GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
128
OPENING FROM INSIDE
(fig. 126)
Tailgate is released electrically and this can
be performed only when the ignition key
is in positionMARwith car at a standstill
or in STOPorPARKposition for 3 min-
utes without unlocking/locking one of the
doors.
To unlock the tailgate, press button (A)
on the centre console panel.
Tailgate raising is facilitated by the gas
shock springs.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 127)
The tailgate can be opened by remote con-
trol from outside pressing the button (A),
also when the electronic alarm is engaged.
Opening of the tailgate is accompanied by
a double flash of the direction indicators;
closing is accompanied by a single flash.
If an electronic alarm is fitted, with the
opening of the tailgate, the alarm system
switches off volumetric protection and the
tailgate control sensor, the system “beeps”
twice (with the exception of certain mar-
kets).
Closing the tailgate again, the control func-
tions are restored, the system “beeps” twice
(with the exception of certain markets).
The gas springs are cali-
brated to ensure correct
tailgate raising with the
weights foreseen by the manufac-
turer. The arbitrary addition of
items (such as spoilers, etc.) may
compromise the correct operation
and safety of the actual tailgate.
fig. 127
A0A0131m
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT
The tailgate can be opened:
from the outside of the car - by a
remote control impulse;
from the inside of the door - by de-
pressing the button (A-fig. 126).
IMPORTANTThe non perfect hatchback
closure is shown by the
´symbol being
turned on as the same time as the dedicat-
ed message on the re-configurable multi-
function display.
fig. 126
A0A0129m
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
136
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
The VDC is an electronic system that con-
trols vehicle stability, intervening on the dri-
ving torque and braking the wheels in a dif-
ferentiated manner, in the lack of grip, it
helps to bring the car back to the correct
direction.
When travelling the car is subjected to lat-
eral and longitudinal forces which can be
controlled by the driver as long as the tyres
offer adequate roadholding; when this falls
below the minimum level, the car begins
to divert from the course required by the dri-
ver.
Especially when travelling on an uneven
surface (such as paving, or due to the pres-
ence of water, ice or soil), changes in speed
(acceleration or braking) and/or course
(bends or the need to avoid obstacles) may
cause the tyres to lose grip.
When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC system
intervenes on the engine and on the brakes
producing a stabilising torque.
HOW THE VDC
SYSTEM WORKS
The VDC system is engaged automatical-
ly when the car is started and cannot be
switched off.
The basic components of the VDC system
are:
– an electronic control unit that process-
es the signals received from the various sen-
sors and brings about the most appropriate
strategy;
– a sensor that detects the position of the
steering wheel;
– four sensors that detect the turning
speed of each wheel;
– a sensor that detects rotation of the car
around its vertical axis;
– a sensor that detects lateral acceleration
(centrifugal force).
The heart of the VDC system is the VDC
control unit, which with the data supplied
by the sensors installed on the car calculates
the centrifugal forces generated when the
car is cornering. The yawing sensor, which
originates from the aeronautical industry, de-
tects the rotations of the car around its own
vertical axis. The centrifugal forces gener-
ated when the car is cornering are detect-
ed by a highly sensitive lateral acceleration
sensor. The VDC system helps the driver to keep
the car under control in the event of a loss
of tyre grip.
The forced induced by the VDC system to
control the loss of vehicle stability always
depend on the grip between the tyre and
the road surface.
The performance of the
system, in terms of active
safety should not induce the driver
to take pointless and unnecessary
risks. The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to the
conditions of the road surface, vis-
ibility and traffic. The responsibil-
ity for road safety is always and
in any case the driver’s.
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
141
ADVICE
Road safety
You are advised to learn how to use the
various radio functions (e.g. storing stations)
before starting to drive.
Reception conditions
Reception conditions change constantly
when driving. Reception may be disturbed
by the presence of mountains, buildings or
bridges particularly when far away from the
station being listened to.
IMPORTANTWhen receiving traffic in-
formation, the volume may be higher than
normal.Care and maintenance
The radio structure ensures long operation
with no need for particular maintenance.
In the event of a fault, contact Authorised
Alfa Romeo Services.
To clean the front panel only use a soft,
antistatic cloth. Cleaning and polishing prod-
ucts might spoil the surface.
Compact Disc
Remember that dirt, marks or distortion on
Compact Discs can cause skipping and poor
sound quality. For top performance condi-
tions, we give the following advice:
– Only use Compact Discs which have the
following brand:
– Carefully clean all Compact Disc of fin-
gerprints and dust using a soft cloth. Sup-
port Compact Discs from the outer circum-
ference and clean from the centre outwards.
