
169
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
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.
The  air  bag  system  must  be  ready  to  protect
you  in  a  collision.  The  Occupant  Restraint
Controller (ORC) monitors the internal circuits
and interconnecting wiring associated with the
electrical  Air  Bag  System  Components.  Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air
Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light 
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light  
The  Occupant  Restraint  Controller
(ORC)  monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START  or  ON/RUN  position.  If  the  ignition
switch is in the OFF position or in the ACC posi -
tion,  the  air  bag  system  is  not  on  and  the  air
bags will not inflate.
The  ORC  contains  a  backup  power  supply
system  that  may  deploy  the  air  bag  system
even  if  the battery  loses  power  or  it  becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in
the instrument panel for approximately four to
eight  seconds  for  a  self-check  when  the  igni -
tion  switch  is  first  in  the  ON/RUN  position.
After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light
will  turn off.  If  the ORC  detects a  malfunction
in  any  part  of  the  system,  it  turns  on  the  Air
Bag  Warning  Light,  either  momentarily  or continuously. A single chime will sound to alert
you  if  the  light  comes  on  again  after  initial
startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illu
-
minate  the  instrument  panel Air  Bag  Warning
Light  if  a  malfunction  is  detected  that  could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record  the  nature  of  the  malfunction.  While
the  air  bag  system  is  designed  to  be  mainte -
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an  authorized  dealer  service  the  air  bag
system immediately.The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during  the  four  to  eight  seconds  when  the
ignition  switch  is  first  in  the  ON/RUN  posi -
tion.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
The  Air  Bag  Warning  Light  comes  on  inter-
mittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint  Controller  (ORC)  may  also  be
disabled. In this condition the air bags may not
be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an
authorized  dealer  service  the  air  bag  system
immediately.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain  occupants  who  are  wearing  the
seat belt or children who are using booster
seats.  The  locked  mode  is  only  used  to
install  rear-facing  or  forward-facing  child
restraints  that  have  a  harness  for
restraining the child.
 WARNING!  (Continued)
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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.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 208   

247
(Continued)
tires  only  in  sets  of  four;  failure  to  do  so  may
adversely  affect  the  safety  and  handling  of
your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than  what  was  originally  equipped  with  your
vehicle  and  should  not  be  operated  at
sustained  speeds  over  75 mph  (120 km/h).
For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for  recommended  safe  operating  speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While  studded  tires  improve  performance  on
ice,  skid  and  traction  capability  on  wet  or  dry
surfaces  may  be  poorer  than  that  of
non-studded  tires.  Some  states  prohibit
studded  tires;  therefore,  local  laws  should  be
checked before using these tire types.
Tire Chains and Traction Devices
It  is  possible  to  fit  13 mm  chains  on  all  the
tires except for R20.
Use  of  traction  devices  require  sufficient
tire-to-body  clearance.  Follow  these  recom-
mendations to guard against damage.
NOTE:
Traction  device  must  be  of  proper  size  for
the  tire,  as  recommended  by  the  traction
device manufacturer.
Use on rear tires only.
Check the tension of  the snow chains after
the first few meters have been driven.
Using  snow  chains  with  tires  with  non-orig -
inal dimensions may damage the vehicle.
Using  different  tires  sizes  or  types  (M+S,
snow, etc.) between the front and rear axles
may  adversely  affect  vehicle  driveability,
with the risk of losing control of the vehicle
and resulting accidents.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tires  on  the  front  and  rear  axles  of  vehicles
operate  at  different  loads  and  perform
different  steering,  driving,  and  braking  func -
tions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal
rates. These effects can be reduced by timely
rotation  of  tires.  Rotation  will  increase  tread
life, maintain traction levels and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
To  resolve  this  problem,  tires  should  be
rotated at each service interval (approximately
every  10,000 miles  [16,000 km]).  More
frequent rotation is permissible if desired. The
reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
Tire  Rotations  Not  Recommended  —  If
Equipped
Due to different size tires and wheels on front
and rear axles tire rotation is not possible for:
2.0T  GME  Engine  equipped  with  a  different
front and rear tire size.
 CAUTION!
To  avoid  damage  to  your  vehicle  or  tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because  of  restricted  traction  device
clearance  between  tires  and  other
suspension  components,  it  is  important
that  only  traction  devices  in  good  condi -
tion  are  used.  Broken  devices  can  cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle immedi -
ately  if  noise  occurs  that  could  indicate
device  breakage.  Remove  the  damaged
parts of the device before further use.
Install  device  as  tightly  as  possible  and
then  retighten  after  driving  about  ½  mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive  cautiously  and  avoid  severe  turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe  the  traction  device  manufac -
turer’s  instructions  on  the  method  of
installation,  operating  speed,  and  condi -
tions  for  use.  Always  use  the  suggested
operating  speed  of  the  device  manufac -
turer’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
 CAUTION!  (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 247