
STARTING AND OPERATING
142
Removing The Receiver
When the receiver is no longer needed, discon-
nect the electrical connections and remove it
from its position using the directions below:
1. Remove the safety split ring from the locking pin.
2. Pull the locking pin out of the trailer hitch.
3. Remove the receiver from the trailer hitch.
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING
Saving Fuel
Below are some suggestions which may help
you save fuel and lower the amount of harmful
emissions released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle Maintenance
Checks and operations should be carried out
in accordance with the Maintenance Plan
Ú
page 208.
Tires
Check the tire pressures at least once every
four weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance to
rolling is higher.
NOTE:
Tire pressure that is too high can cause
premature tire wear, reduced control, etc. Unnecessary Loads
Do not travel with an overloaded liftgate. The
weight of the vehicle and its arrangement
greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Electric Devices
Use electrical systems only for the amount of
time needed. The rear window defroster, addi
-
tional headlights, windshield wipers and
heater blower fan require a considerable
amount of energy; increasing the current
uptake increases fuel consumption (by up to
+25% when city driving).
Climate Control System
Using the climate control system will increase
consumption: use standard ventilation when
the temperature outside permits.
Devices For Aerodynamic Control
The use of non-certified devices for aerody -
namic control may adversely affect air drag
and consumption levels.
Driving Style
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs
when the vehicle is stationary; this causes the
engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It
is therefore advisable to drive off immediately,
slowly, avoiding high speeds: by doing this the
engine will warm up more quickly. Unnecessary Actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights
or before stopping the engine. This action is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.
Gear Selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road condi
-
tions allow it. Using a low gear for faster accel -
eration will increase fuel consumption.
Improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine wear.
Max. Speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as
speed increases. Maintain a constant speed,
avoiding unnecessary braking and accelera -
tion, which cost in terms of both fuel consump -
tion and 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 trips and frequent cold starts will not
allow the engine to reach optimum operating
temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to
+30% in city driving) and emissions.
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143
Traffic And Road Conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy
traffic, for instance when traveling in traffic
with frequent use of low gears or in cities with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads
and rough road surfaces also adversely affect
consumption.
Stops In Traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. railway cross-
ings), turn off the engine.
Performance — Quadrifoglio
This vehicle is equipped with an engine
capable of delivering exceptionally fast accel -
eration and speed:
Peak power: 505 HP at 6,500 RPM.
Peak torque: 443 ft-lbs at 2,500–5,000 RPM.
Top speed: 176 mph (283 km/h).
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h):
3.6 seconds.
For safe driving, it is essential, particularly
during the first days of use, to get to know the
car by driving carefully and gradually discov -
ering its performance.
Brakes
The car braking system may be available with
four carbon-ceramic material brake discs, one
on each wheel. In order to guarantee the maximum braking
capacity for the first use, Alfa Romeo performs
a "run-in" procedure for discs and pads directly
at the factory.
The use of carbon-ceramic material brake
discs guarantees braking features (better
deceleration/pedal load ratio, braking
distances, fading resistance) proportional to
the dynamic features of the car in addition to
considerably decreasing the unsprung compo
-
nent weight.
The materials used and the structural features
of the system could generate unusual noises
which have absolutely no adverse effect on
correct operation and reliability of the braking
system.
Greater pressure may need to be applied to
the brake pedal the first time to keep the same
braking capacities in presence of condensa -
tion or salt on the braking surfaces, for
example after washing or if the car is not used
for a long time.
NOTE:
Given the high technological level of this
system, any servicing on it must be performed
by an authorized dealer which exclusively has
the skills needed for the repair and mainte -
nance operations. In case of intensive, high-performance use of
the car, have the efficiency of the
carbon-ceramic material braking system
inspected as shown on the Maintenance Plan
at an authorized dealer.
Driving On Race Tracks
Before driving on a track using a racing style, it
is necessary to:
Attend a race track driving course.
Check the liquid levels in the engine
compartment
Ú
page 208.
Have the car inspected at an authorized
dealer.
Remember that the car was not designed to be
driven exclusively on the race track and that
this use increases stress and component
wear.
NOTE:
Quadrifoglio front brakes are equipped with
Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) type pads. These
pads are NOT suitable for high thermal loads
(for example track use). If you want to use
vehicle on a track it is recommended to use
the optional CCM Brakes (Carbon Ceramic
Brake disc).
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 143

