maintenance Alfa Romeo 147 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
240
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean (fig. 17).
If it is necessary to direct the jet, contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or
hot humid climates)
– seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand and mud and gravel raised by oth-
er vehicles.
On your
Alfa 147 GTA, Alfa Romeo
has implemented the best manufacturing
technologies to effectively protect the body-
work against corrosion.
These include:
– Painting products and systems which
give the vehicle particular resistance to cor-
rosion and abrasion.
– Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corrosion.
– Spraying the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheel arches and other parts with
highly protective wax products.
fig. 17
A0A0425m
– Spraying of plastic parts, with a protec-
tive function, in the more exposed points:
underdoor, inner wheel arch linings, etc.
– Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of moisture
from triggering rust inside.
VEHICLE EXTERIOR AND
UNDERBODY WARRANTY
TheAlfa 147 GTAis guaranteed
against perf oration due to rust of any orig-
inal element of the structure or body. For the
general terms of this warranty, refer to the
Warranty Booklet.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
241
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
The paintwork does not only serve an aes-
thetic purpose but also protects the under-
lying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touch-
ing up carried out immediately to avoid the
formation of rust.
Only original products should be used for
touching up paint (see “Body paint identi-
fication plate” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” chapter).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the con-
ditions and environment of use. For exam-
ple, in highly polluted areas, or if the roads
are sprayed with salt, it is wise to wash the
car more frequently.Do not wash the vehicle after it has been
left in the sun or with the bonnet hot: this
may alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substance many species release
give the paint a dull appearance and in-
crease the possibility of triggering rust
processes.
IMPORTANTBird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly aggres-
sive.
Windows
Use specific products to clean the windows.
Use clean cloths to avoid scratching or al-
tering the transparency of the glass.
IMPORTANTThe inside of the
rearscreen should be wiped gently with a
cloth in the direction of the filaments to
avoid damaging the heating device. Detersives pollute water.
The car should therefore be
washed in areas equipped
for the collection and purification
of the liquid used in the washing
process.
To correctly wash the car:
1) Remove the aerial from the roof to pre-
vent damage to it if the car is washed in
an automatic system.
2) Spray the vehicle with a low pressure
jet of water.
3) Pass a sponge moistened with a light
detergent solution, rinsing the sponge fre-
quently.
4) Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with the
less visible parts like door surrounds, bon-
net and around the headlights where wa-
ter may stagnate. The vehicle should not be
taken to a closed area immediately, but left
in the open so that residual water can evap-
orate.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
242
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS
– Remove dried on dirt with a lightly
moistened chamois leather or cloth with-
out pressing too hard.
– Remove liquid and grease stains with
a dry absorbent cloth without rubbing. Then
wipe with a soft cloth or chamois leather
with water and neutral soap. If the stain per-
sists, use specific products, carefully follow-
ing the instructions for use.
IMPORTANTNever use alcohol. Make
sure that cleaning products do not contain
alcohol and alcohol derivatives even at low
strength.
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS
Use appropriate products designed to pre-
serve the appearance of components.
IMPORTANTNever use spirit or petro-
leum to clean the instrument cluster. Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed, with-
out directing the jet against electronic con-
trol units. Contact a specialised workshop to
have this done.
INTERIOR FITTINGS
Periodically check that water is not trapped
under the mats (due to water dripping off
shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which could cause ox-
idisation of the sheet metal.
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the en-
gine compartment should
be washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid
used in the washing process.
IMPORTANTThe vehicle should washed
with the engine cold and the ignition key at
STOP. After washing make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
various covers) have not been damaged or
removed.CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
– Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to
remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
– Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral deter-
gent.
Never use inflammable
products like fuel oil ether
or rectified petrol for cleaning inside
the car. The electrostatic charges
generated when rubbing to clean
may cause fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in
the car. They might ex-
plode. Aerosol cans must never be
exposed to a temperature above
50°C. The temperature inside the
car exposed to the sun may go well
beyond that figure.
WARNING

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
247
SPARK PLUGS
Clean, intact spark plugs are determinant
with regard to engine efficiency and for re-
ducing the emission of pollutants.Spark plugs should be re-
placed at the intervals
specified in the Scheduled
maintenance programme. Only use
spark plugs of the specified type:
if the thermal capacity is inade-
quate or if the envisaged life is not
guaranteed inconveniences may en-
sue.
BRAKES
Service brakes: – front
– rear
Parking brake
If examined by an expert eye, the ap-
pearance of a spark plug is a sound clue
for locating a fault, even if not involving the
ignition system. Therefore if you are expe-
riencing any engine problems, it is impor-
tant to have the spark plugs checked by Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.
STEERING
Type
Turning radius (between pavements)
3.2 V6 24V - 3.2 V6 24V Selespeed
Disk self-ventilated
Disk
3.2 V6 24V 3.2 V6 24V Selespeed
Rack and pinion.
Hydraulic power steering with fluid reservoir in engine compartment
12.1 m 12.1 m Wheel anti-look system (ABS) with electronic braking distribution.
Servo-brake. Electronic control with brake pad wear sensors. Gaskets of ecological type.
Controlled by hand lever operating rear brakes.

