2007 Alfa Romeo 8C steering wheel

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5
USING THE VEHICLE
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
With the engine running, the vehicle stationary
and the brake pedal pressed, release the brake
and depress the accelerator to start off.
With the engine on and the vehicle stationary,
you can shift directly from 1
st gear to R (reverse
gear), by pressing the button C, and from reverse
gear to 1
st gear by pulling the paddle
B UP
towards the steering wheel.
WARNING: Reverse gear engagement is
accompanied by a safety acoustic signal, which
sounds intermittently for the entire reversing
manoeuvre. When shifting from reverse to 1
st gear, if the
system automatically engages 2nd gear, it
indicates that jamming has occurred with 1
st
gear. Therefore, this is not a failure, as it falls
within the logic of the system operation.
For the same reason, the system automatically
engages neutral (N) in case of jamming
when shifting from 1
st gear to reverse. During
prolonged stops with the engine running, it is
advisable to keep the gearshift in neutral (N).Hill Holder Strategy
The Hill Holder system helps the driver when
starting-off on an uphill slope. It activates only
following a vehicle stop when the brake pedal
is released, keeping the vehicle stationary for a
moment, so as to allow the driver to move from
the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The system is capable of varying its activation
time depending on the road slope. This time
ranges from a minimum (0.06 seconds)
on downhill stretches and a maximum (1.2
seconds) on uphill stretches, so that the driver
will not perceive the vehicle as “braking”
downhill.
The function that measures the gradient is active
only at speeds over 8 km/h, therefore gradient
changes at lower speeds will not be detected.
Example: if you are driving uphill and you make
a manoeuvre to change your driving direction,
the system will not detect a gradient change,
and its maximum activation time will remain 1.2
seconds.
WARNING: If, on downhill slopes, you let the
vehicle move in neutral (N), when you request
a gearshift UP, the gear engaged will depend on
the current speed of the vehicle. For safety reasons, the system activates the
warning buzzer and automatically engages
neutral (N) when, with the vehicle stationary,
the engine running and a gear engaged:
- the brake pedal or the accelerator are not
depressed for over 1 minute
- the brake pedal is depressed for more than
10 minutes
- the door is opened without depressing the
brake pedal or the accelerator
- the engine compartment lid is opened.WARNING: The warning buzzer is activated
even if the clutch overheats during the “pickup”
manoeuvre. In these cases, you must start off
immediately or release the accelerator pedal and
depress the brake pedal.

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5
USING THE VEHICLE
REQUESTING
NEUTRAL (N)
If necessary, neutral (N) can be requested at any
speed.
If you then operate the UP paddle, the system
will engage a gear suited to the vehicle speed.
STOPPING THE VEHICLE
When the vehicle stops, the system
automatically engages 1
st gear (unless N has
already bee requested).
With the vehicle stationary and the engine
running, hold the brake pedal depressed until
you are ready to start off again. TURNING OFF
THE ENGINE AND
DEACTIVATING THE
SYSTEM
The engine can only be turned off with the
gearbox in 1
st, or reverse gear R.
If the gear is in neutral and the key is turned
from MAR to position STOP, the display remains
on for a few seconds showing the letter (N)
flashing and activating the acoustic signal.
For safety reasons, to avoid undesired and
sudden vehicle movements:
CAUTION
Never leave the vehicle with
the gear in neutral (N), but engage
1
st or reverse gear and check that the
parking brake has been engaged. Do
not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.CAUTION
Do not remove the key when
the vehicle is moving! The system (and
thus the display) would remain active
but malfunctioning, until the vehicle
stops; in addition, the steering wheel
would lock automatically at the first
turn of the wheel.
In this case, the failure symbol
will
illuminate and, before starting-off again, the
system must be turned off and the “system start-
up” phase repeated.
In any event, it is best to:
- Turn off the engine and the system holding
the brake pedal depressed.
- Do not request a gearshift while the system
is turning off.

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5
HEADLIGHTSBI-XENON HEADLIGHTS
The gas-discharge (Xenon) headlights use an
electric arc saturated with Xenon gas under
pressure, instead of the incandescent filament.
The light produced is markedly superior to that
of traditional light bulbs, in terms of quality
(brighter light) as well as of the span and
positioning of the area illuminated.
The advantages offered by better lighting can be
clearly perceived (less eye strain and increased
orientation for the driver and thus driving safety)
especially in the case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road indications owing to the
broader illumination of the side zones, which are
normally left in the dark.The much broader illumination of the side zones
markedly increases driving safety as it allows the
driver to better detect other persons on the side
of the road (e.g. pedestrians, bicycle riders and
motorcycle drivers).
The electric arc requires very high voltage for
striking, but after activation power is supplied at
a lower voltage.
The headlights reach maximum brightness about
0.5 seconds after activation.
CAUTION
Should the bulbs need to
be replaced, have this operation
performed only at an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network. RISK OF ELECTRICAL
SHOCKS!
DRIVING
CONDITIONSBEFORE A TRIP
Check the following at regular intervals and
always before long trips:
- tyre pressure and condition
- levels of fl uids and lubricants
- conditions of the windscreen wiper blades
- proper operation of the warning lights and
of the external lights.WARNING: It is always advisable to perform
these checks at least every 800 km and to
always follow the maintenance operations
provided for in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Schedule” book.It is also advisable to:
- clean the glass on the external lights and all
other glass surfaces
- properly adjust the mirrors, steering wheel,
seats and seat belts.

