STARTING THE
ENGINEPROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal,
without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine
starts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
100) 101)
102)
❒If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to
STOP before repeating the starting
procedure.
❒If, when the ignition key is at
MAR-ON, the
instrument panel
warning light (or the symbol on the
display) stays on together with the
warning light, turn the key to
STOP and then back to MAR-ON. If
the warning light (or the symbol on
the display) remains on, try with
the other keys provided with the car.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership
if the engine still does not start.❒Never leave the ignition key at MAR
when the engine is stopped.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
16)
❒engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR-ON: the
warning lights
and
on the
instrument panel will turn on (for
versions/markets, where provided);
❒wait for the warning lights to switch
off;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal,
without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV;
warning light switches off.
Waiting too long will waste the
heating work carried out by the glow
plugs. Release the key as soon as
the engine starts.WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium speed without
accelerating abruptly;
❒do not demand full performance at
first. It is advisable to wait until the
engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
154
STARTING AND DRIVING
1)1)
19) 78
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
before turning the engine off you should
let it idle so that the temperature in the
engine compartment decreases.
WARNING
100) It is dangerous to run the
engine in enclosed areas. The
engine takes in oxygen and
releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
101) The brake servo is not active
until the engine is started, so
you would need to apply much
more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
102) Do not start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving
downhill. These manoeuvres may
damage the catalytic converter.
IMPORTANT
16) In the first period of use, we
recommend not to demand
maximum performance from the
car (for instance excessive
accelerations, extended travel at
maximum speed, sudden braking,
etc.).
17) With the engine off, do not leave
the key in the ignition switch on
MAR-ON to prevent draining
the battery.
18) A quick burst on the accelerator
before turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.
19) If the
warning light flashes
for about 1 minute after starting
or during prolonged cranking, this
indicates a fault in the glow plug
preheating system. If the engine
starts, you may use the car
normally, but should contact an
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
PARKINGAlways remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
❒engage a gear (1st gear if parked
uphill or reverse if facing downhill)
and leave the wheels turned;
❒stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
On versions equipped with Alfa TCT
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANTNEVERleave the car
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with Alfa TCT
transmission, before placing the gear
lever at P).
155
HANDBRAKE
To engage it, pull lever A fig. 126
upwards until the car is secured.
When the handbrake is engaged and
the ignition key is at MAR-ON, the
warning light will switch on in the
instrument panel.
To release it, raise lever A slightly, hold
down button B and lower the lever:
the
warning light on the instrument
panel switches off.
103) 104)
IMPORTANT Carry out these
manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
IMPORTANT For cars equipped with a
front armrest, lift it up to ensure that
it does not interfere with the action of
the handbrake.
WARNING
103) Never leave children
unattended in the car. Always
remove the key from the ignition
device when leaving the car and
take it with you.
104) The car must be locked after a
few clicks of the parking brake: if
this is not so, contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership to have it
adjusted. Always park the car
safely as indicated by the
Highway Code and as described
above.
USING THE
GEARBOXTo engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and shift the gear lever
into one of the required positions (the
diagram for gear engagement is shown
on the knob of the lever
105)).
To engage the 6
thgear, operate the
lever by pressing it towards the right in
order to avoid engaging the 4th gear
by mistake. The same applies to the
shift from 6
thto 5
thgear.
20)
To engage reverse gear (R) from the
neutral position, lift up ring A fig. 127
and simultaneously move the lever
to the left and then forwards.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the car is completely
stationary.
126
A0K0615
127
A0K0616
156
STARTING AND DRIVING
WARNING
105) Press the clutch pedal fully to
change gears correctly. It is
therefore essential that there is
nothing under the pedals: make
sure the mats are lying flat and do
not get in the way of the pedals.
IMPORTANT
20) Do not drive with your hand
resting on the gear lever as the
force exerted, even if slight, could
lead over time to premature wear
of the gearbox internal
components.
ALFA TCT(for versions/markets, where provided)
IN BRIEF
The car can be equipped with an
electronically managed Alfa TCT
6-speed automatic transmission
where gearshifting takes place
automatically according to the
instantaneous car usage parameters
(car speed, road gradient and
accelerator pedal position).
The new transmission is an absolute
innovation as it matches the
Start&Stop system with the most
recent alternative to traditional
automatic transmissions with built-in
torque converter.
Manual gearshifting can still occur
thanks to the sequential mode
position of the gear lever.
SELECTOR LEVER
The lever fig. 128 (left hand drive
versions) or fig. 129 (right hand drive
versions), can be placed in the following
positions:
❒P= Park
❒R= Reverse❒N= Neutral
❒D= Drive, (automatic forward speed)
❒+= Sequential upshifting
❒−= Sequential downshifting
If the lever is used in sequential mode,
moving the latter from D to the left,
the positions towards + or – are
unstable.
The lever has a button A, which must
be pressed to move the lever to P or R.
128 - Left hand drive versions
A0K0617
129 - Right hand drive versions
A0K0618
157
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold
start-ups will prevent the engine from
reaching optimal running temperature.