RIGHT HAND DRIVE VERSION
271
BONNET
The bonnet opening lever is under the left
end of the dashboard.
To open:
– pull the lever (A-fig. 23) until the bon-
net clicks open.
– press the safety lever (A-fig. 24) up-
wards.
– raise the bonnet.
IMPORTANTBonnet raising is aided by
two gas springs. Do not tamper with these
springs and accompany the bonnet while
raising it.
fig. 23
A0A0481m
fig. 24
A0A0437m
To close:
– lower the bonnet until approx. 20 cm
from the engine compartment and then let
it drop, ensuring that it is fully closed and
not just held in position by the safety catch.
If the bonnet does not close properly do
not push it down but open it again and re-
peat the above procedure.
Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Do this only with the car
stationary.
WARNING
For safety reasons the
bonnet shall always be
perfectly closed when travelling.
Always check for proper bonnet
locking. If the bonnet is left inad-
vertently open, stop the car im-
mediately and close the bonnet.
WARNING
DANGER-SERIOUS INJURY.
When carrying out checks
or maintenance operations in the
engine compartment, take special
care not to bump the head on the
raised bonnet.
WARNING
If checks are needed in the
engine compartment, when
it is still hot, do not approach the
fan: it might start working also
with the ignition key removed.
Wait for the engine to cool down.
WARNING

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
274
A A
L L
P P
H H
A A
B B
E E
T T
I I
C C
A A
L L
I I
N N
D D
E E
X X
ABS (Antilock braking system) ..... 134
Accessories purchased by the user... 125
Additional operations
(maintenance) .......................... 224
Additional stop light (third stop) ..... 205
Air bags, front and side ............ 35
- deactivating passenger’s
side air bags ...................... 37
- front air bags ..................... 36
- general cautions ...................... 40
- passenger’s front air bag........... 37
- right hand drive version ............ 259
- side air bags
(side bag - window bag)........... 38
Air cleaner................................... 232
Air re-circulation ........................... 102
Air vents ..................................... 90
Alfa Romeo CODE system .............. 6- operation................................ 9
Annual inspection programme
(maintenance) .......................... 224
Armrest (front) ........................... 18
Armrest (rear) ............................ 21
Ashtray
- front ...................................... 122
- rear ....................................... 123
ASR (system) .............................. 138
Battery ..................................... 233
- advice for preserving
the charge .............................. 235
- charging.......................... 216-234
- checking the charge ................. 234
- replacement............................ 235
- starting with an auxiliary
battery ................................... 216
Body (cleaning) ........................... 240Body marking.............................. 243
Body versions .............................. 244
Bonnet ................................ 130
Boot
- capacity ................................. 253
- extension ........................... 19-20
- lighting .................................. 129
- luggage net ............................ 21
- opening from inside ................. 128
- opening with remote
control ............................... 8-128
- restraining the load .................. 129
- tailgate closing ........................ 129
- warnings for carrying luggage.... 129
Boot light
- changing bulbs ........................ 208
Bose HI-FI system ........................ 172

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
275
Brake and clutch hydraulic fluid
- checking level and topping up.... 230
Brakes
- checking fluid level and
topping up .............................. 230
- handbrake .............................. 108
- specifications .......................... 247
Braking lights
- changing bulbs ........................ 205
Bulbs
- general instructions .................. 196
- replacement............................ 198
- types of bulbs ......................... 196
Card holder ................................ 123
Catalyst ...................................... 174
Cell phones (provision) ................. 125
Changing battery of key with
remote control .......................... 10
Changing bulbs- general information.................. 196
- types of bulbs ......................... 196
Checking levels ............................ 226
- checking level and topping
up brake and clutch fluid........... 230
- checking level and topping
up coolant fluid ....................... 229
- checking level and topping
up engine oil ........................... 227
- checking level and topping
up power steering oil................ 229
- checking level and topping up
windscreen/rearscreen/
headlamp washer fluid ............. 231
Children (carrying safely) .............. 31
Cigar lighter ................................ 122
Cleaning and maintenance
- body ...................................... 240
- car interior .............................. 242
- engine compartment ................ 242- leather seats ........................... 242
- plastic parts ............................ 242
- windows ................................ 241
Climate control, automatic
two-zone.................................. 91
Climate control system.............. 89
- air vents ........................ 89-90
- controls .................................. 93
Clock.......................................... 60
Clutch
- checking fluid level and
topping up .............................. 230
CO
2emissions ............................. 258
CODE card................................... 7
Controls ...................................... 106
Correct use of the car............ 175
Courtesy light .............................. 121
- changing bulbs ........................ 207
Cruise control .............................. 47

