2009 Alfa Romeo 147 brake light

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
117
In the “MANUAL” operating mode there
are certain automatic/security devices which
simplify driving:
– when slowing down the clutch is opened
and the transmission ratio is automatically
reduced to be ready for picking up again;
otherwise, when the car is stopped, the
gearbox will automatically be in firstgear
(1);
– requests to change gear that would take
the engine to above maximum speed or be-
low minimum speed are not accepted;
– if jamming occurs during gear engage-
ment, the system firstly tries to engage the
gear required again and, if it is still not pos-
sible, it automatically engages the imme-
diately higher one to avoid leaving the car
inneutral.
IMPORTANTIt is advisable to wait for
the end of a gear shifting operation before
requesting another one, to avoid multiple
requests in rapid succession.AUTOMATIC OPERATION (CITY)
The automatic operating mode CITYis se-
lected pressing button (A-fig. 106) at the
base of the gearshift lever.
In addition to the gear, the reconfigurable
multifunction display shows the word CITY
(fig. 99).
The system decides directly when gearshift-
ing according to the engine running speed
and the driving style.
Releasing the accelerator pedal quickly, the
system does not engage a higher gear in or-
der to maintain an adequate level of engine
brake.
FAILURE WARNING
Failures of the Selespeed gearbox are shown
by the
twarning light (fig. 100) con-
nected with the associated failure message,
both shown on the display.
When the system is turned on (turning the
ignition key to MAR), the warning light
should turn on glowing steadily for about
4 seconds and then turn off.If the warning light stays on it means that
a fault to the gearbox has been detected; at
the same time a buzzer sounds intermit-
tently for 4 seconds to attract the driver's
attention.
In the case of a fault to the gearshift con-
trol lever, the system automatically engages
the automatic operating mode CITYto
make it possible to reach the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service to have the fault
eliminated.
In the case of a fault to other gearbox com-
ponents, the system only allows the en-
gagement of certain gears: first gear (1),
second gear (2) and reverse (R).
If warning light tand
the message appear on the
display, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services as soon as pos-
sible to have the fault eliminated.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
134
ABS
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes full use of the grip
and within the limits of the grip available,
keeps the car controllable also in emergency
braking.
When braking a slight pulsing accompa-
nied by noise may be felt on the brake ped-
al due to the action of the ABS system.
This should not be interpreted as a brak-
ing malfunction. It is the signal to the driver
that the ABS has come into action: it is the
warning that the car is travelling at the lim-
it of its grip and therefore the speed should
be adapted to the type of road.
The ABS system is an additional part of the
base braking system; in the event of a fail-
ure it is disabled, leaving the braking sys-
tem in the same conditions as a vehicle with-
out ABS.
In the case of a failure, the anti-lock action
is no longer present, the braking capacity of
the vehicle is not adversely affected at all.If you have never previously used cars fit-
ted with ABS, it is advisable to practice a lit-
tle on a slippery surface, naturally in safe-
ty conditions and in accordance with the lo-
cal Highway Code you are also advised to
read the following instructions carefully.
The advantage of the ABS over a conven-
tional system is that it makes it possible to
obtain the highest degree of handling also
when braking completely under limited grip
conditions, preventing the wheels from lock-
ing.
However, with the ABS do not expect the
braking distance to always shorten: for ex-
ample, on soft surfaces like gravel or fresh
snow or a slippery surface, the space might
increase.
To better exploit the possibilities of the an-
ti-lock system in the case of need, the ad-
vice given below should be followed.
If the ABS cuts in it means
that the limit of grip is be-
ing reached between the tyre and
the road surface: it is therefore
necessary to slow down to adapt
driving to the grip available.
WARNING
The ABS better exploits the
grip available, but cannot
increase it; caution is therefore nec-
essary on slippery surfaces, with-
out taking unnecessary risks.
WARNING
In the event of a system
failure, with the turning on
of the
>warning light on the
instrument cluster, have the car
checked immediately by Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services driving slow-
ly, to be able to have the system re-
stored to fully efficient conditions.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
Always take due car when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
Following these instruction you will be in
the best braking condition under all circum-
stances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors.IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn
on when starting the engine and go off af-
ter starting. This should not be considered
as a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the pressure,
but keep the pedal firmly pressed
with no fear; this way you will
stop in the least space possible,
compatibly with the conditions of
the road surface.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andxwarn-
ing lights turn on simultaneously
with the engine running, this indi-
cates an EBD system failure; in this
case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with
the possibility of skidding. Driving
extremely carefully, go to the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
to have the system checked.
WARNING
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally indicates a
fault to the ABS system only. In this
case the braking system is still ef-
ficient, though without the aid of
the anti-lock device. Under these
conditions performance of the EBD
system may be reduced. In this case
too, you areadvised to go immedi-
ately to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service to have the sys-
tem checked over, driving in such
a way as to avoid sharp braking.
WARNING
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immediately and
contact the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service. Any loss of
fluid from the hydraulic system
will negatively affect the opera-
tion of the braking system be it of
the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
WARNING

