GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
113
STARTING THE ENGINE
The engine can be started either with a
gear engaged or in neutral (N) provided
that the brake pedal is fully depressed.
IMPORTANTIf the brake pedal is not
depressed, the starter motor will not turn,
thus preventing the engine from being start-
ed.
After starting, the gearbox sets to neutral
automatically, the reconfigurable multifunc-
tion display shows the letter (N) and the
system selects the semiautomatic operating
mode (manual).
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
AND SYSTEM DEACTIVATION
Turning the ignition key to STOPthe en-
gine turns off but the Selespeed system is
still active waiting for the car to stop com-
pletely. After about 2 - 4 seconds from when
the key has been moved to STOP, the hy-
draulic part is deactivated and the reconfig-
urable multifunction display is turned off im-
mediately afterwards; at this point is the Se-
lespeed system deactivated.
The gear selected before switching off the
engine remains engaged.
If the engine is stopped with the gearbox
in neutral (N), the buzzer calls the driver’s
attention so that the car can be put in safe-
ty conditions engaging first gear (1) or re-
verse (R). In this case, the ignition key
should be turned to MARand with the
brake pedal pressed, engage first gear (1)
or reverse (R).
IMPORTANTIf the engine is stopped
with the CITYmode engaged, this will be
stored by the system. Indeed, the next time
the engine is started, this condition will still
be active.IMPORTANTShould the engine go off
with the car on the move, the next time it
is started the Alfa Romeo CODE warning
light (Y) may come on. In this case check
that the warning light goes off turning the
engine off and on again with the vehicle sta-
tionary. If not contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.
NEVER leave the car with
the gears in neutral (N).
WARNING
Never remove the ignition
key when the car is mov-
ing. In addition to the fact that the
Selespeed system would not work
properly up to stopping the car, the
steering wheel would lock auto-
matically the first time it is turned.
WARNING
If the engine fails to start
with the gear engaged, the
driver is informed of the potential-
ly dangerous situation due to the
fact that the gearbox is in neutral
by the buzzer and by the reconfig-
urable multifunction display.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
115
WARNINGS
– With the car stopped and a gear en-
gaged always keep the brake pedal pressed
until deciding to move off;
– during prolonged halts with the engine
running it is advisable to keep the gearbox in
neutral;
– when the car is parked facing uphill, do
not use the moving off manoeuvre to keep
the car still; use the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal only when deciding to
move off;
– use second gear onlywhen more con-
trol is needed for moving off manoeuvres at
low speed;
– if, in reverse gear, first gear is engaged
or vice versa, shift gear only when the car
is stopped completely and with the brake
pedal pressed.
Though highly unadvisable, if when trav-
elling downhill for some unexpected reason
the car is set to neutral (N), when the en-
gagement of a gear is requested the system
automatically engages the best gear in re-
lation to the speed of the car to allow the
correct transmission of torque to the wheels.When travelling downhill with a gear en-
gaged and the accelerator released (if the
vehicle is moving), beyond a pre-established
speed, the system engages the clutch au-
tomatically to give the car adequate engine
braking.
For safety reasons the Selespeed system
activates the buzzer when:
– clutch overheating occurs while the ve-
hicle is being started; in this case it is nec-
essary to “force” starting avoiding hesita-
tion or, if the car is on a slope, release the
accelerator and use the brake pedalto stop
the car;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged, (e.g.: it moves for-
wards with reverse gear engaged; in this sit-
uation it is necessary to stop the car and en-
gage the correct gear, keeping the brake
pedal pressed.
Still due to safety reasons, with the car sta-
tionary, the engine running and gear (1),
(2) or (R) engaged, the system activates
the buzzer and automatically shifts to neu-
tral (N) when:
– no action is made on the accelerator
and/or brake pedals for at least 3 minutes;
– the brake is pressed for over 10 minutes;
– the driver’s door is opened and the ac-
celerator and brake are not touched for at
least 1 second.
STOPPING THE CAR
To stop the car, simply release the accel-
erator pedal and, if necessary press the
brake pedal.
Regardless of the gear engaged and the
operating mode activated (MANUALor
CITY) the system automatically disengages
the clutch and shifts to a lower gear.
If deciding to move off again without hav-
ing stopped the car completely, the most
suitable ratio will be available for acceler-
ating again.
