maintenance Alfa Romeo 8C 2007 Owner handbook (in English)

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WARNING: Incorrect installation or modifications
to the audio and alarm systems may interfere
with the proper operation of the Electronic
Control Units.
WARNING: Changes or repairs to the electrical
system carried out in an incorrect manner
or without taking into account the technical
specifications of the system may cause operating
malfunctions with the risk of fire.
WARNING: If you need to wash the engine
compartment, do not direct the jet of water for
too long directly on the engine compartment
ECU.
SPARK PLUGSIt is essential that the spark plugs are sound and
clean to help ensure engine performance and to
keep polluting emissions to a minimum level.WARNING: The spark plugs must be changed
at the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Schedule. Only use the recommended spark
plugs: faults may arise if the heat rating is
unsuitable, or if the specified duration is not
guaranteed.
WHEELS AND
TYRESTo obtain the best performances and
the longest tyre life, comply with the
following precautions during the first
500 Km:
- do not drive at maximum
permitted speed
- drive on curves at low speed
- avoid sudden steering
- avoid sudden braking
- avoid sudden accelerations
- do not drive long at high speeds
for too long.

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MAINTENANCE
HOW TO USE THE TYRESWARNING: The tyres must be constantly kept in
good conditions to ensure safe driving.Tyre inflation pressure must correspond to the
prescribed values and should be checked only
when the tyres are cold: the pressure increases
as the tyre temperature progressively increases.
Never reduce the pressure if tyres are warm.
Insufficient tyre inflating pressure can cause tyre
overheating and possible internal damages,
which may even lead to the tyre destruction.
CAUTION
Check the tyre inflating
pressure at least every two weeks and
before long trips.
Impacts with kerbs, holes, and obstacles in the
road, as well as prolonged trips on rough roads
can cause tyre damage which may not be visible
to the naked eye.
Check your tyres regularly for any signs of
damage (e.g. scratches, cuts, cracks, bulges,
etc.).
If sharp objects penetrate the tyres, they can
cause damage which is only visible when the tyre
is removed.
In any case, any possible damage must be
inspected by an experienced tyre fitter, as it may
seriously reduce the tyre life.
Remember that tyres deteriorate with time, even
if used little or not at all.
Cracks in the tyre tread and sides, alongside
possible bulging, are a sign of deterioration.
CAUTION
Have the old tyres inspected
by an experienced tyre fitter, to make
sure they can still be used safely. If the
same tyre has been on your vehicle for
4 or 5 years, have it inspected anyway
by an experienced tyre fitter.
CAUTION
Never fit tyres of uncertain
origin.
CAUTION
“Directional” tyres have an
arrow on their side showing the
rolling direction. To maintain optimal
performance when replacing a tyre,
make sure that the rolling direction
corresponds to the one marked by the
arrow.

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B
A
C
MAINTENANCE
SPRAY NOZZLES
If the jet does not work, first check that there
is fluid in the pan (see “Level checks” in this
section) then check that the nozzles are not
clogged.REPLACING THE WIPER
BLADES
1) Release the blade
A by lifting the catch
B.
2) Slide the blade
A to the right to remove it
from the arm. C.
3) Fit the new blade working in reverse order.
WARNING: When replacing the blade, be careful
not to damage the bodywork or the blade itself.
AIR
CONDITIONING/
HEATING SYSTEMDuring the winter, the air conditioning system
should be operated at least once a month for
about 10 minutes.
Before the summer season, have the system
efficiency checked at an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network. WARNING: The system uses R134a type
coolant that, in the event of accidental leakage,
is not harmful for the environment. Under no
circumstances should you use R12 fluid that, in
addition to being incompatible with the system
components, contains chloro-fluoro-carbons
(CFCs).

