2006 Alfa Romeo GT spare wheel

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
151
Always take due care when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the
pressure, but keep the pedal firm-
ly pressed with no fear; this way
you will stop in the least space
possible, compatibly with the con-
ditions of the road surface.
Following these instructions you will be
in the best braking condition under all cir-
cumstances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors.The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andx
warning lights turn on simultane-
ously with the engine running, this
indicates an EBD system failure; in
this case with sharp braking the
rear wheels might lock too early,
with the possibility of skidding.
Driving extremely carefully, go to
the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system
checked.
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally in-
dicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system checked
over, driving in such a way as to
avoid sharp braking.
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immedi-
ately and contact the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. Any
loss of fluid from the hydraulic sys-
tem will negatively affect the op-
eration of the braking system be it
of the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
If the compact spare wheel
is used, operation of the
ABS system is cut off and
the
>warning light on the instru-
ment cluster turns on.
IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn
on when starting the engine and go off af-
ter starting. This should not be considered
as a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
153
ed by a highly sensitive lateral acceleration
sensor.
The stabilising action of the VDC system is
based on the calculations of the system elec-
tronic control unit, which processes the sig-
nals received from the steering wheel rota-
tion sensor, acceleration sensor and rotation
speed sensor of each wheel. These signals
allow the control unit to recognise the ma-
noeuvre the driver intends to do when the
steering wheel is turned.
The control unit processes the information
received from the sensors and therefore is
able to know the position of the car instant
by instant and compares it with the course
the driver would like to follow. In the event
of a discrepancy, in a fraction of a second
the control unit chooses and commands the
most suitable intervention to bring the car
immediately back to the required course:
braking one or more wheels at different in-
tensity and, if necessary, reducing the pow-
er transmitted by the engine.
The corrective actions are modified and
controlled continuously in seeking the course
required by the driver.
The action of VDC system considerably en-
hances the active safety of the car in very
critical situations and it is particularly help-
ful when the grip conditions of the road sur-
face change.For the VDC system to
work correctly, the tyres
must be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and above all of the
specified type, brand and size.CUTTING IN
OF THE VDC SYSTEM
The cutting in of the VDC system is indi-
cated by the flashing of the
áwarning light
on the instrument cluster, to inform the dri-
ver that the car is in critical conditions of sta-
bility and grip.
VDC system
failure warning
In the event of a failure the VDC system
disengages automatically and the
áwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on
glowing steadily, together with the message
on the reconfigurable multifunction display.
In the event of an VDC system failure the
car behaves like a vehicle not fitted with this
system: in any case it is advisable to con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon
as possible.During use of the compact
spare wheel, the VDC sys-
tem continues working. It
should be borne in mind that the
spare wheel is smaller than a nor-
mal tyre, therefore its grip is low-
er than that of the other tyres of
the car.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
155
ASR system
failure warning
In the event of a fault, the ASR system
switches off automatically and the
Vwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on,
together with the message on the reconfig-
urable multifunction display.
In the event of an ASR system operating
failure, the car behaves in the same way
as a car that is not fitted with this system:
in any case, it is advisable to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as soon as pos-
sible.
MSR SYSTEM
(Engine drive adjustment)
The car is fitted with a special system, in-
tegral with the ASR system, that in case of
sudden gear shifting, cuts in providing torque
to the engine thus preventing excessive dri-
ving wheel drive that, specially in poor grip
conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board Di-
agnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of the
components of the car correlated with emis-
sions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light
Uon the instrument panel
(on some versions together with the mes-
sage + symbol on the reconfigurable multi-
function display) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”), when these condi-
tions are no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
– to keep the system efficiency under con-
trol;
– to warn when a fault causes emission
levels to increase;
– to warn of the need to replace deterio-
rated components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropriate
tools, which makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis. This
check can also be carried out by the traffic
police. During use of the compact
spare wheel, the ASR func-
tion is cut off and the
V
warning light on the instrument
cluster turns on glowing steadily
together with the message on the
reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play.
For correct operation of
the ASR system the tyres
must absolutely be of the
same brand and type on all wheels,
in perfect conditions and, above all,
of the specified type, brand and
size.
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on snow
with snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR device off: in fact, in these condi-
tions, slipping of the driving wheels when
moving off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.

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.

