maintenance Alfa Romeo 147 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

3
ACCESSORY ELECTRICAL DEVICES
If after purchasing the car you wish to install accessories that need an electrical supply (with the risk of gradually draining
the battery), contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services who will assess the overall electrical absorption and check whether the
car system is able to withstand the load required.
CODE CARD
Keep it in a safe place, not in the car. It is advisable to always keep the electronic code on the CODE card with you in case
emergency starting is necessary.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance makes it possible to preserve vehicle peformance levels and safety, respect for the environment and
low running costs unaltered over the course of time.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK...
…you will find important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and vehicle maintenance over
time. Pay particular attention to the symbols
"(personal safety) #(protecting the environment) â(vehicle safety).


GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
28
PRE-TENSIONING DEVICES
To increase the efficiency of the front seat
belts,Alfa 147 GTAis fitted with pre-
tensioning devices.
These devices “feel” that the car is being
subject to a violent impact by way of a sen-
sor rewind the seat belts a few centimetres.
In this way they ensure that the seat belt
adheres to the wearer before the restraining
action begins.
The seat belt locks to indicate that the de-
vice has intervened; the seat belt cannot be
drawn back up even when guiding it man-
ually.IMPORTANTThe pretensioner will give
maximum protection when the seat belt ad-
heres snugly to wearer’s chest and hips.
Front seat pretensioners activate only if
front seat belts are properly fitted into buck-
les.
A small amount of smoke may be pro-
duced. This smoke is in no way toxic and
presents no fire hazard.
The emergency tensioning retractor needs
no maintenance or lubrication. Any modifi-
cation to its original features will nullify the
retractor’s effectiveness. If, due to unusual
natural events (floods, high waves, etc.),
the device has been affected by water and
mud, it must be replaced.Operations involving
banging, vibrations or
heating (above 100°C for
a maximum of 6 hours) in the area
of the pretensioners may damage
or trigger off the device. Vibrations
from rough road surfaces or acci-
dental jolting caused by mounting
pavements etc. do not have any ef-
fect on the pretensioner. If, how-
ever, you need assistance, go to Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.The pretensioner can only
be used once. After a col-
lision that has triggered it, have it
replaced at Alfa Romeo Authorized
Service. The validity of the device
is written on the plate located on
the front left door near the lock.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services to have pretensioner re-
placed as this date approaches.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
53
RECONFIGURABLE MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY
The reconfigurable multifunction display is
able to display all the useful and necessary
information when driving and a menu allows
the following adjustments and/or settings:
TIME
DATE
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE
INFORMATION ABOUT VEHICLE CONDITION
- Trip computer
- Lighting adjustment (rheostat)
- Display of failure messages with corre-
sponding symbol
- Display of warning messages with cor-
responding symbol (e.g.: possible ice on
road)Reconfigurable multifunction
display menu
SPEED
- Activation/deactivation of the corre-
sponding indication (ON/OFF)
- Setting the speed limit
TRIP B
- Activation/deactivation of the corre-
sponding function (ON/OFF)
TIME
- Setting the hours
- Setting the minutes
DATE
- Setting the day
- Setting the month
- Setting the year
DST (SUMMER TIME)
- Activation/deactivation of summer time
MODE 12/24
- Selecting the clock mode on 12 or 24
hours
RADIO
- Activation/deactivation of the following
items on the display:
frequency or RDS message of the radio
station selected, compact disc and cor-
responding track selected, cassette func-
tion onTELEPHONE
- Activation/deactivation of the following
items on the display: incoming or out-
going phone call with name and/or
number of the subscriber connected
NAVIGATION
- Activation/deactivation of the displays
and information concerning the route to
be followed
LANGUAGE
- Setting the language of the messages
shown on the display
UNITS
- Selection of the following units of mea-
sure: km, mi, °C, °F, km/l, l/100km,
mpg
BUZZER
- Buzzer volume adjustment
SERVICE
- Display of information concerning correct
vehicle maintenance, strictly connected
with the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme
MENU OFF
- Exits the menu.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
56
If the display shows a failure message, see the details given in the
“Warning lights” chapter; if there are two or more failures, the display
shows them in cycle, one after the other. To eliminate the display of the
message and/or of the warning light repeated on the rev counter
by the reconfigurable multifunction display, press button
Q.
INITIAL CHECK
Turning the ignition key to MAR, the reconfigurable multifunction display shows the message CHECK ACTIVE: the diagnostic phase of all the
electronic systems on the car has started, this lasts for about 4 seconds. If no faults are detected when the engine has started, the display shows
the OK message.
IMPORTANT If the reconfigurable multifunction display shows a failure message, see the details given in the “Warning lights” chapter.
Standard screen
The Programmed Maintenance
Schedule includes vehicle
maintenance every 20,000
km; this is shown
automatically, with the ignition
key at MAR, starting from
2,000 km (or miles) from this
deadline and it is shown again
every 200 km.
If no
failures
are
presentIs the
engine
started?YES
NO

