When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
warning light (with passenger side front airbag
activated) switches on and flashes for a few seconds to
remind you that the passenger airbag will be deployed in a
crash, after which it should switch off.
The front airbag is designed to be deployed for
impacts of a greater intensity than for the
pretensioners. For impacts whose intensity falls
between the two levels, it is normal for only the pretensioners to
be activated.
The airbag does not replace seat belts but increases
their effectiveness. Because front airbags are not
deployed for low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are protected, in addition
to any side bags, only by their seat belts, which must therefore
always be fastened.
129
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
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.
130
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
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.
131
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
IN AN EMERGENCY
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number found in the Warranty Booklet. You can also
consult www.alfaromeo.com to find your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
STARTING THE ENGINE
If thewarning light on the instrument panel remains on constantly,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services immediately.
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a little higher than the flat one.
Proceed as follows to start the vehicle:
❒connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the terminal) of the two
batteries with a jump lead fig. 115;❒with a second cable, connect the negative terminal(–)ofthe
auxiliary battery to an earthing point
on the engine or the
gearbox of the car to be started;
❒start the engine; afterwards, follow the sequence above in reverse
order to remove the cables.
For versions with Start&Stop system, to carry out the jump starting
procedure, refer to the paragraph “Start&Stop system” in the “Getting
to know your car” section.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if you cannot start the engine
after several attempts.
IMPORTANT Never 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.
Never use a fast battery-charger to start the engine as this
could damage the electronic systems of your car,
particularly the ignition and fuel supply control units.
fig. 115A0J0392
139
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
This starting procedure must be performed by expert
personnel because incorrect actions could cause
electrical discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do not cause sparks.
BUMP STARTING
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
REPLACING A WHEEL
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The car is equipped with the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit”: see the
paragraph “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” for how to use this device.
As an alternative to the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” the car may be
equipped with a space-saver wheel: see the instructions on the
following pages for changing the tyre.
The spare wheel is specific for your car. Do not use it
on cars of different models. Do not use spare wheels of
different models on your car. The space-saver wheel
must only be used in case of emergency. It must only be used for
the distance necessary to reach a service point and the car speed
must not exceed 80 km/h. The space-saver wheel has an orange
sticker that summarises the main cautions for use and limitations.
Never remove or cover the label. Never apply any hub cap to
the space-saver spare wheel.
Alert other drivers that the car is stationary in
compliance with local regulations: hazard warning
lights, warning triangle, etc. Any passengers on board
should leave the car, especially if it is heavily laden. Passengers
should stay away from on-coming traffic while the wheel is
being changed. In case of steep slopes or rough slopes, place
wedges or other materials suitable to stop the vehicle under the
wheels.
140
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is essential in guaranteeing a long life for the car
under the best conditions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has planned a series of checks and
services at fixed distance intervals and, for versions/markets, where
provided, at fixed time intervals, as described in the Scheduled
Servicing Plan.
Regardless of the above, it is always necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically check
level of liquids, tyre pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is carried out at Alfa Romeo Authorised Services
according to a set time schedule or kilometres/miles intervals. If,
during each operation, in addition to the ones scheduled, the need
arises for further replacements or repairs, these may be carried out
only with your explicit agreement. If your car is used frequently for
towing, the interval between one service operation and the next should
be reduced.WARNING
The Scheduled Services intervals are set out by the Manufacturer.
Failure to comply with the schedule may invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform Alfa Romeo Authorized Services of any small
faults without waiting for the next scheduled service.
For versions equipped with specific supply (e.g. LPG, Alfa TCT) and/or
trim level, in addition to what is described in the following Scheduled
Servicing Plan, refer to the relevant additional items in the dedicated
supplements.
171
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
PETROL VERSIONS
Thousands of miles 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90
Thousands of kilometres 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure, if necessary. Check
“Fix&Go Automatic” kit recharge expiry date●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, luggage compartment, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel warning lights,
etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine coolant, hydraulic
clutch/brakes, screen washer, battery, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, for versions/markets, where provided,
engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes), rubber
elements (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)●●●●●
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear●●●●●
Check operation of windscreen wiper/washer system and adjust jets,
if necessary●●●●●
Check cleanliness of bonnet and luggage compartment locks, as well
as cleanliness and lubrication of linkages●●●●●
172
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the first interval,
thus following the same intervals as before.
DIESEL VERSIONS
Thousands of miles 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure, if necessary. Check
“Fix&Go Automatic” kit recharge expiry date●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, luggage compartment, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel warning lights,
etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine coolant, hydraulic
clutch/brakes, screen washer, battery, etc.)●●●●●●●●●●
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness●●●●●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, for versions/markets, where provided,
engine oil degradation●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes), rubber
elements (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)●●●●●
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear●●●●●
Check operation of windscreen wiper/washer system and adjust jets,
if necessary●●●●●
Check cleanliness of bonnet and luggage compartment locks, as well
as cleanliness and lubrication of linkages●●●●●
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if necessary●●●●●
Visually inspect condition and wear of front and rear disc brake pads●●●●●●●●●●
175
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/6 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the first interval,
thus following the same intervals as before.