IN AN EMERGENCY
212
STARTING BY INERTIA
If the car is equipped with “Kit for tyre
repair Fix&Go“, see the instructions con-
tained in the following chapter.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
As an alternative to FIX & GO, the com-
pact spare wheel or a wheel with the nor-
mal size can be supplied upon request;
wheel changing and correct use of the
jack and compact spare wheel call for
some precautions as listed below.
IN THE EVENT OF A PUNCTURE
Never push, tow or
coast start the vehicle.
This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalyst damaging
it irreversibly.
Remember that the
engine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort
than usual is needed on the brake
pedal and steering wheel.
Signal the presence of
the stationary vehicle
according to current regu-
lations: hazard warning lights,
reflecting triangle etc..
Any passengers should leave
the car and wait for the wheel to
be changed out of harm of the
traffic.
If parked on a slope or rough
surface, chock the wheels with
wedges or other suitable devices
to prevent the car from rolling.
Never start the engine
with the car jacked.
When driving with a
trailer, disconnect the trailer
before raising the car.
The compact spare wheel is spe-
cific to your car, do not use it on
other models, or use the spare
wheel of other models on your
vehicle.
Should the type of wheels used
be changed (alloy rims instead of
steel), it is also necessary to
change the whole set of fastening
bolts with others of suitable size.
The compact spare wheel is nar-
rower than normal wheels, it
should be used only for the dis-
tance necessary to reach a service
point to have the punctured tyre
repaired and, during its use, the
car speed must not exceed 80
km/h.

IN AN EMERGENCY
213
The spare wheel has a
sticker that summarises
the main cautions for use
and limitations. The sticker
should never be removed or cov-
ered. The sticker contains the fol-
lowing in four languages:
CAUTION! FOR TEMPORARY
USE ONLY! MAX 80 km/h!
REPLACE BY NORMAL WHEEL AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT
COVER THIS LABEL IN USE.
Never fit a wheel cap on a com-
pact spare wheel.
The vehicle will handle differ-
ently with the spare wheel fitted:
avoid heavy braking and acceler-
ating, sharp corners and fast
bends.The life of the spare
wheel is approx. 3000
km, after this distance it
should be replaced with another
of the same type.
Never attempt to fit a conven-
tional tyre on a rim designed for
use as a compact spare wheel.
Have the punctured wheel
repaired and refitted as soon as
possible.
Two or more compact spare
wheels should never be used
together.
Do not grease the threads of
bolts before installing them; they
might slip out.
The jack only serves for chang-
ing wheels on the car with which
it is provided or on cars of the
same model. It must not be used
for other purposes such as for
instance raising cars of other
models. In no case should it be
used for repairs under the vehi-
cle.
Incorrect positioning of the jack
may cause the jacked vehicle to
fall.
Do not use the jack for higher
capacities than stated on its
label.Snow chains cannot be
fitted on the compact
spare wheel, so, if a front
wheel is punctured and chains
need to be used, the front axle
should be fitted with normal
wheels and the compact spare
wheel fitted to the rear. This
way, with two normal wheels at
the front, snow chains can be fit-
ted thereby solving the emer-
gency situation.
Never tamper with the inflation
valve.
Do not insert tools of any kind
between the rim and the tyre.
Check, and if necessary, restore
the pressure of the tyres and of
the compact spare wheel to the
values given in the “Technical
Specifications” chapter.

IN AN EMERGENCY
214
CHANGING A WHEEL
Please be informed that:
– the jack mass is 2,100 kg.
– the jack requires no adjustment.
– the jack cannot be repaired. In the
event of breakage, it must be replaced by
another original one.
– no tools other than its operating crank
can be fitted to the jack.
To change a wheel, proceed as follows:– Stop the car in such a position that it
is not dangerous for the traffic, where it is
possible to change the wheel safely.
Where possible, park on a level, compact
surface.
– Switch off the engine and engage the
handbrake.
– Engage first gear or reverse.– Use handle(A-fig.2) to remove the
stiff covering (B).
– Loosen the clamping device (A-
fig. 3).
– Take out the tool container (B) and
take it near the wheel to be changed.
– Take the spare wheel (C).
– Remove the wheel cap (A-fig. 4)
(only versions with steel rims)
fig. 2
A0A0645b
fig. 3
A0A0151b
fig. 4
A0A0154b

IN AN EMERGENCY
215
– Using the wrench provided (A-
fig. 5), loosen the fastening bolts by
about one turn.
– Set the jack under the car, near the
wheel to be changed taking care not to
damage the plastic streamlined guard.
– Work the jack crank (A-fig. 6), to
extend it until the groove (B) on the
upper part of jack is correctly inserted on
the lower profile of the body (C) approx.
40 cm from the profile of the wheelhouse.
– Work the jack and raise the car until
the wheel is a few centimetres from the
ground.
– Completely unscrew the fastening
bolts and remove the wheel.– Make sure that the contact surfaces of
the spare wheel with the hub are clean
and free of impurities which may later
cause the fastening bolts to slacken.
– Install the spare wheel matching the
hole (A-fig. 7) with the corresponding
pin (B).
– Using the wrench provided, fasten the
five bolts.
– Lower the car and remove the jack.
– Using the wrench provided, fully tighten
the bolts in the sequence shown in fig. 8.REFITTING A NORMAL WHEEL
– Following the procedure described
previously, raise the car and remove the
spare wheel.
For versions with steel rims:
– Fit the normal wheel matching the
hole (A-fig. 7) with the corresponding
pin (B).
– Make sure that the contact surfaces of
the wheel with the hub are clean and free
of impurities which may later cause the
fastening bolts to slacken.
fig. 5
A0A0694b
fig. 6
A0A0695b