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
70
SERVICE
With the SERVICE function it is possible to
receive information connected with correct
vehicle maintenance. To consult this func-
tion, proceed as follows:
Menu screen
Return to menu screen
Return
to standard screen
WARNING
The programmed Mainte-
nance Schedule includes ve-
hicle maintenance every
20,000 km; this is shown
automatically, with the ignition key at MAR, start-
ing from 2,000 km (or miles) from this deadline and
it is shown again every 200 km. This display can on-
ly be reset by Authorised Alfa Romeo Services.
Q
QR
â
ã
â
ã
â
ã
â
ãâ
ãâ
ã
â
ã
â
ã
See INITIAL CHECK and ACCESS
TO THE MENU SCREEN

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
86
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED
The warning light turns on together with the message on the display and the sounding of a buzzer
when the car speed exceeds the speed limit set previously (see “Reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play” chapter).
K
FUEL RESERVE
The warning light on the dial turns on together with the message + symbol on the reconfigurable
multifunction display, when about 7 litres of fuel are left in the tank and when autonomy is below
50 km.
AUTONOMY (TRIP COMPUTER)
The message + symbol are shown on the reconfigurable multifunction display when autonomy is
below 50 km.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
This is shown on the reconfigurable multifunction display 2000 km from the deadline given in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme (every 20,000 km) and it is shown again at timed inter-
vals, turning the ignition key to MARevery 200 km.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
130fig. 132
A0A0437m
BONNET
The bonnet opening lever is under the left
end of the dashboard.
To open:
– pull the lever (A-fig. 131) until the
bonnet clicks open.
– press the safety lever (A-fig. 132)
upwards.
– 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. 131
A0A0436m
A heavy load that has not
been secured may cause
serious harm to passengers.
WARNING
Do not load the boot above
the permitted maximum
(see “Technical specifications”). Al-
so make sure that the objects con-
tained in the boot are well secured
to prevent them from being thrown
forward,causing harm to the pas-
sangers.
WARNING
If you want to carry re-
serve fuel in a can, follow
legal regulations, only using a cer-
tified can, suitably fastened to the
load securing eyelets. Even in this
way the risk of fire is increased in
the case of an accident.
WARNING
Do this only with the car
stationary.
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

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
141
ADVICE
Road safety
You are advised to learn how to use the
various radio functions (e.g. storing stations)
before starting to drive.
Reception conditions
Reception conditions change constantly
when driving. Reception may be disturbed
by the presence of mountains, buildings or
bridges particularly when far away from the
station being listened to.
IMPORTANTWhen receiving traffic in-
formation, the volume may be higher than
normal.Care and maintenance
The radio structure ensures long operation
with no need for particular maintenance.
In the event of a fault, contact Authorised
Alfa Romeo Services.
To clean the front panel only use a soft,
antistatic cloth. Cleaning and polishing prod-
ucts might spoil the surface.
Compact Disc
Remember that dirt, marks or distortion on
Compact Discs can cause skipping and poor
sound quality. For top performance condi-
tions, we give the following advice:
– Only use Compact Discs which have the
following brand:
– Carefully clean all Compact Disc of fin-
gerprints and dust using a soft cloth. Sup-
port Compact Discs from the outer circum-
ference and clean from the centre outwards.
INTRODUCTION
The fixed radio, fitted with Compact Disc
player and parametric sound equaliser has
been designed in accordance with the spe-
cific features of the passenger compartment,
with a personalised design that blends with
the style of the dashboard.
The radio is installed in a user-friendly po-
sition for the driver and passenger and the
graphics on the front panel make location
of the controls quick, facilitating use.
The CD-Changer for 10 discs, if present,
is housed in the right-hand side of the boot.
To increase safety against theft, the set is fit-
ted with a protection system that allows the
use of it only on the car on which it was orig-
inally fitted.
Below you will find the instructions for use,
which you are advised to read through care-
fully. The instructions also contain the pro-
cedure for controlling the CD-Changer
through the radio. For the instructions for
use of the CD-Changer refer to the specific
manual.
RADIO WITH COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Too high a volume when
driving can put the driver’s
life at risk and that of other peo-
ple. Therefore the volume should
always be adjusted in such a way
that it is always possible to hear
the noises of the surrounding en-
vironment (e.g. horns, ambulance,
police sirens, etc.).
WARNING

