2008 Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider oil level

7
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
A0F0056mfig. 1
1.Adjustable and swivel side air vents - 2.Front side window demisting/defrosting vents - 3.External lights control lever
-4.Instrument panel - 5.Driver’s air bag and horn - 6.Windscreen wiper control lever - 7.Upper central vent - 8.Ad-
justable and swivel central air vents - 9.Fuel level gauge/engine coolant temperature gauge/engine oil temperature gauge
(petrol versions) or turbocharger pressure gauge (diesel versions) - 10.Passenger’s air bag - 11.Passenger’s knees air
bag (where provided) - 12.Glove box - 13.Sound system - 14.Heating/ventilation/climate controls - 15.Engine
START/STOPbutton - 16.Ignition device - 17.Driver’s knees air bag - 18.Sound system controls on the steering
wheel (where provided) - 19.Cruise Control lever (where provided) - 20.Bonnet opening lever - 21.Dashboard fusebox
lid - 22.Switches for external lights, trip meter reset and headlamp aiming device.

25
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
AUTOMATIC INSTRUMENT
PANEL LIGHT DIMMER
To give max. visibility and comfort un-
der whatever driving conditions (e.g.:
lights on in daylight, tunnels, etc…), the
speedometer is fitted with a sensor for
adjusting automatically, after fitting the
electronic key into the ignition device and
pressing button START/STOP, the
light intensity of the instrument panel dis-
play, sound system display, climate con-
trol system display, radionavigation sys-
tem display (where provided), and in-
struments (i.e.: fuel level gauge, engine
oil temperature gauge for petrol versions
or turbocharger pressure gauge for diesel
versions, and engine coolant temperature
gauge).
TRIP METER RESET fig. 19
To reset the trip meter, keep button A
pressed for a few seconds.
MANUAL INSTRUMENT
PANEL LIGHT DIMMER
With this function it is possible to adjust
on 8 levels the light intensity of the indi-
cations given on the instrument panel dis-
play, sound system display, climate con-
trol system display, radionavigation sys-
tem display (where provided), and in-
struments (i.e.: fuel level gauge, engine
oil temperature gauge for petrol versions
or turbocharger pressure gauge for diesel
versions, and engine coolant temperature
gauge).
To increase light intensity press briefly
button+on the left-hand stalk, to re-
duce it press button –: the display will
show an indication and a figure corre-
sponding to the current light intensity
level. This screen will be displayed for
a few seconds and then it will go off.
A0F0072mfig. 19

26
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARThe date Cin the middle of the display
will stay on until another display info is
activated (e.g. “Light dimmer”) or oth-
er information on car conditions.
With ignition key removed (when open-
ing a door) the display will turn on and
indicate for a few seconds time, km (or
mi) covered and external temperature .
INFORMATION ABOUT CAR
CONDITIONS (at event)
❒Scheduled servicing;
❒Trip computer;
❒Instrument panel light dimmer;
❒Engine oil level;
IMPORTANTWhen opening a door
the display will show for a few seconds
the time, the km covered and the ex-
ternal temperature.
RECONFIGURABLE
MULTIFUNCTION
DISPLAY
The “Reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play” shows all the useful information
necessary when driving, more particu-
larly:
INFORMATION ON
STANDARD SCREEN
❒ClockA-fig. 20;
❒External temperature B;
❒DateC;
❒Partial km (or miles) covered D;
❒Total km (or miles) covered E;
❒Indications on car conditions F(e.g.:
doors open, or possible ice on road,
etc. ...).
A0F0015mfig. 20

28
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Selecting “Date” and “Clock”:
❒briefly press button MENUto select
the first value to change (e.g. hours
/minutes or year /month /day);
❒operate buttons +or–(by single
press) to select the new setting;
❒briefly press button MENUto store
new setting and go back to the pre-
viously selected option of the main
menu, if this is the last one you will
go back to the previously selected
option of the main menu.
ENGINE OIL
LEVEL INDICATION
Fitting the electronic key into the igni-
tion device, the display will show for a
few seconds the engine oil level. At this
stage, to clear this indication and to go
to next screen, press button MENU.
Low/excessive oil level will be indicat-
ed by a dedicated warning message on
the display.
IMPORTANT Check the proper en-
gine oil level on the dipstick (see para-
graph “Checking levels” in section “Car
maintenance”).
IMPORTANTProper engine oil level
shall be checked with the car on level
ground.
IMPORTANTFor proper oil level in-
dication, after fitting the key, wait for
about 2 seconds before starting the en-
gine.
IMPORTANTEngine oil level could in-
crease after a long stop. Selecting an option of the main
menu with submenu:❒briefly press button MENUto dis-
play the first submenu option;
❒operate buttons +or–(by single
press) to scroll all submenu options;
❒briefly press button MENUto select
the displayed submenu option and
to enter the corresponding setup
menu;
❒ operate buttons +or–(by single
press) to select the new setting of this
submenu option;
❒ briefly press button MENUto store
the new setting and go back to the
previously selected submenu option.

