GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
12
– if the led continues flashing, but at dif-
ferent intervals than normal, this means that
different attempts to break in have occurred.
Through the number of flashes it is possi-
ble to identify the type of attempt:
1 flash:one or more doors
2 flashes:tailgate
3 flashes:bonnet
4 flashes:ultrasounds
5 flashes:abnormal car lifting/slop-
ing (for versions/markets
where applicable)
6 flashes:tampering with car starting
cables
7 flashes:tampering with battery ca-
bles or cutting emergency
key cables
8 flashes:connection line to sensors
and siren
9 flashes:at least three causes of
alarm. Surveillance
After switching on, the flashing of the de-
terrent led (A-fig. 7) on the dashboard in-
dicates the system surveillance mode. The
led flashes throughout this period.
IMPORTANTOperation of the electronic
alarm is adapted at the origin to the rules
of the different countries.
Self-diagnostic functions
and door, bonnet, boot control
If, after engaging the alarm, a second
“beep” is sounded, switch off the system
pressing the button (B-fig. 6), check that
the doors, bonnet and tailgate are properly
shut, then switch the system on again press-
ing the button (C). Otherwise, the door,
bonnet or tailgate that is not shut properly
will be excluded from the alarm system con-
trol.
If the doors, bonnet and boot are shut cor-
rectly and the control signal is repeated, the
system self-diagnostic has detected a sys-
tem operating fault. It is therefore necessary
to contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.HOW TO DEACTIVATE
THE ALARM
To deactivate the alarm press the button (B-
fig. 6) of the key with remote control. The
system will react as follows (with the ex-
ception of certain markets):
– two brief flashes of the direction indi-
cators
– two brief “beeps” of the system
– door unlocking.
IMPORTANTIf when the system is
turned off the deterrent led (A-fig. 7) on
the dashboard stays on (maximum 2 min-
utes or until the ignition key is set to MAR)
the following should be borne in mind:
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
46
“Follow me home” device
(fig. 61)
This function allows the illumination of the
space in front of the car for the length of
time set, and is activated with the ignition
key at STOPor removed, pulling the left-
hand lever towards the steering wheel.
This function is activated pulling the lever
within 2 minutes from when the engine is
turned off. At each single movement of the
lever, the staying on of the dipped beams
and sidelights is extended by 30 seconds up
to a maximum of 3.5 minutes; the lights
switch off automatically after the time set.
Each time the lever is operated, the
1
warning light on the cluster turns on. Flashing
(fig. 59)
The headlights are flashed pulling the lever
towards the steering wheel (instable posi-
tion) regardless of the position of the
knurled ring. The
1warning light on the
cluster will come on at the same time.
IMPORTANTOnly the main-beam lights
are flashed. To avoid penalties follow local
regulations.
Direction indicators
(fig. 60)
Regardless of the position of the knurled
ring, moving the lever to the stable position
will:
up, position (1) - engage the right-hand
direction indicators.
down, position (2) - engage the left-hand
direction indicators.One of the warning lights (
RorE) will
come on on the instrument cluster at the
same time.
The lever is returned to its position auto-
matically and the indicators are switched off
when the steering wheel is straightened.
IMPORTANTIf you wish to signal a
rapid change of direction involving only a
minimal movement of the steering wheel,
the lever can be removed up or down with-
out it clicking (unstable position). When re-
leased, the lever will return to its home po-
sition.
fig. 61
A0A0067b
fig. 60
A0A0068b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
59
CLOCK(fig. 76)
Adjusting the hours
Press the MODE button in
Q, the hours
will flash. Set the hour required using buttons
▲or▼.
Every press on the button will increase by
one unit.
Keeping the button pressed obtains auto-
matic fast increase or decrease.
When you are near the value required, re-
lease the control and complete adjustment
with single presses.
Then press the MODE button in
Rto
store.
fig. 76Adjusting the minutes
Press the MODE button twice in
Q, the
minutes will flash. Set the minutes required
using buttons
▲or▼.
Every press on the button will increase by
one unit.
Keeping the button pressed obtains auto-
matic fast increase or decrease.
When you are near the value required, re-
lease the control and complete adjustment
with single presses.
Then press the MODE button in
Rto
store.
