
60
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CLIMATE CONTROL
COMPRESSOR ON/OFF
Press button √to turn the compressor
on: when climate control compressor is
on the circular led around the button will
turn on. Compressor will stay on also af-
ter turning the engine off.
To turn the compressor off press again
button
√.
With compressor off, the system will
check whether outside temperature is
higher or lower/same as the set one:
❒if outside temperature is lower than
the set one, the system will oper-
ate regularly also with compressor
off;
❒if outside temperature is higher than
the set one, the system will not be
able to keep the required condition,
the set temperature values will then
start to flash on the display.
HEATED REAR WINDOW
AND DOOR MIRROR
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING
Press button (to activate the demist-
ing/defrosting function: when this func-
tion is on, the circular led around the but-
ton will turn on.
On certain versions, turning this function
on will also activate windscreen de-
frosting in the windscreen wiper area.
This function is timed and switches off
automatically after few minutes, or by
pressing again the button or by turning
the engine off. It will not be switched
on automatically when restarting the en-
gine.
IMPORTANTDo not apply stickers on
the inside of the rear window over the
heating filaments to avoid damage that
might cause it to stop working properly.Temperature detection (compressor off
and outside temperature higher than set
temperature) is activated each time the
electronic key is fitted into the ignition
device.
Operation of the cli-
mate control compres-
sor is necessary for cooling
and dehumidifying the air; it is
advisable to keep this function
always on, to prevent window
misting problems.
WARNING

61
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
AIR DISTRIBUTION
SELECTION
Pressing buttons A/S/Dyou can
manually choose one of the 7 possible
modes for air distribution inside the com-
partment:
DFlow of air to the dashboard centre
and side outlets (passenger’s body).
SDSplitting of the air flow between the
vents to the lower part of the pas-
senger compartment (warmest air)
and the dashboard centre and side
outlets (coolest air).
SAir flow towards the lower part of the
passenger compartment. This type of
distribution allows heating of the pas-
senger compartment in the shortest
time.
A
SSplitting of the air flow between
windscreen and front side window
demisting/defrosting vents and the
lower part of the passenger com-
partment. This type of air distribu-
tion allows satisfactory heating of
the passenger compartment while
preventing possible misting of the
windows.
AAir flow to the windscreen and front
side window vents to demist or de-
frost them.
ADSplitting of the air flow between the
central/side dashboard vents and
windscreen and side window defrost-
ing/demisting vents. This type of air
distribution allows satisfactory venti-
lation of the passenger compartment
while preventing possible misting of
the windows.
ADSplitting of the air flow between
all vents.
S
To restore automatic air distribution con-
trol after a manual selection, press but-
ton AUTO.
AIR RECIRCULATION AND
AQS FUNCTION
(AIR QUALITY SYSTEM)
ON/OFF (where provided)
Inside air recirculation is controlled ac-
cording to the following operating log-
ics:
❒automatic control, indicated by but-
ton led “A”;
❒forced switching on (inside air recir-
culation always on), indicated by the
turning on of the circular led around
the button;
❒forced switching off (air recirculation
always off with air inlet from the out-
side), indicated by the turning off of
the circular led around the button.
With A.Q.S. (Air Quality System - where
provided), the operating logic is se-
quential when pressing button
v.

62
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANT The inside air recircula-
tion system makes it possible to reach
the required heating or cooling condi-
tions faster. It is however inadvisable to
use it on rainy/cold days as it would
considerably increase the possibility of
the windows misting inside, especially
if the climate control compressor is off.
It is advisable to turn on the inside air
recirculation system in queues or tunnels
to avoid admitting polluted air from out-
side. The prolonged use of this function
should however be avoided, especially
with several persons on board, to avoid
the possibility of the windows misting
inside and to ensure air change.In certain weather con-
ditions (e.g. outside
temperature around
0°C) and with automatic air re-
circulation control on, mist may
form on the windows. In this
case press button
vto
switch off recirculation and if
necessary press button + to in-
crease the flow of air to the
windscreen.
With the outside tem-
perature below -1°C the
climate control compres-
sor is unable to work. It is
therefore inadvisable to use the
inside air recirculation function
with low outside temperature
as windows may mist over
quickly.

