2009 Alfa Romeo 147 light

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
125
CELL PHONE
PROVISION
The car may be fitted with a provision for
installing a cell phone.
The mobile phone provision consists in:
– Radio + cell phone dual-purpose anten-
na;
– Connection and supply cables with spe-
cific connector for connecting hands-free kit.
For the installation of a
cell phone and connection
to the provision in the car,
contact only Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services; this will guarantee
first-rate results with no possibil-
ity of any inconvenience that may
compromise the safety of the ve-
hicle.
The voice kit should be
purchased by the customer
as it must be compatible
with the customer’s phone.
SUN VISORS (fig. 121)
The visors can be directed at the front and
side.
Behind the visors have a courtesy mirror
with a light at the side (A). To use, open
the cover (B).
The lights allow use of the mirrors with dim
light.
fig. 121
A0A0121m
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a perma-
nent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft, etc.)
or accessories that in any case burden the
electric supply, contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services, whose qualified personnel,
besides suggesting the most suitable devices
belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo, will
also evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is able to withstand the load required,
or whether it needs to be integrated with a
more powerful battery.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
129fig. 128
A0A0132m
TAILGATE CLOSING
To lock, push in correspondence with the
Alfa Romeo badge to lower tailgate, until
you feel the click of the lock.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
LIGHTING
(fig. 128)
When the tailgate is opened the light turns
on automatically (A) in the right-hand side
of the boot. Closing the tailgate, the light
turns off automatically.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOP, opening the tailgate, turning on the
light will only be possible for 15 minutes;
after which the system turns it off to avoid
draining the battery.
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 130)
The loads carried may be secured straps
hooked to the special rings (A) in the boot.
The rings also serve for fastening the lug-
gage restrainer, if present (in any case avail-
able c/o Alfa Romeo Authorised Services).
CAUTIONS FOR CARRYING
LUGGAGE
Travelling at night with a load in the boot
it is necessary to adjust the height of the low
beam headlights (see next paragraph
“Headlights” in this chapter). For correct use
of the aiming device, also make sure that
the load does not exceed the values given
in the same paragraph.
fig. 130
A0A0133m
fig. 129
A0A0373m
EMERGENCY OPENING
OF TAILGATE
To succeed in opening the tailgate from the
inside, should the car battery be flat, or be-
cause of a defect of the electric lock of the
tailgate itself, proceed as follows (refer to
“Extending the Luggage Compartment” in
the chapter “Getting to know your car”):
– remove rear headrests;
– tilt the rear seat cushions;
– tilt the backrests;
Operate on lever (A-fig. 129) as shown,
to achieve the tailgate mechanical release,
operating from the inside of the luggage
compartment.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
132fig. 135
A0A0199m
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartmentCOMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 134)(excluding versions
with Xenon headlights)
When the vehicle is loaded, the beam from
the headlights is raised due to the back-
wards tilt of the vehicle.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– press the arrow on the button (
A), this
will increase by one position (eg.: 0
➟1
➟ 2➟3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), this
will lower by one position (eg.: 3
➟2➟
1➟0);
The display (B), in the tachometer shows
the positions while adjustment is being
made.
fig. 134
A0A0467m
HEADLIGHTS
The adjustment of the headlights is vital to
your safety and comfort and to that of oth-
er road users.
The adjustment of the headlights is also
governed by precise regulations.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the headlights correctly adjusted.
IMPORTANTOn the inside surface of
the headlight there could appear a slight
coat of fogging; this does not show a defect,
since it is a natural occurrence due to low
temperature and to the degree of humidity
in the air; it will soon disappear as soon as
the lights are turned on. The presence of
drops inside the headlight shows water seep-
age, refer to the Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 135)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the ve-
hicle is marketed. In countries with opposite
circulation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehi-
cles it is necessary to cover the areas of the
headlight as shown below; this is done us-
ing non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustration refers to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
GAS DISCHARGE
HEADLIGHTS
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The gas (xenon) discharge headlights op-
erate with a voltaic arc, in an ambient sat-
urated with pressure xenon, instead of the
glow filament.
The resulting illumination is sensibly high-
er to that of conventional lamps, both for
light quality (clearer light) and for the width
and positioning of the illuminated area.
The advantages of better illumination can
be perceived (due to less eyesight fatigue
and greater orientation capacity for the dri-
ver, which in turn means higher driving safe-
ty) especially in case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road signs, thanks to the
better illumination of the side parts of the
visual field, normally obscured.
The large increase of the side part illumi-
nation increases driving safety since it allows
the driver to better see the other users on
the edge of the road (pedestrians, cyclists
and bikers).The triggering of the voltaic arc requires a
very high voltage, while subsequent power
supply can take place at a low voltage.
The headlights achieve their top luminosi-
ty approx. 15 seconds after they are switched
on.
The intense light produced by this type of
headlights requires the use of an automat-
ic system to keep headlight trim constant
and avoid dazzling the vehicles coming from
the opposite direction in case of braking, ac-
celeration or when carrying loads.
The electric mechanical system for auto-
matically keeping the trim constant, makes
unnecessary the device for compensating
the headlight dip and the visual indication
of the position on the display.
Xenon lights have a very long life, there-
fore breakdowns are unlikely.
If necessary, have the sys-
tem checked and repaired
only by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
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

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
The stabilising action of the VDC 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 ech wheel.These signals al-
low 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 able
to know the position of the car instant by in-
stant and compare it with the course the dri-
ver 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 the VDC system considerably
enhances 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.CUTTING IN
OF THE VDC SYSTEM
The cutting in of the VDC system is indi-
cated by the flashing of the
áwarning light
on the instrument cluster, to inform the dri-
ver that the car is in critical conditions of sta-
bility and grip.
VDC system failure warning
In the event of a failure the VDC system
disengages automatically and the
áwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on
glowing steadily, together with the message
on the reconfigurable multifunction display.
In the event of a VDC system failure the
car behaves like a vehicle not fitted with this
system: in any case it is advisable to con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon
as possible.
For the VDC system to
work correctly, the tyres
must be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect con-
ditions and above all of the speci-
fied type, brand and size.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
139
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on snow
with snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR device off: in fact, in these condi-
tions, slipping of the driving wheels when
moving off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.
ASR system failure warning
Should a defect arise, the ASR system is
automatically disconnected and the re-con-
figurable multifunction display informs user
about this condition by displaying a dedi-
cated message.
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.
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board Di-
agnosis) installed on the car meets Directive
98/69/CE (EURO 3).
This system allows continuous diagnosis
of the components on the car correlated with
emissions; it also alerts the driver, by turn-
ing on the warning light
U(on some ver-
sions together with the message + symbol
on the reconfigurable multifunction display)
on the instrument panel when these com-
ponents are no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
– to keep system efficiency under control;
– warn when a fault causes emission lev-
els to increase over the threshold established
by European law;
– warn of the need to replace deteriorat-
ed components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropriate
tools, which makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis.If, turning the ignition key
to MAR, the warning light
Udoes not turn on or if,
while travelling it turns on glow-
ing steadily or flashing together
with the message + symbol on the
reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play, contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services as soon as possible.
IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are
obliged to run a bench test and, if necessary
road tests which may also call for a long jour-
ney.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 the
specified type, brand and size.
WARNING