2008 Alfa Romeo 8C headlights

98
4
HIGH BEAMS
With the light switch in position
, push the
left-hand lever towards the dashboard to turn on
the high beams.
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel again
to turn off the high beams and turn on the low
beams.
WARNING: For the use of the high beams, follow
the Road Regulations in force.
FLASHING THE
HEADLIGHTS
The headlights can be flashed by pulling the left-
hand lever towards the steering wheel.
Flashing occurs also with the lights off if the
ignition key is in position MAR.WARNING: Keep to the road regulations in force
to avoid penalties.
“FOLLOW ME HOME”
FUNCTION
This function allows you to set a timing for
activation of the position lights and low beams,
so that they may remain on for a set time after
turning off the vehicle.
This function is activated by pushing the lever
on the steering column switch, used to flash the
headlights. The position lights and low beams
turn on for 30 seconds, the message “Follow
me” appears on the instrument panel display
for 20 seconds, and the light activation time is
displayed.
When this function is active, every time the lever
for flashing the headlights is operated, the time
the lights remain on is increased by 30 seconds,
up to a maximum total time of 210 seconds. The
display will show the time set.
If the lever for flashing the headlights is operated
for more than 2 seconds, the function is
deactivated, and the indicator on the instrument
panel display goes off.
When the function is active, turn the key back to
MAR to deactivate the system.

5
USING THE VEHICLE
Starting the engine ............................................................................................................ 114
Q-Select gearbox ............................................................................................................... 116
Using the brakes ................................................................................................................ 124
Using the engine ............................................................................................................... 125
Constant speed regulator (Cruise Control) .............................................................................. 126
Headlights ........................................................................................................................ 130
Driving conditions .............................................................................................................. 130
Anti-pollution devices ......................................................................................................... 135
Parking ............................................................................................................................ 136
Tyres ................................................................................................................................ 141
Useful accessories to keep in the vehicle ............................................................................... 142

114
5
MAR
STARTING THE
ENGINE
CAUTION
Hold the brake pedal depressed
when starting the engine.
CAUTION
It is dangerous to operate the
engine in an enclosed space. The engine
consumes oxygen and discharges
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gases.
WARNING: Before start-up, switch off the
electrical devices with a high power consumption
(air-conditioning and heating system, heated
rear window, headlights, etc.).
WARNING: Do not start the engine if the fuel
level in the tank is low.
1) Make sure that the parking brake is applied
and that the doors are closed.
2) Hold the brake pedal depressed when
starting the engine.
3) Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
4) Set the gear to neutral by pulling both
paddles UP and DOWN towards the
steering wheel and check that the gear
display indicates N not fl ashing.
5) Turn the ignition key to MAR.
6) press button START button and release it as
soon as the engine starts.
Do not hold the START button for a long time.If the engine does not start, turn the key back to
position STOP and wait for the gear display to go
off before retrying.
The engine can also be started with a gear
engaged; turning the key to position MAR, with
the brake pedal depressed, press the START
button. The system allows the clutch to open and
the gearshift to engage neutral gear; then the
starter motor receives clearance for start-up. This
procedure usually requires one second. At very
low temperatures, the procedure could take a
slightly longer time.
If the gearbox is instead in the N position,
starting is immediate.
If the engine does not start after turning the key
to position STOP, wait for the gear display to go
off and then repeat the entire procedure.

130
5
HEADLIGHTSBI-XENON HEADLIGHTS
The gas-discharge (Xenon) headlights use an
electric arc saturated with Xenon gas under
pressure, instead of the incandescent filament.
The light produced is markedly superior to that
of traditional light bulbs, in terms of quality
(brighter light) as well as of the span and
positioning of the area illuminated.
The advantages offered by better lighting can be
clearly perceived (less eye strain and increased
orientation for the driver and thus driving safety)
especially in the case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road indications owing to the
broader illumination of the side zones, which are
normally left in the dark.The much broader illumination of the side zones
markedly increases driving safety as it allows the
driver to better detect other persons on the side
of the road (e.g. pedestrians, bicycle riders and
motorcycle drivers).
The electric arc requires very high voltage for
striking, but after activation power is supplied at
a lower voltage.
The headlights reach maximum brightness about
0.5 seconds after activation.
CAUTION
Should the bulbs need to
be replaced, have this operation
performed only at an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network. RISK OF ELECTRICAL
SHOCKS!
DRIVING
CONDITIONSBEFORE A TRIP
Check the following at regular intervals and
always before long trips:
- tyre pressure and condition
- levels of fl uids and lubricants
- conditions of the windscreen wiper blades
- proper operation of the warning lights and
of the external lights.WARNING: It is always advisable to perform
these checks at least every 800 km and to
always follow the maintenance operations
provided for in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Schedule” book.It is also advisable to:
- clean the glass on the external lights and all
other glass surfaces
- properly adjust the mirrors, steering wheel,
seats and seat belts.

