2006 Alfa Romeo GT Owner handbook (in English)

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
263
2.close the driver's window completely
keepingthe button pressedfor at
least 3 seconds after window closing (win-
dow upper stop);
3.repeat the same procedure (point 1
and 2) also for the front passenger's win-
dow;
4.check for proper initialisation by oper-
ating the windows automatically.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining the battery and
ensure that it continues to work correctly,
the following should be noted:
– The terminals must always be firmly
tightened.
– Within reason, avoid using electrical de-
vices for a long time when the engine is
switched off (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.). IMPORTANTIf the battery is kept
with a charge of below 50% it is damaged
by sulphation, its starting capability is
reduced and it is also more subject to the
possibility of freezing (this may occur
already at -10 °C). In the event of a pro-
longed inactivity, refer to the paragraph
“Vehicle inactivity”, in the chapter
“Correct use of the car”.
CHANGING THE BATTERY
When changing the battery it should be
replaced with another original one with
the same characteristics. If it is replaced
by a battery with different characteristics,
the maintenance intervals given in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme in
this chapter are no longer valid and for
maintenance it will be necessary to follow
the battery Manufacturer’s instructions.
IMPORTANTAfter control unit power
disconnection (battery replacement or dis-
connection and replacement of power win-
dow control unit protection fuses), the
power window automatism shall be
restored.
Proceed as follows with doors closed:
1.open the driver's window completely
keepingthe button pressedfor at
least 3 seconds after window opening
(window lower stop);– When the vehicle is parked in a garage,
ensure that the doors, bonnet, boot and in-
ner lids are closed properly so that the lights
do not stay on permanently.
– Before carrying out any work on the
electric system, disconnect the negative ca-
ble from the battery.
– If after buying the car, you wish to in-
stall electric accessories which require a per-
manent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft func-
tion etc.) or accessories that burden the elec-
tric system, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be integrated
with a more powerful battery. In fact, as
some of these devices continue absorbing
energy even when the ignition key is off (car
stationary, engine off), they gradually drain
the battery.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
264
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wear:
(A): Normal pressure: tread evenly
worn.
(B): Low pressure: tread particularly
worn at the edges.
(C): High pressure: tread particularly
worn in the centre.
Tyres should be changed when the tread
thickness is reduced to 1,6 mm.
In any case follow local regulations.
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption switched on by the
user, such as for example: baby bottle
warmers, vacuum cleaner, mobile phone,
mini fridge, etc., quicken the battery
draining processif they are turned on
with the engine off or running at idle
speed.
IMPORTANT When installing addi-
tional systems on the vehicle, bear in
mind that improper branches on connec-
tions of the vehicle wiring are dangerous,
particularly if safety devices are involved.
WHEELS AND TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Check the tyre pressure of every wheel,
including the spare, every two weeks and
before a long journey. The pressure should
be checked with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is in use; for the correct tyre
inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
Battery
60 Ah
70 AhMaximum permissible
loadless absorption
36 mA
42 mA
The maximum absorption of all the
accessories (standard and fitted after-
wards) should be 0,6 mA x Ah (of the bat-
tery), as shown in the following table:
fig. 14
A0A0225b

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
265
Alloy rim painting
involving temperatures
exceeding 150 °C should
be avoided since wheel mechani-
cal characteristics could be
impaired.Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from
the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.Excessive low pressure
causes overheating of the
tyre with the possibility
of serious damage to it.Remember that vehicle
road holding also depends
on correct tyre inflation
pressure.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel sup-
ply rubber hoses are concerned, carefully
follow the Scheduled Maintenance
Programme. Indeed, ozone, high temper-
atures and the prolonged lack of fluid in
the system may cause hardening and
cracking of the hoses, with possible leaks.
Careful control is therefore necessary. IMPORTANTS
– Where possible, avoid sudden brak-
ing, tyre squealing starts, violent bumps
against kerbs, potholes or obstacles of var-
ious kinds. Prolonged driving on rough
roads may damage the tyres;
– Routinely check the tyres for cuts on
the sides, swellings or uneven tread wear.
If necessary contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services;
– Avoid overloading the vehicle when
travelling: this may cause serious damage
to the wheels and tyres;
– If a tyre is punctured, stop immedi-
ately and change it to avoid damage to
the tyre itself, the rim, suspensions and
steering system;
– Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are a
sign of aging. In any case, if the tyres
have been on the vehicle for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised per-
sonnel, to see if they can still be used.
Also remember to check the compact
spare wheel;
– In case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those of dubious origin;

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
266
SPRAY JETS (fig.16)
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly
check that there is fluid in the reservoir:
see “Checking levels” in this chapter.
Then check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged, if necessary use a needle.
If necessary, direct the jet of fluid work-
ing on the adjustment screw. Changing the windscreen wiper
blade(fig. 15)
Instructions for removing the
windscreen wiper blade
Proceed as follows:
– raise the windscreen wiper arm (A);
– turn blade (B) 90° around pin (C),
set at the end of the arm;
– remove the blade from pin (C).
Instructions for refitting the
windscreen wiper blade
To refit the blade proceed as follows:
– fit pin (C) into the hole located at the
middle of the blade (B);
– place the arm with the blade on the
windscreen.
Driving with worn wiper
blades is a serious haz-
ard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather.WINDSCREEN/REARS
CREEN WIPERS
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using
special products; TUTELA PROFES-
SIONAL SC 35is recommended.
If the rubber blades are bent or worn
they should be replaced. In any case they
should be changed once a year.
A few simple notions can reduce the pos-
sibility of damage to the blades:
– If the temperature falls below zero
make sure that ice has not frozen the rub-
ber against the glass. If necessary, thaw
using an antifreeze product.
– Remove any snow from the glass: in
addition to protecting the blades, this pre-
vents effort on the motor and overheat-
ing.
– Do not operate the windscreen and
rearscreen wipers on dry glass.
fig. 16
A0A0696b
fig. 15
A0A0728b

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.