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MAINTENANCE
Normal paint maintenance consists in washing,
the frequency of which depends on the
conditions of use and of the environment.
For example, in areas where there is high
atmospheric pollution or if the roads are spread
with anti-freeze salt, it is advisable to wash the
vehicle more frequently. WARNING: Detergents pollute water. Therefore
the vehicle should be washed in areas equipped
for the collection and purification of the fluids
used for washing.For correct washing:
- Wet the bodywork with a low-pressure
water jet.
- Run a sponge soaked in a neutral detergent
solution over the bodywork, remembering
to rinse the sponge frequently.
- Thoroughly rinse with water and dry with a
jet of air or suede.
When drying, take particular care with the parts
that are less visible, such as the door bays, front
lid, headlight edges, in which water can be
trapped more easily. You are recommended not to take the vehicle
immediately into an enclosed environment, but
leave it in the open air so as to allow the water
to evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has been left in
the sun or when the hood is hot: the paint gloss
could be affected.
External plastic parts must be cleaned with the
same procedure followed for the normal washing
of the vehicle.
Avoid, as far as possible, parking the vehicle
under trees; the resinous substances that very
often drop from the trees give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility of
originating corrosive processes.
WARNING: Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly, since their acidity is
particularly corrosive.
WARNING: To provide better protection for the
paint, polish the vehicle at regular intervals with
a suitable product leaving a protective film on
the paint.
Windows
To clean the windows use special detergents.
Only use clean cloths so as not to scratch the
windows or rendering them less transparent. WARNING: In order not to damage the electric
elements fitted inside the heated rear window,
rub gently following the direction of the
elements. ENGINE COMPARTMENT
At the end of each winter season, carefully wash
the engine compartment, remembering to not
direct the jet of water for too long on the ECUs
and on the relay and fuse boxes on the right-
hand side of the engine compartment (driving
direction). To perform this operation, you must
contact a specialised workshop. WARNING: Wash only when the engine is cold
and with the ignition key turned to STOP. After
washing, make sure that the various protections
(e.g. rubber boots/caps, guards etc.) have not
been removed or damaged.

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INTERIORSCheck at regular intervals that there is no water
trapped under the mats (due to drips off shoes,
umbrellas etc.) which may cause the metal parts
to oxidise.
CLEANING THE LEATHER
UPHOLSTERY
- Remove the dried dirt with a slightly damp
deerskin or a cloth, without rubbing too
hard.
- Remove any liquid or grease stains with a
dry absorbent cloth, without rubbing.
- Then run a soft cloth or deerskin damped
with water and neutral detergent.
- If the stain persists, use specifi c products
carefully following the instructions for use. WARNING: Never use alcohol, alcohol-based
products or solvents.
It is in any case advisable to use the Car Care
Kit (specifically for cleaning leather) included in
the Alfa Romeo accessory line. The kit cannot be
used on suede.
LEATHER UPHOLSTERY
TREATMENT
Have the leather upholstery treated according
to the Maintenance Schedule and only
at an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network, where the specific
products required for the treatment are available.CARBON PARTS
Have small scratches and marks on the carbon
structure removed by an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network.
Improper operations may irreparably damage the
carbon parts.
CAUTION
Do not use aggressive organic
substances, such as: petrol, kerosene,
petroleum, acetone or solvents.

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MAINTENANCE
the Authorised Service Centres of the
Manufacturer’s Network). Do not use
thick plastic sheets, which do not allow
the humidity on the vehicle surface to
evaporate.
- Infl ate the tyres up to a pressure which
must be 0.5 bar higher than the normally
prescribed one, and check it at regular
intervals.
CAUTION
The tyre pressure must be
brought back to the prescribed value
before reusing the vehicle.
- Do not drain the engine cooling system. BATTERY CONDITIONER
SOCKET
Located under the left-hand seat, it can be
accessed by moving the seat forward and folding
down the backrest.
IF THE VEHICLE
IS LAID UP FOR
LONG PERIODS- If the vehicle is not used for several months,
take the following precautions:
- Wash and dry the vehicle thoroughly.
- Store the vehicle in a covered, dry and, if
possible, ventilated area.
- Engage a gear.
- Disconnect the battery (see page 168).
- Check the battery charge condition. This
check should be carried out monthly while
the vehicle is idle. Recharge the battery if
the load-free voltage is below 12.5 V.
- Check that the electric parking brake is not
applied.
- Clean and protect the painted parts applying
protective waxes.
- Clean and protect polished metal parts with
specifi c products available on the market.
- Talc the windscreen wiper blades and raise
them from the windscreen.
- Cover the vehicle with a fabric sheet
to allow transpiration (available at all