This results in a significant increase
in consumption levels (from +15 to
+30% on the urban cycle) and
emissions.
Traffic and road
conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by
heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use
of low gears or in large towns with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain
roads and rough road surfaces also
adversely affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level
crossings) switch off the engine.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a
type-approved tow hook and adequate
electrical system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation must be carried out
by a specialist.
Fit any specific and/or additional rear
view mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the
braking spaces increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the
load capacity of the car by the same
amount. Consider the weight at full
load, including accessories and
luggage, to make sure you do not
exceed the maximum towable weight
(shown in the registration document).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in
the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.INSTALLING A TOW
HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
install a tow hook.
108) 109)
WARNING
108) The ABS with which the car is
equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer.
Particular caution is therefore
required when travelling on
slippery roads.
109) Never modify the braking
system of the car to control the
trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the
car.
166
STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE
ENGINEContact the Alfa Romeo Dealership
immediately if the warning light
stays on constantly on the
instrument panel.
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, start the engine
using an auxiliary battery with the same
capacity or a little higher than the flat
one.
24) 25)
111)
Proceed as follows to start the car:
❒connect the positive terminal (+) fig.
138 of the auxiliary battery only to
the point indicated on the car battery
(writing OK) and nowhere else;
❒with a second lead, connect the
negative terminal(−)oftheauxiliary
battery to an earthing point
on
the engine or the gearbox/
transmission of the car to be started;
❒start the engine; when the engine has
been started, remove the leads
reversing the order above.
For versions with Start&Stop system, in
case of starting by auxiliary battery,
refer to the paragraph “Start&Stop
system” in the chapter “Getting to know
your car”.If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, contact the Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
BUMP STARTING
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT
24) Do not connect the negative
terminals of the two batteries
directly! If the auxiliary battery is
installed on another car, prevent
accidental contact between
metallic parts of the two cars.
25) Never use a fast battery charger
to start the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems
and the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
WARNING
111) This procedure must be
performed by qualified personnel
as incorrect actions may cause
high-intensity electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is
poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep
naked flames away from the
battery. No smoking. Do not cause
sparks.
138
A0K0247
170
IN AN EMERGENCY
113) Use your hazard lights, warning
triangle, etc to show that your car
is stationary. Passengers should
get out of the car, particularly if it
is heavily loaded, and wait for
the wheel to be changed away
from the traffic. In the event of a
wheel change on a slope or on
unsurfaced roads, chock the
wheels.
114) Car handling is modified with
the space-saver wheel fitted.
Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, abrupt steering and fast
cornering. The overall duration
of the space-saver wheel is of
about 3000 km, after which the
relevant tyre must be replaced
with another one of the same
type. Never install a traditional
tyre on a rim designed to be used
as a space-saver wheel. Have
the wheel repaired and refitted as
soon as possible. Using two or
more space-saver wheels at the
same time is forbidden. Do not
grease the bolt threads before you
fit them, because they could
suddenly come loose.115) Use the jack only to replace
wheels on the car with which it
is supplied or on other cars of the
same model. Never use the jack
for other purposes, such as lifting
other car models. Never use it
for repair operations under the
car. Incorrect positioning of the
jack may cause the car to fall. Do
not use the jack for loads higher
than those shown on the label.
Never install snow chains on the
space-saver wheel; if a front tyre
(driving wheel) is punctured and
you need to use snow chains, use
a standard wheel from the rear
axle and install the space-saver
wheel on the rear axle. In this
way, with two normal front drive
wheels, it is possible to use snow
chains.
116) Incorrect hub cap assembly
may cause it to come off when the
car is moving. Never tamper with
the inflation valve. Never
introduce tools of any kind
between rim and tyre. Regularly
check the inflation pressure of the
tyres and space-saver wheel
(see chapter "Technical
specifications").
IMPORTANT
26) Contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible to
have the correct tightening of
the wheel bolts checked.
175
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold
or damp or after heavy rain or washing,
the surface of headlights or rear lights,
may steam up and/or form drops of
condensation on the inside. This is
a natural phenomenon due to the
difference in temperature and humidity
between the inside and the outside
of the glass which does not indicate a
fault and does not compromise the
normal operation of lighting devices.
The mist disappears quickly when the
lights are turned on, starting from
the centre of the diffuser, extending
progressively towards the edges.
IMPORTANT
28) Halogen bulbs must be handled
by holding the metallic part only.
Touching the transparent part
of the bulb with your fingers may
reduce the intensity of the
emitted light and even reduce the
lifespan of the bulb. In the case
of accidental contact, rub the
lamp with a cloth and spirit and
leave to dry.
WARNING
126) Changes or repairs to the
electrical system carried out
incorrectly and without due
consideration for the technical
specifications of the system may
lead to malfunctioning and
generate a fire hazard.
127) Halogen bulbs contain
pressurised gas. If they break,
glass fragments could fly
everywhere.
128) Due to the high supply voltage,
gas discharge bulbs (Bi-Xenon)
should only be replaced by
specialised personnel: danger of
death! Contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
180
IN AN EMERGENCY