warning lights Alfa Romeo 147 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
83
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
>
INEFFICIENT ABS SYSTEM
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warning light on the dial lights up, but it should go off after
approx. 4 seconds.
The warning light turns on together with the message + symbol on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tion display, when the system is inefficient. In this case the braking system keeps its effectiveness
unchanged, but without the potential offered by the ABS system. Caution is advisable, particularly
in all cases of less than perfect grip. It is therefore necessary to contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices as soon as possible.
Inefficient EBD electronic braking distributor
x
>
+The car is fitted with electronic braking distributor (EBD). The turning
on at the same time of the xand>warning lights on the dial togeth-
er with the message + symbol on the reconfigurable multifunction display, with
the engine running indicates an EBD system failure; in this case heavy braking
may cause the rear wheels to lock before time, with the possibility of skidding.
Drive extremely carefully to the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to have
the system checked.
WARNING
The turning on only of the >warning light on the dial together with
the message + symbol on the reconfigurable multifunction display, with
the engine running normally indicates a failure of the ABS system only. In this
case the braking system maintains its effectiveness, without however the an-
tilock function. In these conditions, the effectiveness of the EBD may also be re-
duced, In this case too, you are recommended to contact the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service immediately, driving in such a way as to avoid sharp brak-
ing, to have the system checked.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
85
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
LIGHT FAILURE
The message + symbol are shown by the reconfigurable multifunction display when a fault to any
one of the following lights is detected:
- sidelights
- braking lights and corresponding fuse
- rear fog guards
- number plate lights.
The failure referring to these lights could be: one or more blown bulbs, a blown protection fuse or
a cut-off electric connection.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
87
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
R
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR (INTERMITTENT)
The warning light on the dial turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved down
wards or, together with the right indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
E
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR (INTERMITTENT)
The warning light on the dial turns on when the direction indicator control lever is moved upwards
or, together with the left indicator, when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
3
SIDELIGHTS AND DIPPED-BEAMS
The warning light on the dial turns on when the sidelights or dipped beams are turned on.
CONSTANT SPEED ADJUSTMENT (CRUISE CONTROL)
The warning light on the instrument panel turns on when the constant speed adjustment ring nut
(Cruise Control) is turned to the ON position.Ü

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
88
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
MAIN BEAMS
The warning light on the dial turns on when the main beams are turned on or when the “Follow
me home” device is turned on (see corresponding chapter).1
WARNING LIGHT FAILURE
This is shown on the reconfigurable multifunction display when a fault is detected to one of the
warning lights indicated.
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD
The symbol √+ message are shown by the reconfigurable multifunction display and the buzzer
sounds, when the outside temperature reaches or falls below 3°C to warn the driver of the possi-
ble presence of ice on the road.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
106
CONTROLS
TAILGATE OPENING (fig. 91)
Electric tailgate release is only allowed with
the ignition key in the ignition switch at
MARvehicle stationary, at STOPor
PARKfor 3 minutes without opening/clos-
ing a door. To release the tailgate, press but-
ton (A) on the centre console panel.
FOG LIGHTS (fig. 91)
These are turned on pressing button (B)
on the centre console panel, when the out-
er lights are already on, at the same time
the led on the button itself turns on.
Turning the ignition key to STOPthe fog
lights are turned off automatically and do
not come on the next time the engine is
started without pressing button (B).
Press button (B) again to switch off.
IMPORTANTThe front foglights should
be used in compliance with local traffic laws.
fig. 91
A0A0091m
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
(fig. 91)
These are switched on by pressing button
(C), on the centre console panel, regardless
of the position of the ignition key.
When the hazard warning lights are
switched on, the switch itself begins to flash
together with the direction indicators and
the direction indicator warning lights on the
instrument cluster. This function is switched
off by pressing the button again.
Use the hazard warning
lights in compliance with
local regulations.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
107
If no leaks are found the vehicle can be
restarted. Press button (A) to activate the
fuel supply system again.
fig. 92
A0A0318m
REAR FOG GUARDS (fig. 91)
These are turned on, with the dipped beam
headlights or fog lights on, pressing button
(D) on the centre console panel, at the
same time the warning light on the button
itself turns on.
Turning the ignition key to STOPthe fog
guards are automatically turned off and they
do not come on the next time the engine
is started unless button (D) is pressed. To
turn them off press button (D).
IMPORTANTAlways use the rear fog
guards in compliance with local regulations.
DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM
(fig. 91)
To lock the doors simultaneously, press but-
ton (E) on the centre console panel, re-
gardless of the position of the ignition key.
The deterrent led turns on as follows:
– with the ignition key at MARglowing
steadily with a yellow light.
– with the ignition key at STOPflash-
ing with a red light (deterrence condition).
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF
SWITCH
(fig. 92)
This is an automatic safety switch, to be
found on the floor next to the driver’s door
pillar, which is triggered in the event of a
crash of a certain magnitude to interrupt the
flow of fuel.