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
177
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the Alfa Romeo CODE system does not
recognise the code transmitted by the igni-
tion key (
Y)warning light on the instru-
ment cluster on glowing steadily) emer-
gency starting may be carried out using the
code of the CODE card.
For the correct procedure see the chapter
“In an emergency”.
PARKING
When the vehicle is parked, proceed as fol-
lows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the vehicle is fac-
ing uphill or reverse if the vehicle is facing
downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the vehi-
cle will immediately come to a halt if the
handbrake slips. Never bump, tow, or
coast start the vehicle as
this would cause fuel to
flow into the catalyst causing irre-
versible damage.
To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possibly draining the bat-
tery, never leave the ignition key
in the MAR position when the en-
gine is not running.
Sharp accelerating before
switching the engine off
should be avoided. A
“kick” on the accelerator serves
no purposes and consumes fuel
pointlessly.
IMPORTANT
If the engine turns off with
the vehicle on the move, the next time it
is started, the Alfa Romeo CODE warning
light may turn on (
Y). In this case, check
that switching off and starting the engine
again with the vehicle stationary, the warn-
ing light stays off. If not, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much
more effort than usual is required
on the brake pedal and steering
wheel.
WARNING
Never leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle. Al-
ways remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take
it with you.
WARNING

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
178
SAFE DRIVING
In designing your Alfa 147 GTA, Al-
fa Romeo has worked thoroughly to achieve
a vehicle able to offer top levels of safety to
its passengers. However, the behaviour of
the driver is still a decisive factor for road
safety.
Below you will find a few simple rules for
travelling safely under different conditions.
You are certainly familiar with many of them
but it is still helpful to read them all care-
fully.
BEFORE DRIVING OFF
– Make sure the lights and headlights are
working properly.
– Adjust the seat, steering wheel and rear-
view mirrors, in order to obtain a correct po-
sition for driving.
– Carefully adjust the headrests so that
the head and not the neck rests on them.
Check that nothing (mats etc.) can get un-
der the foot pedals.– Make sure that any child restraint sys-
tems (seats, cradles, etc.) are correctly fas-
tened on the rear seat.
– Place any objects in the boot with care
to prevent abrupt braking from throwing
them forwards.
– Avoid heavy meals before a journey. A
light meal will help to keep reflexes ready.
Above all avoid alcohol.
Routinely remember to check:
– tyre pressure and conditions;
– engine oil level;
– engine coolant fluid level and system
conditions;
– brake fluid level;
– power steering oil level;
– windscreen washer fluid level.
WHEN TRAVELLING
– The first rule for safe driving is care.
– Care also means being able to predict
the actions of other road users.
– Strictly respect the traffic regulations in
all countries, especially the speed limits.
– Ensure that both yourself and your pas-
sengers are wearing their seat belts, that
children are carried with the appropriate
seats and that any animals are in appropri-
ate compartments.
– Long distances should be tackled in good
health.
Driving under the influence
of drugs and/or some
medicines is highly dangerous for
oneself and for others.
WARNING

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
179
– Do not drive for long periods without a
break. During breaks get out of the vehicle
and move around a bit to shake off the
drowsiness.
– Make sure the air in the passenger com-
partment is changed constantly.
– Never coast the vehicle downhill with
the engine switched off: this eliminates the
engine braking and power steering effect
thus requiring a greater effort on the pedal
and steering wheel.
NIGHT DRIVING
Here are some suggestions for night dri-
ving.
– Drive with particular care: night driving
involves a greater degree of concentration.
– Reduce speed, especially on unlit roads.
– At the first signs of drowsiness stop the
car: continuing the journey is dangerous for
yourself and others. Continue driving only
after sufficient rest.
– Maintain a greater distance from the ve-
hicle in front than in the day: it is more dif-
ficult to judge the speed of a vehicle when
only the lights can be seen.
– Ensure that the headlights are correctly
aimed: if they are too low, visibility is re-
duced and eyesight is tired. If they are too
high they may cause disturbance to other
road users.
– Use the main beams only outside built-
up areas and only when you are certain that
other drivers are not disturbed by their use.
– When meeting oncoming vehicles,
switch off the main beams and drive with
the dipped-beam headlights on.
– Keep the headlights and light units
clean.
– Outside built-up areas take care of ani-
mal crossings.Always fasten the front and
rear seat belts including
those of any children’s seat. Trav-
elling without seat belts increases
the risks of serious injury or even
death in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Take car when fitting addi-
tional spoilers, alloy wheels
and wheel caps: they might reduce
ventilation of the brakes, thus their
efficiency, during abrupt and re-
peated braking, or long downhill
slopes.
WARNING
Never drive with objects
on the floor in front of the
driver’s seat: they might get stuck
under the pedals making it impos-
sible to accelerate or brake.
WARNING
Make sure any mats are
appropriate in size: even a
slight inconvenience to the braking
system may require a higher ped-
al stroke than normal.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the
roads may deposit on the
brake disks, reducing the effec-
tiveness of the brakes the first
time they are used.
WARNING

