2010 Alfa Romeo GT battery

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
169
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR PETROL VERSIONS
IMPORTANTIt is important never to
press the accelerator before the engine has
started.
1) Make sure the handbrake is engaged.
2) Move the gear lever to neutral.
3) Fully depress the clutch pedal, so that
the starter motor is not forced to crank the
gears.
4) Ensure that the electric systems and de-
vices, especially if they absorb high quanti-
ties of energy (e.g. heated rearscreen), are
switched off.
5) Turn the ignition key to the AV Vpo-
sition and release it as soon as the engine
starts.
6) If the engine does not start, return the
key to STOP, then repeat the procedure.
IMPORTANTIf it is difficult to start the
engine do not insist with extended attempts
which may damage the catalyst, but con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services. The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
device which obliges the driver to return the
key to the STOPposition before repeat-
ing the starting operation if the engine does
not start immediately.
Similarly, when the engine is running, the
device prevents the key being moved from
theMARto the AV Vposition.
STARTING
THE ENGINE
IMPORTANTThe car is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device. If the engine
fails to start, see the “Alfa Romeo CODE sys-
tem”.
C C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T
U U
S S
E E
O O
F F
T T
H H
E E
C C
A A
R R
We recommend that dur-
ing the initial period you do
not drive to full car perfor-
mance (for example excessive ac-
celeration, long journeys at top
speed, hard braking etc.).
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely
dangerous. The engine con-
sumes oxygen and produces carbon
monoxide which is a highly toxic
and lethal gas.
When the engine is
switched off never leave
the ignition key in the MAR
position to prevent pointless cur-
rent absorption from draining the
battery.

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
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.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
178
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted.
Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and
avoid also to drive for long dis-
tances on roads not covered with
snow to prevent damaging the car
and the roadbed.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for long pe-
riods, the following precautions should be
noted:
– House the car under cover in a dry and
possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by pro-
tective wax.
– Clean and protect the metal polished
parts with marketed products.
– Cover the rubber windscreen and
rearscreen wiper blades with talcum powder
and raise them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5 bars
above normal. If possible rest the tyres on
wooden planks and periodically check the
pressure.
– Do not turn on the electronic alarm sys-
tem.– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal from the battery and check the battery
charge. This check should be repeated
every three months during stowage.
Charge the battery if the indicator (where
provided) shows a dark colour in the central
green area.
– Do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.
– Cover the car with a fabric or perforat-
ed plastic cover. Do not use compact plas-
tic covers which prevent the humidity on the
surface of the car from evaporating. Snow chains cannot be
fitted to the space-saver
spare wheel. So, if a front
(drive) wheel is punctured and
chains are needed, a rear wheel
should be fitted to the front of the
car (adjust tyre pressure to the
specified value as soon as possi-
ble) and the space-saver spare
wheel should be fitted to the rear.
This way with two normal drive
wheels, snow chains can be fitted
to them to solve an emergency.
Deactivate the ASR sys-
tem when snow chains are
fitted. Press the ASR-OFF
button, button led turned on.

IN AN EMERGENCY
180
STARTING
WITH AN AUXILIARY BATTERY
If the battery is flat (for battery with op-
tical hydrometer: dark colour without green
area in the centre), it is possible to start the
engine using an auxiliary battery with the
same capacity or a little higher than the flat
one.
Proceed as follows (fig. 1):
1) Remove the protective cover on the pos-
itive battery post pressing on the opening
catches (front), then connect the positive
terminals (+sign next to the terminal) of
the two batteries using a special cable.
2) Connect the end of the second jump
lead to the negative terminal (–) of the aux-
iliary battery with an earth point
Eon the
engine or gearbox of the car to be started.IMPORTANTDo not directly connect the
negative terminals of the two batteries: any
sparks may ignite the detonating gas which
could come out of the battery. If the auxil-
iary battery is installed on another car, avoid
metal parts touching accidentally between
this car and the one with the flat battery.
3) Start the engine.
4) When the engine has started, remove
the cables, reversing the sequence followed
for connection.
If after a few attempts the engine does not
start, do not insist but contact the nearest
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
fig. 1
A0A0149b
This starting procedure
must be carried out by
qualified personnel because
incorrect operations may cause
electrical discharge of considerable
intensity. The liquid contained in
the battery is poisonous and cor-
rosive. Avoid contact with the skin
and the eyes. Keep naked flames
and lighted cigarettes away from
the battery and do not cause
sparks.
Never use a battery
charger to start the engine
as this could damage the
electronic systems of your car, par-
ticularly the ignition and fuel sup-
ply control units.

IN AN EMERGENCY
206
To locate the protection fuses, consulting
the summary table on the following pages,
refer to the following illustrations fig. 52,
fig. 53and54.Alfa GTfuses are located in three fuse
boxes set on the dashboard, on battery pos-
itive terminal and near the battery.
To gain access to the fuses in the fuse box
on the dashboard, loosen the two retain-
ers (A-fig. 50) and remove the protective
cover (B).
To gain access to the fuses in the fusebox
on the battery post, remove the protective
cover pressing the opening catches (front).
Access is gained to the control box next to
the battery releasing the perimetral catches
(A-fig. 51) and removing the protective
cover (B).
fig. 50
A0A0186b
fig. 51
A0A0187b
fig. 52 - Fuse box on the dashboard
A0A0134b