warning Alfa Romeo 8C 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

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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
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.

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IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU READ THIS MANUAL! .. 3
Consulting the Manual ...................................... 4
Abbreviations ................................................... 4
Updating ......................................................... 4
Service ........................................................... 5
“Q-Select” ..................................................... 5
Audio and IT systems ........................................ 5
Towing the vehicle ............................................ 5
Symbols ..............................................................6
Danger symbols .............................................. 6
Symbols of prohibitions ..................................... 6
Warning symbols .............................................. 7
Symbols indicating mandatory measures .............. 7
Vehicle identifi cation data ......................... 11
Identi cation plates and labels ..........................12
Chassis marking ............................................. 12
Engine marking .............................................. 12
Paint identifi cation label .................................. 12
Vehicle identifi cation plate ............................... 13
Electronic key ....................................................14
Code Card ..................................................... 14
Alfa Romeo Code System ...................................14
Operation ...................................................... 14Active and passive safety ......................... 17
Seat belts .........................................................18
Fastening the seat belts .................................. 18
Load limiting devices ...................................... 18
Pretensioners ................................................. 19
General warnings regarding the use
of the seat belts .......................................... 20
Safe transport of children ................................ 22
Groups 0 and 0+ ........................................... 23
Group 1 ........................................................ 24
Group 2 ........................................................ 24
Group 3 ........................................................ 25
Front airbags .....................................................26
“Smart bag” system (multistage front airbags) .. 28
Driver’s front airbag ........................................ 29
Passenger’s front airbag .................................. 29
Passenger’s airbag manual deactivation switch ... 30
General warnings .......................................... 31
VDC system .......................................................33
Activation ...................................................... 33
Failure signals ................................................ 33
ASR system (electronic anti-skid device) ..............34
Activation ...................................................... 35
Fault indicators .............................................. 35
MSR function
(engine braking torque adjustment) ............... 35
ABS and EBD systems .........................................36Fuel cut-out inertia switch ...................................38
Resetting the switch ....................................... 38
Instruments and controls .......................... 41
Dashboard .........................................................42
Instrument panel ...............................................45
Recon gurable multifunction display .................46
Information shown on the standard page .......... 46
Control buttons .............................................. 47
Menu .......................................................... 47
TRIP ............................................................. 47
+/- .............................................................. 47
Setup menu .................................................. 48
Trip computer ................................................. 57
TRIP button ................................................... 58
Warning lights and messages .............................60
General warnings ........................................... 60
Indicators and warning lights ............................ 61
Warning lights on the display .......................... 63
Instruments and gauges .....................................66
Tachometer/speedometer ............................... 66
Rev. Counter .................................................. 66
Fuel gauge .................................................... 67
Coolant thermometer ...................................... 67
Engine oil thermometer ................................... 68
Controls ............................................................68
Controls to the left of the steering wheel ........... 69
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Central dashboard controls ............................... 69
Centre console controls .................................... 70
Roof panel buttons ........................................ 71
Internal equipment ...........................................72
Front dome light ............................................ 72
Rear dome light ............................................. 72
Sun visors ..................................................... 72
Ashtray and cigarette lighter ............................. 73
Glove compartment ........................................ 73
Pocket-change compartments ........................... 74
Before you drive ...................................... 77
Doors ................................................................78
Opening the doors from the outside .................. 78
Opening the doors from the inside .................... 78
Open door warning lights ................................ 79
Door lock ECU initialisation ............................. 79
Door courtesy light ......................................... 79
Power windows .................................................80Engine compartment lid
......................................81
Rear window .....................................................82
Emergency opening ........................................ 83
Fuel tank door ..................................................83
Fuel tank door emergency opening ................... 84
Keys ..................................................................84
The Alfa Romeo CODE system ......................... 84
Operation ...................................................... 84Duplicating keys ............................................. 85
Emergency starting ......................................... 85
Ignition switch ...................................................87
Start button ................................................... 87
Electronic alarm system ......................................88
Activation ...................................................... 88
Deactivation .................................................. 89
Getting into the vehicle when the alarm
system is on ............................................... 89
Deactivating the motion sensing alarm .............. 90
Deactivating the anti-lift alarm ......................... 90
Alarm memory ............................................... 90
Ministerial homologation ................................. 90
Ordering extra radio operated controls ............... 91
Replacing radio operated control batteries ......... 91
Front seats ........................................................92
Back/forward adjustment ............................... 92
Seatback inclination ........................................ 92
Seat height adjustment .................................. 93
Rear-view mirrors ..............................................93
External rear-view mirrors ................................ 93
Internal rear-view mirror .................................. 94
Steering wheel ...................................................94
External lights and direction indicators ................95
Headlight switch ............................................ 95
Parking lights ................................................. 95
Automatic activation/deactivation ..................... 96Twilight sensor ............................................... 97
Direction indicators ......................................... 97
High beams .................................................. 98
Flashing the headlights ................................... 98
“Follow me home” function ............................. 98
Windscreen washer/wipers and headlight
washer ...........................................................99
Windscreen wiper .......................................... 99
Windscreen washer ........................................ 99
Headlight washers ........................................ 100
Rain sensor ................................................ 100
Sensor failure ............................................. 101
Air conditioning and heating system .................102
Operating modes .......................................... 103
Adjustable vents ........................................... 107
Fixed air distribution vents ............................. 107
Car stereo system ............................................108
Bose HI-FI system (optional) ............................109
iPod connection socket (optional) ................... 110
Navigator (optional) ..................................... 110
Using the vehicle .................................... 113
Starting the engine ..........................................114
Starting-off when the engine is cold ................ 115
Emergency starting with auxiliary battery ......... 115
Turning off the engine ................................... 116
Q-Select gearbox .............................................116

