GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
In-depth knowledge of your new car
starts here.
The booklet that you are reading simply
and directly explains how it is made and
how it works.
That’s why we advise you to read it
seated comfortably on board, so that
you can see what is described here for
yourself.SYMBOLS.................14
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM....14
THE KEYS.................15
ALARM...................16
IGNITION SWITCH............18
SEATS....................18
STEERING WHEEL............20
REAR VIEW MIRRORS.........20
CLIMATE CONTROL...........22
CLIMATIC COMFORT..........23
HEATING AND VENTILATION.....24
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL....26
EXTERIOR LIGHTS............28
WINDOW CLEANING..........29
CRUISE CONTROL............30
ROOF LIGHT................31
CONTROLS................32
INTERIOR FITTINGS...........33
DOORS...................36
ELECTRIC WINDOWS..........37
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT / ENGINE
COVER...................38
HEADLIGHTS...............39
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
SYSTEM..................40
“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM (Dynamic car
control system)..............44
EOBD SYSTEM (European On Board
Diagnosis)..................46
RADIO SYSTEM..............47ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY THE
OWNER..................47
PARKING SENSORS...........48
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System)...................50
REFUELLING THE CAR.........54
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT .56
13
open the protective flap Afig. 44 on
the inner wheel arch; it can be located
by steering the wheel completely;
introducing the hand in the opening
cleared by the flap, find out the
pressure-fit protective cap B fig. 45and
remove it;
in the luggage compartment find the
supplied screwdriver and insert it in the
operating hole;
rotate the screw as shown in
fig. 45until you hear the lock click;
refit the protective cap B.The procedure must be carried out on
both headlights.
For versions with Bi-LED headlights (for
versions/markets, where provided) to
avoid dazzling the drivers on the other
side of the road, you need to cover
areas of the headlight according to the
Highway Code of the country you are
travelling in. Adjust both headlights
according to fig. 46.
ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the car.
26) 27) 28) 29) 30)
The ESC system uses sensors installed
44A0L0142
45A0L0141
46A0L0145
40
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
authorises the installation of transceiver
devices on condition that such
installations are carried out in a
workmanlike fashion, following the
manufacturer’s instructions, at a
specialised centre.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not
allow the car on the road if devices
have been installed which modify the
features of the car. This may also cause
invalidation of warranty in relation to
faults caused by the change either
directly or indirectly related to it.
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. shall not
be liable for damage caused by the
installation of accessories either not
supplied or recommended by Fiat
Group Automobiles S.p.A. and/or not
installed in compliance with the
provided instructions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND MOBILE PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle
mobile phones, CB radios, amateur
radio etc.) cannot be used inside the
car unless a separate aerial is mounted
on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices
inside the passenger compartment
(without a separate aerial) may cause
the vehicle’s electronic systems to
malfunction. This could compromise
safety in addition to constituting a
potential hazard for passengers' health.
As far as the use of EC-approvedmobile phones is concerned (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), follow the usage
instructions provided by the mobile
phone manufacturer.
WARNING
44)Take care when fitting additional
spoilers or non-standard alloy wheels: they
could reduce the ventilation of the brakes
and affect efficiency in sharp, repeated
braking or on long descents. Make sure
that nothing obstructs the pedal stroke
(mats, etc.).
PARKING SENSORS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
They are located in the rear bumper
fig. 53 and their function is to detect the
presence of any obstacles near the rear
part of the car; they consequently
inform the driver, through an intermittent
acoustic signal.
ACTIVATION/
DEACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when reverse gear is engaged. As the
obstacle behind the car gets closer, the
acoustic signal becomes more
frequent.
53A0L0043
48
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
When reverse gear is engaged and
there is an obstacle behind the vehicle,
an acoustic signal is emitted which
varies according to the distance of the
bumper from the obstacle.
The frequency of the acoustic signal:
increases as the distance between
car and obstacle decreases,
culminating in a continuous acoustic
signal, when the distance is less than
approximately 30 cm;
decreases if the distance from the
obstacle increases, until the signal
ceases entirely;
remains constant if the distance
between car and obstacle remains
unchanged; if this situation concerns
the side sensors, the signal will stop
after approximately 3 seconds to avoid,
for example, indications in the event of
manoeuvres along a wall.
If several obstacles are detected by the
sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.
INDICATIONS ON
DISPLAY
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the sensors are activated, the
screen in fig. 54 appears on the display.Obstacle presence and distance
information is therefore provided both
by the acoustic signal and the
instrument panel display.
The system indicates a detected
obstacle by displaying an arc in one or
more positions according to the
distance of the obstacle and its position
in relation to the car.
If an obstacle is detected in the rear
central area, the display shows all the
arcs in the rear central area, up to the
one that corresponds to the position of
the obstacle itself.
The signal is similar for obstacles in the
rear left or right area.
The arc that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle will flash.
The colour on the display depends on
the distance from and position of the
obstacle.
The car is close to the obstacle when
the display shows a single constant arcand emits a continuous sound.
If there are several obstacles, the
closest one is indicated.
FAULT INDICATION
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be
indicated when reverse is engaged by
the switching on of the
warning
light on the instrument panel together
with the message on the display (see
“Warning lights and messages”
chapter).
GENERAL WARNINGS
45)
4)
When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above or
under the sensor.