INTRODUCTION
The fixed radio, fitted with Compact Disc
player and parametric sound equaliser has
been designed in accordance with the spe-
cific features of the passenger compartment,
with a personalised design that blends with
the style of the dashboard.
The radio is installed in a user-friendly po-
sition for the driver and passenger and the
graphics on the front panel make location
of the controls quick, facilitating use.
The CD-Changer for 10 discs, if present,
is housed in the right-hand side of the boot.
To increase safety against theft, the set is fit-
ted with a protection system that allows the
use of it only on the car on which it was orig-
inally fitted.
Below you will find the instructions for use,
which you are advised to read through care-
fully. The instructions also contain the pro-
cedure for controlling the CD-Changer
through the radio. For the instructions for
use of the CD-Changer refer to the specific
manual.
RADIO WITH COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Too high a volume when
driving can put the driver’s
life at risk and that of other peo-
ple. Therefore the volume should
always be adjusted in such a way
that it is always possible to hear
the noises of the surrounding en-
vironment (e.g. horns, ambulance,
police sirens, etc.).
WARNING
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
174
EMISSION REDUCING DEVICES
Trivalent catalytic converter
(catalytic silencer)
The exhaust system is fitted with a cata-
lyst formed of alloys of precious metals; it
is housed in a stainless steel container which
is able to withstand the high operating tem-
peratures.
The catalyst converts the unburnt hydro-
carbons, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide
in the exhaust gas (even in minimal quan-
tity owing to the electronic ignition and in-
jection systems) into non polluting com-
pounds.Lambda sensors
Lambda sensors measure the content of
oxygen present in the exhaust gas. The sig-
nal transmitted by the Lambda sensors is
used by the injection and ignition electron-
ic control unit to adjust the air - fuel mixture.
Anti-evaporation system
As it is impossible, even when the engine
is switched off, to prevent the formation of
fuel vapours, a system has been devised
which traps the vapours in a special acti-
vated carbon container.
When the engine is running these vapours
are withdrawn and sent to combustion.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The design and construction of the vehi-
cle have not only been developed with the
traditional aspects of performance and safe-
ty in mind, but also take into account the in-
creasingly pressing problems tied to pro-
tecting the environment.
The choice of materials, techniques and
particular parts are the result of work which
has made it possible to drastically reduce
the harmful effects on the environment and
guarantee compliance with the most strin-
gent international regulations.
USE OF NON-TOXIC
MATERIALS
None of the components of the vehicle con-
tain asbestos. The padding and the climate
control system do not contain CFCs which
are held responsible for the destruction of
the ozone layer.
The colouring agents and the corrosion in-
hibitors used on the nuts, screws and bolts
do not contain cadmium or chrome which
could pollute the atmosphere or water tables.
Due to the high tempera-
tures reached during oper-
ation of the catalytic silencer the
vehicle should not be parked over
inflammable materials (paper, fu-
el oils, grass, dry leaves etc.).
WARNING
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
178
SAFE DRIVING
In designing your Alfa 147 GTA, Al-
fa Romeo has worked thoroughly to achieve
a vehicle able to offer top levels of safety to
its passengers. However, the behaviour of
the driver is still a decisive factor for road
safety.
Below you will find a few simple rules for
travelling safely under different conditions.
You are certainly familiar with many of them
but it is still helpful to read them all care-
fully.
BEFORE DRIVING OFF
– Make sure the lights and headlights are
working properly.
– Adjust the seat, steering wheel and rear-
view mirrors, in order to obtain a correct po-
sition for driving.
– Carefully adjust the headrests so that
the head and not the neck rests on them.
Check that nothing (mats etc.) can get un-
der the foot pedals.– Make sure that any child restraint sys-
tems (seats, cradles, etc.) are correctly fas-
tened on the rear seat.
– Place any objects in the boot with care
to prevent abrupt braking from throwing
them forwards.
– Avoid heavy meals before a journey. A
light meal will help to keep reflexes ready.
Above all avoid alcohol.
Routinely remember to check:
– tyre pressure and conditions;
– engine oil level;
– engine coolant fluid level and system
conditions;
– brake fluid level;
– power steering oil level;
– windscreen washer fluid level.
WHEN TRAVELLING
– The first rule for safe driving is care.
– Care also means being able to predict
the actions of other road users.
– Strictly respect the traffic regulations in
all countries, especially the speed limits.
– Ensure that both yourself and your pas-
sengers are wearing their seat belts, that
children are carried with the appropriate
seats and that any animals are in appropri-
ate compartments.
