engine Alfa Romeo 147 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

1
Dear Client,
Thank you for choosing Alfa Romeo.
Your
Alfa 147 GTAhas been designed to guarantee the safety, comfort and driving pleasure typical of Alfa Romeo.
This booklet will help you to get to know the characteristics and operation of your vehicle.
The following pages contain all the indications necessary for you to be able to maintain the high standards of performance, quality, safety and
respect for the environment which characterise this
Alfa 147 GTA.
The Warranty Booklet also contains the regulations, the warranty certificate and a guide to the services offered by Alfa Romeo.
Services which are essential and precious because, when you purchase an Alfa Romeo you are not only acquiring a car, but the tranquillity that
comes from knowing that an efficient, willing and widespread organisation is at your service for any assistance problems you may have.
What’s more, every single component of the
Alfa 147 GTAis fully recyclable. At the end of your car’s useful lifespan, any Alfa Romeo
dealer would be pleased to make arrangements for your car to be recycled.
Nature benefits in two ways: there’s no pollution from waste disposal and the demand for raw materials is reduced.
Have a good trip.
This booklet describes all the versions of the Alfa 147 GTA, so you should only consider the information con-
cerning the trim level, engine and version purchased by you.

2
VERY IMPORTANT!
STARTING THE ENGINE
Engines with mechanical transmission:make sure the handbrake is pulled; put the gear lever into neutral; press the
clutch pedal down to the floor without touching the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AV Vand release it as soon as
the engine starts.
Engines with Selespeed transmission:keep the brake pedal fully depressed; turn the ignition key to AV Vand re-
lease it as soon as the engine has started; the transmission sets to neutral automatically (the display shows position N).
FUEL CAPACITY
Ronly use unleaded petrol with no less than 95 R.O.N.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
While working, the catalyst develops a very high temperature. Do not park the car over grass, dry leaves, pine needles or
any other inflammable materials: risk of fire.
K

RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that allows continuous diagnosis of the components correlated with emissions to ensure bet-
ter respect for the environment.
U

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
6
THE ALFA ROMEO
CODE SYSTEM
To increase protection against attempted
theft, the car is fitted with an electronic en-
gine lock system (Alfa Romeo CODE) which
is activated automatically when the key is
removed from the ignition. In fact the grip
of each key contains an electronic device
which modulates the radio frequency signal
transmitted when the engine is started by a
special aerial incorporated in the ignition
switch. This modulated signal is the “pass-
word” by which the control unit recognises
the key and only in this condition can the
engine be started.
KEYS
Two keys are delivered together with the
car, (A-fig. 2) with metal insert and re-
mote control function.
The key remote control operates:
– Centralised door unlocking/locking
– Tailgate opening
– Electronic alarm on/off (if existing)
– Window and sunroof (if existing) un-
locking/locking.
G G
E E
T T
T T
I I
N N
G G
T T
O O
K K
N N
O O
W W
Y Y
O O
U U
R R
C C
A A
R R
fig. 2
A0A0002m
fig. 1
A0A0411m
SYMBOLS
On some of the components making up
your
Alfa 147 GTA, or near to them,
special coloured labels have been attached.
These labels bear symbols that remind you
of the precautions to be taken as regards that
particular component.
A summary list of the symbols (fig. 1) is
to be found under the bonnet.

The codes of any keys not
presented during the mem-
orising procedure are
erased. The reason for this is to en-
sure that any lost or stolen keys
cannot be used to start the engine.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
9
Closing the tailgate again, the control func-
tions are restored, the system (with the ex-
ception of versions for certain markets)
“beeps” twice.
OPERATION
Each time the ignition key is turned to the
STOPposition, the Alfa Romeo CODE sys-
tem deactivates the functions of the engine
electronic control unit.
