2008 Alfa Romeo 8C light

35
2
A
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
ACTIVATION
The VDC and ASR systems are integrated in one
single function and are automatically activated
every time the engine is started; they can be
deactivated by pressing the button
A for about
1 second.
Press the button
A once again to reactivate the
systems.
The amber colour warning light
on the
instrument panel flashes during all the operating
phases.FAULT INDICATORS
In the event of a malfunction, the system
is automatically disabled and cannot be
reactivated. This condition is signalled while
driving by the amber symbol
on the display
that illuminates together with the message “ASR
failure - Go to workshop”.
MSR FUNCTION (ENGINE
BRAKING TORQUE
ADJUSTMENT)
The ASR system also controls the engine braking
torque when the accelerator pedal is released
under low grip conditions (e.g., snow, ice etc.):
in these conditions, the high braking torque of
the engine may cause instability of the vehicle.The system, using the same sensors as the ABS
system, detects the skidding of one or both
of the driving wheels when the accelerator is
released and opens the motor-driven throttle for
the engine fuel system. This reduces the braking
torque and resets the maximum grip conditions
for the driving wheels.
WARNING: However, the maximum deceleration
that can be obtained with the engine brake still
depends on the tyre grip on the road. Snow or ice
obviously reduce grip values.

36
2
ABS AND EBD
SYSTEMSThe vehicle is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) system which enhances braking
power through the ABS system sensors and
control unit.
In the event of an emergency stop or braking on
slippery surfaces (e.g., snow, ice etc.) the ABS,
together with the standard braking system, is
designed to allow the driver to apply maximum
braking force without causing the wheels to lock
and consequently losing control of the vehicle.
The system is based on an electronic control unit
that processes the signals coming from 4 sensors
fitted on the 4 wheels.
When a wheel tends to lock, the sensor warns
the control unit, which informs the electro-
hydraulic unit so that it controls the pressure
exerted on the brake calipers; the driver feels a
“pulsating” sensation on the brake pedal which
is completely normal.
In the event of a failure, the system will be
deactivated, but this will not affect the efficiency of the standard braking system.
The failure is signalled by the amber warning
light
on the instrument panel and the
display which illuminates together with the
message “ABS failure - Go to workshop”.
In this case, we recommend that you contact the
nearest Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network in order to identify the fault as soon as
possible, by means of the system self-diagnostic
function.CAUTION
The vehicles must be equipped
only with wheels, tyres and brake
pads of the type and make approved
by the Manufacturer for this model.CAUTION
Regardless of the fact that
this device makes a considerable
contribution to safety it is still
essential to drive with the greatest
care when the road surface is wet,
covered with snow or ice.
CAUTION
The vehicle is equipped with
Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD). The warning light

illuminates when the engine is running
to indicate an EBD system malfunction.
In this case, sharp braking can cause
early locking of the rear wheels
and possible side skidding. Driving
extremely carefully, immediately go
to the nearest Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
system checked.

37
2
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
CAUTION
The warning light
usually
comes on with running engine to
indicate a fault in the ABS system only.
In this case, the standard braking
system is still efficient, but cannot use
the ABS system. In these conditions,
also the EBD system efficiency may be
reduced. Drive with the greatest care
to avoid abrupt braking and go the
nearest Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
system checked-
CAUTION
If the low brake fluid warning
light
illuminates while driving,
stop the vehicle and check the brake
fluid level immediately. If the level is
below the minimum notch, top up with
the recommended oil and immediately
contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network to
have the system checked.
Brake fluid leaks impair the operation
of the braking systems, both of the
traditional type and of those equipped
with ABS.
CAUTION
System performance in terms
of active safety is not a reason for the
driver to run unnecessary risks. The
driving style shall always be suited to
weather conditions, range of visibility
and traffic.CAUTION
The maximum obtainable
deceleration always depends on the
tyre grip on the road surface. With
snow or ice the grip is obviously
reduced and the braking distance is
very high, even with the ABS system.

38
2
A
FUEL CUT-OUT
INERTIA SWITCHThe vehicle is equipped with a safety switch
which activates in the event of a collision, cutting
off the fuel supply and consequently causing the
engine to stop. It also prevents fuel leaks if the
fuel lines are damaged during the accident.
Activation of the safety switch is signalled by
the illumination of the warning light
on the
display.
The switch is positioned underneath the front left-
hand seat. Move the seat fully back to access it.
CAUTION
After impact, if you smell fuel
or note any leakage from the fuel
supply system, do not reactivate the
switch in order to prevent any fire
risks.
The activation of the inertia switch causes all the
doors and the luggage compartment to unlock
and in the internal dome light and the four
direction indicators to turn on.
RESETTING THE SWITCH
Turn the ignition key to position STOP.
Check that there is no leakage from the fuel
system.
If no leaks are found, reset the inertia switch
which stops the fuel pump operation, by pressing
button
A on the switch.
Turn the ignition key to position MAR, wait a few
seconds and press the START button.Check that the warning light
on the display
is off.
Check once again that there are no fuel leaks.

3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Dashboard .......................................................................................................................... 42
Instrument panel ................................................................................................................. 45
Reconfi gurable multifunction display ...................................................................................... 46
Warning lights and messages ................................................................................................ 60
Instruments and gauges ........................................................................................................66
Controls ............................................................................................................................. 68
Internal equipment .............................................................................................................. 72

43
3
A
B
C
D
E
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
1) Air conditioning side vents2) Lower gearshift paddle “DOWN”3) Instrument panel4) Air conditioning upper vent5)
Sun radiation sensor
6)
Driver’s airbag
7)
Windscreen/headlight wiper/washer
control lever
8)
Upper gearshift paddle UP
9)
Central air conditioning/heating vents
10)
Radio/navigator
11)
Passenger’s airbag
12)
Air conditioning and heating system
controls
13)
Side windows vents
14)
Glove compartment
15)
Central dashboard controls
16)
Electric parking brake engagement/
disengagement lever
17)
Starter/steering wheel lock switch
18)
Horn control
19)
Steering wheel height and depth
adjustment lever
20)
Cruise Control lever, direction indicators
21)
Controls to the left of the steering wheel
22)
Engine start button
23)
Reverse gear engagement button
24)
AUTO mode button
25)
SPORT mode button
26)
VDC deactivation button
27)
WET mode button
28)
Hazard light buttonRef. 15 Central dashboard controls
A) Front left-hand power window controlB) Central locking control C) PARK OFF function button (see page.
137)D) Rear window opening control E) Front right-hand power window control

44
3
A
B
C
D
F
C
D
E
B
A
AB
Controls on inside roofA) Anti-lift alarm system deactivation buttonB) Alarm system motion sensor deactivation
buttonC) Radio/Radio Navigator voice control
microphoneD) Passenger’s airbag deactivation warning
light. Ref. 21 Controls to the left of the steering
wheel
A) Headlight switchB) External rear-view mirror controlsC) TRIP button, see page 58D) MENU button, see page 47E) Instrument panel brightness control button
(up)F) Instrument panel brightness control button
(down)Controls on front roof panel
A) Central light switchB) RH side light switch

45
3
1
24
3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
1) Speedometer 2) Warning lights
3)
Rev. Counter
4)
Reconfi gurable multifunction display