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MAINTENANCE
Always first disconnect the power cable from
the mains and then disconnect the battery
conditioner from the vehicle socket. WARNING: The vehicle cannot be started as
long as the battery conditioner is connected to
the vehicle socket (even when it is disconnected
from the mains).When the warning light (1) is on permanently: it
means that there is an electric system fault in the
vehicle or the battery.
When the warning light (2) is on permanently:
it means that the battery conditioner is in the
“Active” phase. During this phase the battery
is recharged to the optimal charge level, from a
lower one.
When the warning light (3) is on permanently:
it means that the battery is fully charged and the
battery conditioner is in the “Passive” phase.
During this phase, the device maintains the
battery at an optimal charge level.
When the warning lights (2 and 3) are on and
flash alternately:
- if the warning lights fl ash a few times a
second, it means that the battery may be
sulphated. - if the warning lights fl ash alternately for
more than 60 minutes, it means that the
battery must be replaced.
- if the warning lights fl ash at intervals of a
few minutes, it means that the battery self-
discharge percentage is high and it might
have to be replaced.
When no warning light is on, the following may
have occurred:
- the battery conditioner cables may be
disconnected;
- the battery may not be properly connected
to the vehicle system;
- the battery may be defective;- the battery voltage may be low or there
may be a lack of power on the mains
socket.
1- error warning light
2- active phase warning light: signalling
3- maintenance warning light: maintenance
After checking the connection of the battery
conditioner (both to the mains and the vehicle
socket) and that the mains are powered, if
the (2 or 3) “Active” and “Passive” phase
warning lights do not illuminate a few seconds
after connecting the battery conditioner,
contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the electric
system of the vehicle checked.
1
2
3

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Precautions and warnings
- Make sure that the cables are not crushed
or come into contact with hot surfaces or
sharp edges.
- Do not cover the battery conditioner.
- Make sure that the mains connector is not
exposed to water.
- Never recharge a frozen battery.
- Never recharge a damaged battery.
- The connection to the mains must be
in compliance with domestic legislation
regarding high voltage.
- Always check the cables of the battery
conditioner before use: check that the
cables and external sheath are not cracked.
- Never use the battery conditioner if its
cables are damaged.
- Store and use the battery conditioner away
from children; do not allow children to play
with the device.Overheating protection
The battery conditioner is protected against
overheating.
If the ambient temperature rises, the output
power is reduced.
Maintenance
The battery conditioner does not require
maintenance.
The battery conditioner may not be
disassembled.
The casing of the device can be cleaned with a
soft and moist cloth or with neutral detergent.
Always disconnect the battery conditioner before
cleaning it.RESTARTING THE
VEHICLE
Before restarting the vehicle after a long period
of inactivity, we recommend that you perform
the following operations:
CAUTION
Check the tyres for pressure
and for any damages, cuts or cracks. If
this is the case, have them replaced.
- Do not dry-dust the exterior of the vehicle.
- Visually inspect if there are any fl uid leaks
(oil, brake and clutch fl uid, engine coolant
etc.).
- Have the engine oil and fi lter replaced.
- Check the fl uid levels in the braking system,
as well as the engine coolant level.
- Check the air fi lter and replace it if
necessary.
- Check the conditions of the engine belts.

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MAINTENANCE
RE-CONNECTING THE
BATTERY
- open the right-hand door
- remove the luggage shelf behind the seats
- remove the battery case cover
- connect the battery
- unlock and lock the doors using the remote
control or the key in the door lock
- turn on the instrument panel and adjust the
date and time setting in the Setup menu.WARNING: Each time the battery is reconnected,
wait at least 30 seconds with the ignition key
in position MAR before starting the engine.
This enables the electronic system that controls
the motor-driven valves to run a self-learning
procedure. At the same time, you can also set
the date and time on the instrument panel.
- Reconnect the battery after having checked
its charge condition and perform the
initialisation procedures where required.
In this regard, consult the chapter
“Reconnecting the battery” in this section.
- With the gearshift in neutral (N), let the
engine idle for several minutes
CAUTION
This operation must be
performed outdoors. Exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide which is
strongly toxic and potentially lethal.
RADIO-
FREQUENCY
REMOTE
CONTROL:
MINISTERIAL
HOMOLOGATION Some countries do not require a specific domestic
homologation in the event that the vehicle has
already obtained other European homologations.

9VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
USING THE VEHICLE
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS