2010 Alfa Romeo GT brake light

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
109
To release the hand brake:
– slightly lift the lever (A) and press the
release button (B);
– keeping the button pressed lower the
lever, the warning light
xon the instru-
ment cluster will go out.
To prevent the car from moving acciden-
tally, keep the brake pedal pressed when
engaging the hand brake.
IMPORTANTThe hand brake lever (A)
is fitted with a safety device which prevents
the brake from being released when, with
the lever pulled, button (B) is pressed.
Therefore, to release the brake, in addition
to pressing button (B), it is also necessary
to pull lever (A) further upwards to release
the safety device, then lower the lever com-
pletely.
IMPORTANTOn certain versions a
buzzer sounds to alert the driver if the car
is moved with the hand brake engaged.
GEARSHIFT LEVER (fig. 116)
The position of the single gears is shown
by the pictogram on the gearshift lever knob.
When shifting gear, always fully depress
the clutch pedal. Before engaging reverse
gear (R) wait for the car to be stationary.
Certain versions are equipped with 6-speed
gearbox. For the versions with 6 gears, to
engage reverse (R) lift (with the fingers
of the same hand holding the lever) the ring
(A-fig. 116) positioned under the lever.
After engaging the reverse, release the ring.
To change from reverse to another gear, it
is not necessary to lift the ring on the lever.
IMPORTANTReverse gear may only be
engaged with the car completely at a stand-
still. With the engine running, before en-
gaging reverse gear it is necessary to wait
for at least 3 seconds with the clutch pedal
fully depressed to prevent clashing and the
possibility of damaging the gears. To change gear smoothly,
the clutch pedal must be
fully depressed. Therefore,
there should be no obstacles on the
floor under the pedal unit: make
sure that any mats are well laid and
do not interfere with the pedals.
fig. 116
A0A0684b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
126
CELL PHONE
PROVISION
The car may be fitted with a provision for
installing a cell phone.
The mobile phone provision consists of:
– radio + cell phone dual-purpose antenna;
– connection and supply cables with spe-
cific connector for connecting hands-free kit.
ODDMENT RECESSES ON
CENTRE CONSOLE
(fig. 139)
On the centre console, at the side of the
hand brake lever, depending on the versions,
the following recesses are provided:
– can holder (B);
– magnetic card or toll ticket holder (C);
– pen or pencil holder (D);
– coin holder (E).
SUN VISORS (fig. 140)
The visors can be directed at the front and
side.
Behind, the visors have a courtesy mirror
with a light at the side (A). To use, open
the cover (B).
The lights allow use of the mirrors with dim
light.
The passenger’s sun visor has a symbol
concerning correct use of a child’s seat in the
presence of the passenger’s air bag. For fur-
ther details, refer to the passenger’s front
air bag paragraph.
fig. 139
A0A0751b
fig. 140
A0A0121b
For the installation of a
cell phone and connection
to the provision in the car,
contact only Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services; this will guarantee
first-rate results with no possibil-
ity of any inconvenience that may
compromise the safety of the car.
The voice kit should be
purchased by the customer
as it must be compatible
with the customer’s phone.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
134
ABS
(on request for versions/markets
where applicable)
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes full use of the grip
and within the limits of the grip available,
keeps the car controllable also in emergency
braking.
When braking a slight pulsing accompa-
nied by noise may be felt on the brake ped-
al due to the action of the ABS system.
This should not be interpreted as a brak-
ing malfunction. It is the signal to the driver
that the ABS has come into action: it is the
warning that the car is travelling at the lim-
it of its grip and therefore the speed should
be adapted to the type of road.
The ABS system is an additional part of the
base braking system; in the event of a fail-
ure it is disabled, leaving the braking sys-
tem in the same conditions as a car without
ABS.
In the case of a failure, the anti-lock action
is no longer present, the braking capacity of
the car is not adversely affected at all. The ABS better exploits
the grip available, but can-
not increase it; caution is
therefore necessary on slippery
surfaces, without taking unneces-
sary risks.
If the ABS cuts in it means
that the limit of the grip is
being reached between the
tyre and the road surface: it is
therefore necessary to slow down
to adapt driving to the grip avail-
able.
In the event of a system
failure, with the turning on
of the
>warning light on
the instrument cluster, have the car
checked immediately by Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services, to be
able to have the system restored
to fully efficient conditions.