Each time the car is started turning the ig-
nition key to MAR, the Alfa Romeo CODE
control unit sends a recognition code to the
engine control unit to deactivate the in-
hibitor. The code is crypted and variable be-
tween over four billion possible combina-
tions, and it is sent only if the system con-
trol system has recognised the code trans-
mitted from the key which contains an elec-
tronic transmitter, through an aerial wound
around the ignition switch.IMPORTANTTurning on of the Alfa
Romeo CODE warning light (
Y) when trav-
elling with the ignition key at MAR:
1) If the warning light turns on, this means
that the system is running a self-test (for ex-
ample for a voltage drop). At the first stop,
it will be possible to test the system: switch
off the engine turning the ignition key to
STOP; then turn the ignition key to MAR
again: the warning light turns on and should
go off in about one second. If the warning
light stays on repeat the procedure described
previously leaving the key at STOPfor over
30 seconds. Should the inconvenience per-
sist, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services. If the code has not been recognised cor-
rectly, the Alfa Romeo CODE warning light
(
Y) on the cluster turns on.
In this case, the key should be moved to
theSTOPposition and then back to MAR;
if the lock continues, possibly try again with
the other key provided with the car. If it is
still not possible to start the car, follow the
instructions given in the “In an emergency”
chapter and then contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services.
IMPORTANTEvery key has its own
code, which must be memorised by the sys-
tem control unit. To memorise new keys, up
to a maximum of eight, apply solely to Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Services taking with
you all the keys in your possession,the CODE
card, a personal identity document and the
car’s ownership documents.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
10
2) Should the warning light not be on at
the same time as the display of “IMMOBI-
LIZ. NOT PROGRAMMED” on the re-config-
urable multifunction display, this means that
the car is not protected by the engine block
device. Contact immediately the Alfa Romeo
Authorized Service to have all the keys
stored.
Should the warning light
turn on at the same time as
the display of the message
“IMMOBILIZ. NOT PROGRAMMED”
on the re-configurable multifunc-
tion display, 2 seconds after the ig-
nition key has been set to the po-
sition MAR, this means that the
key codes have not been stored,
and hence the car is not protected
against possible theft by the Alfa
Romeo CODE system. In this case
contact the Alfa Romeo Authorized
Service for storing the key codes. KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
If when pressing button (B,CorD-
fig. 4) the control is rejected or is not per-
formed, the battery should be replaced by
a new one of the same type to be found c/o
normal retailers.Battery replacement:
– press button (A-fig. 5) and move the
metal insert (B) to the open position;
– using a finely-tipped screwdriver, turn
the opening device (C) and pull out the bat-
tery holder (D);
– replace the battery (E) making sure that
the bias is correct;
– re-insert the battery holder in the key
and lock it, turning the device (C).
Used batteries are harm-
ful to the environment.
They should be disposed of
as specified by law in the special
containers provided. Avoid expo-
sure to naked flames and high tem-
peratures. Keep out of reach of
children.
fig. 5
A0A0006m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
11
ELECTRONIC ALARM
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
DESCRIPTION
The system comprises: a transmitter, re-
ceiver, control unit with siren and volumet-
ric sensors. The electronic alarm is controlled
by the receiver incorporated in the instru-
ment cluster and it is turned on and off by
the remote control in the key which sends
the crypted and variable code. The electronic
alarm controls: the unlawful opening of
doors, bonnet and boot (perimetral protec-
tion), operation of the ignition key, battery
cable cutting, the presence of moving bod-
ies in the passenger compartment (volu-
metric protection) any abnormal raising/
sloping of the car (for versions/markets
where applicable) and central door locking.
It also makes it possible to cut off the vol-
umetric protection.
IMPORTANTThe engine inhibitor func-
tion is guaranteed by the Alfa Romeo CODE
system which is activated automatically
when the ignition key is removed.
REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL
KEYS WITH REMOTE CONTROL
The receiver can recognise up to 5 keys
with incorporated remote control. Should a
new key with remote control be necessary
for any reason during the life of the car, con-
tact directly Alfa Romeo Authorised Services,
taking with you the CODE card, a personal
identity document and the car’s ownership
documents.