Stopping the car the system automatical-
ly engages first gear (1).
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
116fig. 105
A0A0098m
fig. 104
A0A0097m
fig. 106
A0A0096m
OPERATION
The gearbox can work in two operating
modes:
– the first is semiautomatic (MANUAL),
in which the driver directly decides when to
shift gear.
– the second is completely automatic
(CITY), in which the system decides di-
rectly when to shift gear according to the
type of driving.
TheCITYmode can be selected by press-
ing the specific button CITYon the gearbox
lever knob; when this mode is selected, the
CITY sign appears on the display.
SEMIAUTOMATIC OPERATION
(MANUAL)
In the operating mode, the reconfigurable
multifunction display on the cluster shows
the gear engaged.
In this operating mode, the decision to
change gear is left to the driver who decides
the most appropriate moment.
The requests to change gear may take
place through:
– the control lever on the centre console
(A-fig. 104);
– steering wheel stalks (fig. 105),
which can be operated only when the car
speed exceeds 2 km/h.TheMANUALoperating mode is set
when, with the CITYmode selected, the
CITYbutton(A-fig. 106) is pressed
again, excluding the previously selected
mode.
When changing gear it is not necessary
to release the accelerator pedal because the
Selespeed system directly controls the en-
gine in such a way as to:
– reduce and then increase engine torque;
– adapt the engine speed to the latest
gear engaged.
When downshifting, the engine is accel-
erated automatically to bring it to the speed
necessary with the new gear ratio.
The neutral command (N) is accepted un-
til the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h. The
reverse gear engagement command (R) is
accepted only if the vehicle is stationary.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
117
In the “MANUAL” operating mode there
are certain automatic/security devices which
simplify driving:
– when slowing down the clutch is opened
and the transmission ratio is automatically
reduced to be ready for picking up again;
otherwise, when the car is stopped, the
gearbox will automatically be in firstgear
(1);
– requests to change gear that would take
the engine to above maximum speed or be-
low minimum speed are not accepted;
– if jamming occurs during gear engage-
ment, the system firstly tries to engage the
gear required again and, if it is still not pos-
sible, it automatically engages the imme-
diately higher one to avoid leaving the car
inneutral.
IMPORTANTIt is advisable to wait for
the end of a gear shifting operation before
requesting another one, to avoid multiple
requests in rapid succession.AUTOMATIC OPERATION (CITY)
The automatic operating mode CITYis se-
lected pressing button (A-fig. 106) at the
base of the gearshift lever.
In addition to the gear, the reconfigurable
multifunction display shows the word CITY
(fig. 99).
The system decides directly when gearshift-
ing according to the engine running speed
and the driving style.
Releasing the accelerator pedal quickly, the
system does not engage a higher gear in or-
der to maintain an adequate level of engine
brake.
FAILURE WARNING
Failures of the Selespeed gearbox are shown
by the
twarning light (fig. 100) con-
nected with the associated failure message,
both shown on the display.
When the system is turned on (turning the
ignition key to MAR), the warning light
should turn on glowing steadily for about
4 seconds and then turn off.If the warning light stays on it means that
a fault to the gearbox has been detected; at
the same time a buzzer sounds intermit-
tently for 4 seconds to attract the driver's
attention.
In the case of a fault to the gearshift con-
trol lever, the system automatically engages
the automatic operating mode CITYto
make it possible to reach the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service to have the fault
eliminated.
In the case of a fault to other gearbox com-
ponents, the system only allows the en-
gagement of certain gears: first gear (1),
second gear (2) and reverse (R).
If warning light tand
the message appear on the
display, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services as soon as pos-
sible to have the fault eliminated.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
145
Entering the secret code
Entry of the secret code is required to al-
low the radio to work after the first con-
nection to the vehicle electric system or to
a different Body Computer than the original
one.
Connecting the radio to the car supply, the
display will show the wording “CODE” for
about 2 seconds, followed by four dashes
“- - - -”.
The secret code comprises four figures from
1 to 6, each corresponding to one of the
dashes.
To enter the first digit of the code, press
the corresponding key of the preset stations
(from 1 to 6). Enter the other code digits in
the same way.
