2009 Alfa Romeo 8C ABS

INTRODUCTION
3
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT
YOU READ THIS MANUAL!
Refuelling
Fuel-powered engines: use only
unleaded fuel with an octane rating
(RON) of not less than 95.
Starting the Engine
Make sure that the electronic parking
brake (EPB) is engaged. Shift the
gearshift lever to neutral (N). Insert
the electronic key in the ignition block
and turn it to MAR. Fully depress the
brake pedal without pressing the
accelerator. Press the START button and
release it as soon as the engine starts.Parking on fl ammable material
During operation, the catalytic muffl er
develops high temperatures. For this
reason, do not park the vehicle on
grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
fl ammable materials: risk of fi re!
Respecting the environment
The vehicle is equipped with a system
that continuosly monitors the emission-
related components to help ensure
enhanced respect for the environment.
Accessory electrical devices
If you wish to install accessories that
require electric power (which may
gradually discharge the battery),
please contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network, where the overall electrical
absorption of the accessories will be
estimated and the vehicle system
checked to verify whether it is capable
of supporting the required load. Code Card
Keep it in a safe place, not in the
vehicle.
Scheduled Maintenance
Proper maintenance will allow you
to preserve the vehicle performance
and safety features over time, ensure
respect for the environment and low
operating costs.
The owner’s manual …
… contains important information,
advice and warnings on proper use and
safe driving, as well as tips to keep
your vehicle in good condition over
time. Pay particular attention to the
following symbols:
- personal safety
- protection of the environment
- proper vehicle condition.

4
ABBREVIATIONS
Some descriptions and terms with particular
meanings are found in this manual in an
abbreviated form:
A.C. - AIR CONDITIONING
ABS - ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM - Wheel
locking prevention system during
braking
ASR - ANTI-SLIP REGULATION - Prevention
of slipping during acceleration
CAN - CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK
DRL - DAY RUNNING LIGHTS
EBD - ELECTRONIC BRAKE-FORCE
DISTRIBUTION - Electronically-
controlled brake distributor
ECU - ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT
EPB - ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
– Automatic parking brake
ETD - EMERGENCY TENSIONING DEVICE
FTP - FLASH TO PASS – headlight fl ashingMSP - MOTOR SCHLEPPMOMENT
REGELUNG – Engine braking torque
adjustment
VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control
WET - “Low grip” function.
UPDATING
The high quality level of the vehicle is subject to
constant improvements. Therefore, there may
be differences between this manual and your
vehicle.
All specifi cations and illustrations contained in
this manual refer to those resulting as of the
printing date. CONSULTING THE
MANUAL
To facilitate reading and fast consultation, the
topics have been divided into sections and
chapters.
The important parts requiring particular attention
are easily identifi able in the sections and
chapters.
N.B.: EXTREME CAUTION
REQUIRED:
failure to comply with the instructions
could cause hazardous situations
involving personal and vehicle safety!
WARNING: warning aimed at preventing
any damage to the vehicle and thus hazards
involving the safety of persons.

2
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Seat belts .......................................................................................................................... 18
Front airbags ....................................................................................................................... 26
VDC system ........................................................................................................................ 33
ASR system (electronic anti-skid device) .................................................................................. 34
ABS and EBD systems .......................................................................................................... 36
Fuel cut-out inertia switch ..................................................................................................... 38

33
2
A
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
VDC SYSTEMThe vehicle is equipped with the anti-yawing
control system VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
which incorporates all the control systems: ABS,
EBD, ASR and MSR. This system is equipped
with a model that predicts the vehicle behaviour
with great accuracy. The system is capable of
detecting whether the driver is about to lose
control of the vehicle. In this case, it can activate
the brake calipers individually and engine
control, in order to create a torque sufficient to
resist the vehicle yawing moment.ACTIVATION
The VDC and ASR systems are integrated in one
single function and are automatically activated
every time the engine is started; they can be
deactivated by pressing the button
A for about
1 second. Press the button
A again to reactivate
the systems.
The amber colour warning light
on the
instrument panel flashes during all the operating
phases.FAILURE SIGNALS
In the event of a malfunction, the system
is automatically disabled and cannot be
reactivated. This condition is signalled while
driving by the amber warning light on the
instrument panel that illuminates together with
the message “VDC failure - Go to workshop”.
When the engine is started, the system
malfunction is indicated by the illumination of
the warning light .
WARNING: In the event of a malfunction
and with the VDC deactivated, the vehicle
behaves as if it were not equipped with this
system: however, we recommend that you
contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the system
checked.