HOW TO ACTIVATE THE ALARM
With the doors, bonnet and boot shut and
the ignition key in the STOPorPARKpo-
sition (key removed), point the key with re-
mote control in the direction of the car, then
press and release the button (C-fig. 6).
With the exception of certain markets, the
system sounds a “beep” and the doors are
locked.
Engagement of the alarm is preceded by
a self-diagnostic test indicated by a different
flashing frequency of the deterrent led (A-
fig. 7) on the dashboard. If a fault is de-
tected the system sounds a further warn-
ing “beep”.
fig. 6
A0A0010m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
13
– if the led continues flashing, but at dif-
ferent intervals than normal, this means that
different attempts to break in have occurred.
Through the number of flashes it is possi-
ble to identify the type of attempt:
1 flash:one or more doors
2 flashes:tailgate
3 flashes:bonnet
4 flashes:ultrasounds
5 flashes:abnormal vehicle lift-
ing/sloping (for ver-
sions/markets where ap-
plicable)
6 flashes:tampering with car starting
cables
7 flashes:tampering with battery ca-
bles or cutting emergency
key cables
8 flashes:connection line to sensors
and siren
9 flashes:at least three causes of
alarm.WHEN THE ALARM
IS TRIGGERED
When the system is on, the alarm comes
into action in the following cases:
– opening of one of the doors, bonnet or
tailgate;
– disconnection of the battery or section-
ing of electric cables;
– intrusion in the passenger compartment,
for example breakage of windows (volu-
metric protection);
– attempt to start the engine (key in
MARposition);
– abnormal car lifting/sloping (for ver-
sions/markets where applicable).
Depending on the markets, the cutting in
of the alarm causes operation of the siren
and hazard warning lights (for about 26 sec-
onds). The ways of operating and the num-
ber of cycles may vary depending on the
markets.
A maximum number of cycles is however
envisaged.
Once the alarm cycle has ended, the sys-
tem resumes its normal control function.
VOLUMETRIC PROTECTION
To make sure that the protection system
works correctly the side windows and sun-
roof (if fitted) must be properly shut.
The function can be cut off (if, for exam-
ple, leaving animals in the car) carrying out
the following operations in rapid succession:
starting from the condition with the igni-
tion key at MAR, move the key to STOP,
then immediately back to MARand then
toSTOPagain, then remove the ignition
key.
The deterrent led (A-fig. 7) on the dash-
board lights up for about 2 seconds to con-
firm that the function has been cut off.
To restore volumetric protection, move and
keep the ignition key at MARfor over 30
seconds.
If, with the volumetric protection function
deactivated, an electric control controlled by
the ignition key at MARis required (e.g.
power windows) turn the key to MAR, op-
erate the control and move the key to
STOPin a maximum time of 30 seconds.
This way volumetric protection is not re-
stored.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
14
HOW TO CUT OFF
THE ALARM SYSTEM
To deactivate the alarm system complete-
ly (for instance during prolonged inactivity
of the vehicle) simply lock the car turning
the key in the lock.
MINISTERIAL CERTIFICATION
In accordance with the law in force in each
country, on the subject of radio frequency,
we wish to point out that for the markets in
which the transmitter needs to be marked,
the certification number is given on the com-
ponent.
Depending on the versions/markets, the
code may also be given on the transmitter
and/or on the receiver.
IGNITION DEVICE
SWITCH(fig. 8)
The key can be turned to one of four po-
sitions:
–STOP: engine switched off, key can be
removed, engine inhibitor engaged, steer-
ing lock engaged, services excluded apart
from those supplied directly (e.g. hazard
warning lights).
–MAR: drive position. The engine lock
is deactivated and all electrical devices are
powered.
IMPORTANTDo not leave the key in
this position when the engine is stopped.
–AV V: instable position for starting the
engine.IMPORTANTIf the engine fails to start
move the key back to STOPand repeat.
The ignition switch has a safety device
which prevents passage to AV Vwhen the
engine is running.
–PARK: engine switched off, key can
be removed, engine lock engaged, steer-
ing lock engaged, sidelights switched on au-
tomatically.
