its passengers and the
subject of specific laws.
WARNING
Halogen bulbs must be
handled touching only the
metallic part. If the transparent
bulb is touched with the fingers, its
lighting intensity is reduced and the
life of the bulb may be compro-
mised. If touched accidentally, rub
the bulb with a cloth moistened
with methylated spirit and allow
to dry.
WARNING

IN AN EMERGENCY
200
Main beam headlights
(fig. 24b)
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
– Remove the protective cover releasing
the locking screws.
– Disconnect the electric connector (A).
– Release the bulb catch (B).
– Remove the bulb and replace it.
– Fit a new bulb making the tabs of the
metallic part coincide with the grooves on
the reflector, then hook the bulb holder
catch (B).
– Reconnect the electric connector (A).
– Refit the protective cover correctly.
HALOGEN LIGHTSThe front light units contain the dipped
beam, main beam and fog light bulbs.
The bulbs are arranged inside
the light unit
as follows (fig. 25a):
(A) Fog lights.
(B) Dipped beam headlights
(C) Sidelights.
(D) Main beam headlights
To change the bulbs of the sidelights, low
beams and main beams it is necessary to
remove the cover (A-fig. 25b) releasing
the catches (B).
To change the fog lights, remove the cov-
er (C) turning counter-clockwise.
IMPORTANTSee the previous chap-
ter “When needing to change a bulb” for
the type of bulb and power rating.
fig. 25a
A0A0159m
fig. 25b
A0A0160m
fig. 24b
A0A0502m
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system not car-
ried out correctly and without tak-
ing account of the system specifi-
cations may cause failures and the
risk of fire.
WARNING

IN AN EMERGENCY
201
After replacement, refit
the covers correctly check-
ing that they are properly
secured.
IMPORTANTOn the inside surface of
the headlight there could appear a slight
coat of fogging; this does not show a de-
fect, since it is a natural occurrence due to
low temperature and to the degree of hu-
midity in the air; it will soon disappear as
soon as the lights are turned on. The pres-
ence of drops inside the headlight shows
water seepage, refer to the Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
Fog lights(fig. 26a)
IMPORTANTWhen needing to change
the left bulb, the side trim next to the light
itself needs to be removed to facilitate ac-
cess to the engine compartment.
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
– Remove the protective cover turning
counter-clockwise.
– Disconnect the electric connector (A).
– Release the bulb catch (B).
– Remove the bulb and replace it.
– Fit a new bulb, making the tab of the
metal part coincide with the one on the
lamp unit, then hook the bulb holder catch
(B).
– Re-connect the electric connector (A).
– Refit the protective cover correctly.Dipped beam headlights
(fig. 26b)
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
– Remove the protective cover releasing
the catches.
– Disconnect the electric connector (A).
– Release the bulb catch (B).
– Remove the bulb and replace it.
– Fit a new bulb, Fit a new bulb, mak-
ing the tabs of the metallic part coincide
with the grooves on the reflector, then hook
the bulb holder catch (B).
– Re-connect the electric connector (A).
– Refit the protective cover correctly.
fig. 26a
A0A0161m
fig. 26b
A0A0162m