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
279
Maintenance
- additional operations ................ 224
- annual inspection programme .... 224
- checking levels ........................ 226
- precautions and warnings.......... 225
- scheduled maintenance ............ 221
- scheduled maintenance
programme............................. 222
Mechanical gearbox
- lever ...................................... 109
Number plate lights
- changing bulbs ........................ 205
Paintwork (maintenance) ............ 241
- colour label ............................. 244
Parking....................................... 177
Performance................................ 251
Pockets on doors.......................... 124
Pollen filter ................................ 232
Power steering oil- checking level and topping up.... 229
Power windows ........................... 24
Pretensioners............................... 28
Radio transmitters
and cell phones ......................... 126
Radio
- presetting system ................... 140
Radio with CD player .................... 141
- advice .................................... 141
- aerial ..................................... 171
- antitheft protection .................. 144
- cautions ................................. 144
- CD changer ............................. 168
- CD player section ..................... 165
- controls at steering wheel ......... 149
- controls on front panel.............. 148
- functions and adjustments......... 150
- general .................................. 143
- glossary ................................. 145- protection fuse ........................ 171
- radio section ........................... 153
- speakers ................................ 171
- telephone provision .................. 153
Rain sensor ................................. 45
Raising the car
- with arm lift or workshop
lift ......................................... 220
Rear ceiling light .......................... 121
- changing bulbs ........................ 207
Rear fog guards
- changing bulbs ........................ 203
- switching on ........................... 107
Rear oddment pockets .................. 124
Rearscreen heating ....................... 105
Rearscreen washer ....................... 46
- spray jet ................................. 239
Rearscreen wiper
- blade replacement ................... 239

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
280
- operation................................ 46
Rearview mirrors
- external ................................. 23
- internal .................................. 22
Reducing running costs
and environment pollution .......... 181
Refuelling
- specifications .......................... 254
Remote control ............................ 7
- additional remote controls ......... 11
- alarm system .......................... 11
- battery changing ..................... 10
- door opening-closing ................ 7
- ministerial homologation........... 14
- tailgate opening ...................... 8
Restraining the load...................... 129
Rev counter................................. 51
Reversing light ............................. 203
Right hand drive.................... 259Roof rack (provision) .................... 131
Running economy ........................ 183
Safe driving ............................... 178
Safeguarding emission reduction
devices .................................... 184
Safeguarding the environment ....... 174
Scheduled maintenance
programme .............................. 222
Seat belts ................................... 25
- carrying children safety ............. 31
- front belt height adjustment ...... 27
- general instructions .................. 29
- load limiters............................ 27
- maintenance ........................... 30
- pretensioners .......................... 28
- use of belts............................. 25
Seats for children ......................... 31
Seats, front............................ 16
- adjustments....................... 17
- centre armrest......................... 18- heating .................................. 18
- rear pockets ............................ 18
- tilting the back rest .................. 17
Seats, rear .................................. 19
- boot extension ........................ 19
- centre armrest......................... 21
- headrest ................................. 21
Sidelights
- changing front bulbs................. 202
- changing rear bulbs.................. 204
- changing side bulbs.................. 203
- switching on ........................... 43
Snow chains................................ 186
Spark plugs (technical data) .......... 247
Speakers ................................... 171
Speedometer............................... 51
Spray jets
- windscreen/rearscreen ............. 239

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
281
Starting with an auxiliary
battery..................................... 189
Steering lock ............................... 15
Steering system
- adjustment lever...................... 22
- technical specifications.............. 247
Steering wheel
- adjustment lever ................ 22
Sunroof ...................................... 127
- emergency manoeuvre ............. 128
- opening-closing........................ 127
- raising at rear.......................... 128
Sun visors ................................... 125
Symbols ..................................... 5-6
Tailgate
- opening from inside ................. 128
- opening with remote
control .............................. 8-128
Technical specifications.......... 243Towing the car ............................. 217
Trailer towing............................... 185
Transmission
- specifications .......................... 246
Trip computer .............................. 72
Trip meter reset............................ 51
Tyres
- correct reading ........................ 249
- FIX&GO kit for quick
tyre repairing .......................... 191
- inflating pressure ..................... 248
- snow chains ............................ 186
- types of tyres and rims ............. 248
- winter .................................... 185Use of non-toxic material............. 174
Useful accessories ........................ 187
VDC system .............................. 136
Vehicle data plate ................... 243-244
Vehicle dimensions ....................... 252Vehicle identification ..................... 243
Vehicle inactivity .......................... 186
- using again ............................. 187
Vehicle maintenance.............. 221
Volumetric protection .................... 13
Warning lights .......................... 77
Washing the car
- engine compartment ................ 242
- exterior .................................. 241
- interior ................................... 242
Weights ...................................... 253
Wheels
- FIX&GO kit for quick
tyre repairing .......................... 191
- geometry ............................... 251
- snow chains ............................ 186
- tyre inflating pressure ............... 248
- tyres and rims.................. 249-250