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
181
DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE
Here are a few suggestions for driving in
these conditions:
– Drive very slowly.
– On a snowy road, fit winter tyres or
snow chains; see the related paragraphs in
this chapter.
– Use engine braking where possible and
avoid abrupt braking.
– Braking with a car without ABS, avoid
locking the wheels, modulating the pressure
on the brake pedal.
– Avoid abrupt acceleration and changes
of direction.
– During cold weather even apparently dry
roads may be covered with occasional patch-
es of ice. Pay great attention therefore when
driving on roads which are in the shade, or
where rocks or trees line the road and on
which ice may persist.
– Keep further back from the vehicle in
front.
DRIVING WITH ABS
The ABS is a part of the braking system
which essentially offers 2 advantages:
1) it prevents locking, thus skidding, of the
wheels during emergency braking and es-
pecially under conditions with poor grip;
2) it allows braking and steering at the
same time, to avoid any sudden obstacles
or to direct the car as required when brak-
ing, compatibly with the physical limits of
lateral grip of the tyre.
To make the most of the ABS:
– In emergency braking or when grip is
low, a slight pulsing can be felt on the brake
pedal: this means that the ABS has come in-
to action. Do not release the pedal, but con-
tinue pressing it to give continuity to the
braking action.
– The ABS prevents the wheels from lock-
ing but it does not increase the physical lim-
its of grip between the asphalt and the road.
Therefore, also with a car fitted with ABS,
keep within a safety distance from the ve-
hicle in front and limit speed when ap-
proaching bends.
The ABS serves to increase vehicle con-
trollability not to go faster.
REDUCING RUNNING
COSTS AND
ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save vehicle running costs and
reduce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
The conditions of the vehicle represent an
important factor which affects fuel con-
sumption as well as travelling tranquillity
and the life of the vehicle. For this reason,
it is wise to take care of its maintenance
have the checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Programme” (see... spark plugs, air
cleaner, timing).

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
184
PROTECTING EMISSION
REDUCING DEVICES
Correct operation of the anti-pollution de-
vices not only guarantees respect for the en-
vironment but also influences vehicle per-
formance. Keeping these devices in good
condition is therefore the first rule for both
environment-friendly and economy driving.
The first precaution is to closely follow the
“Programmed Maintenance Schedule”. Use
only unleaded petrol (95 RON) (Specifica-
tion EN228).
If difficulty with starting is experienced do
not insist with extended attempts. Especially
avoid bump, tow or coast starts: these may
all damage the catalyst. Only use an auxil-
iary battery to start the car in an emergency.If when driving the engine is not running
smoothly, continue, minimising the need for
engine performance and contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services as soon as possible.
When the fuel reserve warning light turns
on, fill up as soon as possible. A low fuel lev-
el may cause an irregular supply to the en-
gine with inevitable increase of the exhaust
gas temperature; this would result in serious
damage to the catalyst.
Never run the engine, even as a test, with
one or more spark plugs disconnected. Do
not warm the engine at idle speed before
moving off, unless the outside temperature
is very low and, in this case too, for no more
than 30 seconds.
Do not spray anything on
the catalyst, lamda sensor
and exhaust pipe.
WARNING
The failure to follow these
rules may cause a fire
hazard.
WARNING
Do not install other heat
guards and do not remove
the existing ones on the catalyst
and exhaust pipe.
WARNING
During normal service the
catalyst reaches high tem-
peratures. Do not therefore park
the car over inflammable materials
(grass, dry leaves, pine needles,
etc.): fire hazard.
WARNING