2009 Alfa Romeo 8C brakes

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WARNING: If you have to tow the vehicle with
2 wheels raised, ensure that the ignition key
is in the STOP position. Otherwise, with VDC
activated, the relative control unit will store a
malfunction, resulting in the illumination of the
warning lights
on the instrument panel and
on the display: this requires the intervention
of an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to correct the system
malfunction.
WARNING: In low- and medium-grip conditions
(e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, etc.) it is advisable
not to use SPORT mode, even with the VDC
activated.
WARNING: Driving on parabolic curves will
deactivate the system.
ASR SYSTEM (ELECTRONIC ANTI-
SKID DEVICE)The ASR system avoids driving wheels skidding
during acceleration through the engine control
unit (spark advance delay, engine throttle
opening reduction and fuel injection cut) and the
rear brakes.
The action of the ASR system enhances vehicle
stability and improves active safety while driving,
specially under the following conditions:
inside wheel skidding when cornering due
to dynamic load variations or excessive
acceleration
excessive power transmitted to the
wheels, also in relation to the road surface
conditions acceleration on slippery, snow-covered or icy
roads
grip loss on wet road surface
(aquaplaning).
In normal conditions (SPORT mode off), the ASR
system increases stability in low and medium
grip conditions, while with SPORT mode active
the system favours traction, thereby optimising
vehicle performance on dry asphalt.

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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.

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USING THE VEHICLE
Starting the engine ............................................................................................................ 114
Q-Select gearbox ............................................................................................................... 116
Using the brakes ................................................................................................................ 124
Using the engine ............................................................................................................... 125
Constant speed regulator (Cruise Control) .............................................................................. 126
Headlights ........................................................................................................................ 130
Driving conditions .............................................................................................................. 130
Anti-pollution devices ......................................................................................................... 135
Parking ............................................................................................................................ 136
Tyres ................................................................................................................................ 141
Useful accessories to keep in the vehicle ............................................................................... 142

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WARNING: In the event that the control lever
assembly is malfunctioning, in addition to
activating the buzzer and the failure warning
light
, the system enables “automatic
gearshift” mode and any gearshift command,
including the request for N and R, will be
ignored.
WARNING: If the malfunction persists,
contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
PUSH START
In the case of malfunctioning of the starter
system, you can push-start the vehicle
proceeding as follows
- perform the “system start-up” stage
- request UP while the vehicle is picking up
speed with the gearbox in N.WARNING: This procedure should not be used
unless there is an emergency situation!
USING THE
BRAKESTo allow the brake pads and discs to run in
properly, avoid sudden braking during the first
300 km.
The ABS is a component of the braking system
that provides two basic advantages:
- It avoids locking of the wheels and thus
skidding during emergency braking,
especially under low grip conditions.
- It makes it possible to brake and steer at
the same time in order to avoid unexpected
obstacles or to direct the vehicle where
desired when braking: this is in keeping
with the physical limits of the tyre side grip. In order to fully exploit the ABS:
- You will note a light vibration of the brake
pedal during emergency braking or braking
under low grip conditions: This indicates
that the ABS is operating. Do not release
the pedal but continue to press it to give
continuity to the braking action.
- The ABS prevents the wheels from locking,
but it does not increase the physical grip
limits between the tyres and the road.
So, even with vehicles equipped with
ABS, always ensure that you keep to a
safe distance from the vehicle in front and
reduce your speed when entering a bend.

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Sound the vehicle horn rhythmically if you hear
another vehicle approaching.
- When you get out of the vehicle, put on the
high-visibility vest.DRIVING IN THE
MOUNTAINS
On downhill roads, use the engine brake,
engaging low gears so as not to overheat the
brakes.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off or
in neutral, and never with the ignition key
removed.
- Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
“cutting” corners.
- Remember that passing other vehicles when
driving uphill is slower and thus requires
more free distance on the road. If you are
being overtaken on a hill, slow down and
allow the other vehicle to pass. DRIVING ON SNOW OR
ICE
Below is some general advice for driving in these
conditions:
- Keep a very moderate speed.
- Fit snow chains or specifi c tyres if the road
is covered with snow: see the chapters
“Snow chains” and “Winter tyres” in this
section.
- Mainly use the engine brake and avoid
sharp braking.
- We recommend that you activate “Low
grip” mode (see page 122).
- Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp
changes in direction.
- During the winter season, even apparently
dry roads can have icy sections. Be careful
when crossing bridges, viaducts and roads
that have little exposure to the sun and are
bordered by trees and rocks. They may be
icy.
- Keep a safety distance from the vehicles in
front.

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GEARSHIFTING
Six forward speeds and one reverse.Gear Gearbox ratios
1st gear 3.214
2nd gear 2.050
3rd gear 1.435
4th gear 1.107
5th gear 0.903
6th gear 0.757
Reverse 3.286
Differential
The ratios are:
Differential reduction ratio 4.182BRAKES
Service and emergency brakes
Self-ventilating disc brakes on the four wheels.
Two diagonally opposed and independent
hydraulic control circuits. Vacuum brake servo.
4-channel ABS system with Electronic Brake
force Distribution (EBD).
The electric parking brake (EPB) acts on the rear
wheels.
It is activated manually, by lifting the lever found
in the central panel of the centre console (see
page 137).

