GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
167
The devices used to reduce diesel fuel en-
gine emissions are:
– oxidising catalyst;
– exhaust gas recirculation system (E. G. R.);
– diesel particulate filter (DPF). DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
(for versions/ markets where
applicable)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechani-
cal filter, integral with the exhaust system,
that physically traps particulates present in
the exhaust gases of Diesel engines.
The diesel particular filter has been adopt-
ed to eliminate almost totally particulates in
compliance with current / future law regu-
lations.
During normal use of the car, the engine
control unit records a set of data (e.g.: trav-
el time, type of route, temperatures, etc.)
and it will then calculate how much partic-
ulates has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particulates,
it shall be cleaned (reclaimed) at regular in-
tervals by burning carbon particles.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The devices used to reduce petrol engine
emissions are:
– trivalent catalytic converter (catalytic si-
lencer);
– Lambda sensors;
– anti-evaporation system.
If one or more spark plugs are discon-
nected, do not run the engine, even for a
test.During normal service the
catalyst and the diesel par-
ticulate filter (DPF) reach
high temperatures. Do not there-
fore park the car over inflammable
materials (grass, dry leaves, pine
needles, etc.): fire hazard.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
171
Never push, tow or coast
start the car. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the en-
gine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort than
usual is needed on the brake ped-
al and steering wheel. For cars with turbocharg-
er in particular, but for all
cars in general, sharp ac-
celerating should be avoided before
switching the engine off.
A “kick” on the accelerator
serves no purpose, consumes fuel
pointlessly and may cause serious
damage to the turbocharger im-
peller bearings.
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the Alfa Romeo CODE system does not
recognise the code transmitted by the igni-
tion key (warning light
Yon the instru-
ment cluster glowing on steadily) emer-
gency starting may be carried out using the
code of the CODE card.
For the correct procedure see the chapter
“In an emergency”.
IMPORTANTIf the engine turns off with
the car on the move, the next time it is start-
ed, the Alfa Romeo CODE warning light may
turn on(
Y). In this case, check that switch-
ing off and starting the engine again with
the car stationary, the warning light stays
off. If not, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.
ENGINE SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and wait
until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOPpo-
sition and switch off the engine.
IMPORTANTAfter a tiring journey it is
advisable to let the engine “get its breath
back” allowing it to idle a while to lower the
temperature in the engine compartment.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
172
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the ignition
key when leaving the car 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.
PARKING
When the car is parked, proceed as fol-
lows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the car is faced up-
hill or reverse if the car is facing downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the car 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 car running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance have
the checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance 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 car (especially in urban
traffic), and its geometry heavily affect con-
sumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy,
therefore increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels(up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
173
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do
not allow the engine to reach optimum op-
erating temperature. This results in a sig-
nificant increase in consumption levels (from
+15 to +30% on the urban cycle) and emis-
sion of harmful substances.
Traffic situations and road
conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied to
situations with heavy traffic, for example
in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights. Al-
so winding mounting roads and rough road
surfaces adversely affect consumption.
Stopping in the traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level cross-
ings) it is advisable to switch the engine off.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a
standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up much
more slowly, increasing electrical consump-
tion and emissions. It is therefore advisable
to move off immediately, slowly, avoiding
high speeds. This way the engine will warm
faster.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine. This
and also double declutching is absolutely
pointless on modern cars and also increase
consumption and pollution.
Gearshifting
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear.
Using a low gear to obtain brilliant per-
formance increases consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions and
engine wear.Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Maintain an even as possible
speed, avoiding superfluous braking and ac-
celerating, which cost in terms of both fuel
and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating heavily taking the engine to
a high speed has a considerably adverse ef-
fect on consumption and emission levels;
it is wise to accelerate gradually and not ex-
ceed the maximum torque.
IN AN EMERGENCY
180
STARTING
WITH AN AUXILIARY BATTERY
If the battery is flat (for battery with op-
tical hydrometer: dark colour without green
area in the centre), it is possible to start the
engine using an auxiliary battery with the
same capacity or a little higher than the flat
one.
Proceed as follows (fig. 1):
1) Remove the protective cover on the pos-
itive battery post pressing on the opening
catches (front), then connect the positive
terminals (+sign next to the terminal) of
the two batteries using a special cable.
2) Connect the end of the second jump
lead to the negative terminal (–) of the aux-
iliary battery with an earth point
Eon the
engine or gearbox of the car to be started.IMPORTANTDo not directly connect the
negative terminals of the two batteries: any
sparks may ignite the detonating gas which
could come out of the battery. If the auxil-
iary battery is installed on another car, avoid
metal parts touching accidentally between
this car and the one with the flat battery.