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE (fig. 76)
Outside temperature can be viewed on the
display lower side, under the hour indica-
tion. When the outside temperature is be-
low or 3° C, the indicator starts flashing
together with the buzzer, to warn the driver
about the possible presence of ice on the
road. The acoustic signal lasts about 2 sec-
onds, while the outside temperature indi-
cator flashes for about 10 seconds. The sig-
nal of possible presence of ice on the road
is repeated only if the outside temperature
is over 6° C and then reaches again 3° C.
A0A0009b
fig. 77
A0A0083b
BUZZER(fig. 77-78)
The buzzer which accompanies the con-
trols may be activated (
ON) or deactivated
(
OFF); proceed as follows:
Press the MODE button 3 times in
Q,
then use buttons
▲or▼, to turn the buzzer
on or off.
Then press the MODE button in
Rto
store the condition chosen.
clock and outside temperature
display buzzer activated display (ON)
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
90
IMPORTANTThe demisting procedire
is enabled each time the ignition key is
turned to MARor pressing the button
AUTO. When this procedure is working it
can be turned off pressing one of the fol-
lowing buttons : compressor, air recircula-
tion, air distribution, air flow. This opera-
tion inhibits the incipient misting sensor
signal until the button
AUTOis pressed
again or the next time the ignition key is
turned to MAR.On certain versions, the system is inte-
grated by an antipollution sensor capable
of automatically switching on inside air
recirculation to lessen the harmful effects
of polluted air in cities, queues, tunnels
and operation of the windscreen washer
(with the typical smell of spirits).
IMPORTANT The function of the
antipollution sensor is subordinate to safe-
ty conditions; therefore disabling the cli-
mate control compressor or with low exter-
nal temperature, the sensor is disabled. In
any case, the sensor can be re-enabled
pressing the recirculation button
vuntil
taking it to the automatic mode. To ensure correct opera-
tion of the incipient mist-
ing sensor, stickers must
not be applied (road licence holder,
time card etc.). Care should also be
given to cleaning the windscreen
and the actual sensor, avoiding the
accumulation of dust and other sub-
stances.
GENERAL
The car is fitted with a two-zone climate
control system, controlled by an electronic
control unit which makes it possible to
separately adjust the air temperature on
the driver’s side and on the passenger’s
side. To obtain optimum temperature con-
trol in the two areas of the passenger
compartment, the system has an outside
sensor, a passenger compartment sensor
and a two-zone sun ray sensor.
On some versions the system is integrat-
ed with an incipient misting sensor
installed behind the inside rear-view mir-
ror, capable of “controlling” a predefined
area of the windscreen inner surface
which can automatically act on the system
to prevent or reduce misting through a
series of operations such as: opening air
re-circulation, enabling the compressor, air
flow to the windscreen, fan speed suffi-
cient for demisting; in the case of heavy
misting, enabling the
MAXDEFfunction.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
120
PARKING THE CAR
To park the car safely it is absolutely nec-
essary to engage first gear (1) or reverse
(R) and also the handbrake if the road is
on a slope.
Turning the engine off with the car facing
uphill and a gear engaged, it is absolutely
necessary to wait for the gear display to go
off before releasing the brake pedal, so that
the clutch is fully disengaged.
If the gearbox is in neutral (N) and want-
ing to engage a parking gear, the system
should be activated and with the foot on the
brake pedal it is necessary to engage (1)
or (R).
TOWING THE CAR
IMPORTANTFor towing the car, adhere
to local regulations. Make sure that the gear-
box is in neutral (N) (checking that the car
moves when pushed) and proceed as for
towing a normal car with mechanical gear-
box following the instructions given in sec-
tion “In an emergency”.
If setting to neutral is not possible, do not
tow the car and contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
While towing the car do
not start the engine.
BUZZER WARNINGS
The buzzer is activated when:
– reverse gear is engaged (R);
– the car is parked with the gearbox in
neutral (N); signal that can be noted turn-
ing the ignition key to STOP;
– clutch overheating occurs when moving
off;
– the system has shifted automatically
to neutral (N) when:
there is no action on the accelerator
and/or brake pedal for at least 3 minutes;
or the brake is pressed for over 10 min-
utes;
or the driver’s door is opened and no ac-
tion is made on the accelerator and brake
for at least 1.5 seconds;
or detection of a gearbox fault;
– gearbox fault.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
134
ABS
(on request for versions/markets
where applicable)
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes full use of the grip
and within the limits of the grip available,
keeps the car controllable also in emergency
braking.