97
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ROOF RACK/
SKI RACK
Certain versions can be preset for in-
stalling suitable roof racks/ski racks.
Preset hooks are located on the rear
spoilerA-fig. 83at rearscreen wiper
blade level B.
A0F0097mfig. 83
HEADLIGHTS
ADJUSTING THE
HEADLIGHT BEAM
Proper adjustment of the headlight
beams is of vital importance for your
safety and comfort and also for the oth-
er road users. To ensure you and other
drivers have the best visibility conditions
when travelling with the headlights on,
the headlights must be set properly. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
have the headlights properly adjusted.
Distribute the load even-
ly and when driving, bear
in mind the increased
sensitivity to side wind.
IMPORTANTAfter few kilometers,
check that fastening screws are firmly
tightened.
IMPORTANTNever exceed the max.
permissible loads (see ”Technical spec-
ifications” section).

145
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading
to higher consumption. When the tem-
perature outside the car permits it, use
the air vents where possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific
use on the vehicle, may reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and
increase consumption. Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
car (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affects consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof as soon as they are no
longer used. These accessories lower air
penetration and adversely affect con-
sumption levels. When needing to car-
ry particularly voluminous objects, prefer-
ably use a trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window,
additional headlights, windscreen wipers
and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy therefore, increasing
the requirement of current increases fu-
el consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of
your car down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service sched-
ule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, con-
sumption levels increase as resistance
to rolling is higher.

153
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
W W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S
LOW BRAKE FLUID/
HANDBRAKE ON ................................................. 155
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................. 155
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED ................................. 155
AIR BAG FAILURE................................................ 156
PASSANGER’S FRONT AIR BAGS DEACTIVATED ........ 157
ENGINE COOLANT HIGH TEMPERATURE.................. 157
ENGINE OIL HIGH TEMPERATURE .......................... 158
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/ EXHAUST OIL .......... 158
LOW BATTERY CHARGE ....................................... 158
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING ............................... 159
BONNET OPEN ................................................... 159
BOOT OPEN....................................................... 159
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE....................................... 159
CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
STEERING LOCK INHIBITION................................. 160
ALARM FAILURE/BREAK-IN ATTEMPT/
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT RECOGNIZED ...................... 160
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD............ 161
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUGS/
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUG FAILURE ....................... 161
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER ............................. 162INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHED ON ................. 162
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE......................................... 162
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE......................................... 163
VDC SYSTEM .................................................... 163
HILL HOLDER FAILURE ........................................ 163
ASR SYSTEM (WHEEL ANTISKID SYSTEM) ............. 163
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE .................................. 164
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE ....................................... 164
REAR FOGLIGHTS ............................................... 164
FRONT FOG LIGHTS ............................................ 164
SIDE/TAILLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME .................. 164
DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS.................................. 164
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS .................................... 164
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ........................ 165
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ...................... 165
LIGHT SENSOR FAILURE........................................ 165
RAIN SENSOR FAILURE......................................... 165
PARKING SENSORS FAILURE ................................ 165
FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED CRUISING RANGE ............ 165
CRUISE CONTROL .............................................. 165
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED .................. 166
ANTIPINCH SYSTEM FAILURE ............................... 166
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID LOW LEVEL ............. 166
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED ...................................... 166
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM FAILURE ................................... 166
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE ...................................... 167
LOW INFLATION PRESSURE ................................. 167
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR SPEED ............. 167

213
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
USE OF THE CAR
UNDER HEAVY
CONDITIONS
Should prevailing use of the car be un-
der one of the following specially heavy
conditions:
❒trailer or caravan towing;
❒dusty roads;
❒short distances (less than 7-8 km)
and repeated with external temper-
atures below zero;
❒frequently idling engines or long dis-
tance low speed driving (e.g.: door-
to-door deliveries) or in case of a long
term inactivity;
❒urban routes;
carry out checks more frequently than
required on Service Schedule:
❒check front disk brake pad conditions
and wear;
❒check cleanness of bonnet and boot
locks and lever cleanness and lubri-
cation;
❒sight inspect the conditions of: en-
gine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes),
rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes,
etc.);
❒check battery charge and fluid level
(electrolyte);
❒visual check on various drive belt con-
ditions;
❒change engine oil and oil filter, if re-
quired;
❒check and replace pollen filter, if re-
quired;
❒check and replace air cleaner, if re-
quired.
PERIODICAL CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long jour-
neys, check and top up if required:
❒engine coolant fluid level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre pressure and conditions.
❒check light system operation (head-
lights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❒check windscreen wiper/washer op-
eration and windscreen/rear window
blade position/wear;
Every 3,000 km check and top up if re-
quired: engine oil level.
You are recommended to use FL Sele-
nia products, designed and produced
specifically for Alfa Romeo cars (see
table “Capacities” in section “Techni-
cal specifications”).