
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR15
VOLUMETRIC PROTECTIONTo guarantee correct operation all the win-
dows and the sunroof, if any, should be
closed.
This function can be excluded (for exam-
ple when leaving animals on-board the car)
by performing the following operations in
quick succession: when the key is at MAR,
move the key to the STOPposition and
then return the key to MARand then once
again to the STOPposition. Remove the
ignition key.
The led in the car will come on for about
2 seconds to confirm that the function has
been excluded.To restore volumetric protection move the
ignition key to the MARposition and hold
it in this position for more than 30 seconds.
If requiring to activate an electric control
operated by the ignition key at MAR(e.g.
electric windows) with the volumetric pro-
tection deactivated, turn the ignition key
to MAR, operate the control and return the
key to STOPwithin a maximum time of
30 seconds. This way volumetric protection
is not restored.
CUTTING OUT OPERATION
OF THE SIREN (for versions/markets where
applicable)
When requiring to dispense with the siren
acoustic signalling in the alarm condition,
simply keep the remote control button (B-
fig. 10) pressed for 4 seconds when en-
gaging the system.
This condition is shown by a series of 5
beeps in quick succession after the normal
acoustic/visual signals when the system is
operated.
The next time the system is activated, nor-
mal operation of the siren is restored auto-
matically.fig. 10
A0B9000m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
166
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNERIf, after purchasing your car, you want to
install electric accessories that require per-
manent power supply (burglar alarm, voice
function, radionavigator with satellite bur-
glar alarm, etc.) or other accessories that af-
fect the vehicle’s electric load, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services, whose qualified
staff is able to recommend the most suitable
equipment of the Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
and also assess the electric absorption of the
same, checking if the vehicle can withstand
the required load or if a battery of greater
power must be used.
TELEPHONE
PROVISION(on request for versions/
markets where applicable)
On request for versions/markets where
applicable, the car may be fitted with a pro-
vision for the installation of a cellular tele-
phone.
This provision comprises:
– sound system two-function aerial + cel-
lular phone;
– supply and connection cables with spe-
cific connector for voice kit connection.
The voice kit must be pur-
chased separately by the
customer, since it has to be
compatible with the customer’s
own cellular phone.
For the installation of the
cellular phone and connec-
tion to the provision in the
car, contact only Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services; this will guar-
antee first-rate results with no
possibility of any inconvenience
that may compromise the safety of
the vehicle.
fig. 154
A0B0252m
SUN VISORSThey can be adjusted frontally and later-
ally.
On the back of the visors there is a cour-
tesy mirror with sliding cover (A-fig. 154),
lit by the lamp (B).
The passenger’s sun visor bears also the
symbol for correct use of children’s seats in
cars equipped with passenger’s airbag. For
further information, see the descriptions
given in paragraph “Passenger’s front
airbag” in this chapter.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
170
Lifting the boot lid is made easier by the
action of gas springs.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 162)
The luggage compartment can be opened
by remote control from outside pressing the
button (C), also when the electronic alarm
is on (where applicable).
In this case, the alarm system switches off
volumetric protection and the boot lid con-
trol sensor. The system also sounds two
beeps and the arrows light up for about
three seconds (with the exception of ver-
sions for certain markets).
Closing the boot again the control functions
are restored, the system sounds two beeps
and the arrows light up for about three sec-
onds (with the exception of versions for cer-
tain markets). the gas springs are cali-
brated to guarantee correct
operation with loading
specified by the manufacturer. Ar-
bitrary additions to the boot lid
(spoiler, etc.) may affect its oper-
ation and safety.
OPENING FROM INSIDE (fig. 161)
To open the boot from inside the passen-
ger compartment, pull the lever (A), at the
side of the driver’s seat.fig. 161
A0B0042m
fig. 162
A0B0743m
Only use the boot opening
lever with the vehicle sta-
tionary.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
187
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTIONThe design and construction of the vehi-
cle have not only been developed with the
traditional aspects of performance and
safety in mind, but also take into account
the increasingly pressing problems tied to
protecting the environment.
The choice of materials, techniques and
particular parts are the result of work which
has made it possible to drastically reduce
the harmful effects on the environment and
guarantee respect for the severest interna-
tional norms.USE OF NON-TOXIC
MATERIALSNone of the components of the vehicle con-
tains asbestos. The padding and the climate
control system do not contain CFCs which
are held to be responsible for the depletion
of the ozone layer.
The colouring agents and the corrosion in-
hibitors used on the nuts, screws and bolts
do not contain cadmium any more, which
could pollute the atmosphere or water tables.
PARKING SENSORS
(WHERE PROVIDED)(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The parking system detects and informs
the driver (through an intermittent acoustic
signal) about the presence of obstacles in
the rear part of the car (fig. 179). ACTIVATIONThe sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.
The sound produced by the acoustic alarm
becomes continuous when the distance be-
tween the car and the obstacle is less that
30 cm.
ACOUSTIC SIGNALWhen the reverse gear is engaged an in-
termittent acoustic signal is automatically
activated.
The acoustic signal:
– raises with the reduction of distance be-
tween the car and the obstacle;
– becomes continuous when the distance
between the car and the obstacle is less that
30 cm and stops if the distance raises.
– is constant if the distance is unvaried.
If this situation takes place for side sensors,
the signal is stopped after about 3 seconds
to prevent sound indications when per-
forming manoeuvres near walls.fig. 179
A0B0609m

