GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
128
OPENING FROM INSIDE
(fig. 126)
Tailgate is released electrically and this can
be performed only when the ignition key
is in positionMARwith car at a standstill
or in STOPorPARKposition for 3 min-
utes without unlocking/locking one of the
doors.
To unlock the tailgate, press button (A)
on the centre console panel.
Tailgate raising is facilitated by the gas
shock springs.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 127)
The tailgate can be opened by remote con-
trol from outside pressing the button (A),
also when the electronic alarm is engaged.
Opening of the tailgate is accompanied by
a double flash of the direction indicators;
closing is accompanied by a single flash.
If an electronic alarm is fitted, with the
opening of the tailgate, the alarm system
switches off volumetric protection and the
tailgate control sensor, the system “beeps”
twice (with the exception of certain mar-
kets).
Closing the tailgate again, the control func-
tions are restored, the system “beeps” twice
(with the exception of certain markets).
The gas springs are cali-
brated to ensure correct
tailgate raising with the
weights foreseen by the manufac-
turer. The arbitrary addition of
items (such as spoilers, etc.) may
compromise the correct operation
and safety of the actual tailgate.
fig. 127
A0A0131m
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT
The tailgate can be opened:
from the outside of the car - by a
remote control impulse;
from the inside of the door - by de-
pressing the button (A-fig. 126).
IMPORTANTThe non perfect hatchback
closure is shown by the
´symbol being
turned on as the same time as the dedicat-
ed message on the re-configurable multi-
function display.
fig. 126
A0A0129m
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
129fig. 128
A0A0132m
TAILGATE CLOSING
To lock, push in correspondence with the
Alfa Romeo badge to lower tailgate, until
you feel the click of the lock.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
LIGHTING
(fig. 128)
When the tailgate is opened the light turns
on automatically (A) in the right-hand side
of the boot. Closing the tailgate, the light
turns off automatically.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOP, opening the tailgate, turning on the
light will only be possible for 15 minutes;
after which the system turns it off to avoid
draining the battery.
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 130)
The loads carried may be secured straps
hooked to the special rings (A) in the boot.
The rings also serve for fastening the lug-
gage restrainer, if present (in any case avail-
able c/o Alfa Romeo Authorised Services).
CAUTIONS FOR CARRYING
LUGGAGE
Travelling at night with a load in the boot
it is necessary to adjust the height of the low
beam headlights (see next paragraph
“Headlights” in this chapter). For correct use
of the aiming device, also make sure that
the load does not exceed the values given
in the same paragraph.
fig. 130
A0A0133m
fig. 129
A0A0373m
EMERGENCY OPENING
OF TAILGATE
To succeed in opening the tailgate from the
inside, should the car battery be flat, or be-
cause of a defect of the electric lock of the
tailgate itself, proceed as follows (refer to
“Extending the Luggage Compartment” in
the chapter “Getting to know your car”):
– remove rear headrests;
– tilt the rear seat cushions;
– tilt the backrests;
Operate on lever (A-fig. 129) as shown,
to achieve the tailgate mechanical release,
operating from the inside of the luggage
compartment.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
130fig. 132
A0A0437m
BONNET
The bonnet opening lever is under the left
end of the dashboard.
To open:
– pull the lever (A-fig. 131) until the
bonnet clicks open.
– press the safety lever (A-fig. 132)
upwards.
– raise the bonnet.
IMPORTANTBonnet raising is aided by
two gas springs. Do not tamper with these
springs and accompany the bonnet while
raising it.
fig. 131
A0A0436m
A heavy load that has not
been secured may cause
serious harm to passengers.
WARNING
Do not load the boot above
the permitted maximum
(see “Technical specifications”). Al-
so make sure that the objects con-
tained in the boot are well secured
to prevent them from being thrown
forward,causing harm to the pas-
sangers.
WARNING
If you want to carry re-
serve fuel in a can, follow
legal regulations, only using a cer-
tified can, suitably fastened to the
load securing eyelets. Even in this
way the risk of fire is increased in
the case of an accident.
WARNING
Do this only with the car
stationary.
WARNING
DANGER-SERIOUS INJURY.
When carrying out checks
or maintenance operations in the
engine compartment, take special
care not to bump the head on the
raised bonnet.
WARNING
If checks are needed in the
engine compartment, when
it is still hot, do not approach the
fan: it might start working also
with the ignition key removed.