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System activation ......................................... 117
Operation with the engine off ......................... 118
Driving the vehicle ........................................ 119
Upshifting (UP) ............................................ 120
UPshift for engine overrevving ....................... 120
Downshifting (DOWN) .................................. 120
DOWNshift for engine underrevving ................ 120
Requesting neutral (N) ................................. 121
Stopping the vehicle ..................................... 121
Turning off the engine and deactivating
the system ............................................... 121
Other system functions .................................. 122
Push start ................................................... 124
Using the brakes ..............................................124
Using the engine ..............................................125
Breaking-in .................................................. 125
Engine and transmission ................................ 125
While driving ............................................... 125
Constant speed regulator (Cruise Control) .........126
General ....................................................... 126
Controls ..................................................... 127
Storing a speed ............................................ 127
Restoring the speed stored in the memory ....... 128
Increasing the speed stored in the memory ...... 128
Reducing the speed stored in the memory ........ 128
Resetting the speed stored in the memory ....... 129
Headlights .......................................................130
Bi-xenon headlights ..................................... 130Driving conditions ............................................130
Before a trip ................................................ 130
Capacities ................................................... 131
Safe driving ................................................. 131
Before you drive .......................................... 131
Travelling .................................................... 132
Driving at night ............................................ 132
Driving in the rain ......................................... 133
Driving in fog ............................................... 133
Driving in the mountains ................................ 134
Driving on snow or ice ................................... 134
Anti-pollution devices ......................................135
Other advice ................................................ 136
Parking ...........................................................136
Electric parking brake .................................... 137
Tyres ...............................................................141
Tyre infl ation pressure when cold ................... 141
Winter tyres ................................................ 141
Snow chains ................................................ 142
Useful accessories to keep in the vehicle ...........142
In an emergency ..................................... 145
Emergency starting ..........................................146
Toolkit ........................................................ 147
If a tyre gets a puncture ..................................147
Precautions in the event of a puncture ............. 147
If an exterior light goes out ..............................149Headlight clusters ......................................... 150
Taillight clusters ........................................... 150
Direction indicator lights ................................ 151
Third stop light ............................................. 152
Number plate lights ...................................... 152
If an interior light goes out ..............................153
Front dome light ......................................... 153
Rear pillar lights ........................................... 154
Glove compartment light ............................... 154
Courtesy lights under the door and
the dashboard ........................................... 155
If a fuse blows ............................................. 156
Position of fuses/relays ................................ 157
Fuse colours ................................................ 157
Maxi Fuse colours ........................................ 157
Fuses and relays in the engine compartment .... 158
Fuses and relays in the passenger
compartment, to the left of the steering
wheel ...................................................... 162
Relay/fuse boxes inside the luggage
compartment ............................................ 165
If the battery is at ........................................168
Starting with the auxiliary battery ................... 168
Recharging the battery .................................. 168
If you have to jack up the vehicle ....................169
If you have to tow the vehicle .........................170
In the event of an accident ..............................171

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
If there are injured persons ............................ 171
First aid kit .................................................. 172
Capacities and technical specifi cations ...... 175
Fuel ................................................................176
Engine oil ........................................................176
Capacities: quantity and speci cations of the
products to use .............................................177
Capacities and recommended products ............. 177
Fuel consumption .............................................179
Fuel consumption following the 2004/3/EC
directive (litres per 100 km) ....................... 179
CO2 exhaust emissions .....................................179
CO2 emissions according to Directive
2002/80B/EC (g/km) ............................ 179
Technical speci cations .....................................180
Engine ........................................................ 180
Injection – Ignition ....................................... 180
Lubrication system ....................................... 181
Cooling system ............................................ 181
Transmission ................................................ 181
Gearshifting ................................................. 182
Brakes ........................................................ 182
Suspension ................................................. 183
Steering ...................................................... 183
Wheels ....................................................... 183
Performance ................................................ 184Weights ...................................................... 184
Dimensions ................................................ 185
Tyre pressure ...................................................186
Maintenance .......................................... 189
Scheduled Maintenance ....................................190
After the 11
th service ................................... 190
Additional checks .............................................192
WARNING - Engine oil .................................... 192
WARNING - Air fi lter ..................................... 192
Level checks ....................................................193
Engine oil .................................................... 194
Gearbox oil ................................................. 195
Engine coolant ............................................. 195
Windscreen/headlight washer fl uid ................. 195
Power steering fl uid ...................................... 196
Brake fl uid ................................................. 196
Air lter ..........................................................197
Anti-dust/anti-pollen lter ...............................197
Battery ............................................................198
Useful hints for extending the life
of the battery ........................................... 198
Electronic control units .....................................199
Spark plugs .....................................................200
Wheels and tyres .............................................200
How to use the tyres .................................... 201Windscreen wipers ...........................................202
Spray nozzles .............................................. 203
Replacing the wiper blades ............................ 203
Air conditioning/heating system .......................203
Bodywork ........................................................204
Protection from atmospheric agents ................ 204
Tips for keeping the bodywork in good
condition .................................................. 204
Engine compartment ..................................... 205
Interiors ..........................................................206
Cleaning the leather upholstery ...................... 206
Leather upholstery treatment ......................... 206
Carbon parts ................................................ 206
If the vehicle is laid up for long periods ............207
Battery conditioner socket ............................. 207
Restarting the vehicle .................................... 210
Re-connecting the battery .............................. 211
Radio-frequency remote control: Ministerial
homologation ..............................................211
Conversion table ..............................................212
Table of contents .................................... 215
Table of contents ..............................................216