2009 Alfa Romeo GT steering wheel

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
136
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
(on request for versions/
markets where applicable)
The VDC is an electronic system that con-
trols car stability, intervening on the driving
torque and braking the wheels in a differ-
entiated manner, in the lack of grip, it helps
to bring the car back to the correct direction.
When travelling the car is subjected to lat-
eral and longitudinal forces which can be
controlled by the driver as long as the tyres
offer adequate roadholding; when this falls
below the minimum level, the car begins
to divert from the course required by the dri-
ver.
Especially when travelling on an uneven
surface (such as paving, or due to the pres-
ence of water, ice or soil), changes in speed
(acceleration or braking) and/or course
(bends or the need to avoid obstacles) may
cause the tyres to lose grip. When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the system in-
tervenes on the engine and on the brakes
producing a stabilising torque.
HOW THE VDC
SYSTEM WORKS
System is engaged automatically when the
car is started and cannot be switched off.
The basic components of the system are:
– an electronic control unit that process-
es the signals received from the various sen-
sors and brings about the most appropriate
strategy;
– a sensor that detects the position of the
steering wheels;
– four sensors that detect the turning
speed of each wheel;
– a sensor that detects rotation of the car
around its vertical axis;
– a sensor that detects lateral acceleration
(centrifugal force).
The heart of the system is the control unit,
which with the data supplied by the sensors
installed on the car calculates the centrifugal
forces generated when the car is cornering.
The yawing sensor, which originates from the
aeronautical industry, detects the rotations
of the car around its own vertical axis. The
centrifugal forces generated when the car
is cornering are detected by a highly sensi-
tive lateral acceleration sensor. The performance of the
system, in terms of active
safety should not induce
the driver to take pointless and un-
necessary risks. The style of dri-
ving must in any case always be
adapted to the conditions of the
road surface, visibility and traffic.
The responsibility for road safety
is always and in any case the dri-
ver’s.
System helps the driver to keep the car un-
der control in the event of a loss of tyre grip.
The forces induced by the system to con-
trol the loss of car stability always depend
on the grip between the tyre and the road
surface.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
The stabilising action of the 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 each wheel. These signals
allow 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 is
able to know the position of the car instant
by instant and compares it with the course
the driver 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 system considerably en-
hances 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. For the VDC system to
work correctly, the tyres
must be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and above all of the
specified type, brand and size. CUTTING IN
OF THE VDC SYSTEM
The cutting in of the system is indicated by
the flashing of the áwarning light on the
instrument cluster, to inform the driver that
the car is in critical conditions of stability and
grip.
VDC system failure warning
In the event of a failure the system dis-
engages automatically and the
áwarning
light on the instrument cluster turns on glow-
ing steadily, together with the message on
the reconfigurable multifunction display.
In the event of an system failure the car
behaves like a car not fitted with this sys-
tem: in any case it is advisable to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon as
possible.During use of the compact
spare wheel, the VDC sys-
tem continues working. It
should be borne in mind that the
spare wheel is smaller than a nor-
mal tyre, therefore its grip is low-
er than that of the other tyres of
the car.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
148
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
(where provided)
fig. 153A0A1114b
Button FUNCTION Mode
z
+
–
SRC
ô
ó
Audio Mute on/off
(with sound system on)
Volume up
Volume down
Radio frequency
(FM1, FM2, FMT, MW, LW) and audio source
(Radio - CD - MP3 - CD Changer) selection button
Radio: recall preset stations (1 to 6)
MP3: select next directory
CD Changer: select next CD in the CD Changer
Radio: recall preset stations (6 to 1)
MP3: select previous directory
CD Changer: select previous CD in the CD ChangerBrief button pressing
Press button
Press button
Press button
Press button
Press button

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
171
Never push, tow or coast
start the car. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the en-
gine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort than
usual is needed on the brake ped-
al and steering wheel. For cars with turbocharg-
er in particular, but for all
cars in general, sharp ac-
celerating should be avoided before
switching the engine off.
A “kick” on the accelerator
serves no purpose, consumes fuel
pointlessly and may cause serious
damage to the turbocharger im-
peller bearings.
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the Alfa Romeo CODE system does not
recognise the code transmitted by the igni-
tion key (warning light
Yon the instru-
ment cluster glowing on 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”.
IMPORTANTIf the engine turns off with
the car on the move, the next time it is start-
ed, the Alfa Romeo CODE warning light may
turn on(
Y). In this case, check that switch-
ing off and starting the engine again with
the car stationary, the warning light stays
off. If not, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.
ENGINE SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and wait
until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOPpo-
sition and switch off the engine.
IMPORTANTAfter a tiring journey it is
advisable to let the engine “get its breath
back” allowing it to idle a while to lower the
temperature in the engine compartment.

