GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
The stabilising action of the system is
based on the calculations of the system elec-
tronic control unit, which processes the sig-
nals received from the steering wheel rota-
tion sensor, acceleration sensor and rotation
speed sensor of each wheel. These signals
allow the control unit to recognise the ma-
noeuvre the driver intends to do when the
steering wheel is turned.
The control unit processes the information
received from the sensors and therefore is
able to know the position of the car instant
by instant and compares it with the course
the driver would like to follow. In the event
of a discrepancy, in a fraction of a second
the control unit chooses and commands the
most suitable intervention to bring the car
immediately back to the required course:
braking one or more wheels at different in-
tensity and, if necessary, reducing the pow-
er transmitted by the engine.
The corrective actions are modified and
controlled continuously in seeking the course
required by the driver.
The action of system considerably en-
hances the active safety of the car in very
critical situations and it is particularly help-
ful when the grip conditions of the road sur-
face change. For the VDC system to
work correctly, the tyres
must be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and above all of the
specified type, brand and size. CUTTING IN
OF THE VDC SYSTEM
The cutting in of the system is indicated by
the flashing of the áwarning light on the
instrument cluster, to inform the driver that
the car is in critical conditions of stability and
grip.
VDC system failure warning
In the event of a failure the system dis-
engages automatically and the
áwarning
light on the instrument cluster turns on glow-
ing steadily, together with the message on
the reconfigurable multifunction display.
In the event of an system failure the car
behaves like a car not fitted with this sys-
tem: in any case it is advisable to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon as
possible.During use of the compact
spare wheel, the VDC sys-
tem continues working. It
should be borne in mind that the
spare wheel is smaller than a nor-
mal tyre, therefore its grip is low-
er than that of the other tyres of
the car.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
139
ASR system
failure indications
In the event of a fault, the ASR system
switches off automatically and the
Vwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on,
together with the message on the reconfig-
urable multifunction display.
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.MSR SYSTEM (engine braking
torque control)
The car is fitted with a special system, in-
tegral with the ASR system, that in case of
sudden gear shifting, cuts in providing torque
to the engine thus preventing excessive dri-
ving wheel drive that, specially in poor grip
conditions, can lead to loss of stability. During use of the compact
spare wheel, the ASR func-
tion is cut off and the
V
warning light on the instrument
cluster turns on glowing steadily
together with the message on the
reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play.
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 type, brand and size specified.
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on snowy
roads with snow chains, it may be helpful
to turn the ASR off: in fact, in these condi-
tions, slipping of the driving wheels when
moving off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
177
It is necessary therefore to limit their use
to the purposes for which they are certified.
IMPORTANTWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the car (in-
creased by 5%), place a notice in the pas-
senger’s compartment, plainly in the driver’s
view, which states the maximum permissi-
ble speed of the winter tyres (as per EC Di-
rective).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four wheels
(brand and profile) to ensure higher driving
safety when braking and good handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres.WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for dri-
ving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as nor-
mal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of the
tyre most suited to the use the Customer in-
tends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and specifications of winter tyres,
follow the instructions given in the “Tech-
nical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are re-
duced considerably when the tread depth
is below 4 mm. In this case, they should be
replaced.
Due to the winter features, under normal
conditions of use or long motorway jour-
neys, the performance of these tyres is low-
er than that of normal tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations.
For 1.8 T. SPARK, 2.0 JTS and 1.9
JTD versions, tyre 195/60 R15 can be
fitted with chains (use snow chains with re-
duced size with max protrusion beyond the
tyre profile of 12 mm). Tyres 205/60 R15
- 205/55 R16 - 205/55 ZR16 - 215/45
R17 - 215/45 ZR17 - 225/40 ZR18 can-
not be fitted with snow chains.
For 3.2
V6version, only use spider type
chains on tyres 215/45 R17” and
215/45 ZR 17”. Tyres 225/45 ZR17 -
225/40 ZR18 cannot be fitted with snow
chains.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo provides SPIKES
SPIDER COMPACT chains (model: 17003
compact) with 9 spikes, 16 mm adjustable
length and 17 inch wheel cap adapter.
Snow chains should only be applied to the
drive wheels (front).
Before purchasing or using snow chains,
you are recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Check the tensions of the chain after the
first few metres have been driven.
IN AN EMERGENCY
181
STARTING BY INERTIA
If the car is equipped with “Kit for tyre re-
pair Fix&Go“, see the instructions contained
in the following chapter.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
As an alternative to the FIX & GO, the car
can be provided (upon request) with space-
saver spare wheel or standard wheel; wheel
changing and correct use of the jack call for
some precautions as listed below.
IN THE EVENT OF A PUNCTURE
Never push, tow or coast
start the car. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the en-
gine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort than
usual is needed on the brake ped-
al and steering wheel.
Signal the presence of the
stationary car according to
current regulations: hazard
warning lights, reflecting triangle
etc.. Any passengers should leave
the car and wait for the wheel to be
changed out of harm of the traffic.
If parked on a slope or rough sur-
face, chock the wheels with
wedges or other suitable devices
to prevent the car from rolling.
Never start the engine
with the car jacked.
When driving with a trail-
er, disconnect the trailer before
raising the car. The compact spare
wheel is specific to your car, do not
use it on other models, or use the
spare wheel of other models on
your car.
