2009 Alfa Romeo 8C warning

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5
USING THE VEHICLE
USING THE
ENGINEBREAKING-IN
The latest methods of production provide high
precision in the construction and coupling of
components. However, the moving parts do
undergo a settling process, basically in the first
hours of vehicle operation.
ENGINE AND
TRANSMISSION
Avoid exceeding 5000 RPM for the first 1000
km.
After starting the vehicle, do not exceed 4000
RPM until the engine has warmed up sufficiently
(water temperature: 65, 70 °C).
Do not let the engine run at a constantly high
RPM for a prolonged time.WHILE DRIVING
Never travel with the Rev. Counter indicator
approaching the peak RPM - not even downhill.
When the revolution counter indicator is
approaching the peak RPM, drive carefully to
avoid exceeding this limit.
WARNING: In normal conditions all the red
warning lights on the instrument panel and on
the display must be off. When they illuminate,
they indicate a problem in the relative system.Ensure proper operation of the various devices by
checking the relative control gauges.
WARNING: Continuing to drive when a red
warning light is on could cause serious damage
to the vehicle and affect performance.
CAUTION
Never turn the engine off
while driving downhill as the vacuum
decrease prevents the servo brake
from functioning correctly. After a few
braking attempts, the system will
become almost completely inefficient.
The power steering will also loose its
efficiency in these condition.

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5
Engine control system (EOBD)
The EOBD (European On Board Diagnosis)
system fitted on the vehicle is compliant with the
2003/76B/EC Directive (EURO 4).
This system continuously monitors the
components of the vehicle related to emissions;
it also indicates, when the warning light

illuminates on the instrument panel, that the
components in question are in poor condition.
The objective is the following:
- monitor the system effi ciency
- indicate when a problem causes an
increase in emissions exceeding the limits
established by European regulations
- indicate the need for replacement of worn
components.In addition, the system includes a diagnostics
connector that can be interfaced with suitable
instruments. This makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, together
with a set of specific parameters for engine
operation diagnostics.
WARNING: If when turning the ignition key
to MARthe warning light
does not
illuminate or if it illuminates while driving,
contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network as soon as possible.
WARNING: After correcting the malfunction, the
entire system must be tested by the personnel
of an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network that must perform
tests on the bench and, if necessary, the road
test the vehicle: this might require travelling long
distances.
CONSTANT SPEED
REGULATOR (CRUISE CONTROL)GENERAL
The Cruise Control function allows the driver
to maintain the desired vehicle speed constant
without pressing the accelerator pedal. This
reduces driver fatigue on highways, especially
long trips, as the set speed is automatically
maintained.WARNING: The device can only be activated at
speeds exceeding 30 km/h and it deactivates
automatically when the brake pedal is
depressed.

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5
A
B
C
USING THE VEHICLE
CAUTION
Cruise Control must only
be activated when traffic and the
route permit a constant speed to be
maintained safely, for a sufficiently
long distance.
CONTROLS
The Cruise Control function is controlled by
means of the switch
A, the dial
B and the button
C (RCL).
Switch
A can be set to two positions:
- OFF the device is deactivated;
- ON the device is active. When the device
is activated, the symbol
illuminates on
the instrument panel display.The dial
B is used to store and maintain the
vehicle speed, or to increase or decrease the
speed stored.
Rotate the dial
B to position (+) to save the
speed reached or to increase the speed stored.
Rotate the dial B to position (–) to decrease the
stored speed.
Each turn of the dial
B increases or decreases the
speed by about 1 km/h. Rotate and hold the
dial to vary the speed continuously. When a new
speed is reached, it will automatically remain
constant.
Button
C (RCL) allows you to reset the stored
speed.
WARNING: When the ignition key is turned to
position STOP or the switch A to position OFF,
the stored speed is deleted and the system
deactivated.STORING A SPEED
Set the switch
A to ON and bring the vehicle up
to the desired speed. Rotate the dial
B to (+)
for at least three seconds, then release it. The
vehicle speed is saved and the accelerator pedal
can then be released.
The vehicle will proceed at the constant speed
stored in the memory until the brake pedal is
pressed.
If necessary, (for example, to pass another
vehicle), you can accelerate by simply pressing
the accelerator pedal. Afterwards, when you
release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will
return to the speed saved previously.

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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.

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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.

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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.

137
5
A
USING THE VEHICLE
ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic
parking brake EPB (Electric Parking Brake).
It is automatically engaged when the engine
is turned off and it is disengaged when, with
the engine running, the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
When the electric parking brake is engaged and
the key is turned to STOP, the warning light

illuminates on the instrument panel.During engagement and disengagement, the
warning light
flashes until the maximum
engagement force and full release have been
reached.
In the above conditions, the automatic activation
function can be deactivated/activated by
pressing the button A on the dashboard.
CAUTION
During engagement or
disengagement of the electric parking
brake, always hold the brake pedal
depressed.

138
5
B
Engagement
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the engine is turned off and the
vehicle is stationary.
It can only be disengaged when the engine is
restarted.
When the key is removed or set to STOP it
cannot be disengaged.
The electric parking brake can also be manually
engaged when the vehicle is moving or the key is
turned to MAR by pulling up the lever
B.
If the engine was turned off with the automatic
engagement device deactivated, you can
reactivated it simply by pulling lever B.
CAUTION
Always check that the vehicle is
actually locked before leaving it.
CAUTION
When the EPB button is
activated while driving, the vehicle
slows down with strong deceleration
(Dynamic Braking). It is therefore
advisable to use this function only
in case of an emergency. The vehicle
stability is in any case ensured by the
VDC system, which is always active.
Disengagement
The parking brake automatically disengages
when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The electric parking brake can also be manually
disengaged when the vehicle is moving or the
key is in position MAR by manually pulling up
lever
B and simultaneously depressing the brake
pedal.
WARNING: In certain conditions it is however
advisable to manually disengage the electric
parking brake and brake the starting manoeuvre
slightly using the service brake. This is advisable
when there are obstacles very close to the
vehicle in the direction in which you intend to
move.