IN AN EMERGENCY
181
STARTING BY INERTIA
If the car is equipped with “Kit for tyre re-
pair Fix&Go“, see the instructions contained
in the following chapter.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
As an alternative to the FIX & GO, the car
can be provided (upon request) with space-
saver spare wheel or standard wheel; wheel
changing and correct use of the jack call for
some precautions as listed below.
IN THE EVENT OF A PUNCTURE
Never push, tow or coast
start the car. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the en-
gine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort than
usual is needed on the brake ped-
al and steering wheel.
Signal the presence of the
stationary car according to
current regulations: hazard
warning lights, reflecting triangle
etc.. Any passengers should leave
the car and wait for the wheel to be
changed out of harm of the traffic.
If parked on a slope or rough sur-
face, chock the wheels with
wedges or other suitable devices
to prevent the car from rolling.
Never start the engine
with the car jacked.
When driving with a trail-
er, disconnect the trailer before
raising the car. The compact spare
wheel is specific to your car, do not
use it on other models, or use the
spare wheel of other models on
your car.
Should the type of wheels used
be changed (alloy rims instead of
steel), it is also necessary to
change the whole set of fastening
bolts with others of suitable size.
The compact spare wheel is nar-
rower than normal wheels, it
should be used only for the dis-
tance necessary to reach a service
point to have the punctured tyre
repaired and, during its use, the car
speed must not exceed 80 km/h.

IN AN EMERGENCY
213
IF THE CAR IS TO BE TOWED
The tow ring supplied with the car is
housed in the tool box under the boot mat.
To install the tow ring, proceed as follows:
– Take the tow ring from the tool box.
– Remove the cover (A) snap-fitted on
the front (fig. 55) or rear (fig. 56)
bumper. To do this, using the flat-bladed
screwdriver provided, protect the tip with a
soft cloth to avoid damaging the car.– Firmly screw the ring in its housing.
fig. 55 - front
A0A0650b
fig. 56 - rear
A0A0670b
Before tightening the ring
carefully clean the thread-
ed housing. Before begin-
ning to tow the car, make sure that
the ring is firmly tightened in its
threaded housing.
Before starting to tow,
turn the ignition key to
MAR and back to STOP,
again without removing it. Re-
moving the key automatically en-
gages the steering lock resulting in
the impossibility to steer the
wheels. When towing remember
that without the help of the engine
brake and power steering greater
effort is required on the pedal and
steering wheel. Do not use flexible
cables for towing and avoid jerks.
During towing operations make
sure that fastening the joint to the
car does not damage the compo-
nents in contact with it. When tow-
ing the car, it is compulsory to fol-
low specific traffic regulations con-
cerning both the towing device and
behaviour on the road.

CAR MAINTENANCE
219
ADDITIONAL
OPERATIONS
Every 1000 kmor before long journeys,
check and if necessary top up:
– engine coolant fluid level
– brake/hydraulic clutch control fluid level
– power steering fluid level
– windscreen washer and headlamp wash-
er fluid level
– tyre pressure and conditions.
Every 3000 kmcheck and if necessary
top up the engine oil level.
The use of FL Seleniaproducts is rec-
ommended which have been designed and
made expressly for Alfa Romeo cars (see
“Refuelling” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” chapter).
ANNUAL INSPECTION
PROGRAMME
For cars with an annual mileage
of below 20,000 km (for example
about 10,000 km) the following
yearly inspection programme is ad-
vised:
– Check tyre conditions/wear and if nec-
essary adjust the pressure (including spare
wheel)
– Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, boot, passenger compart-
ment, glovebox lights, warning lights, etc.)
– Check operation of windscreen wiper
system, spray jet adjustment
– Check windscreen blade position/wear
– Check front disk brake pad conditions
and wear
– Check cleanness of bonnet and boot
locks, and lever cleanness and lubrication.– Sight check for conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes (exhaust - fu-
el supply - brakes), rubber parts (boots -
sleeves - bushes etc..), brake and fuel sup-
ply system hoses
– Check battery charge
– Sight check for conditions of various dri-
ve belts
– Check and if necessary top up fluid lev-
els (engine coolant, brakes, windscreen
washer, battery etc. )
– Change engine oil and oil filter
– Change pollen filter.

CAR MAINTENANCE
227
Oil consumption is very
low; if topping up again is
needed shortly afterwards,
have the system checked for pos-
sible leaks by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services.Do not allow the power
steering fluid to touch hot
parts of the engine: it is in-
flammable.
fig. 12
A0A0217b
fig. 11
A0A0400b
BRAKE AND HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH FLUID
(fig. 12)
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum. Top up with the brake fluid
specified in the table “Fluids and lubricants”
(see section “Technical specifications").
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When opening
the cap take the utmost care to prevent im-
purities entering the tank. When topping up,
always use a funnel with built-in filter with
mesh equal to or lower than 0.12 mm.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
POWER STEERING FLUID
(fig. 11)
Check that the level of the oil in the reser-
voir is at maximum.
This operation should be carried out with
the car on a level surface and the engine
switched off and cold.
Check that the level reaches the MAX
mark on the reservoir or coincides with the
upper notch (maximum level) on the dip-
stick (A) integral with the reservoir cap.If the oil level in the reservoir is below the
specified one, top up only with one of the
products listed in the “Fluids and lubricants”
table in the “Technical specifications” chap-
ter proceeding as follows:
– Start the engine and wait for the oil lev-
el in the reservoir to stabilise.
– With the engine running, turn the steer-
ing wheel lock to lock a few times.
– Top up to the MAXlevel notch, then
refit the cap.