131
5
USING THE VEHICLE
CAPACITIESWARNING: Use unleaded fuel only!
The use of fuel containing lead would
permanently damage the catalytic converters.For fluid and lubricant specifications and
quantities, follow the indications contained
in section 7 “CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS”.
SAFE DRIVING
Although the vehicle is fitted with active and
passive safety devices the driver’s behaviour is
always a decisive factor for road safety.
Below are some simple rules for travelling safely
in different conditions. You will, no doubt, be
familiar with some of them but, in any case, it
would be useful to read them carefully.BEFORE YOU DRIVE
- Make sure that the lights and headlights are
working properly.
- Adjust the position of the seat, steering
wheel and rear-view mirrors so that you
have the best driving position.
- Check that nothing (e.g. mat covers, etc.)
is blocking the pedals.
- Carefully arrange any objects in the luggage
compartment, to prevent sudden braking
from jerking them forward.
- Avoid heavy meals before a trip. A light
snack helps to keep the refl exes sharp. In
particular avoid drinking alcohol.
- Remember to read, at regular intervals,
the instructions contained in the chapter
“Before a trip”, in this section.
CAUTION
It is extremely dangerous and
moreover prohibited by law to travel
on the luggage shelf behind the seats.
In the event of an accident, persons
carried in this position are more
exposed to the risk of serious injury.
Passengers must only travel seated in
the vehicle seats, with the seat belts
fastened properly. Always check that
you and your passengers have your
seat belts fastened correctly.

132
5
TRAVELLING
- Caution is the fi rst rule for safe driving.
Being careful also means being in a position
to be able to predict the driving behaviour
of other drivers, that may be wrong or
careless.
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you, adjusting this distance in accordance
to the vehicle speed and traffi c conditions.
- Strictly follow the traffi c regulations
applicable in each country and above all,
respect the speed limits.
- Long trips should be started in optimal
physical condition.
CAUTION
Drunk driving, or driving
under the influence of drugs or certain
medicines is extremely dangerous for
the driver and for others.CAUTION
Always fasten the seat belts.
Travelling without your seat belt
fastened increases the risk of serious
injury in the event of a collision.
- Make regular stops to loosen up your limbs
and refresh yourself, and avoid driving for
hours on end.
- Ensure that the air inside the passenger
compartment is changed constantly.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off:
the braking action requires greater effort on
the pedal due to the absence of the engine
brake and the power braking system. DRIVING AT NIGHT
The main guidelines to follow when driving at
night are set out below:
- Drive with the greatest caution: at night the
driving conditions are more demanding.
- Reduce your speed, especially on roads with
no street lights.
- At the fi rst signs of drowsiness, stop: to
continue driving would be a risk for yourself
and for others. Continue only after you have
had a rest.
- Keep the vehicle at a greater distance from
vehicles in front of you than you would
during the day: it is diffi cult to assess the
speed of other vehicles when you can only
see the lights.
- Make sure that the headlights are aimed
correctly: if they are too low, they reduce
visibility and strain the eyes. If they are too
high, they may bother the drivers of other
cars.

133
5
USING THE VEHICLE
- Use the high beams only outside of urban
areas and when you are sure that they will
not disturb other drivers.
- When another vehicle is approaching,
switch the high beams (if on) to low
beams.
- Keep the lights and headlights clean.
- Outside urban areas, beware of animals
crossing the road. DRIVING IN THE RAIN
Rain and wet roads are dangerous. On a wet
road all the manoeuvres are more difficult since
wheel grip on the asphalt is significantly reduced.
This means that the braking distances increase
considerably and the road holding decreases.
Certain advice for driving in the rain follows:
- Reduce your speed and keep a greater
safety distance from the vehicles in front
of you. High speed may result in a loss of
control and aquaplaning.
- Heavy rain also substantially reduces
visibility.
- Set the Air Conditioning controls to
demisting, in order to avoid any visibility
problems.
- Periodically check the conditions of the
windscreen wiper blades. DRIVING IN FOG
If the fog is dense avoid travelling where
possible.
When driving in mist, blanket fog or when there
is the possibility of banks of fog:
- Keep a moderate speed.
- Turn on the rear fog lights. Do not use the
main beam.
- Remember that fog creates dampness on
the asphalt and thus any type of manoeuvre
is more diffi cult and braking distances are
greater.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you.
- Avoid sudden changes in speed as much as
possible.
- Whenever possible, avoid passing other
vehicles.
- If you are forced to stop the vehicle
(breakdowns, impossibility of proceeding
due to poor visibility, etc.), fi rst of all, try to
stop off of the travel lane. Then turn on the
hazard warning lights and if possible, the
low beams.

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6
IN AN EMERGENCY
Relays in the passenger compartment, to the left of the steering wheelPos. Type Function
T01 Micro-relay 30A Low-beams
T11 Micro-relay 30A Heated rear window
T12 Micro-relay 30A Connected devices 1
T13 Maxi-relay 50A Connected devices 2
Fuses inside the passenger compartment, to the left of the steering wheel
Pos. Amp. Colour System / Component
F12 15A Light blue +30 Right-hand low beam
F13 15A Light blue +30 Left-hand low beam
F31 7.5A Brown INT/A For A.C. unit NBC (Body Computer Node)
F32 10A Red +30 dome lights, step lights, CAV, driver- and passenger-side footwell lights
F33 20A Yellow Position available
F34 20A Yellow Position available
F35 7.5A Brown +15 engine signals, coils R5, R6, R9, R24, SCC, door locking/unlocking control
F36 10A Red +30 NQS
F37 10A Red +15 NQS, left-hand and right-hand headlights
F38 15A Light blue Rear window lock