Under certain circumstances, objects
close to the vehicle are not detected by
the system and could therefore cause
damage to the car or be damaged
themselves.
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking sensors:
the presence of ice, snow, mud or
multiple layers of paint on the sensor
surface may cause reduced sensitivity
of the sensor itself and therefore reduce
the system performance;
mechanical interference (e.g.
washing the car, rain, strong wind, hail)
may cause the sensor to detect a
54A0L0044
49
non-existent obstacle ("echo
interference");
the presence of ultrasonic systems
(e.g. pneumatic brake systems of
trucks or pneumatic drills) near the car
could alter the signals sent by the
sensor;
the variation in sensor position,
caused by variation in ride (due to
suspension component wear),
changing tyres, overloaded car, or
tuning that lowers the car, for example,
may affect parking sensor system
performance.
WARNING
45)Parking manoeuvres, however, are
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The parking sensors are used
to assist the driver, who must never allow
his attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds.
IMPORTANT
4)For correct operation of the system,
sensors must always be clean from mud,
dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not to scratch
or damage the sensors while cleaning
them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The sensors must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of vehicle
shampoo if necessary. When using special
washing equipment such as high pressure
jets or steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more than 10
cm away. Also, do not apply stickers to the
sensors.
TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the car.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the car at a
standstill for at least three hours or a
travel shorter than 1.6 km after an
interval of three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum inflation pressure
value printed on the side of the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the car: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.
The TPMS continues to advise the
driver of the low tyre pressure condition
until this is corrected; the warning
continues until the pressure
corresponds or exceeds the pressure
prescribed for the cold tyres. When the
50
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
tyre low pressure control warning lightswitches on constantly, the inflation
pressure must be adjusted until it
reaches the pressure prescribed for
cold tyres. After the automatic update
of the system, the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the car for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20 km/h
to allow the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE
The TPMS does not replace the
normal tyre maintenance service and
does not indicate any fault in a tyre.
Therefore, the TPMS should not be
used as pressure switch while adjusting
the tyre inflation pressure.
Driving with insufficient tyre pressure
causes their overheating and can result
in tyre failure. The low inflation pressure
reduces fuel efficiency and tyre tread life
and may also affect handling and
braking performance of the car.
The TPMS does not replace the
correct tyre maintenance. It is up to the
driver to maintain the correct tyre
pressure level measuring it with a
suitable pressure switch. This is
necessary even if the decrease in the
inflation pressure value does not cause
the tyre pressure control warning light
to switch on.
The TPMS warns the driver of any
condition of insufficient tyre pressure Ifthis drops below the insufficient
pressure limit for any reason including
low temperature and normal pressure
loss of the tyre.
The seasonal temperature changes
affect tyre pressure.
The TPMS uses wireless devices with
electronic sensors mounted on the
wheel rims to constantly monitor the
value of tyre pressure. The sensors
mounted on each wheel as part of the
valve stem transmit various information
of the tyres to the receiver module, in
order to calculate the pressure.
IMPORTANT Monitoring and
maintaining the correct pressure in all
four tyres are particularly important.
Tyre pressure
monitoring system low
pressure warnings
46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54)
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the dedicated
warning light
continuously on in the
instrument panel and by displaying
dedicated messages.In this case, stop the car as soon as
possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tyre and inflate to the cold tyre
pressure value prescribed for the car.
The system will automatically update
and after receiving the tyre pressure
update the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the car for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20 km/h
to allow the system to receive this
information.TPMS operation faults
The system fault is indicated by the
dedicated warning lightwhich first
flashes for 75 seconds and then stays
on steadily. This can occur in any of the
following situations:
interference caused by electronic
devices or radio frequency emissions
similar to those of the TPM sensors.
55A0L0113
51
interfere with the signals of the radio
waves.
Presence of snow or ice on the
wheels or the wheel arches.
Use of snow chains.
Use of wheels/tyres not equipped
with TPM sensors.
52
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Application of tinted films which
In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
OperationSensors on wheels fitted on
carFailure indication Action necessary
– – YESContact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership
Wheel change with winter tyres NO YESContact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership
Wheel change with winter tyres YES NO –
Wheel change with others of a
different size
(*)YES NO –
(*)Given as an alternative in the Owner Handbook as well as in the Registration Document; available from Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
WARNING
46)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tyre pressure, including for the spare
wheel.
47)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres rested and cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason to check
pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the
prescribed value. Repeat the check when
the tyres are cold.
48)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer
be available and, in addition to the TPMS
warning light flashing for less than one
minute before becoming constant, a
warning message will be shown on the
display, until four wheels with sensors are
fitted again.49)The TPMS cannot warn of sudden
decreases in tyre pressure (for example
when a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the
car, braking with caution and avoiding
abrupt steering.
50)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres (and vice versa) requires TPMS
adjustment that must only be performed by
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
51)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The TPMS
system may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary,
restore the inflation values.52)When a tyre is removed, it is advisable
to replace the rubber valve seal as well:
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership. Tyre and/or rim fitting/removal
operations require specific precautions; to
avoid damaging or fitting the sensors
incorrectly, tyre and/or rim fitting/removal
operations should only be carried out by
specialised staff. Contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
53)Intense radio-frequency interference
may prevent the correct operation of the
TPMS. This condition will be indicated by a
message on the display. The message will
disappear automatically as soon as the
radio-frequency interference ceases to
affect the system.
53