GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
13
WHEN THE ALARM IS
TRIGGERED
When the system is on, the alarm comes
into action in the following cases:
– opening of one of the doors, bonnet or
tailgate;
– disconnection of the battery or section-
ing of electric cables;
– intrusion in the passenger compartment,
for example breakage of windows (volu-
metric protection);
– attempt to start the engine (key in
MARposition);
– abnormal car lifting/sloping (for ver-
sions/markets where applicable).
Depending on the markets, the cutting in
of the alarm causes operation of the siren
and hazard warning lights (for about 26 sec-
onds). The ways of operating and the num-
ber of cycles may vary depending on the
markets.
A maximum number of cycles is however
envisaged.
Once the alarm cycle has ended, the sys-
tem resumes its normal control function.
VOLUMETRIC PROTECTION
To make sure that the protection system
works correctly the side windows and sun-
roof (if fitted) must be properly shut.
The function can be cut off (if, for exam-
ple, leaving animals in the car) carrying out
the following operations in rapid succession:
starting from the condition with the igni-
tion key at MAR, move the key to STOP,
then immediately back to MARand then
toSTOPagain, then remove the ignition
key.
The deterrent led (A-fig. 7) on the dash-
board lights up for about 2 seconds to con-
firm that the function has been cut off.
To restore volumetric protection, move the
and keep the ignition key at MARfor over
30 seconds.
If, with the volumetric protection function
deactivated, an electric control controlled by
the ignition key at MAR(e.g. power win-
dows) turn the ignition key to MAR, op-
erate the control and move the key to
STOPin a maximum time of 30 seconds.
This way volumetric protection is not re-
stored.
HOW TO CUT OFF
THE ALARM SYSTEM
To deactivate the alarm system complete-
ly (for instance during prolonged inactivity
of the car) simply lock the car turning the
key in the lock.
MINISTERIAL CERTIFICATION
In accordance with the law in force in each
country, on the subject of radio frequency,
we wish to point out that for the markets in
which the transmitter needs to be marked,
the certification number is given on the com-
ponent.
Depending on the versions/markets, the
code may also be given on the transmitter
and/or on the receiver.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
14
IGNITION DEVICE
SWITCH(fig. 8)
The key can be turned to one of four po-
sitions:
–STOP: engine switched off, key can be
removed, engine inhibitor engaged, steer-
ing 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 car al-
ways remove the key from
the ignition to prevent any
occupants of the car from acciden-
tally activating the controls. Nev-
er leave children in the car unac-
companied. Remember to engage
the handbrake and, if the car is
parked on an uphill slope, to en-
gage the first gear. If the car is fac-
ing downhill, 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 au-
tomatically.
IMPORTANTTo turn the key to the
PARKposition, button (A) on the switch
must be pressed first.
It is absolutely forbidden
to carry out whatever af-
ter-market operation in-
volving steering system or steer-
ing column modifications (e.g.: in-
stallation of anti-theft device) that
could badly affect performance and
safety, cause the lapse of warran-
ty and also result in non-compli-
ance of the car with homologation
requirements.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
15
STEERING LOCK
Engaging:
– move the key to STOPorPARK, then
remove the key and turn the steering wheel
slightly to facilitate the locking action.
Disengaging:
– turn the key to MARgently rocking the
steering wheel from side to side.
Never remove the ignition
key with the car on the
move. The steering wheel
would lock automatically the first
time the steering wheel is turned.
This also occurs if the car is towed.
DOORS
Before opening a door, al-
ways make sure that it can
be done safely.
OPENING/CLOSING
FROM OUTSIDE
Front doors
– To open the door, turn the key (clockwise
for the driver’s door and, upon request for ver-
sions/markets where applicable, counter-
clockwise for the passenger’s door), then re-
move the key and pull the lever (A-fig. 9).
– To close the door, turn the key in the
lock in the opposite direction to the one for
opening.
fig. 9
A0A0017b
fig. 10
A0A0018b
OPENING/CLOSING
FROM INSIDE
Front doors
– To open the door, pull the handle
(A-fig. 10).
– To close the door, pull it; then to prevent
opening from the outside, press the button
(A-fig. 11) on the dashboard, the deter-
rent led (B) on the button lights up with a
yellow light to confirm that locking has tak-
en place.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
23
REAR-VIEW MIRROR
ADJUSTMENT
INNER
The mirror, fitted with a safety device that
causes it to be released in the event of a
violent crash, can be moved using the lever
(A-fig. 28) to two different positions, nor-
mal or antiglare.
fig. 28
A0A0039b
Folding(fig. 30)
– In the event of need (for example when
the mirror causes difficulty in narrow spaces)
it is possible to fold the mirror moving it from
position (A) to position (B).
fig. 30
A0A0041b
When driving the mirrors
should always be in posi-
tion (A).
As the driver’s wing mir-
ror is curved, it may slight-
ly alter the perception of
distance.
OUTER
Electric adjustment (fig. 29)
– use the switch (A) to select the mirror
required (right or left);
– pressing the button (B) in one of the
four directions, move the mirror selected pre-
viously;
– position the switch (A) in the interme-
diate locking position.
