2010 Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider ABS

142
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
A quick burst on the ac-
celerator before turning
off the engine serves
absolutely no practical purpose,
it wastes fuel and is damaging
especially to turbocharged en-
gines.
IMPORTANTAfter a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
IMPORTANTTurning the car off will
deactivate the electronic safety systems
and turn off the external lights.
IMPORTANTKilling the engine while
the car is running, due to safety reasons,
it will not be possible to take the elec-
tronic key out of the ignition device. To
remove it, turn the instrument panel on
and off by pressing button
START/STOPwith brake pedal (or
clutch pedal) released and car stopped.
REMOVING THE
ELECTRONIC KEY FROM THE
IGNITION DEVICE IN AN
EMERGENCY
In the event of a failure at engine switch-
ing off system or at electronic key un-
locking system proceed as follows:
❒press the unlocking button to remove
the metal insert (see paragraph
“Electronic key” in section “Dash-
board and controls”);
❒fit the metal insert B-fig. 1of the
electronic key into the slot A;
❒remove the electronic key from the
ignition device.
A0F0043mfig. 1
IMPORTANTOnly fit the metal insert
B-fig.1of the electronic key into slot A.
IMPORTANTIf emergency removal
is carried out with the engine running,
the engine and the instrument panel will
be turned off and the steering lock will
not be engaged; always stop the car be-
fore emergency removal.

146
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic
and road allow, use a higher gear. Us-
ing a low gear to obtain brilliant perfor-
mance increases consumption. In the
same way improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions an en-
gine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increas-
es with speed. Avoid superfluous brak-
ing and accelerating, which cost in terms
of both fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts
do not allow the engine to reach opti-
mum operating temperature. This results
in a significant increase in consumption
levels (from +15 to +30% on the urban
cycle) and emission of harmful sub-
stances.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied
to situations with heavy traffic, for ex-
ample in queues with frequent use of
the lower gears or in cities with many
traffic lights. Also winding mountain
roads and rough road surfaces adverse-
ly affect consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g.: level
crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car
at a standstill or at idle or high speed:
under these conditions the engine
warms up much more slowly, increasing
electrical consumption and emissions. It
is therefore advisable to move off im-
mediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds.
This way the engine will warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traf-
fic lights or before switching off the en-
gine. This and also double declutching
is absolutely pointless on modern cars
and also increase consumption and pol-
lution.

147
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Engage a low gear when driving down-
hill, rather than constantly using the
brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity. To make
sure the maximum towable weight is
not exceeded (given in the log book)
account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and
personal belongings.
Do not exceed the speed limits of the
country you are driving in. In any case
do not exceed 100 km/h.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. In-
stallation should be carried out by spe-
cialised personnel who release a special
document for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional
rear-view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
The ABS system with
which the car may be
fitted does not control the
trailer braking system. Drive
with extreme care on slippery
roadbeds.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the car brake
system be altered to control
the trailer brake. The trailer
braking system must be fully
independent of the car hy-
draulic system.
WARNING

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

162
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
EBD SYSTEM
FAILURE (red)
(amber)
With the engine running the
turning on at the same time
of warning lights
>andx
(together with the message on the dis-
play) indicates that the EBD system is
inefficient; in this case heavy braking
may cause the rear wheels to lock be-
fore time, with the possibility of skid-
ding.
Drive with the utmost care to the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorized Service to
have the system checked.
VDC SYSTEM
(amber)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
Fitting the key into the ignition device
the warning light turns on, but it should
go off after few seconds.
The warning light flashes when the VDC
cuts in, to alert the driver that the sys-
tem is adapting to the road surface grip
conditions.
VDC deactivation
When the VDC is deactivated manually
(pressing the ASR/VDC button for 2 sec-
onds) (see paragraph “VDC system” in
section “Dashboard and controls”) the
display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
VDC system failure
In the event of a failure the VDC system
is deactivated automatically and warn-
ing light
áturns on glowing steadily
(together with a message on the dis-
play). In this case contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services as soon as possible.
ABS SYSTEM
FAILURE (amber)
Fitting the key into the ignition
device the warning light turns on, but
it should go off after few seconds.
The warning light turns on (with a ded-
icated message on the display) when
the system is inefficient. In this case the
braking system keeps its effectiveness
unchanged, but without the potential of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive careful-
ly and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services as soon as possible.
>
>
xá

❒after reaching the tyre pressure spec-
ified in paragraph “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”, start
driving immediately;
180
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Apply the sticker in a
visible position for the
driver to indicate that the tyre
has been treated with the
quick tyre repair kit. Drive
carefully especially when cor-
nering and do not exceed 80
km/h. Avoid heavy braking
and accelerating.
WARNING
You shall absolutely
communicate that the
tyre has been repaired with
the quick tyre repair kit. Hand
the instruction brochure to the
personnel charged with treat-
ing the tyre repaired with the
kit.
WARNING
If pressure falls below
1.8 bar, stop the car
since the tyre is excessively
damaged and the quick tyre
repair kit Fix & Go automatic
cannot guarantee suitable
sealing. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
WARNING
❒after driving for about 10 minutes
stop and check again the tyre pres-
sure;pull up the handbrake;❒if at least 1.8 bar pressure is read,
restore proper pressure (with engine
running and handbrake on) and
restart;
❒drive with the utmost care to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorized
Service.

201
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
USERS FUSE AMPERE FIGURE
Water in diesel fuel filter sensor/flow meter F35 7.5 48
Brake light switch/central console control panel F35 7.5 48
Cruise Control F35 7.5 48
AQS sensor F35 7.5 48
Disponible F36 – 48
Instrument panel branch point F37 10 48
Front headlight control unit/Power to control unit
for gas-discharge headights (Bixenon) (where provided) F37 10 48
Boot locking/unlocking gearmotor F38 15 48
EOBD system diagnostic socket F39 10 48
T.P.M.S. control unit F39 10 48
Mobile phone presetting F39 10 48
Alarm system control unit (for versions/markets, where provided) F39 10 48
Climate control system F39 10 48
Heated rear window F40 30 48
Windscreen washer/rear window washer nozzle demister F41 7.5 48
Heated mirror demister F41 7.5 48
Brake branch point power (ABS/VDC) –
Steering angle branch point – Yawing sensor F42 7.5 48
Windscreen wiper/washer F43 30 48

221
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts involved im-
mediately with neutral soap
and water, then rinse thor-
oughly. Call the doctor imme-
diately if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 13
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 Spec-
ifications”).
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When
opening the cap take the utmost care to
prevent impurities entering the tank.
When topping up, always use a funnel
with built-in filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 0.12 mm.
A0F0016mfig. 13
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
From time to time, check the instrument
panel warning light
x: pressing on cap
A(with key fitted into the ignition de-
vice) the warning light shall turn on.
IMPORTANTBrake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the Service Schedule.
Symbolπon the con-
tainer indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distinguish-
ing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irre-
versibly damages the special
braking system rubber seals.
WARNING