The cutting in of the inertial switch is shown
on the display of the instrument cluster.If a smell of fuel is noted
following an accident, or
the fuel system is leaking, to avoid
the risk of fire do not reset the
switch.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
108
HAND BRAKE (fig. 94)
The hand brake lever is located between
the two front seats.
To operate the brake when the vehicle is
stationary, pull lever (A) upwards, until the
required braking action is obtained.
When the ignition key is at MARthe
warning light on the instrument cluster
x
will come on.
fig. 94
A0A0490m
The display (B), in the tachometer shows
the positions during adjustment.
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartment
fig. 93
A0A0467m
HEADLIGHT AIMING DEVICE
(fig. 93)(excluding versions
with Xenon headlights)
The headlights should be aimed correctly
depending on the vehicle load.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– press the arrow on the button (
A), to
increase by one position (eg.: 0
➟1➟ 2
➟3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), to
lower by one position (eg.: 3
➟2➟1
➟0).
Adjust the beams every time
the load carried changes.
WARNING
The wheels should be
locked after a few clicks of
the hand brake. If this does not oc-
cur contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
services to have the hand brake
adjusted.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
132fig. 135
A0A0199m
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartmentCOMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 134)(excluding versions
with Xenon headlights)
When the vehicle is loaded, the beam from
the headlights is raised due to the back-
wards tilt of the vehicle.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– press the arrow on the button (
A), this
will increase by one position (eg.: 0
➟1
➟ 2➟3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), this
will lower by one position (eg.: 3
➟2➟
1➟0);
The display (B), in the tachometer shows
the positions while adjustment is being
made.
fig. 134
A0A0467m
HEADLIGHTS
The adjustment of the headlights is vital to
your safety and comfort and to that of oth-
er road users.
The adjustment of the headlights is also
governed by precise regulations.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the headlights correctly adjusted.
IMPORTANTOn the inside surface of
the headlight there could appear a slight
coat of fogging; this does not show a defect,
since it is a natural occurrence due to low
temperature and to the degree of humidity
in the air; it will soon disappear as soon as
the lights are turned on. The presence of
drops inside the headlight shows water seep-
age, refer to the Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 135)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the ve-
hicle is marketed. In countries with opposite
circulation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehi-
cles it is necessary to cover the areas of the
headlight as shown below; this is done us-
ing non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustration refers to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
GAS DISCHARGE
HEADLIGHTS
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The gas (xenon) discharge headlights op-
erate with a voltaic arc, in an ambient sat-
urated with pressure xenon, instead of the
glow filament.
The resulting illumination is sensibly high-
er to that of conventional lamps, both for
light quality (clearer light) and for the width
and positioning of the illuminated area.
The advantages of better illumination can
be perceived (due to less eyesight fatigue
and greater orientation capacity for the dri-
ver, which in turn means higher driving safe-
ty) especially in case of bad weather, fog
and/or insufficient road signs, thanks to the
better illumination of the side parts of the
visual field, normally obscured.
The large increase of the side part illumi-
nation increases driving safety since it allows
the driver to better see the other users on
the edge of the road (pedestrians, cyclists
and bikers).The triggering of the voltaic arc requires a
very high voltage, while subsequent power
supply can take place at a low voltage.
The headlights achieve their top luminosi-
ty approx. 15 seconds after they are switched
on.
The intense light produced by this type of
headlights requires the use of an automat-
ic system to keep headlight trim constant
and avoid dazzling the vehicles coming from
the opposite direction in case of braking, ac-
celeration or when carrying loads.
The electric mechanical system for auto-
matically keeping the trim constant, makes
unnecessary the device for compensating
the headlight dip and the visual indication
of the position on the display.
Xenon lights have a very long life, there-
fore breakdowns are unlikely.
If necessary, have the sys-
tem checked and repaired
only by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
Always take due car when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
Following these instruction you will be in
the best braking condition under all circum-
stances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors.IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn
on when starting the engine and go off af-
ter starting. This should not be considered
as a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the pressure,
but keep the pedal firmly pressed
with no fear; this way you will
stop in the least space possible,
compatibly with the conditions of
the road surface.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andxwarn-
ing lights turn on simultaneously
with the engine running, this indi-
cates an EBD system failure; in this
case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with
the possibility of skidding. Driving
extremely carefully, go to the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
to have the system checked.
WARNING
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally indicates a
fault to the ABS system only. In this
case the braking system is still ef-
ficient, though without the aid of
the anti-lock device. Under these
conditions performance of the EBD
system may be reduced. In this case
too, you areadvised to go immedi-
ately to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service to have the sys-
tem checked over, driving in such
a way as to avoid sharp braking.
WARNING
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immediately and
contact the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service. Any loss of
fluid from the hydraulic system
will negatively affect the opera-
tion of the braking system be it of
the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
WARNING