IMPORTANTAdjustment is possible on-
ly with the ignition key at MAR.
fig. 29
A0A0040b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
24fig. 33
A0A0043b
POWER WINDOWS
IMPORTANTWith the ignition key at
STOPor removed, the power windows re-
main activated for about 3 minutes and are
deactivated immediately the moment a door
is opened.Driver’ side
(fig. 33)
The driver’s door panel contains the but-
tons that control the following windows,
with the ignition key at MAR:
A- left front window
B- right front window.
Press the button to lower the window. Pull
to raise it. Defrosting/demisting(fig. 31-32)
The electric mirrors are fitted with heat-
ing coils which come into operation with
rearscreen heating pressing the button (A)
thereby defrosting and/or demisting the mir-
rors.
IMPORTANTThe function is timed and
automatically switched off after a few min-
utes.
fig. 32
A0A0612b
fig. 31
A0A0042b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
40
PASSENGER’S
FRONT AIRBAG
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
contained in a special recess in the dash-
board; its volume is bigger than the driver’s
one (fig. 51).
MANUAL DEACTIVATION OF
PASSENGER’S FRONT AIRBAG
(
fig. 52)
(upon request for versions /
markets where applicable)
Should it be absolutely necessary to car-
ry a child on the front seat, the passenger’s
font air bag can be deactivated.
Deactivation/reactivation takes place with
ignition key at STOP, and operating it in
the special key switch set in the glovebox. SERIOUS DANGER
Children may placed
on the front seat of
cars fitted with passenger’s air bag
deactivation. In this case, it is ab-
solutely necessary to check the
warning light Fon the instru-
ment panel to make sure that de-
activation has actually took place
(see paragraph “Front passenger
air bag”). The front passenger’s
seat shall be adjusted in the most
backward position to prevent any
contact between child’s seat and
dashboard.
fig. 51
A0A0392b
fig. 52
A0A0392b
Never place cradle child’s
seats facing backwards on
the front passenger seat of
cars fitted with passenger’s air bag
since the air bag activation could
cause serious injuries, even mortal.
You are advised to carry children
always on the rear seat, as this is
the most protected position in the
case of a crash.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
43
GENERAL CAUTIONS
If when turning the ignition
key to MAR, the warning
light
¬does not turn on or
if it stays on when travelling there
could be a failure in safety sys-
tems; in this event air bags or pre-
tensioners could not trigger in case
of impact or, in a minor number of
cases, they could trigger acciden-
tally. Contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services immediately to have
the system checked.
Do not cover the backrest
of front seats with trims or
covers that are not suitable
to be used with side bags.Never travel with objects
on your lap, in front of
your chest or with a pipe,
pencil, etc. between your lips; in-
jury may result in the event of the
air bag being triggered.
Always keep your hands
on the steering wheel rim
when driving, so that if the
air bag is triggered, it can inflate
without meeting any obstacles
which could cause serious harm to
you. Do not drive with the body
bent forwards, keep the seat back
rest in the erect position and lean
your back well against it.
If the car has been stolen
or an attempt to steal it
has been made, if it has
been subjected to vandals or
floods, have the air bag system
checked by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
Remember that with the
key engaged and at MAR,
even if the engine is not
running, the air bags may be trig-
gered on a stationary car if it is
bumped by another moving car.
Therefore, never seat children on
the front seat even when the car is
stationary. On the other hand re-
member that if the key is at STOP,
no safety system (air bags or pre-
tensioners) is triggered in the
event of an impact; in this case,
failure to come into action cannot
be considered as a sign that the
system is not working properly.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
44
STEERING WHEEL
LEVERS
The devices and services controlled by the
levers on the steering wheel can only be ac-
tivated with the ignition key at MAR.
LEFT-HAND LEVER
The left-hand lever controls the outer lights
except for the fog lamps and rear fog
guards.
When the outer lights are switched on, the
various controls on the dashboard are illu-
minated.
Only with the ignition key at PARK, re-
gardless of the position of the knurled ring,
the sidelights and number plate lights stay on.
Position (1or2-fig. 60) of the lever
causes the turning on only of the sidelights
(front and rear), on the right or left respec-
tively.
Lights switched off
(fig. 55)
When the pointer in the knurled ring is op-
posite the symbol O, the outer lights are
switched off. When the ignition key is
turned to MAR, the warn-
ing light
F(with passen-
ger’s front air bag deactivation
switch at ON) turns on and flash-
es for few seconds to remind that
passenger’s air bag will be de-
ployed in a crash, after which it
should go off.The front air bag is trig-
gered for shocks greater in
magnitude than the pre-
tensioners. For impacts between
these two thresholds, it is there-
fore normal that only the preten-
sioners are triggered.
Do not hook rigid objects
to the coat hooks and to
the support handles.
The air bag does not sub-
stitute the seat belts, but
only increases their effec-
tiveness. Moreover, since the front
air bags do not come into operation
in the event of front impact at low
speed, side collisions, bumps from
behind or overturning, in these cir-
cumstances the occupants would
only be protected by the seat belts
which must therefore always be
fastened. Never wash seat back-
rests with pressurised wa-
ter or steam (by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).