ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an ABS braking system, which prevents the wheels
from locking when braking, makes the most of road grip and gives
the best control when performing emergency braking under difficult
road conditions.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force Distribution) completes the
system allowing the brake force to be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum efficiency of the braking system,
a bedding-in period of about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It can be detected because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: it means that the car speed should be altered
to suit the type of road surface.
MECHANICAL BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which cannot be deactivated, recognises emergency
braking conditions (according to the brake pedal operation speed) and
provides an additional hydraulic braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows faster and more powerful operation
of the braking system.
IMPORTANT When the Mechanical Brake Assist intervenes, noises may
be heard from the system. This is normal. In any case, while braking
keep the brake pedal firmly depressed.
If the ABS system intervenes, this indicates that the
traction of the tyres on the road is nearing its limit.
Slow down to a speed compatible with the available
traction.
The ABS gets the most from the available grip, but it
cannot improve it; you should therefore take every
care when driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
When the ABS cuts in and you feel the brake pedal
pulsating, do not remove your foot, but keep the pedal
pushed down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road conditions at the time.
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ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
This is an electronic system that controls vehicle 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 ESC system also includes the following systems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒CBC
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒DST
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warning lighton the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates starting
on slopes.
It is automatically activated in the following conditions:
❒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 ESC 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.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE
PROCEDURE FOR PETROL VERSIONS
(excluding Turbo TwinAir versions)
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the gearbox 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
❒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, the instrument panel warning
light
(or the symbol on the display) remains on together with
warning light
, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the warning light remains on, try the other keys provided. If you are
still unable to start the engine contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service Provider.
❒Never leave the ignition key at MAR when the engine is stopped.Engine starting for Turbo TwinAir versions
Proceed as follows:
❒Engage the handbrake and place the gear lever in neutral or fully
press the clutch pedal if a gear other than neutral is engaged;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine
starts.
NoteIf the vehicle does not start at the first attempt, return the ignition
key to STOP and repeat the starting procedure placing the gear lever
in neutral and fully pressing the clutch pedal.
IMPORTANT
❒If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel warning
light
(or the symbol on the display) remains on together with
warning light
, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the warning light remains on, try the other keys provided. If you are
still unable to start the engine contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service Provider.
❒Never leave the ignition key at MAR when the engine is stopped.
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PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the gearbox lever in neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR-ON: the warning lights
and
(or the symbol on the display) on the instrument panel will
switch on;
❒wait for the warning lights (or the symbol on the display) 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.
If thewarning light flashes for about 1 minute after
starting or during prolonged cranking, this indicates a fault
in the glow plug preheating system. Use the car normally
if the engine starts and go to Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible.
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.
It is advisable not to demand maximum performance from
your car (e.g. excessive acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.) when it is
first used.
When the engine is off, do not leave the ignition key turned
to MAR to prevent unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.
Remember that the brake servo and electromechanical
power steering are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much more effort than
usual is required on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. These manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
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HANDBRAKE
To engage the handbrake pull lever A fig. 111 upwards until the car is
secured. To release the handbrake, raise lever A slightly, hold down
button B and lower the lever.
IMPORTANT Carry out these manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
IMPORTANT For cars equipped with a front armrest, lift this up to
ensure that it does not interfere with the action of the handbrake.
The car should be locked after a few notches: if this is
not the case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
to have the handbrake adjusted.
USING THE GEARBOX
To engage the gears, fully depress the clutch pedal and put the gear
lever into the desired position (the diagram for gear engagement
is shown on the knob of the lever fig. 112, fig. 113, fig. 114).
fig. 111A0J0110
fig. 112A0J0265
fig. 113A0J0266
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Maximum speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed increases. Keep
your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration which cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.
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 stops (e.g. level crossings) switch the engine off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
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,
braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer relative to
the overall weight of the trailer.
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).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles towing
trailers. In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.
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SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with local regulations.
The snow chains may be applied only onto the front wheel tyres (drive
wheels).
Check the tension of the snow chains after the first few metres have
been driven.
Use reduced size snow chains: on all versions, for 195/55 R16" and
205/55 R16" size tyres use low-clearance snow chains with a
maximum projection beyond the tyre profile of 9 mm.
IMPORTANT The space-saver wheel cannot be fitted with snow chains.
If a front (drive) wheel is punctured and snow chains must be used,
you must remove a normal wheel from the rear and replace this one
with the space-saver wheel. In this way, with two normal drive wheels,
it is possible to use snow chains.
Keep your speed down when snow chains are fitted; do not
exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps and pavements
and avoid driving long distances on roads not covered with
snow to avoid damaging the car and the roadbed.
STORING THE CAR
If the car is to be left inactive for longer than a month, the following
precautions should be noted:
❒park the vehicle in a dry, covered and, if possible, ventilated area;
engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal and check the battery
charge. Repeat this check once every three months during storage;
❒if you have not disconnected the battery, check the battery charge
every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special compounds
available commercially;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the windscreen and rear window wiper
rubber blades and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic sheet. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do not allow humidity to evaporate
from the surface of the car.
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard specified pressure and
check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP, wait at least 1
minute before disconnecting the battery power supply.
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Bulbs Type Power Re. Figure
Front side lights/Daytime running lights W21/5W 5/21W A
Rear side lights LED – –
Dipped headlights H7 55W D
Main beam headlights H7 55W D
Front direction indicators 24W module 24W B
Rear direction indicators P21W 21W B
Side direction indicators WY5W 5W A
Brake light LED – –
3rd brake light LED – –
Number plate light W5W 5W A
Fog lights H1 55W E
Rear fog lights P21W 21W B
Reversing lights P21W 21W B
Front roof light C10W 10W C
Luggage compartment roof light W5W 5W A
Glove compartment light C5W 5W C
Puddle light W5W 5W A
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