163
To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires
equipped with TPMS sensors. Then, drive the
vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h). The TPMS will chime, the TPMS
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then turn off. The instrument
cluster will display the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message and then display pressure
values in place of the dashes. On the next igni-
tion switch cycle the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM”
message will no longer be displayed, as long
as no system fault exists.
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance, or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pres -
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pres -
sure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
will cause the tire to overheat, and can lead
to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning
Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire
Ú
page 268.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
Occupant Restraint Systems Features
Seat Belt Systems
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air
Bags
Child Restraints
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
Important Safety Precautions
Please pay close attention to the information
in this section. It tells you how to use your
restraint system properly, to keep you and
your passengers as safe as possible. Here are some simple steps you can take to
minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air
bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should
always ride buckled up in the rear seat of
a vehicle with a rear seat.
2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly must be secured
in the appropriate child restraint or
belt-positioning booster seat in a rear
seating position
Ú
page 178.
3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the
front passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible and use the proper child
restraint
Ú
page 178.
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
5. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that
you are using it properly.
6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly.
7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical
to allow the front air bags room to inflate.
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side air bags, and deploy -
ment occurs, the side air bags will inflate
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

SAFETY
190
(Continued)
(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected imme
-
diately.
Exhaust Gas
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interfer -
ence. If your floor mat interferes with the
operation of any pedal, or is not secure to
the floor, remove the floor mat from the
vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING! (Continued)
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals then re-install the floor
mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage
or in confined areas any longer than
needed to move your vehicle in or out of
the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/lift -
gate/rear doors open, make sure that all
windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
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208
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Correct servicing permits the performance of
the vehicle to be maintained over time, as well
as limited running costs and safeguarding the
efficiency of the safety systems.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for guaranteeing a
long life for the vehicle under the best condi-
tions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has planned a
series of checks and services for your vehicle
at fixed intervals based on distance and time,
as described in the Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always necessary to
carefully follow the instructions in the Sched -
uled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically check
level of fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an autho -
rized dealer according to a set time schedule.
If, during each operation, in addition to the
ones scheduled, the need arises for further
replacements or repairs, these may be carried
out with the owner’s explicit consent only.
NOTE:
Scheduled Servicing intervals are required by
the manufacturer. Failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
You are advised to inform an authorized
dealer of any small operating irregularities
without waiting for the next service.
Periodic Checks
Every month or every 620 miles (1,000 km) or
before long trips check and, if necessary, top
off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level (if insufficient, see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible).
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.
Operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights,
etc.).
Operation of windshield washing/wiping
system and positioning/wear of wiper
blades.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Oil consumption of the engine depends on
conditions and driving style. For this reason,
the engine oil level must be checked every
1,860 miles (3,000 km), and top off if neces -
sary; for further information
Ú
page 215.
Heavy Usage Of The Vehicle
If the vehicle is used under one of the following
conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated journeys less than 4 miles
(7 km) at sub-zero outside temperatures.
Engine often idling or driving long distances
at low speeds or long periods of inactivity.
In the event of a long period of inactivity.
The following checks must be carried out more
often than indicated in the Scheduled
Servicing Plan:
Check cleanliness of hood and liftgate
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of
linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of: engine, trans -
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust/fuel
system/brakes) and rubber elements
(sleeves/bushes, etc.).
Check battery charge and battery fluid level
(electrolyte).
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory
drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change engine oil
and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace cabin air
filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)
if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off-road environment or is operated predomi -
nately at idle or only very low engine RPM. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
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209
Maintenance Plan (2.0L Engine)
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
Change engine oil and replace oil filter1
SOS backup battery replacement (if equipped)
2●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire service kit recharge condition
and expiration date
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, deck lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
3●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic
tool) and engine oil degradation (if equipped)
4●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes, etc.)
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer system
and adjust nozzles, if necessary
●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of linkage
●●●●●●●
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 209

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
212
Maintenance Plan (2.9L Engine)
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS backup battery replacement (if equipped)1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper instrument
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge condition
and expiration date
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid, passenger
compartment, glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
2●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic
tool)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes, etc.)
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer system
and adjust nozzles, if necessary
●●●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of hood and luggage compartment
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of linkage
●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear disc
brake pads and operation of pad wear indicators●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 212

239
(Continued)
(Conti n
ued)
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Four primary areas are affected by
improper tire pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your
stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your
vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 239