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5
USING THE VEHICLE
CAPACITIESWARNING: Use unleaded fuel only!
The use of fuel containing lead would
permanently damage the catalytic converters.For fluid and lubricant specifications and
quantities, follow the indications contained
in section 7 “CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS”.
SAFE DRIVING
Although the vehicle is fitted with active and
passive safety devices the driver’s behaviour is
always a decisive factor for road safety.
Below are some simple rules for travelling safely
in different conditions. You will, no doubt, be
familiar with some of them but, in any case, it
would be useful to read them carefully.BEFORE YOU DRIVE
- Make sure that the lights and headlights are
working properly.
- Adjust the position of the seat, steering
wheel and rear-view mirrors so that you
have the best driving position.
- Check that nothing (e.g. mat covers, etc.)
is blocking the pedals.
- Carefully arrange any objects in the luggage
compartment, to prevent sudden braking
from jerking them forward.
- Avoid heavy meals before a trip. A light
snack helps to keep the refl exes sharp. In
particular avoid drinking alcohol.
- Remember to read, at regular intervals,
the instructions contained in the chapter
“Before a trip”, in this section.
CAUTION
It is extremely dangerous and
moreover prohibited by law to travel
on the luggage shelf behind the seats.
In the event of an accident, persons
carried in this position are more
exposed to the risk of serious injury.
Passengers must only travel seated in
the vehicle seats, with the seat belts
fastened properly. Always check that
you and your passengers have your
seat belts fastened correctly.

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IN AN EMERGENCY
POSITION OF FUSES/
RELAYS
The fuses/relays are located in various parts of
the vehicle, namely:
- On the right hand side of the luggage
compartment.
- Behind the glove compartment, to the left
of the steering wheel.
- In the luggage compartment, next to the
battery.
FUSE COLOURS
dark
yellowbrown red light blue yellow white green
Ampere A5 A7,5 A10 A15 A20 A25 A30MAXI FUSE COLOURS
yellow green orange red blue
Ampere A20 A30 A40 A50 A60

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6
C
F-36
F-39
F-38
F-53
F-31F-52
F-41
F-43
F-40
F-44F-45
F-47
F-32
F-50
F-51F-46
F-33
F-37
F-42
F-12F-34
F-48
F-49
F-35
F-13
T01T12
T11T13
FUSES AND RELAYS
IN THE PASSENGER
COMPARTMENT, TO THE
LEFT OF THE STEERING
WHEEL
To access the fuses/relays, turn over the panel
C.The fuses/relays are housed in 2 control boxes. The list of fuses and relays is shown on pages.

163
6
IN AN EMERGENCY
Relays in the passenger compartment, to the left of the steering wheelPos. Type Function
T01 Micro-relay 30A Low-beams
T11 Micro-relay 30A Heated rear window
T12 Micro-relay 30A Connected devices 1
T13 Maxi-relay 50A Connected devices 2
Fuses inside the passenger compartment, to the left of the steering wheel
Pos. Amp. Colour System / Component
F12 15A Light blue +30 Right-hand low beam
F13 15A Light blue +30 Left-hand low beam
F31 7.5A Brown INT/A For A.C. unit NBC (Body Computer Node)
F32 10A Red +30 dome lights, step lights, CAV, driver- and passenger-side footwell lights
F33 20A Yellow Position available
F34 20A Yellow Position available
F35 7.5A Brown +15 engine signals, coils R5, R6, R9, R24, SCC, door locking/unlocking control
F36 10A Red +30 NQS
F37 10A Red +15 NQS, left-hand and right-hand headlights
F38 15A Light blue Rear window lock

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6
IF YOU HAVE TO
TOW THE VEHICLE If you need to tow the vehicle, observe the
following recommendations:
- if possible, have the vehicle transported on
a vehicle equipped with loading platform
and specifi c for roadside assistance and
recovery.
If this is not possible:
- Tow the vehicle for a stretch of less than
100 km at a speed below 60 km/h, using
the towing hook provided in the toolkit.To be able to tow the vehicle, you must:
- Turn the ignition key to MAR without
starting the engine (see page 87)
- Engage neutral (position N) by
simultaneously pulling the gearshift paddles
UP and DOWN while holding the brake
pedal depressed (see page 118)
- turn the key back to position STOP.
CAUTION
Do not extract the key, as the
steering wheel will lock automatically
and you will be unable to steer the
wheels.
CAUTION
When towing the vehicle, make
sure that you observe the road traffic
regulations concerning both the towing
device and driving conduct.CAUTION
When towing the vehicle with
the engine off, remember that, without
the assistance of the brake servo, a
stronger effort is required on the brake
pedal for braking and on the steering
wheel for steering.
CAUTION
Screw down the towing hook
into its seat (approx. 11 turns).
Accurately clean the threaded seat
before tightening the hook.
WARNING: If you have to tow the vehicle with 2
wheels raised, ensure that the ignition key is in
the STOP position. Otherwise, when the VDC is
active, the relative ECU will store a malfunction,
which will cause the illumination of the warning
light
on the instrument panel display. This
requires the intervention of an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network
to correct the system malfunction.