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
203
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted.
Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and
avoid also to drive for long dis-
tances on roads not covered with
snow to prevent damaging the car
and the roadbed.
VEHICLE INACTIVITYIf the car is to be left inactive for long pe-
riods, 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 en-
gaged.
– Clean and protect the painted parts us-
ing protective wax.
– Disconnect the negative terminal (–)
and check the battery charge. This check is
to be repeated every three months.
Recharge if the optical indicator shows a
dark colour without the central green area.
WARNINGWhere applicable, switch off
the electronic car alarm with the remote con-
trol.– Clean and protect the shiny metal parts
using special compounds readily available.
– Sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber
windscreen and rear window wiper blades
and lift them off the glass.
– Slightly open the windows.
– Cover the car with a cloth or perforated
plastic sheet. Do not use sheets of non-per-
forated plastic as they do not allow mois-
ture on the car body to evaporate.
– Inflate the tyres to 0.5 bar above the
normal specified pressure and check it at in-
tervals.
– If you don’t disconnect the battery from
the electric system, check its charge every
month and recharge it if the optical indica-
tor shows a dark colour without the central
green area.
– Do not drain the engine cooling system. Snow chains cannot be
fitted to the spare wheel
so, if a front (drive) tyre is
punctured and chains must be fit-
ted, the rear wheel should be fit-
ted to the front of the vehicle (in-
flate the tyres to the specified
pressure as soon as possible) and
the spare tyre should be fitted to
the rear. A snow chain can then be
safely fitted to the front wheel.

IN AN EMERGENCY
239
69
69
69
69
71
71
69
71
69
69
69
69
72
69
69
69
69
69
69
71 10
11
13
5
4
5
3
7
15
13
15
9
1
4
12
2
15
12
12
10
SERVICES FUSE AMPERES FIGUREWindscreen wiper, windscreen washer/Rearscreen wiper/Rain sensor (optional)HornsGSM Box for Connect/Navigator-electronic warning systemFront power windowsLeft rear power windowRight rear power windowDoor locking system - Boot lightBoot electric openingRearscreen heatingWing mirror adjustmentWing mirror defrostingCigar lighter/Odour sensorHeadlamp washerHeadlamp aiming deviceInstrument clusterMain-beam headlamp warning lightRearscreen heating warning lightSound system/Diagnosis socketElectronic alarm system Supplementary electrical socket in the boot (Sportwagon versions)20A
20A
10A
30A
20A
20A
20A
30A
30A
10A
30A
15A
20A
10A
10A
10A
30A
10A
10A
20A

CAR MAINTENANCE
267
Incorrect fitting of electri-
cal accessories can serious-
ly damage the car. If after
buying the car, you wish to install
electric accessories (alarm, sound
system, radiotelephone, etc.) con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices who will be able to suggest
the most suitable devices and
above all advise about the need to
use a more powerful battery.If the car is to remain sta-
tionary for a long time in
very cold weather, remove
the battery and take it to a warm
place, otherwise it might freeze.
CHECKING THE CHARGE The battery charge may be checked satis-
factorily using the indicator, and acting ac-
cording to the colour the indicator shows.
Refer to the table below or to the label
fig. 24on the battery.fig. 24
A0B0146m
When doing any work on
the battery or near it, al-
ways wear special protective gog-
gles.
WARNING
Working with a low fluid
level may damage the bat-
tery irreversibly, even causing it to
burst.
WARNING

CAR MAINTENANCE
268
WARNINGA battery kept at below
50% of its capacity is damaged by sulpha-
tion, the capacity is reduced and starting
is difficult, there is also more possibility of
freezing (this can occur at –10°C). In the
event of a prolonged stop, refer to “Vehi-
cle inactivity”, in the chapter “Getting the
best out of your car”. – Connect the charger cables to the bat-
tery terminals ensuring that the bias is cor-
rect.
– Turn on the charger.
– After charging turn off the charger be-
fore disconnecting it from the battery.
– Reconnect the battery negative termi-
nal (–).
WARNINGIf the car is fitted with an
alarm system, turn off the alarm with the
remote control and deactivate the system
turning the emergency key to “OFF” (see
“Electronic alarm” in “Getting to know your
car” chapter).
Bright white colour
Dark colour without green central area
Dark colour with green central areaTop up electrolyte
Low battery charge
Electrolyte level
and charge sufficientContact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
Charge the battery
(advisable to contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services)
No action neededCHARGING THE BATTERYWARNINGThe description of the bat-
tery charging procedure is described only for
informative purposes. This operation should
be carried out by Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
Charging should be slow at a low amp rat-
ing for about 24 hours. Charging for a longer
time may damage the battery.
Charge the battery as follows:
– Disconnect the terminal from the bat-
tery negative (–) pole.
WARNINGWhen reconnecting the neg-
ative battery cable after having disconnect-
ed it, wait for 2 minutes before turning the
key to enable the climate control system
to reset actuator strokes properly.
Never attempt to charge a
frozen battery before
thawing it, the danger of explosion
exists. If it has frozen, always
check that the inside elements are
not broken and that the body is not
cracked, with the risk of acid com-
ing out which is poisonous and cor-
rosive.
WARNING