VDC SYSTEM (Vehicle Dynamics
Control)This is an electronic system that controls car stability in the event of tyre
grip loss, helping maintain directional control.
The system is capable of recognising potentially dangerous situations
in terms of the stability and intervenes automatically on the brakes in a
differentiated manner for the four wheels in order to provide a
stabilising torque.
The VDC, in turn, includes the following systems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒CBC
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒DSTSYSTEM ACTIVATIONThe VDC system switches on automatically each time the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.SYSTEM INTERVENTIONThis is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the
instrument panel, to indicate that the car is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEMThis system is an integral part of the VDC system and it is provided to
facilitate starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pedal pressed and gearbox in neutral or
gear (other than reverse) engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than
5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off the VDC system control unit maintains the braking
pressure at the wheels until the engine torque required for departure is
reached or for approximately 2 seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system will deactivate
automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A sound may
be heard during this stage: this indicates that the vehicle is about
to move off.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a handbrake. Do not leave
the vehicle without having engaged the handbrake, switched off the
engine and engaged a gear.
103GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CBC SYSTEM (Cornering Brake
Control)This function improves the distribution of the braking pressure at the
four wheels (to fully exploit the grip available on the ground) when
braking on bends if the ABS intervenes. This improves stopping
distances and above all vehicle stability when cornering.“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an effect
similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking system, in cornering acceleration conditions, acts
appropriately on the inner wheel, increasing the drive of the outer
wheel (with more load) and sharing the torque between the front drive
wheels dynamically and continuously according to the driving
conditions and the road surface.
The system, combined with MacPherson front suspension, allows
particularly effective and sports driving.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering
Torque)This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the operation of
the VDC. For particular manoeuvres, the VDC controls the steering to
actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best possible way.
The system operates the brakes and steering in a coordinated manner
to increase the suspension and safety level of the car as a whole.
The steering provides additional torque on the steering wheel.
105GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
REPLACING FUSESGENERAL INFORMATIONFuses protect the electrical system: they intervene (blow) in the event of
a failure or improper intervention on the system.
When a device does not work, check the condition of its protective
fuse: the conductor element A fig. 148 must be intact.
If it is not, replace the blown fuse with another with the same
amperage (same colour).
B = undamaged fuse.
C = fuse with damaged filament.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services should the
fuse blow again.
Never replace a fuse with metal wires or anything else.Never replace a fuse with another with a higher amp
rating; DANGER OF FIRE.If a general protection fuse (MAXI-FUSE, MEGA-FUSE,
MIDI-FUSE) blows, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.Remove the key from the ignition switch and switch off
all loads before replacing a fuse.Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if a safety
system (air bags, brakes), engine system (engine,
gearbox) or steering system general protection fuse
blows.
fig. 148
A0J0048
176GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLANPETROL VERSIONS
188GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Thousands of miles18 36 54 72 90 108
Thousands of kilometres 30 60 90 120 150 180
Months24 48 72 96 120 144
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure, if required●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators, hazard warning lights, passen-
ger compartment, luggage compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●
Check operation of windscreen washer/wiper system●●●●●●
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rear window wiper blades●●●●●●
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and operation of pad wear indicator●●●●●●
Check rear disc brake pad condition and wear●●●●●●
Condition and status visual check: bodywork exterior, underbody protection, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes), rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes etc.)●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, as well as cleanliness and lubrication of linkages●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine cooling, hydraulic brakes/clutch, screen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●●
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if required●●●●●●
Check timing belt condition●●
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory drive belt(s)●●
Check tension of accessory drive belts and adjust if necessary (versions with heater) (1.4 Petrol 8V
78 HP versions)●●
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if necessary (1.4 Petrol 8V 78 HP versions)●●●
DIESEL VERSIONS
190GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Thousands of miles21 42 63 84 105
Thousands of kilometres 35 70 105 140 175
Months24 48 72 96 120
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure, if required●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators, hazard warning lights, passen-
ger compartment, luggage compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)●●●●●
Check operation of windscreen washer/wiper system●●●●●
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rear window wiper blades●●●●●
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and operation of pad wear indicator●●●●●
Check rear disc brake pad condition and wear●●●●●
Condition and status visual check: bodywork exterior, underbody protection, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes), rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes etc.)●●●●●
Check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, as well as cleanliness and lubrication of linkages●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine cooling, hydraulic brakes/clutch, screen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if required●●●●●
Check exhaust fumes/emissions●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory drive belts●●
Check engine management system operation (through the diagnosis socket)●●●●●
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belts●
PERIODIC CHECKSEvery 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and restore the
following if necessary:
❒engine coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of window washer/wiper system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper blades
Check and top up, if required, the engine oil level every 3,000 km.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE CARIf you use the car mainly under one of the following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long
periods of idleness;
the following checks must be performed more frequently than indicated
in the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, cleanliness and
lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and rubber elements
(boots - sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
192GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
BRAKESVersions Front brakes Rear brakes Parking brake
Turbo TwinAir
Self-ventilated discs DiscControlled by hand lever, acting
on the rear brakes 1.4 petrol
1.4 MultiAir
1.4 Turbo MultiAir
1.3 JTD
M-2
1.6 JTD
M
IMPORTANT Water, ice and salt spread on the roads may deposit on the brake disks reducing braking efficiency the first time the brakes are
applied.
224GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
WEIGHTS
237GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSINDEX
Weights (kg)Turbo TwinAir 1.4 petrol
4-seater 5-seater 4-seater 5-seater
Unladen weight (with all fluids, fuel tank 90%
full and without optional equipment):1130 1130
1065
(*)
/1070
(**)
1065
(*)
/1070
(**)
Payload including the driver:
(***)
480 560 480 560
Maximum permitted loads
(****)
– front axle: 950 950 850 850
– rear axle: 850 850 850 850
– total: 1610 1690 1560 1640
Towable loads
– trailer with brakes: 500 500 500 500
– trailer without brakes: 400 400 400 400
Maximum load on roof: 40 40 40 40
Maximum load on ball (trailer with brakes): 60 60 60 60(*) Version: 1.4 Petrol 8V 70 HP
(**) Version: 1.4 Petrol 8V 78 HP
(***) If special equipment is fitted (sunroof, tow hitch, etc.) the unladen car weight increases, thus reducing the effective payload with respect tothe maximum permitted
load.
(****) Loads not to be exceeded. The user is responsible for arranging goods in the luggage compartment and/or load platform within the maximum permitted loads.