2006 Alfa Romeo GT handbrake

2
VERY IMPORTANT!
FUEL CAPACITY
Petrol engines:only use unleaded petrol with no less than 95 R.O.N.
JTD engines:only use Diesel fuel for motor vehicles that meet European Specification EN590.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines with mechanical transmission:make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever
to neutral, fully depress the clutch without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AV Vand release it as soon
as the engine has started.
Petrol engine with Selespeed transmission:keep the brake pedal fully depressed, turn the ignition key to AV V
and release it as soon as the engine has started; the transmission sets to neutral automatically (the display shows position
N).
JTD engines:turn the ignition key to MARand wait for the
Yandmwarning lights to go off; turn the ignition
key to AV Vand release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
While working, the catalyst develops a very high temperature. Do not park the car over grass, dry leaves, pine needles or
any other inflammable materials: risk of fire.
K


GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
14
IGNITION DEVICE
SWITCH(fig. 8)
The key can be turned to one of four
positions:
–STOP: engine switched off, key can
be removed, engine inhibitor engaged,
steering lock engaged, services excluded
apart from those supplied directly (e.g.
hazard warning lights).
–MAR: drive position. The engine lock
is deactivated and all electrical devices are
powered.
fig. 8
A0A0016b
When leaving the vehicle
always remove the key
from the ignition to pre-
vent any occupants of the vehicle
from accidentally activating the
controls. Never leave children in
the vehicle unaccompanied. Re-
member to engage the handbrake
and, if the vehicle is parked on an
uphill slope, to engage the first
gear. If the vehicle is facing down-
hill, engage reverse gear.
If the ignition device is
tampered with (for exam-
ple an attempted theft)
have it checked over by Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services before
travelling again.
IMPORTANTDo not leave the key in
this position when the engine is stopped.
–AV V: unstable position for starting
the engine.
IMPORTANTIf the engine fails to
start move the key back to STOPand
repeat.
The ignition switch has a safety device
which prevents passage to AV Vwhen
the engine is running.
–PARK: engine switched off, key can
be removed, engine lock engaged, steer-
ing lock engaged, sidelights switched on
automatically.
IMPORTANTTo turn the key to the
PARKposition, button (A) on the switch
must be pressed first.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
85
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
WARNING LIGHTS
IMPORTANTThe number of warning lights present depends on the type of engine and equipment with which the car is fitted.
x
LOW BRAKE FLUID AND/OR HANDBRAKE ON
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warning light on the dial turns on, but it should go off after
approx. 4 seconds.
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the min-
imum level, due to a possible leak in the circuit and when the handbrake is engaged.
If the
xwarning light turns on when travelling check that the hand-
brake is not engaged. If the warning light stays on with the handbrake
off (on some versions together with the message + symbol shown on
the reconfigurable multifunction display) stop the car immediately and contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
u
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT FLUID TEMPERATURE
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warning light on the dial turns on, but it should go off after
approx. 4 seconds.
The warning light turns on (on some versions together with the message + symbol shown on
the reconfigurable multifunction display) when the engine is overheated. If it turns on when trav-
elling, stop the car, leaving the engine on and slightly accelerated to further activate the circula-
tion of the coolant fluid.
If the warning doesn’t go off within 2 or 3 minutes, stop the car immediately and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
PARKING THE CAR
To park the car safely it is absolutely nec-
essary to engage first gear (1) or reverse
(R) and also the handbrake if the road is
on a slope.
Turning off the engine with the car on an
uphill slope and a gear engaged, it is ab-
solutely necessary to wait for the display
showing the gear engaged to go off before
releasing the brake pedal, so that the clutch
is completely closed.
If the gearbox is in neutral (N) and want-
ing to engage a parking gear, the system
should be activated and with the foot on the
brake pedal it is necessary to engage (1)
or (R).
TOWING THE CAR
IMPORTANTFor towing the car follow
local regulations. Make sure that the gear-
box is in neutral (N) (checking that the car
moves if pushed) and tow as for a car with
normal mechanical gearbox following the
instructions given in the chapter “In an emer-
gency”.
Should it be impossible to set to neutral,
do not tow the vehicle; contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
While towing the car do
not start the engine.
BUZZER WARNINGS
The buzzer is activated when:
– reverse gear is engaged (R);
– the car is parked with the gearbox in
neutral (N); signal that can be noted turn-
ing the ignition key to STOP;
– clutch overheating occurs when moving
off;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged (e.g.: the car moves
downwards with reverse gear engaged);
– the system has shifted automatically
to neutral (N) when:
no action is made on the accelerator
and/or brake pedal for at least 3 minutes;
or the brake is pressed for over 10 min-
utes;
or the driver’s door is opened and no ac-
tion is made on the accelerator and brake
for at least 1 second;
or a gearbox failure has been detected.
– In the event of gearbox failure.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
200
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR PETROL VERSIONS
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
devices, especially if they absorb high
quantities of energy (e.g. heated
rearscreen), are switched off.
5) Turn the ignition key to the AV V
position and release it as soon as the
engine starts.
6) If the engine does not start, return
the key to STOP,then repeat the proce-
dure.
IMPORTANTIf it is difficult to start
the engine do not insist with extended
attempts which may damage the catalyst,
but contact 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
repeating the starting operation if the
engine does not start immediately.
Similarly, when the engine is running,
the device prevents the key being moved
from the MARto 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
system”.
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.).
Running the engine in
confined areas is
extremely dangerous. The
engine consumes oxygen and
produces carbon monoxide which
is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
When the engine is
switched off never leave
the ignition key in the
MAR position to prevent point-
less current absorption from
draining the battery.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
201
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR JTD VERSIONS
1) Make sure the handbrake is
engaged.
2) Set the gearshift lever to neutral.
3) Turn the ignition key to MAR.The
reconfigurable multifunction display will
show the
mwarning light.
4) Wait for the
mto turn off, which
takes place sooner, the warmer the
engine. With the engine very warm the
light might stay on for such a short time
as to pass unnoticed.
5) Fully depress the clutch pedal.
6) Turn the ignition key to AV Vas
soon as the
mwarning light has gone
out. Waiting too long, makes the warming
work of the glow plugs useless .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.

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
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.