IMPORTANTTo turn the key to the
PARKposition, button (A) on the switch
must be pressed first.
fig. 8
A0A0016m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
38
The key-operated switch (fig. 51) has
two positions:
1) Passenger’s front Air bag activated:
(ONposition
P) warning light on instru-
ment cluster off; it is absolutely prohibited
to carry a child on the front seat.
2) Passenger’s front Air bag deactivated:
(OFFposition
F) warning light on in-
strument cluster on; it is possible to carry a
child protected by special restraint systems
on the front seat.
The warning light
Fon the cluster stays
on permanently until the passenger’s Air bag
is reactivated.
Deactivation of the passenger’s front Air
bag does not inhibit operation of the side Air
bag.
When the door is open, the key can be
inserted and removed in both positions.
SIDE AIR BAGS
(SIDE BAG - WINDOW BAG)
The side bag and window bag have the
task of increasing protection of the occu-
pants in the event of a side crash of medi-
um-high severity.
They are formed of an instantaneously-in-
flating cushion:
– the side bag is housed in the back rest
of the front seats; with this solution it is al-
ways possible to have the cushion in the op-
timum position in relation to the passenger,
regardless of the adjustment of the seat;
– the window bags, which are “curtain“
cushions, are housed in the side roof lining
covered by a special trim, which makes it
possible to extend the cushion downwards.
This solution, designed to protect the head,
makes it possible to offer the highest degree
of protection to the front and rear occupants
in the event of side crash, thanks to the wide
cushion inflation surface.
In the event of a side crash, an electronic
control unit processes the signals leading
from a deceleration sensor and activates,
when necessary, inflation of the bags.The bags inflate instantaneously, setting
themselves between the body of the front
passengers and the car door. The bags de-
flate immediately afterwards.
In the event of minor side crashes (for
which the restraining action of the seat belts
is sufficient), the air bags are not deployed.
Also in this case it is of vital importance to
wear the seat belts since in case of side
crash they guarantee proper positioning of
the occupant and prevent the occupant to
be pitched out of the car in case of violent
crashes.
Therefore the side air bags do not replace
but are complementary to the use of belts,
which you are recommended to always
wear, as specified by law in Europe and most
non-European countries.
Operation of the side air bags and window
bags is not disabled by the front air bag de-
activation switch, as described in the previ-
ous paragraphs.
Use the switch only with
the engine off and the ig-
nition key removed.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
44
“Follow me home” device
(fig. 58)
This function allows the illumination of the
space in front of the car for the length of
time set, and is activated with the ignition
key at STOPor removed, pulling the left-
hand stalk towards the steering wheel.
This function is activated pulling the lever
within 2 minutes from when the engine is
turned off. At each single movement of the
lever, the staying on of the dipped beams
and sidelights is extended by 30 seconds up
to a maximum of 3.5 minutes; the lights
switch off automatically after the time set.
Each time the lever is operated, the
1
warning light on the cluster turns on.
This function can be interrupted by keep-
ing the lever pulled towards the steering
wheel for more than 2 seconds.
RIGHT-HAND LEVER
The right-hand lever is used to operate the
windscreen wiper-washer and rearscreen
wiper-washer. The windscreen washer con-
trol also activates the headlamp washers,
if fitted.
fig. 59
A0A0070m
Windscreen wiper - washer
(fig. 59-60)
The lever can be moved to five different
positions, corresponding to:
A- Windscreen wiper off.
B- Intermittent.
With the lever in position (B), turning the
ring (F) four possible intermittent speeds
are obtained:
■= intermittent slow.
■■= intermittent medium.
■■■= intermittent medium-fast.
■■■■= fast intermittent.
C- Continuous, slow.
D- Continuous, fast.
E- Fast, temporary (unstable position).
Operation in position (E) is limited to the
time the lever is held in this position. When
the lever is released, it returns to position
(A) automatically stopping the wiper.
IMPORTANTWhen the wiper is on, en-
gaging reverse gear automatically turns on
the rearscreen wiper.