– Long distances should be tackled in good
health.
Driving under the influence
of drugs and/or some
medicines is highly dangerous for
oneself and for others.
WARNING
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
179
– Do not drive for long periods without a
break. During breaks get out of the vehicle
and move around a bit to shake off the
drowsiness.
– Make sure the air in the passenger com-
partment is changed constantly.
– Never coast the vehicle downhill with
the engine switched off: this eliminates the
engine braking and power steering effect
thus requiring a greater effort on the pedal
and steering wheel.
NIGHT DRIVING
Here are some suggestions for night dri-
ving.
– Drive with particular care: night driving
involves a greater degree of concentration.
– Reduce speed, especially on unlit roads.
– At the first signs of drowsiness stop the
car: continuing the journey is dangerous for
yourself and others. Continue driving only
after sufficient rest.
– Maintain a greater distance from the ve-
hicle in front than in the day: it is more dif-
ficult to judge the speed of a vehicle when
only the lights can be seen.
– Ensure that the headlights are correctly
aimed: if they are too low, visibility is re-
duced and eyesight is tired. If they are too
high they may cause disturbance to other
road users.
– Use the main beams only outside built-
up areas and only when you are certain that
other drivers are not disturbed by their use.
– When meeting oncoming vehicles,
switch off the main beams and drive with
the dipped-beam headlights on.
– Keep the headlights and light units
clean.
– Outside built-up areas take care of ani-
mal crossings.Always fasten the front and
rear seat belts including
those of any children’s seat. Trav-
elling without seat belts increases
the risks of serious injury or even
death in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Take car when fitting addi-
tional spoilers, alloy wheels
and wheel caps: they might reduce
ventilation of the brakes, thus their
efficiency, during abrupt and re-
peated braking, or long downhill
slopes.
WARNING
Never drive with objects
on the floor in front of the
driver’s seat: they might get stuck
under the pedals making it impos-
sible to accelerate or brake.
WARNING
Make sure any mats are
appropriate in size: even a
slight inconvenience to the braking
system may require a higher ped-
al stroke than normal.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the
roads may deposit on the
brake disks, reducing the effec-
tiveness of the brakes the first
time they are used.
WARNING
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
187
USEFUL ACCESSORIES
Independently of current regulations, we
suggest you keep the following on board
(fig. 2):
– first aid kit containing non-alcoholic dis-
infectant, sterile gauzes, gauze roll, plas-
ters, etc.;
– electric torch;
– rounded scissors;
– work gloves.
fig. 2
A0A0148m
– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal (–) from the battery and check the bat-
tery charge. This check should be repeated
once a month during stowage. Charge the
battery if the loadless voltage is below
12.5V.
– Do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.
– Cover the vehicle with a fabric or per-
forated plastic cover. Do not use compact
plastic covers which prevent the humidity on
the surface of the vehicle from evaporating.
USING AGAIN
Before using the car again after a pro-
longed period of inactivity, the following op-
erations are recommended:
– Do not dust the outside of the car.
– Check for leaks of fluids (oil, brake and
clutch fluid, engine coolant fluid, etc.).
– Change the engine oil and filter.
– Check the level of brake and clutch flu-
id engine coolant fluid.– Check the air cleaner and change it if
necessary.
– Check the tyre pressure and the tyres
for signs of damage, cuts or cracks. In this
case they need to be changed.
– Check the conditions of the engine belts.
– Re-connect the battery negative termi-
nal (–) after checking the battery charge.
– With the gears in neutral, start the en-
gine and let it idle a few minutes, pressing
the clutch pedal repeatedly.
This operation must be car-
ried out in the open.
Exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide which highly toxic and
lethal.
WARNING
IN AN EMERGENCY
212
Hazard warning light
Right dipped-beam headlight
Left dipped-beam headlight
Main-beam headlight
Foglight
Braking light
Reversing light
+30 direction indicators10
10
10
15
15
10
7.5
10 F53
F12
F13
F2
F30
F37
F35
F53 52
52
52
53
53
52
52
52
LIGHTS FIGURE FUSE AMPERES
FUSE SUMMARY TABLE
30
30
10
7.5
15
7.5
7.5 IGN (MAXI-FUSE)
F13
F31
F39
F1
F31 54
54
52
52
52
53
52
SERVICES FIGURE FUSE AMPERES
Selespeed transmission pump
Ignition switch
Headlight aiming device
Climate control system
Climate control system
Climate control compressor
Heater unit relay coils