2008 Alfa Romeo 8C ECO mode

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5
E
CD
F
H
G
USING THE VEHICLE
D - “Automatic gearshift” button E - “Low grip” mode button F - SPORT mode button ”
The display shows the gear engaged (1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, R or N) in area
G.
In the event of a failure or if the oil level in the
gearbox is low, the symbol
illuminates in
area
H. When the “automatic gearshift” function
is active, the gear displayed is replaced with the
letter “D”.
When “SPORT” and “low grip” modes are
active, the letters “S” and “W”, illuminate in
area G.SYSTEM ACTIVATION
Turning the key to position MAR the display and
the failure symbol
illuminate and will go off
after a few seconds if no faults are found.
The gear engaged will remain highlighted in area
G on the display.WARNING: When the driver’s door is opened,
you may hear a humming coming from the
gearbox assembly; this is due to ignition
preparation stages. The failure warning light
may also flash briefly (10 sec.) and then
turns off. The system completes the “ignition”
stage and is then correctly activated. Avoid
entering any commands in the system during
this stage.
CAUTION
If the symbol continues
flashing without turning off, start the
system again after switching it off.
If the malfunction persists, contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
necessary checks performed.

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OTHER SYSTEM
FUNCTIONS
“Low-grip” WET mode
This mode can be used on particularly slippery
road surfaces (e.g., snow, ice) and it is
activated/deactivated by pressing button
E.
This will light up the letter “W” on the instrument
panel display.
While driving, the system ignores any
gearshifting which would cause RPM adjustment
above 2800 RPM.
“Low-grip” mode has priority over the other
functions (“automatic gearshift” and “SPORT”)
and it assists the VDC system.It is always a good rule to deactivate the other
operating modes (“automatic gearshift” and
“SPORT”) before you select “low-grip” mode.
“Automatic gearshift” mode AUTO
It is activated/deactivated by pressing the
button
D; the gear displayed is replaced with the
letter “D” and the system will automatically shift
the gears UP and DOWN according to the vehicle
speed, the engine RPM and the torque/power
requested by the driver.
WARNING: The “automatic gearshift” mode has
priority over “SPORT” mode. Therefore, if you
press the AUTO button, D the system will operate
in “automatic gearshift” mode.You can go back to NORMAL mode (or SPORT
mode, if this was active) by holding the button
D
pressed down until the word AUTO goes off.When the vehicle is stationary, requesting N 1
st
or R will not cause the system to switch from
“Automatic gearshift” to “Normal” mode.
It is always a good rule to deactivate the other
operating modes before you select “Automatic
gearshift” mode.
“No auto exit” strategy
In AUTO mode you can always request
a gearshift using the paddles, which will
temporarily set the system to “manual” mode.
This is shown on the display by the word “AUTO”
that flashes for 5 seconds and then illuminates
permanently, thus confirming that the system
has returned to AUTO mode. A further gearshift
request will restart the 5-second timer.
E
D

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5
Sound the vehicle horn rhythmically if you hear
another vehicle approaching.
- When you get out of the vehicle, put on the
high-visibility vest.DRIVING IN THE
MOUNTAINS
On downhill roads, use the engine brake,
engaging low gears so as not to overheat the
brakes.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off or
in neutral, and never with the ignition key
removed.
- Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
“cutting” corners.
- Remember that passing other vehicles when
driving uphill is slower and thus requires
more free distance on the road. If you are
being overtaken on a hill, slow down and
allow the other vehicle to pass. DRIVING ON SNOW OR
ICE
Below is some general advice for driving in these
conditions:
- Keep a very moderate speed.
- Fit snow chains or specifi c tyres if the road
is covered with snow: see the chapters
“Snow chains” and “Winter tyres” in this
section.
- Mainly use the engine brake and avoid
sharp braking.
- We recommend that you activate “Low
grip” mode (see page 122).
- Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp
changes in direction.
- During the winter season, even apparently
dry roads can have icy sections. Be careful
when crossing bridges, viaducts and roads
that have little exposure to the sun and are
bordered by trees and rocks. They may be
icy.
- Keep a safety distance from the vehicles in
front.

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SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains is subject to the
regulations in force in each country.
Use snow chains of reduced dimensions, with
a maximum protuberance of 9 mm beyond the
tyre tread.
The chains should be fitted only on the driving
wheel tyres (rear wheels).
Check chain tension after driving for a distance of
about 50 meters with the chains fitted.
Deactivation of the system is advised when
chains are fitted on the tyres. Press the ASR-OFF
button - LED on the same button is on. Snow chains: brand/type
KONIG SUPERMAGIC
Rear tyre
285/35 ZR20
WARNING: Before purchasing or using snow
chains, we recommend that you contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network for information.
WARNING: Keep a moderate speed, when
chains are fitted on the tyres. Do not exceed
50 km/h. Avoid holes in the road, do not drive
over steps or sidewalks and do not drive on long
sections of roads without snow. This will prevent
damage to the vehicle and the road surface.
USEFUL
ACCESSORIES
TO KEEP IN THE
VEHICLERegardless of applicable legislation, we
recommend that you keep the following in the
vehicle:
- fi rst aid kit containing alcohol-free
disinfectant, sterile gauze pads, gauze rolls,
bandages, etc. (provided with vehicles
manufactured for the German market);
- electric fl ashlight;
- blunt-tipped scissors;
- heavy-duty gloves.
The objects described as well as other essential
objects can be purchased from an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.

All the information contained in this manual is of a purely indicative nature since the Alfa Romeo vehicle
versions and models can be modified for either legal or commercial reasons.
Alfa Romeo may therefore make any modification to the vehicle models described in this manual, at
any time, for either technical or commercial reasons.
Contact the nearest Authorised Dealer or Alfa Romeo for any further information you may require.
For efficiency and safety purposes, as well as for preserving the vehicle value, we recommend that you
do not to modify the vehicle equipment unless you use parts of the approved type.
Publication no. 80960300 - 2
nd Edition - 02/2008
All rights reserved. This document must not be reproduced, even partially, without the written consent of
Fiat Group Automobile S.p.A.