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
180
DRIVING WITH RAIN
Rain and wet roads can be dangerous.
If the road is wet, the traction between
wheel and asphalt is greatly reduced, thus
increasing the stopping distance and de-
creasing road holding.
Here are a few suggestions in the case of
rain:
– Reduce speed and keep further back
from the vehicle in front.
– Heavy rain also reduces visibility. In
these cases, turn on the headlights even dur-
ing the day to make yourself more visible
to others.
– Do not drive over puddles at high speed
and hold the steering wheel firmly: you may
lose control of the car (aquaplaning).
– Position the ventilation controls for
demisting (as described in the chapter (“Get-
ting to know your car”), to prevent visibili-
ty from worsening.
– Routinely check the conditions of the
windscreen wiper blades.
DRIVING IN FOG
– If fog is very thick, avoid travelling
where possible. If travelling with mist,
ground fog or the possibility of fog banks:
– Drive at moderate speed.
– Also in the day turn on the dipped-beam
headlights, rear fog guards and front fog
lights. Do not use the main-beam headlights.
IMPORTANTIf visibility in some parts
improves, switch off the rear fog guards; the
intense light disturbs the occupants of ve-
hicles behind.
– Remember that fog also involves wet
asphalt, thus greater difficulty in all types of
manoeuvres and longer stopping distances.
– Keep well away from the vehicle in
front.
– Where possible avoid sudden changes
in speed.
– Possibly avoid overtaking other vehicles.
– If the vehicle is forced to stop (faults,
impossibility to continue due to poor visi-
bility, etc.), firstly try to pull off the road.
Then turn on the hazard warning lights and,
if possible the dipped-beam headlights.
Rhythmically sound the horn if you note an-
other car coming.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
– When travelling down hill use the en-
gine braking by engaging lower gears to pre-
vent the brakes from overheating.
– Never coast down hill with the engine
off or in neutral and especially not with the
ignition key removed.
– Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
cutting corners.
– Remember that overtaking up hill is
slower and therefore requires a greater
length of clear road. If you are being over-
taken on a hill, move over to enable the oth-
er vehicle to pass in safety.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
181
DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE
Here are a few suggestions for driving in
these conditions:
– Drive very slowly.
– On a snowy road, fit winter tyres or
snow chains; see the related paragraphs in
this chapter.
– Use engine braking where possible and
avoid abrupt braking.
– Braking with a car without ABS, avoid
locking the wheels, modulating the pressure
on the brake pedal.
– Avoid abrupt acceleration and changes
of direction.
– During cold weather even apparently dry
roads may be covered with occasional patch-
es of ice. Pay great attention therefore when
driving on roads which are in the shade, or
where rocks or trees line the road and on
which ice may persist.
– Keep further back from the vehicle in
front.
DRIVING WITH ABS
The ABS is a part of the braking system
which essentially offers 2 advantages:
1) it prevents locking, thus skidding, of the
wheels during emergency braking and es-
pecially under conditions with poor grip;
2) it allows braking and steering at the
same time, to avoid any sudden obstacles
or to direct the car as required when brak-
ing, compatibly with the physical limits of
lateral grip of the tyre.
To make the most of the ABS:
– In emergency braking or when grip is
low, a slight pulsing can be felt on the brake
pedal: this means that the ABS has come in-
to action. Do not release the pedal, but con-
tinue pressing it to give continuity to the
braking action.
– The ABS prevents the wheels from lock-
ing but it does not increase the physical lim-
its of grip between the asphalt and the road.
Therefore, also with a car fitted with ABS,
keep within a safety distance from the ve-
hicle in front and limit speed when ap-
proaching bends.
The ABS serves to increase vehicle con-
trollability not to go faster.
REDUCING RUNNING
COSTS AND
ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save vehicle running costs and
reduce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
The conditions of the vehicle represent an
important factor which affects fuel con-
sumption as well as travelling tranquillity
and the life of the vehicle. For this reason,
it is wise to take care of its maintenance
have the checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Programme” (see... spark plugs, air
cleaner, timing).