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
If there are injured persons ............................ 171
First aid kit .................................................. 172
Capacities and technical specifi cations ...... 175
Fuel ................................................................176
Engine oil ........................................................176
Capacities: quantity and speci cations of the
products to use .............................................177
Capacities and recommended products ............. 177
Fuel consumption .............................................179
Fuel consumption following the 2004/3/EC
directive (litres per 100 km) ....................... 179
CO2 exhaust emissions .....................................179
CO2 emissions according to Directive
2002/80B/EC (g/km) ............................ 179
Technical speci cations .....................................180
Engine ........................................................ 180
Injection – Ignition ....................................... 180
Lubrication system ....................................... 181
Cooling system ............................................ 181
Transmission ................................................ 181
Gearshifting ................................................. 182
Brakes ........................................................ 182
Suspension ................................................. 183
Steering ...................................................... 183
Wheels ....................................................... 183
Performance ................................................ 184Weights ...................................................... 184
Dimensions ................................................ 185
Tyre pressure ...................................................186
Maintenance .......................................... 189
Scheduled Maintenance ....................................190
After the 11
th service ................................... 190
Additional checks .............................................192
WARNING - Engine oil .................................... 192
WARNING - Air fi lter ..................................... 192
Level checks ....................................................193
Engine oil .................................................... 194
Gearbox oil ................................................. 195
Engine coolant ............................................. 195
Windscreen/headlight washer fl uid ................. 195
Power steering fl uid ...................................... 196
Brake fl uid ................................................. 196
Air lter ..........................................................197
Anti-dust/anti-pollen lter ...............................197
Battery ............................................................198
Useful hints for extending the life
of the battery ........................................... 198
Electronic control units .....................................199
Spark plugs .....................................................200
Wheels and tyres .............................................200
How to use the tyres .................................... 201Windscreen wipers ...........................................202
Spray nozzles .............................................. 203
Replacing the wiper blades ............................ 203
Air conditioning/heating system .......................203
Bodywork ........................................................204
Protection from atmospheric agents ................ 204
Tips for keeping the bodywork in good
condition .................................................. 204
Engine compartment ..................................... 205
Interiors ..........................................................206
Cleaning the leather upholstery ...................... 206
Leather upholstery treatment ......................... 206
Carbon parts ................................................ 206
If the vehicle is laid up for long periods ............207
Battery conditioner socket ............................. 207
Restarting the vehicle .................................... 210
Re-connecting the battery .............................. 211
Radio-frequency remote control: Ministerial
homologation ..............................................211
Conversion table ..............................................212
Table of contents .................................... 215
Table of contents ..............................................216