When braking a slight pulsing accompa-
nied by noise may be felt on the brake ped-
al due to the action of the ABS system.
This should not be interpreted as a brak-
ing malfunction. It is the signal to the driver
that the ABS has come into action: it is the
warning that the car is travelling at the lim-
it of its grip and therefore the speed should
be adapted to the type of road.
The ABS system is an additional part of the
base braking system; in the event of a fail-
ure it is disabled, leaving the braking sys-
tem in the same conditions as a car without
ABS.
In the case of a failure, the anti-lock action
is no longer present, the braking capacity of
the car is not adversely affected at all. The ABS better exploits
the grip available, but can-
not increase it; caution is
therefore necessary on slippery
surfaces, without taking unneces-
sary risks.
If the ABS cuts in it means
that the limit of the grip is
being reached between the
tyre and the road surface: it is
therefore necessary to slow down
to adapt driving to the grip avail-
able.
In the event of a system
failure, with the turning on
of the
>warning light on
the instrument cluster, have the car
checked immediately by Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services, to be
able to have the system restored
to fully efficient conditions.
If you have never previously used cars fit-
ted with ABS, it is advisable to practice a lit-
tle on a slippery surface, naturally in safe-
ty conditions and in accordance with the lo-
cal Highway Code; you are also advised to
read the following instructions carefully.
The advantage of the ABS over a conven-
tional system is that it makes it possible to ob-
tain the highest degree of handling also when
braking completely under limited grip condi-
tions, preventing the wheels from locking.
However, with the ABS do not expect the
braking distance to always shorten: for ex-
ample, on soft surfaces like gravel or fresh
snow or a slippery surface, the space might
increase.
To better exploit the possibilities of the an-
ti-lock system in the case of need, the ad-
vice given below should be followed.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
136
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
(on request for versions/
markets where applicable)
The VDC is an electronic system that con-
trols car stability, intervening on the driving
torque and braking the wheels in a differ-
entiated manner, in the lack of grip, it helps
to bring the car back to the correct direction.
When travelling the car is subjected to lat-
eral and longitudinal forces which can be
controlled by the driver as long as the tyres
offer adequate roadholding; when this falls
below the minimum level, the car begins
to divert from the course required by the dri-
ver.
Especially when travelling on an uneven
surface (such as paving, or due to the pres-
ence of water, ice or soil), changes in speed
(acceleration or braking) and/or course
(bends or the need to avoid obstacles) may
cause the tyres to lose grip. When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the system in-
tervenes on the engine and on the brakes
producing a stabilising torque.
HOW THE VDC
SYSTEM WORKS
System is engaged automatically when the
car is started and cannot be switched off.
The basic components of the system are:
– an electronic control unit that process-
es the signals received from the various sen-
sors and brings about the most appropriate
strategy;
– a sensor that detects the position of the
steering wheels;
– four sensors that detect the turning
speed of each wheel;
– a sensor that detects rotation of the car
around its vertical axis;
– a sensor that detects lateral acceleration
(centrifugal force).
The heart of the system is the control unit,
which with the data supplied by the sensors
installed on the car calculates the centrifugal
forces generated when the car is cornering.
The yawing sensor, which originates from the
aeronautical industry, detects the rotations
of the car around its own vertical axis. The
centrifugal forces generated when the car
is cornering are detected by a highly sensi-
tive lateral acceleration sensor. The performance of the
system, in terms of active
safety should not induce
the driver to take pointless and un-
necessary risks. The style of dri-
ving must in any case always be
adapted to the conditions of the
road surface, visibility and traffic.
The responsibility for road safety
is always and in any case the dri-
ver’s.
System helps the driver to keep the car un-
der control in the event of a loss of tyre grip.
The forces induced by the system to con-
trol the loss of car stability always depend
on the grip between the tyre and the road
surface.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
The stabilising action of the 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 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 system is indicated by
the flashing of the áwarning light on the
instrument cluster, to inform the driver that
the car is in critical conditions of stability and
grip.
VDC system failure warning
In the event of a failure the system dis-
engages automatically and the
áwarning
light on the instrument cluster turns on glow-
ing steadily, together with the message on
the reconfigurable multifunction display.
In the event of an system failure the car
behaves like a car not fitted with this sys-
tem: in any case it is advisable to contact
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.