3) Start the engine.
4) When the engine has started, remove
the cables, reversing the sequence followed
for connection.
If after a few attempts the engine does not
start, do not insist but contact the nearest
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
fig. 1
A0A0149b
This starting procedure
must be carried out by
qualified personnel because
incorrect operations may cause
electrical discharge of considerable
intensity. The liquid contained in
the battery is poisonous and cor-
rosive. Avoid contact with the skin
and the eyes. Keep naked flames
and lighted cigarettes away from
the battery and do not cause
sparks.
Never use a battery
charger to start the engine
as this could damage the
electronic systems of your car, par-
ticularly the ignition and fuel sup-
ply control units.
IN AN EMERGENCY
181
STARTING BY INERTIA
If the car is equipped with “Kit for tyre re-
pair Fix&Go“, see the instructions contained
in the following chapter.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
As an alternative to the FIX & GO, the car
can be provided (upon request) with space-
saver spare wheel or standard wheel; wheel
changing and correct use of the jack call for
some precautions as listed below.
IN THE EVENT OF A PUNCTURE
Never push, tow or coast
start the car. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the en-
gine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort than
usual is needed on the brake ped-
al and steering wheel.
Signal the presence of the
stationary car according to
current regulations: 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 sur-
face, 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 trail-
er, disconnect the trailer before
raising the car. The compact spare
wheel is specific to your car, do not
use it on other models, or use the
spare wheel of other models on
your car.
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
211
40
30
50
15
15
15
15
25
7.5
15
15
30
30
50
20
150
40
60
20 F05 (MAXI-FUSE)
F06 (MAXI-FUSE)
F07 (MAXI-FUSE)
F10
F21
F22
F21
F60 (*)
F16
F61 (*)
F62 (*)
F08
F72 (MAXI-FUSE)
F01 (MAXI-FUSE)
F20
F70 (MEGA-FUSE)
F06 (MAXI-FUSE)
F07 (MAXI-FUSE)
F22 53
53
53
53
53
53
53
52
53
52
52
53
54
53
53
54
53
53
53
SERVICES FIGURE FUSE AMPERES
(*) Fuse behind dashboard control box on an auxiliary bracket.
Climate control fan
Radiator fan (first speed - petrol versions)
Radiator fan (second speed - petrol versions)
Horn
Fuel pump
Injectors (petrol versions)
Ignition coils
Tailgate electric unlocking
Electronic injection system
Bose system
Bose system
Additional heater
Ignition switch
Glow plug warming (JTD versions)
Heated fuel oil filter (JTD versions)
Engine compartment control box (JTD versions)
Radiator fan (first speed – JTD versions)
Radiator fan (second speed – JTD versions)
Injectors (JTD versions)
IN AN EMERGENCY
215
– In motorways pileups, especially with
poor visibility, the risk of being involved in
other crashes is high. Leave the car imme-
diately and go beyond the guard-rail.
– If doors are blocked, do not try to get
out of the car breaking the windscreen which
is stratified. The windows and rear screen
are easier to break.
– Remove the ignition key of the cars in-
volved.
– If you note a smell of fuel or other chem-
ical products, do not smoke and have a cig-
arette stubbed out.
– To put out fires, even small ones, use
the extinguisher, blankets, sand, or earth.
Never use water.
– If use of the lighting system is not nec-
essary, disconnect the battery negative ter-
minal (–).IN THE EVENT
OF AN ACCIDENT
– It is important to keep calm.
– If you are not directly involved, stop at
least a few dozen metres away from the ac-
cident.
– On motorways, stop without blocking
the emergency lane.
– Turn the engine off and the hazard warn-
ing lights on.
– At night, illuminate the place of the ac-
cident with the headlights.
– Take care, do not risk being run over.
– Signal the accident placing the triangle
at regulation distance in a clearly visible
place.
– Call the emergency organisation, giving
the most accurate information possible. On
motorways use the special phones provid-
ed.
IF PEOPLE ARE INJURED
– An injured person must never be aban-
doned. Helping is compulsory also for per-
sons not directly involved in the accident.
– Do not crowd around injured people.
– Reassure the injured person that help
is on the way, and stay near to overcome
any panic.
– Release or cut the seat belt restraining
injured persons.
– Do not give injured persons anything
to drink.
– An injured person should never be
moved except in the following circum-
stances.
– Remove an injured person from the car
only in danger of fire, sinking or falling.
When removing an injured person: do not
pull the limbs or bend the head and keep
the body as horizontal as possible.
FIRST AID KIT
In addition to the first-aid kit, it is also
wise to keep an extinguisher and a blan-
ket in the car.