35
2
A
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
ACTIVATION
The VDC and ASR systems are integrated in one
single function and are automatically activated
every time the engine is started; they can be
deactivated by pressing the button
A for about
1 second.
Press the button
A once again to reactivate the
systems.
The amber colour warning light
on the
instrument panel flashes during all the operating
phases.FAULT INDICATORS
In the event of a malfunction, the system
is automatically disabled and cannot be
reactivated. This condition is signalled while
driving by the amber symbol
on the display
that illuminates together with the message “ASR
failure - Go to workshop”.
MSR FUNCTION (ENGINE
BRAKING TORQUE
ADJUSTMENT)
The ASR system also controls the engine braking
torque when the accelerator pedal is released
under low grip conditions (e.g., snow, ice etc.):
in these conditions, the high braking torque of
the engine may cause instability of the vehicle.The system, using the same sensors as the ABS
system, detects the skidding of one or both
of the driving wheels when the accelerator is
released and opens the motor-driven throttle for
the engine fuel system. This reduces the braking
torque and resets the maximum grip conditions
for the driving wheels.
WARNING: However, the maximum deceleration
that can be obtained with the engine brake still
depends on the tyre grip on the road. Snow or ice
obviously reduce grip values.

36
2
ABS AND EBD
SYSTEMSThe vehicle is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) system which enhances braking
power through the ABS system sensors and
control unit.
In the event of an emergency stop or braking on
slippery surfaces (e.g., snow, ice etc.) the ABS,
together with the standard braking system, is
designed to allow the driver to apply maximum
braking force without causing the wheels to lock
and consequently losing control of the vehicle.
The system is based on an electronic control unit
that processes the signals coming from 4 sensors
fitted on the 4 wheels.
When a wheel tends to lock, the sensor warns
the control unit, which informs the electro-
hydraulic unit so that it controls the pressure
exerted on the brake calipers; the driver feels a
“pulsating” sensation on the brake pedal which
is completely normal.
In the event of a failure, the system will be
deactivated, but this will not affect the efficiency of the standard braking system.
The failure is signalled by the amber warning
light
on the instrument panel and the
display which illuminates together with the
message “ABS failure - Go to workshop”.
In this case, we recommend that you contact the
nearest Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network in order to identify the fault as soon as
possible, by means of the system self-diagnostic
function.CAUTION
The vehicles must be equipped
only with wheels, tyres and brake
pads of the type and make approved
by the Manufacturer for this model.CAUTION
Regardless of the fact that
this device makes a considerable
contribution to safety it is still
essential to drive with the greatest
care when the road surface is wet,
covered with snow or ice.
CAUTION
The vehicle is equipped with
Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD). The warning light

illuminates when the engine is running
to indicate an EBD system malfunction.
In this case, sharp braking can cause
early locking of the rear wheels
and possible side skidding. Driving
extremely carefully, immediately go
to the nearest Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
system checked.

37
2
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
CAUTION
The warning light
usually
comes on with running engine to
indicate a fault in the ABS system only.
In this case, the standard braking
system is still efficient, but cannot use
the ABS system. In these conditions,
also the EBD system efficiency may be
reduced. Drive with the greatest care
to avoid abrupt braking and go the
nearest Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
system checked-
CAUTION
If the low brake fluid warning
light
illuminates while driving,
stop the vehicle and check the brake
fluid level immediately. If the level is
below the minimum notch, top up with
the recommended oil and immediately
contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network to
have the system checked.
Brake fluid leaks impair the operation
of the braking systems, both of the
traditional type and of those equipped
with ABS.
CAUTION
System performance in terms
of active safety is not a reason for the
driver to run unnecessary risks. The
driving style shall always be suited to
weather conditions, range of visibility
and traffic.CAUTION
The maximum obtainable
deceleration always depends on the
tyre grip on the road surface. With
snow or ice the grip is obviously
reduced and the braking distance is
very high, even with the ABS system.

62
3
Low brake fluid warning light (*)
It illuminates when the brake fluid
level goes below the minimum
level. The operation of the warning light can be
checked by pressing the button on the brake fluid
tank cover located in the engine compartment. If
accompanied by a specific message, it indicates
an EBD system failure. In this case, do not
apply the brakes suddenly, since this may cause
an early locking of the rear wheels. Driving
extremely carefully, immediately go to the
nearest Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network to have the system checked.
CAUTION
If the warning light illuminates
while driving check the brake fluid
level immediately. If fluid level is
below the minimum level, there may
be a leakage. In this case, contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network before
continuing on your journey.
Defective ABS system (*)
It illuminates when the ABS system
is not functioning. The standard
braking system remains active, but we advise
you to contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network as soon as
possible.
Seat belts
It illuminates when one or both
front seat belts are not fastened
or improperly fastened. For the passenger seat
belt, the warning light will illuminate only if a
passenger is seated on the seat.
When the warning light is on, an acoustic signal
is also activated as soon as the vehicle speed
exceeds 20 Km/h.
Airbag/pretensioner failure (*)
It indicates that the pretensioner
and/or airbag system is defective.
CAUTION
Turning the key to MAR the
warning light illuminates but it should
turn off after a few seconds with the
engine running.
CAUTION
If, upon ignition, the warning
light does not illuminate or illuminates
permanently, or if it illuminates while
driving, immediately stop and contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
Parking brake engaged
The warning light illuminates when
the parking brake is engaged.
VDC system failure
It indicates a malfunction or the
deactivation of the VDC system.
When flashing, it indicates that the VDC or ASR
system have activated.