Wait for the engine to cool down.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
138
SWITCHING ON
THE ASR FUNCTION
The ASR function switches on automati-
cally each time the engine is started.
When travelling the device can be switched
off and on again pressing switch (A-
fig. 136) on the centre console.
Function disconnection is shown by the rel-
evant led on the switch itself being turned
on and by the dedicated message displayed
on the re-configurable multifunction display.
Should the function be disconnected when
running, it will automatically be activated
again at the next ignition and the re-con-
figurable multifunction display will inform
user about this condition by displaying a ded-
icated message.
fig. 136
A0A0140m
ASR SYSTEM
(Antislip Regulation)
The ASR function controls the vehicle dri-
ve and cuts in automatically every time one
or both driving wheels slip.
In slipping conditions, two different control
systems are activated:
1) if slipping involves both driving wheels,
being caused by excessive power transmit-
ted, the ASR device cuts in reducing the pow-
er transmitted by the engine.
2) if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in automatical-
ly braking the wheel that is slipping, with
an effect similar to that of a self-locking dif-
ferential.
The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
– slipping of the inner wheel on a bend,
due to the effect of dynamic load changes
or excessive acceleration.
– too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the conditions of
the road surface.
– acceleration on slippery, snowy or frozen
surfaces.
– in the case of loss of grip on a wet sur-
face (aquaplaning).The performance of the
system in terms of active
safety should not induce the driver
to take pointless and unnecessary
risks. The style of driving must in
any case be adapted to the condi-
tions of the road surface, visibili-
ty and traffic. Road safety is al-
ways the driver’s responsibility.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
139
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on snow
with snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR device off: in fact, in these condi-
tions, slipping of the driving wheels when
moving off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.
ASR system failure warning
Should a defect arise, the ASR system is
automatically disconnected and the re-con-
figurable multifunction display informs user
about this condition by displaying a dedi-
cated message.
In the event of an ASR system operating
failure, the car behaves in the same way
as a car that is not fitted with this system:
in any case, it is advisable to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as soon as pos-
sible.
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board Di-
agnosis) installed on the car meets Directive
98/69/CE (EURO 3).
This system allows continuous diagnosis
of the components on the car correlated with
emissions; it also alerts the driver, by turn-
ing on the warning light
U(on some ver-
sions together with the message + symbol
on the reconfigurable multifunction display)
on the instrument panel when these com-
ponents are no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
– to keep system efficiency under control;
– warn when a fault causes emission lev-
els to increase over the threshold established
by European law;
– warn of the need to replace deteriorat-
ed components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropriate
tools, which makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis.If, turning the ignition key
to MAR, the warning light
Udoes not turn on or if,
while travelling it turns on glow-
ing steadily or flashing together
with the message + symbol on the
reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play, contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services as soon as possible.
IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are
obliged to run a bench test and, if necessary
road tests which may also call for a long jour-
ney.For correct operation of the
ASR system the tyres must
absolutely be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and, above all, of the
specified type, brand and size.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
150
6.Multifunction button:
– Radio: call preset stations (from 6 to
1)
– Compact Disc player: select previous
track.
Volume adjustment and Mute
buttons
The buttons for volume adjustment (1) e
(2) and for turning Mute on/off (3) work
in the same way as the corresponding but-
tons on the radio.
Radio frequency and sound
source select button
To cyclically select the radio frequencies
and sound sources, briefly and repeatedly
press button (4).
The frequencies/sources available are:
FMI, FMII, FMT, MW, LW, CD*, CDC**.
(*) Only if the Compact Disc is inserted
(**) Only if the CD-Changer is connected
Multifunction buttons (5) and (6)
Multifunction buttons (5) and (6) call the
preset radio stations, or select the next/pre-
vious track when listening to a Compact
Disc.
Press button (5) to select stations from
1 to 6 or to listen to the next track on a CD.
Press button (6) to select stations from
6 to 1 or to listen to the previous track on
a CD.
FUNCTIONS AND
ADJUSTMENTS
(fig. 137)
Switching on
The set is turned on keeping the “ON”
button pressed (20). If the radio was on
before the engine was turned off, it will turn
on again automatically the next time the en-
gine is started.
If the radio is turned on with the ignition
key at STOP, it will turn off automatically
after about 20 minutes.