If the four figures are not entered within
20 seconds, te display shows the word
“CODE” for 2 seconds and then four dash-
es “- - - -”. This is not to be considered
as an incorrect code entry.
After entering the fourth digit (within 20
seconds), the radio starts to work.If a wrong code is entered, the radio
sounds a “beep”, the display shows the
word “CODE” for 2 seconds and then four
dashes “- - - -” to inform the user that it
is necessary to enter the correct code.
Every time the user enters a wrong code,
the waiting time increases gradually (1 min,
2 min, 4 min, 8 min, 16 min, 30 min, 1h,
2h, 4h, 8h, 16h, 24h) until reaching a max-
imum of 24 hours.
The waiting time will be shown on the dis-
play with the word “WAIT”. When this
goes off it is possible to start the new code
entry procedure.
Code Card
This is the document that certifies posses-
sion of the radio. The Code Card contains
the radio model, serial number and secret
code.
IMPORTANTKeep the Code Card care-
fully to be able to give the related data to
the competent authorities in the event of
theft.GLOSSARY
AF (Alternative frequency)
Function that allows the radio to stay tuned
on the FM station selected also passing
through areas served by transmitters with
different frequencies.
In fact the RDS system keeps the intensi-
ty and quality of the signal received under
control, automatically switching tuning on
the frequency of the transmitter that is send-
ing the strongest signal.
Autostore/Travelstore
Function with which it is possible to auto-
matically store radio stations.
Balance (Channel balancing)
Function with which it is possible to ap-
propriately adjust the sound from the right
or left speakers
Bass
This function adjusts the bass tones.
CD-Changer
Multiple Compact Disc player.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
151
The functions that cannot be selected (e.g.
“CD” when the Compact Disc is not insert-
ed) are disabled automatically. If the Com-
pact Disc is not inserted and the CD-Chang-
er is not connected, pressing the “SRC” but-
ton (14) for about 2.5 seconds the display
will show only “NO CD”.
IMPORTANTWhen listening to the ra-
dio with a Compact Disc inserted and the
CD-Changer connected, pressing the “SRC”
button (14) will select the last function used
between Compact Disc and CD-Changer.
Pause function
If while listening to a Compact Disc another
function is selected (e.g. the radio), playing
is stopped and when the Compact Disc mode
is resumed. it starts again from the point
in which it was stopped.
If while listening to the radio another func-
tion is selected, when the Radio mode is
resumed, it is tuned to the last station se-
lected.Volume adjustment
Press button “VOL+” (21) to higher the
volume or “VOL-” (19) to lower it.
Pressing the button briefly the change is
gradual by steps. Pressing longer, the
change is fast. For a few seconds the dis-
play shows the wording “VOL” and the vol-
ume level (from 0 to 66).
If the volume level is changed during the
broadcast of a traffic bulletin or during use
of the phone (if the voice feature is in-
stalled), the new setting is maintained on-
ly until the end of the bulletin or phone call.
Volume changing with speed
The SVC function makes it possible to au-
tomatically adapt the volume level to the
speed of the car, increasing it as the speed
increases to maintain the ratio with the noise
level inside the passenger compartment.
To activate the SVC function briefly press
(less than 1 second) the “MENU” button
(9), then use buttons “
▲” (6) or “▼” (8)
to scroll the menu functions stopping on the
SVC function and buttons “
˙˙” (7) or
“
¯¯” (4) to turn the function on or off se-
lecting respectively “SVC ON” or “SVC
OFF”.
This function can be turned on or off in all
the operating modes of the device (Ra-
dio/Compact Disc/CD-Changer).Mute function (turning off the
volume completely)
To turn on the Mute function briefly press
(less than 1 second) the “
z” button (20).
The volume will lower gradually (Soft Mute
function) and the display will show
“MUTE”.
To turn the Mute function off, briefly press
the “
z” button again (20). The volume
will increase gradually (Soft Mute function)
returning to the value set before using the
Mute function.
The Mute function is also turned off press-
ing one of the volume adjustment buttons
“VOL+” (21) or “VOL-” (19): in this
case the volume is changed directly.