118
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Anything that modifies its original con-
ditions invalidates its efficiency. Anything
that modifies its original conditions in-
validates its efficiency. If due to unusu-
al natural events (floods, sea storms,
etc.) the device has been affected by
water and mud, it must necessarily be
replaced.PRETENSIONERS
To increase the efficiency of the seat
belts, the car is fitted with front preten-
sioners. These devices, in the event of
a violent crash, rewind the seat belts a
few centimetres. In this way they en-
sure that the seat belt adheres perfect-
ly to the wearer before the restraining
action begins.
The seat belt locks to indicate that the
device has intervened; the seat belt can-
not be drawn back up even when guid-
ing it manually.
IMPORTANTTo obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioning device, wear the seat
belt keeping it firmly close to the chest
and pelvis.
Front seat pretensioners activate only
if front seat belts are properly fitted in-
to buckles.
A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard.
The pretensioner can
only be used once. Af-
ter a collision that has trig-
gered it, have it replaced at Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.
Pretensioner validity is indi-
cated on the label located on
the door. Pretensioners should
be replaced at Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services as this date
approaches
WARNING
Operations which lead
to knocks, vibrations or
localised heating (over
100°C for a maximum of 6
hours) in the area around the
pretensioners may cause dam-
age or trigger them. These de-
vices are not affected by vibra-
tions caused by irregularities of
the road surface or low obsta-
cles such as kerbs, etc. Contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
for any assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger’s safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which allows controlled sag in such a
way as to dose the force acting on the
chest and shoulders during the belt re-
straining action in case of front crash.

139
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒ Fully press the clutch pedal, without
pressing the accelerator;
❒Put the gear lever neutral;
❒Fit the electronic key into the ignition
device to stop limit;
❒Briefly press the START/STOPbut-
ton.The starter automatically operates until
the engine starts.
With engine off and electronic key in-
serted in the ignition device, it is possible
to operate the automatic ignition briefly
pressing the START/STOPbutton and
keeping the clutch pedal pressed.
IMPORTANTIt is possible to start the
engine keeping pressed only the brake
pedal. In that case, automatic start is not
enabled. Then press the START/STOP
button and release it as soon as the en-
gine starts.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Fully press the clutch pedal, without
pressing the accelerator;
❒Put the gear lever neutral;
❒fit the electronic key down into the
ignition device until it stops. The in-
strument panel warning light
m
will turn on;
❒Wait for the warning light mto
turn off. The hotter the engine is, the
quicker this will happen;
❒Briefly press the START/STOPbut-
ton as soon as the warning light
m
turns on. Waiting for too long means
making spark plugs heating useless.

151
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
W W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKEON .................... 153
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................. 153
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED................................. 153
AIR BAG FAILURE............................................... 154
PASSANGER’S FRONT AIR BAGS DEACTIVATED ........ 155
ENGINE COOLANT HIGH TEMPERATURE ................. 155
ENGINE OIL HIGH TEMPERATURE.......................... 156
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/EXHAUST OIL ........... 156
LOW BATTERY CHARGE....................................... 157
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING .............................. 157
BONNET OPEN.................................................. 157
BOOT OPEN..................................................... 157
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE...................................... 158
CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
STEERING LOCK INHIBITION ................................ 159
ALARM FAILURE/BREAK-IN ATTEMPT/
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT RECOGNIZED ...................... 159
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD ........... 160
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUGS/
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUG FAILURE....................... 160
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER ............................. 161
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHED ON ................ 161
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................ 162
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................ 162
VDC SYSTEM ................................................... 162HILL HOLDER FAILURE ....................................... 163
ASR SYSTEM (WHEEL ANTISKID SYSTEM) ............ 163
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE ................................. 164
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE ...................................... 164
REAR FOGLIGHTS.............................................. 164
FRONT FOG LIGHTS........................................... 164
SIDE/TAILLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME.................. 164
DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS ................................. 164
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS ................................... 165
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ........................ 165
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ...................... 165
LIGHT SENSOR FAILURE....................................... 165
RAIN SENSOR FAILURE........................................ 165
PARKING SENSORS FAILURE................................ 165
FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED CRUISING RANGE............ 165
CRUISE CONTROL............................................. 166
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED .................. 166
ANTIPINCH SYSTEM FAILURE............................... 167
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID LOW LEVEL ............. 167
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED...................................... 167
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM FAILURE................................... 167
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE...................................... 167
LOW INFLATION PRESSURE................................. 168
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR SPEED ............ 168

