2011 Alfa Romeo 147 service

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
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
118
BUZZER WARNINGS
The buzzer is activated when:
– reverse gear is engaged (R);
– the car is parked with the gearbox in
neutral (N); signal that can be noted turn-
ing the ignition key to STOP;
– clutch overheating occurs when moving
off;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged (e.g.: the car moves
downwards with reverse gear engaged);
– in the event of gearbox failure;
– the system has shifted automatically
to neutral (N) when:
•an attempt is made to start the engine
with a gear engaged and the brake ped-
al is not pressed completely;
•no action is made on the accelerator
and/or brake pedal for at least 3 min-
utes;
•the brake is pressed for over 10 min-
utes;
•the driver’s door is opened and no ac-
tion is made on the accelerator and
brake for at least 1 second;
•a gearbox failure has been detected.
PARKING THE CAR
To park the car safely it is absolutely
necessaryto engage first gear (1) or re-
verse (R) and also the hand brake if the
road is on a slope.
Turning off the engine with the car on an
uphill slope and a gear engaged, it is ab-
solutely necessaryto wait for the re-
configurable multifunction display showing
the gear engaged to go off before releasing
the brake pedal, so that the clutch is com-
pletely inserted.
If the gearbox is in neutral (N) and want-
ing to engage a parking gear, the system
should be activated and with the foot on the
brake pedal it is necessary to engage 1st
gear (1) or (R).
TOWING THE CAR
IMPORTANTFor towing the car follow
local regulations. Make sure that the gear-
box is in neutral (N) (checking that the car
moves if pushed) and tow as for a car with
normal mechanical gearbox following the in-
structions given in the chapter “In an emer-
gency”.
Should it be impossible to set to neutral,
do not tow the vehicle but contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
While towing the car do
not start the engine.
WARNING
In the event of a gearbox
fault to any component,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services as soon as possible to
have the system checked over.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
125
CELL PHONE
PROVISION
The car may be fitted with a provision for
installing a cell phone.
The mobile phone provision consists in:
– Radio + cell phone dual-purpose anten-
na;
– Connection and supply cables with spe-
cific connector for connecting hands-free kit.
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 ve-
hicle.
The voice kit should be
purchased by the customer
as it must be compatible
with the customer’s phone.
SUN VISORS (fig. 121)
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.
fig. 121
A0A0121m
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to install
electrical accessories that require a perma-
nent electric supply (alarm, voice feature,
radionavigator with satellite antitheft, etc.)
or accessories that in any case burden the
electric supply, contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services, whose qualified personnel,
besides suggesting the most suitable devices
belonging to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo, will
also evaluate the overall electric absorption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electric sys-
tem is able to withstand the load required,
or whether it needs to be integrated with a
more powerful battery.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
129fig. 128
A0A0132m
TAILGATE CLOSING
To lock, push in correspondence with the
Alfa Romeo badge to lower tailgate, until
you feel the click of the lock.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
LIGHTING
(fig. 128)
When the tailgate is opened the light turns
on automatically (A) in the right-hand side
of the boot. Closing the tailgate, the light
turns off automatically.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOP, opening the tailgate, turning on the
light will only be possible for 15 minutes;
after which the system turns it off to avoid
draining the battery.
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 130)
The loads carried may be secured straps
hooked to the special rings (A) in the boot.
The rings also serve for fastening the lug-
gage restrainer, if present (in any case avail-
able c/o Alfa Romeo Authorised Services).
CAUTIONS FOR CARRYING
LUGGAGE
Travelling at night with a load in the boot
it is necessary to adjust the height of the low
beam headlights (see next paragraph
“Headlights” in this chapter). For correct use
of the aiming device, also make sure that
the load does not exceed the values given
in the same paragraph.
fig. 130
A0A0133m
fig. 129
A0A0373m
EMERGENCY OPENING
OF TAILGATE
To succeed in opening the tailgate from the
inside, should the car battery be flat, or be-
cause of a defect of the electric lock of the
tailgate itself, proceed as follows (refer to
“Extending the Luggage Compartment” in
the chapter “Getting to know your car”):
– remove rear headrests;
– tilt the rear seat cushions;
– tilt the backrests;
Operate on lever (A-fig. 129) as shown,
to achieve the tailgate mechanical release,
operating from the inside of the luggage
compartment.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
132fig. 135
A0A0199m
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartmentCOMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 134)(excluding versions
with Xenon headlights)
When the vehicle is loaded, the beam from
the headlights is raised due to the back-
wards tilt of the vehicle.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– press the arrow on the button (
A), this
will increase by one position (eg.: 0
➟1
➟ 2➟3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), this
will lower by one position (eg.: 3
➟2➟
1➟0);
The display (B), in the tachometer shows
the positions while adjustment is being
made.
fig. 134
A0A0467m
HEADLIGHTS
The adjustment of the headlights is vital to
your safety and comfort and to that of oth-
er road users.
The adjustment of the headlights is also
governed by precise regulations.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the headlights correctly adjusted.
IMPORTANTOn the inside surface of
the headlight there could appear a slight
coat of fogging; this does not show a defect,
since it is a natural occurrence due to low
temperature and to the degree of humidity
in the air; it will soon disappear as soon as
the lights are turned on. The presence of
drops inside the headlight shows water seep-
age, refer to the Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 135)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the ve-
hicle is marketed. In countries with opposite
circulation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehi-
cles it is necessary to cover the areas of the
headlight as shown below; this is done us-
ing non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustration refers to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
GAS DISCHARGE
HEADLIGHTS
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The gas (xenon) discharge headlights op-
erate with a voltaic arc, in an ambient sat-
urated with pressure xenon, instead of the
glow filament.
The resulting illumination is sensibly high-
er to that of conventional lamps, both for
light quality (clearer light) and for the width
and positioning of the illuminated area.
The advantages of better illumination can
be perceived (due to less eyesight fatigue
and greater orientation capacity for the dri-
ver, which in turn means higher driving safe-
ty) especially in case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road signs, thanks to the
better illumination of the side parts of the
visual field, normally obscured.
The large increase of the side part illumi-
nation increases driving safety since it allows
the driver to better see the other users on
the edge of the road (pedestrians, cyclists
and bikers).The triggering of the voltaic arc requires a
very high voltage, while subsequent power
supply can take place at a low voltage.
The headlights achieve their top luminosi-
ty approx. 15 seconds after they are switched
on.
The intense light produced by this type of
headlights requires the use of an automat-
ic system to keep headlight trim constant
and avoid dazzling the vehicles coming from
the opposite direction in case of braking, ac-
celeration or when carrying loads.
The electric mechanical system for auto-
matically keeping the trim constant, makes
unnecessary the device for compensating
the headlight dip and the visual indication
of the position on the display.
Xenon lights have a very long life, there-
fore breakdowns are unlikely.
If necessary, have the sys-
tem checked and repaired
only by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
134
ABS
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 vehicle with-
out ABS.
In the case of a failure, the anti-lock action
is no longer present, the braking capacity of
the vehicle is not adversely affected at all.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
obtain the highest degree of handling also
when braking completely under limited grip
conditions, preventing the wheels from lock-
ing.
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.
If the ABS cuts in it means
that the limit of grip is be-
ing reached between the tyre and
the road surface: it is therefore
necessary to slow down to adapt
driving to the grip available.
WARNING
The ABS better exploits the
grip available, but cannot
increase it; caution is therefore nec-
essary on slippery surfaces, with-
out taking unnecessary risks.
WARNING
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 driving slow-
ly, to be able to have the system re-
stored to fully efficient conditions.
WARNING