With the Mute function on, all the other
functions can be used and if a traffic bul-
letin arrives with the TA function on or an
emergency alarm is received, the message
ignores the Mute function.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
154
Presetting buttons
The buttons with the symbols 1 to 6
(“17”, “16”, “15”, “12”, “11”,
“10”) make it possible to choose the fol-
lowing presettings:
– 18 in the FM band (6 in FM1, 6 in
FM2, 6 in FMT)
– 6 in the MW band
– 6 in the LW band
– 6 types of PTY programming (only in
the FM mode when PTY is selected).
To call a preset station, choose the required
frequency band and then press briefly (less
than 1 second) the corresponding preset but-
ton (from 1 to 6). For a few seconds the
display will show the number of the station
preset and the related frequency before
showing the frequency band and the name
of the RDS station.
Storing the last station heard
The radio automatically keeps in storage
the last station heard for each reception
band, which is then tuned when the radio is
turned on or the reception band is changed.Automatic tuning
Briefly press (less than 1 second) “
▲”
(6) or “
▼” (8) to start automatically
searching the tuning for the next station that
it is possible to receive in the direction cho-
sen.
if “
▲” (6) or “▼” (8) is pressed for
longer (over 1 second) quick searching
takes place: upon having tuned in to the first
well receivable station, the tuner stops for
about 1 second (in Mute) before quick
searching continues. When the button is re-
leased, the tuner stops on the next receiv-
able station.
If the TA function is on (traffic information),
the tuner only searches stations which broad-
cast traffic bulletins.
If the PTY function is on, the tuner only
searches PTY stations. When searching the
display alternatively shows the type of pro-
gramme and the word “SEARCH”.
If the station on which the tuner stops is
one of the stations stored with the preset
buttons, the display will show the presetting
number for a few seconds.Manual tuning
This allows manual station searching in the
chosen band.
– Select the band with the “BN” button
(13): FM1, FM2, FMT, MW or LW.
– Briefly and repeatedly press “¯¯” (4)
or “
˙˙” (7).
– Pressing the button longer (over 1 sec-
ond) obtains fast forward searching , which
is stopped when the button is released.
To turn on manual tuning search it is nec-
essary to turn off the PTY and AF (alterna-
tive frequencies) functions, if on.
If the station tuned is a station stored with
the preset buttons, the display will show the
presetting number for a few seconds.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
157
The behaviour of the set during Autostore
is as follows:
– at the beginning of the Autostore func-
tion all the other functions are disabled
– any change in volume is not shown on
the display
– pressing one of the radio function but-
tons, for example “PTY” (2), “
˙˙” (7),
“
¯¯” (4), (17), (16), (15), (12),
(11), (10) the automatic storage process
is interrupted, the last station heard before
Autostore was turned on is tuned and the
function associated with the button pressed
is run
– pressing “AF-TA” (1) during auto-
matic storage will interrupt it, the TA func-
tion (traffic information) will be turned
on/off and a new automatic storage process
will be started
– Changing the sound source (Radio, Com-
pact Disc, CD-Changer) during automatic
storage, Autostore is not interrupted.
IMPORTANTSometimes the Autostore
function is unable to find 6 stations with a
strong signal. In this case, the free presetting
buttons will be shown on the display, for
about 2 seconds, by 4 dashes and the last
station heard will be returned.Listening to stored stations
Proceed as follows:
– select the required frequency band (FM,
MW, LW)
– briefly press one of the six station stor-
age buttons.
The display will show the number that cor-
responds to the button.
In bands FM1, FM2 and FMT, if reception
is poor and the AF alternative frequency
search function is active, the station with the
strongest signal that is broadcasting the
same programme will be sought automati-
cally. AF Function
(alternative frequency search)
Within the RDS system the radio can work
in two different modes:
AF ON: alternative frequency search on
AF OFF: alternative frequency search off.
When the signal of the RDS station tuned
weakens, the following two cases may oc-
cur:
– With AF ONthe RDS system activates
automatic tuning of the optimum frequency
of the station chosen, with the stations en-
abled, therefore the radio is automatically
tuned to the station with the strongest sig-
nal that is broadcasting the same pro-
gramme. During the journey it will thus be
possible to continue listening to the station
chosen without having to change the fre-
quency when changing area. Of course, the
station being listened to must be receivable
in the area the car is crossing.
– With AF OFFthe radio will not tune
the strongest station automatically and it
will have to be found manually using the
tuner buttons.