With the ignition key at MARthe “ON”
button is always lit to facilitate turning on
the radio.When the radio is turned on again it will
resume with the same settings that were
working before turning off, with the excep-
tion of the volume which, if it was set to
above 20, it is activated at 20.
Turning the radio off
To turn off keep the “ON”button (20)
pressed again
If the ignition key is turned to STOPwhen
the radio is on, it will turn off automatical-
ly and turn on again the next time the key
is turned to MAR.
Selecting the Radio/Compact
Disc/CD-Changer functions
Briefly and repeatedly pressing the “SRC”
button (14) it is possible to select the fol-
lowing functions in sequence:
– TUNER (Radio)
– CD (only if the Compact Disc is inserted)
– CHANGER (only if the CD-Changer is con-
nected).
After each change of the sound source, for
about 2.5 seconds, the display shows the
function selected: TUNER(Radio),CD
(Compact Disc), CHANGER(CD-Changer).
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
173
REFUELLING
The antipollution devices
on the car oblige the use of
only four-star unleaded
petrol with an octane number
(R.O.N.) of 95 or over.
Never use leaded petrol,
as this would irreversibly
damage the exhaust gas
catalyst. If leaded fuel is added to
the fuel tank, no matter how small
the quantity, DO NOT START THE
ENGINE. Do not attempt to dilute
the fuel in the tank, completely
drain the fuel circuit and tank.
To prevent accidentally filling with leaded
petrol, the diameter of the fuel tank filler
is of such a size as not to accept the noz-
zle of this type of petrol.
An inefficient catalyst
leads to harmful emission
at the exhaust, thus envi-
ronment pollution.
FUEL CAP (fig. 145)
The fuel cap (A) is key-lockable and has a
catch to prevent misplacing it (B) that fas-
tens it to the flap (C); to gain access to it,
open the flap then use the ignition key to turn
counter-clockwise and remove the cap.
When refuelling, hook the cap to the de-
vice on the inner flap, as illustrated.
IMPORTANTThe sealing of the tank
may cause light pressurising. A little breath-
ing off, while slackening the cap is ab-
solutely normal.
fig. 145
A0A0443m
After refuelling, turn the cap clockwise un-
til one or more clicks are heard; then turn
the key clockwise to lock. Close the flap.
IMPORTANTFor your safety, before
starting the engine, also make sure that the
fuel nozzle is correctly inserted in the fuel
distributor.
In the case of need, only
replace the fuel cap with
another genuine one, or the
efficiency of the fuel vapour re-
covery system could be adversely
affected.
Do not go near the fuel
filler with naked flames or
lit cigarettes: danger of fire. Avoid
going too near the fuel filler with
your face, to avoid inhaling harm-
ful vapours.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
174
EMISSION REDUCING DEVICES
Trivalent catalytic converter
(catalytic silencer)
The exhaust system is fitted with a cata-
lyst formed of alloys of precious metals; it
is housed in a stainless steel container which
is able to withstand the high operating tem-
peratures.
The catalyst converts the unburnt hydro-
carbons, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide
in the exhaust gas (even in minimal quan-
tity owing to the electronic ignition and in-
jection systems) into non polluting com-
pounds.Lambda sensors
Lambda sensors measure the content of
oxygen present in the exhaust gas. The sig-
nal transmitted by the Lambda sensors is
used by the injection and ignition electron-
ic control unit to adjust the air - fuel mixture.
Anti-evaporation system
As it is impossible, even when the engine
is switched off, to prevent the formation of
fuel vapours, a system has been devised
which traps the vapours in a special acti-
vated carbon container.
When the engine is running these vapours
are withdrawn and sent to combustion.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The design and construction of the vehi-
cle have not only been developed with the
traditional aspects of performance and safe-
ty in mind, but also take into account the in-
creasingly pressing problems tied to pro-
tecting 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 compliance with the most strin-
gent international regulations.
USE OF NON-TOXIC
MATERIALS
None of the components of the vehicle con-
tain asbestos. The padding and the climate
control system do not contain CFCs which
are held responsible for the destruction of
the ozone layer.
The colouring agents and the corrosion in-
hibitors used on the nuts, screws and bolts
do not contain cadmium or chrome which
could pollute the atmosphere or water tables.
Due to the high tempera-
tures reached during oper-
ation of the catalytic silencer the
vehicle should not be parked over
inflammable materials (paper, fu-
el oils, grass, dry leaves etc.).
WARNING