Should the type of wheels used
be changed (alloy rims instead of
steel), it is also necessary to
change the whole set of fastening
bolts with others of suitable size.
The compact spare wheel is nar-
rower than normal wheels, it
should be used only for the dis-
tance necessary to reach a service
point to have the punctured tyre
repaired and, during its use, the car
speed must not exceed 80 km/h.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
248
(•) Unchainable tyres () For versions/markets where applicable(*) Size certified and admitted only for the specified tyres
(**)IMPORTANTTyres that can be fitted with chains; see paragraph “Snow chains” in section “Correct use of the car”
(***) The compact spare wheel cannot be used on this version
2.0 JTS
7 J x 16
7 J x 17 ()
71/2J x 17 ()
205/55 R16 91W
(•)205/55 ZR16 (•)215/45 R17 87W ()
4J x 15
125/80 R15
61/2J x 15
7 J x 17
8 J x 18
195/60 R15 88V (**)
215/45 R17 87W
(•)215/45 ZR17 87W
(Pirelli P7000) (•) (*)215/45 ZR17 87Y
(Good Year Eagle F1) (•)(*)
225/40 ZR18 92Y
(Michelin Pilot
Sport 2) (
•) (*)
225/40 ZR 18 92Y (•)
(Pirelli P Zero Rosso) (*)
195/60 R15 88Q (M+S)
205/55 R16 91T (M+S)
215/45 R17 87H (M+S)
JTD 16V
61/2J x 15
7 J x 16
7 J x 17 (
)
71/2J x 17 ()
205/60 R15 91V
(•)205/55 R16 91W (•)205/55 ZR16 (•)215/45 R17 87W ()
4J x 15
125/80 R15
61/2J x 15
7 J x 17
8 J x 18
195/60 R15 88V (**)
215/45 R17 87W
(•)215/45 ZR17 87W
(Pirelli P7000) (•) (*)
215/45 ZR17 87Y
(Good Year Eagle F1)
(
•) (*) 225/40 ZR18 92Y
(Michelin Pilot Sport 2)
225/40 ZR 18 92Y (
•)
(Pirelli P Zero Rosso) (*)
(
•) (*) 205/60 R15 91V(Michelin Pilot
Primacy) (•) (*)
195/60 R15 88Q (M+S)
205/55 R16 91T (M+S)
215/45 R17 87H (M+S)
3.2 V6
71/2J x 17
225/45 ZR17 91Y
(Pirelli Pzero Rosso) (
•)
(*)225/45 ZR17
(Bridgestone S-02) (•) (*)
(***)
71/2J x 17
8 J x 18
215/45 R17 87W (**)
215/45 R17 87W
(Pirelli P7000) (*) (**)
215/45 ZR17 87Y
(Good Year Eagle F1) (*)
(**)225/40 ZR18 92Y
(Michelin Pilot
Sport 2) (
•) (*)
225/40 ZR 18 92Y (•)
(Pirelli P Zero Rosso) (*)
215/45 R17 87H (M+S)
225/45 ZR17 91H (M+S)
“Collezione”
versions
7J X 17
215/45 R 17 87W (•)
4J x 15
125/80 R15
61/2J x 15
7 J x 16
8 J x 18
195/60 R15 88V (**)
205/55 R16 91V (•)
225/40 R18 92Y (•)
(Michelin Pilot Sport2) (*)225/40 ZR18 92Y (•)
(Pirelli P Zero Rosso) (*)
195/60 R15 88Q (M+S)
205/55 R16 91T (M+S)
215/45 R17 87H (M+S)
“Black Line”
and “Q2”
versions
8J X 18
225/40ZR 18 92Y (•)
(Michelin Pilot Sport2) (*)
225/40 ZR 18 92Y (•)
(Pirelli P Zero Rosso) (*)
4J x 15
125/80 R15
61/2J x 15
7 J x 16
7 J x 17
195/60 R15 88V (**)
205/55 R16 91V (•)
215/45 R17 87W (•)
195/60 R15 88Q (M+S)
205/55 R16 91T (M+S)
215/45 R17 87H (M+S)
Standard
fittings
Rims
Tyres
Compact spare
wheel
– Rim
–Tyre
Fittings
on request
Rims
Tyres
Winter
tyres
1.8 T SPARK
61/2J x 15
7 J x 16
7 J x 17 (
)
71/2J x 17 ()
205/60 R15 91V
(•)205/55 R16 91V (•)205/55 ZR16 (•)215/45 R17 87W ()
4J x 15
125/80 R15
61/2J x 15
7 J x 17
8 J x 18
195/60 R15 88V (**)
215/45 R17 87W
(•)215/45 ZR17 87W
(Pirelli P7000) (•) (*)215/45 ZR17 87Y
(Good Year Eagle F1) (•)
(*) 225/40 ZR18 92Y
(Michelin Pilot Sport 2)
225/40 ZR 18 92Y (
•)
(Pirelli P Zero Rosso) (*)
(
•) (*) 205/60 R15 91V(Michelin Pilot
Primacy) (•) (*)
195/60 R15 88Q (M+S)
205/55 R16 91T (M+S)
215/45 R17 87H (M+S)