If you have never previously used cars fit-
ted with ABS, it is advisable to practice a lit-
tle on a slippery surface, naturally in safe-
ty conditions and in accordance with the lo-
cal Highway Code; you are also advised to
read the following instructions carefully.
The advantage of the ABS over a conven-
tional system is that it makes it possible to ob-
tain the highest degree of handling also when
braking completely under limited grip condi-
tions, preventing the wheels from locking.
However, with the ABS do not expect the
braking distance to always shorten: for ex-
ample, on soft surfaces like gravel or fresh
snow or a slippery surface, the space might
increase.
To better exploit the possibilities of the an-
ti-lock system in the case of need, the ad-
vice given below should be followed.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
Always take due care when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the
pressure, but keep the pedal firm-
ly pressed with no fear; this way
you will stop in the least space
possible, compatibly with the con-
ditions of the road surface.
Following these instructions you will be
in the best braking condition under all cir-
cumstances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors. The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andx
warning lights turn on simultane-
ously with the engine running, this
indicates an EBD system failure; in
this case with sharp braking the
rear wheels might lock too early,
with the possibility of skidding. Dri-
ving extremely carefully, go to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice to have the system checked.
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally in-
dicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system checked
over, driving in such a way as to
avoid sharp braking.
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immedi-
ately and contact the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. Any
loss of fluid from the hydraulic sys-
tem will negatively affect the op-
eration of the braking system be it
of the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
If the compact spare
wheel is used, operation of
the ABS system is cut off
and the
>warning light on the in-
strument cluster turns on.
IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn on
when starting the engine and go off after
starting. This should not be considered as
a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
170
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR JTD VERSIONS
1) Make sure the handbrake is engaged.
2) Set the gearshift lever to neutral.
3) Turn the ignition key to MAR. The re-
configurable multifunction display will show
the
mwarning light.
4) Wait for the
mto turn off, which
takes place sooner, the warmer the engine.
With the engine very warm the light might
stay on for such a short time as to pass un-
noticed.
5) Fully depress the clutch pedal.
6) Turn the ignition key to AV Vas soon
as the
mwarning light has gone out.
Waiting too long, makes the warming work
of the glow plugs useless.IMPORTANTThe electric devices that
absorb a high amount of energy (climate
control, rearscreen heating, etc.) are cut off
automatically during starting.
If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, move the ignition key to STOPbe-
fore repeating starting.
If starting is difficult (with the Alfa Romeo
CODE system working properly), do not in-
sist with prolonged attempts.
Only use an auxiliary battery if the cause
is due to low battery charge. Never use a
battery charger to start the engine.
WARMING THE ENGINE
– Drive off slowly, at medium revs with-
out accelerating abruptly.
– Do not drive at full performance for the
initial kilometres of the journey. Wait until
the engine coolant temperature reaches 50-
60 °C.

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.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
172
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the ignition
key when leaving the car and take
it with you.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when the
engine is not running.
PARKING
When the car is parked, proceed as fol-
lows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the car is faced up-
hill or reverse if the car is facing downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the car will
immediately come to a halt if the handbrake
slips.
REDUCING
RUNNING COSTS
AND ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save car running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance have
the checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Programme”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely
at an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the boot.
The weight of the car (especially in urban
traffic), and its geometry heavily affect con-
sumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy,
therefore increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels(up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
175
For the electrical connection a 7 or 13 pole
12VDC connection must be used (CU-
NA/UNI and ISO/DIN standards) following
any reference instructions given by the car
Manufacturer and/or towing device Manu-
facturer.
Any electric brake should be supplied directly
by the battery through a cable with a cross-
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2. In addition
to the electrical branches, the car electric sys-
tem can only be connected to the supply ca-
ble for an electric brake and to the cable for
an internal light, though not above 15W.
INSTALLATION LAYOUT
(fig. 1)
The tow hook structure must be fas-
tened in the points shown by the sym-
bol
Øusing 4 M8 screws and 7 M10
screws.
The inner plate (2) should have a
minimum thickness of 6 mm.
The inner plate (3) should have a
minimum thickness of 4 mm.
The inner plate (4) should have a
minimum thickness of 5 mm.
The fastening points (1) should be fit-
ted with 25 mm x 6 mm spacers.After fitting, the fasten-
ing screw holes shall be
sealed to prevent exhaust
gas inlet.
IMPORTANTIt is compulsory to fasten
a label (plainly visible) of suitable size and
material with the following wording:
MAX LOAD ON BALL 60 kg.