155
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
PASSENGER’S
FRONT AIR BAGS
DEACTIVATED
(amber)
The warning light (set on the front ceil-
ing light panel) turns on when passen-
ger’s front air bags, passenger’s knees
air bag (for versions/markets, where
provided) and passenger’s front side bag
are deactivated through the relevant key
switch (for versions/markets, where
provided). With passenger’s front air
bags on, fitting the key into the ignition
device the warning light shall turn on
glowing steadily for about 4 seconds,
shall flash for other 4 seconds and then
it shall turn off.
F
–Car heavy duty (e.g.: towing trail-
er uphill or fully laden car): decrease
speed, if the warning light stays on, stop
the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes leaving
the engine on and slightly accelerated to
further activate the circulation of the
coolant fluid, then switch the engine off.
IMPORTANTUnder severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly ac-
celerated for few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
Warning light Ffailure
is indicated by warning
light
¬. In addition, the air bag
system will deactivate auto-
matically the passenger's front
air bag (front and side). Before
restarting contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services immedi-
ately to have the system
checked.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLANT
HIGH TEMPERATURE
(red)
Fitting the key into the ignition device, the
warning light (set on engine coolant
gauge) turns on but it shall go off after a
few seconds. The warning light turns on
(with a dedicated message on the display)
to indicate engine overheating. If the warn-
ing light comes on, proceed as follows:
–Normal driving conditions: stop
the car, switch off the engine and check
whether the water level in the reservoir
is not below the MINmark. Otherwise
wait for few seconds to allow engine
cooling, then open slowly and carefully
the cap, top up coolant and check
whether its level is falling between MIN
andMAXmarks in the reservoir. Check
visually any leak. If when restarting the
warning light comes on again, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
u
With engine hot, do not
remove the cap: risk of
burnt.
WARNING

160
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
This cycle is performed only once when
the outside temperature read is lower
than or equal to 3
°C and it can be re-
peated only when outside temperature
exceeds 6
°C and then falls down to
3
°C or below.
IMPORTANTIn the event of outside
temperature sensor failure, the display
will show dashes instead of the value.
PRE-HEATINGGLOW
PLUGS (diesel
versions - amber)
PRE-HEATING GLOW
PLUGS FAILURE
(diesel versions -
amber)
Pre-heating glow plugs
Fitting the key into the ignition device
the warning light turns on and it will turn
off when glow plugs reach the preset
temperature. Start the engine immedi-
ately after warning light switching off.
IMPORTANTWith mild or hot ambi-
ent temperature, warning light stays on
for very short time.
m
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE
ON THE ROAD
When the outside temperature reaches
or falls below 3
°C, the display will show
a warning message and symbol
√to
warn the driver of the possible presence
of ice on the road.
On certain versions, once the above
warning indication cycle is over or when
pressing briefly the button MENU:
– the displayed message goes off and
previously active screen is displayed
again;
– temperature indication stops flashing;
– symbol
√stays displayed at the bot-
tom right of the screen (until outside
temperature is lower than or equal to
6
°C).