heating Alfa Romeo 8C 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

19
2
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
PRETENSIONERS
To further enhance the seat belt efficiency,
the vehicle seat belts are equipped with ETD
(Emergency Tensioning Device) pretensioners.
These devices “detect”, by means of a sensor,
that a severe collision is occurring and retract the
seat belts by a few centimetres. This way, they
help ensure that the seat belt properly adheres to
the occupant’s body before its restraining action
starts.
The seat belt locking indicates that the device
has activated; a small amount of smoke may be
visible.
This smoke is not toxic and is not indicative of
fire.
The pretensioners activate in the following cases:
- Head-on and rear collisions of a suffi cient
severity
- In certain roll-overs
The pretensioner only activates when the seat
belt is fastened.
After a pretensioner activation, the seat belt can
be unfastened as usual, by pressing the button
on the buckle.The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication. Do not tamper with
or modify the pretensioner, as this will affect its
efficiency. If exceptional natural events (floods,
heavy storms, etc.) have caused the device to be
wet in water and mud, you must replace it.
To help ensure optimal protection from the
pretensioners, wear the seat belt in such a way
that it fits snugly against your chest and pelvis.
CAUTION
The pretensioners can be used
only once and activate only when
the seat belts are fastened. If the
pretensioners have been activated,
go to an Authorised Service Centre of
the Manufacturer’s Network to have
them replaced and disposed of. The
units have a 14 year service life from
the date of manufacture; they must be
replaced when their service life is near
to expiry. WARNING: Operations on the vehicle which
involve blows, vibrations or localised heating
(over 100°C for 6 hours max.) in the area of
the pretensioners may damage or activate them:
vibrations due to uneven road surfaces or small
obstacles, such as impacts with kerbs, do not
affect the units. Contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network if
service operations must be carried out.
CAUTION
Do not tamper with the
pretensioner components. Any
intervention must be carried out only
by qualified and authorised personnel.
Always contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network.

43
3
A
B
C
D
E
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
1) Air conditioning side vents2) Lower gearshift paddle “DOWN”3) Instrument panel4) Air conditioning upper vent5)
Sun radiation sensor
6)
Driver’s airbag
7)
Windscreen/headlight wiper/washer
control lever
8)
Upper gearshift paddle UP
9)
Central air conditioning/heating vents
10)
Radio/navigator
11)
Passenger’s airbag
12)
Air conditioning and heating system
controls
13)
Side windows vents
14)
Glove compartment
15)
Central dashboard controls
16)
Electric parking brake engagement/
disengagement lever
17)
Starter/steering wheel lock switch
18)
Horn control
19)
Steering wheel height and depth
adjustment lever
20)
Cruise Control lever, direction indicators
21)
Controls to the left of the steering wheel
22)
Engine start button
23)
Reverse gear engagement button
24)
AUTO mode button
25)
SPORT mode button
26)
VDC deactivation button
27)
WET mode button
28)
Hazard light buttonRef. 15 Central dashboard controls
A) Front left-hand power window controlB) Central locking control C) PARK OFF function button (see page.
137)D) Rear window opening control E) Front right-hand power window control

4
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Doors ................................................................................................................................. 78
Power windows .................................................................................................................. 80Engine compartment lid
......................................................................................................... 81
Rear window ....................................................................................................................... 82
Fuel tank door .................................................................................................................... 83
Keys .................................................................................................................................. 84
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................................... 87
Electronic alarm system ........................................................................................................88
Front seats ......................................................................................................................... 92
Rear-view mirrors ................................................................................................................. 93
Steering wheel .................................................................................................................... 94
External lights and direction indicators ..................................................................................... 95
Windscreen washer/wipers and headlight washer .................................................................... 99
Air conditioning and heating system ...................................................................................... 102
Car stereo system .............................................................................................................. 108
Bose HI-FI system (optional) ............................................................................................... 109

102
4
D
A
C
B
C
A
D
E
A
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEM

103
4
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
A) Adjustable central and side vents.B) Air conditioning and heating system
controls.C) Air vents for foot area.D) Fixed air vents for side windows.E) Fixed air vents for windscreen.
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic dual-
zone air conditioner/heater,
which adjusts the air temperature, its distribution
and flow in the passenger compartment in two
separate zones: driver side and passenger side.OPERATING MODES
Automatic
This mode automatically adjusts humidity
and ventilation according to the selected
temperature.
Partially Automatic
This is used to adjust certain parameters
manually, while others remain automatic.
Manual
This mode allows the user to set different values
as desired.

105
4
BEFORE YOU DRIVE

Air distribution controls C
and G
They can operate in two modes:
Automatic (AUTO)
the air flow distribution is controlled by the
electronic system depending on the climate
conditions and the selected temperature.
Manual
This is used to direct the air flow in the six
positions of the respective areas (driver-
passenger).

Temperature selection
controls A and I
This is used to set the temperature desired
inside the passenger compartment.
The end positions activate the functions
“LO” and “HI” (minimum and maximum air
temperature). Activation
Fully automatic operation: turn the controls
C, E
and
G to AUTO.
Deactivation
Deactivate the compressor by pressing the button
B and set the control to OFF
E (fan speed).
Air conditioning control
switch B
Released
the air conditioner is on. The air is cooled and/
or only dehumidified according to the selected
temperature.
Pressed (LED on)
The air conditioner is off.
However, heating is still enabled and will turn
on according to the temperature set.

Fan speed control E
It can operate in three modes:
Automatic (AUTO)
The air flow is controlled by the electronic
system according to the selected temperature to
be reached and maintained.
Manual “OFF”
Turn the control to this position to turn off the air
conditioning and to only allow air inlet from the
outside when the vehicle is in motion.
Fan speed
The four setting positions allow the occupants to
select the air flow rate.

106
4

Residual heat function J
This function allows the user to maintain the
temperature set for the passenger compartment
for a certain time (15 minutes), even after the
key has been turned to STOP. To activate this
function, push the “REST” button before turning
the key to STOP.
Once selected, this function is activated when
the key is turned to STOP and sets the following
features:
- bilevel air distribution
- compressor deactivation
- minimum fan speed
- air recirculation activation
- water recirculation pump activation
The system is deactivated after 15 minutes or
when the key is turned to MAR.
In addition, the REST function will be disabled
(if active), when the battery voltage is below
11.5V. When the outside temperature is above
25°C it will not be possible to activate the
function.

Air recirculation switch F
Released
the air flow comes from the outside.
When outside temperatures exceed 35 °C,
the air recirculation option remains on with a
120-second pause every twenty minutes, to
refresh the air.
Pressed (LED on)
The air flow comesfrom inside the passenger
compartment.
The recirculation speeds up air heating or
cooling.
Prolonged use is not advisable.

Windscreen defogging/
demisting switch D
Press this switch (LED on) to activate
windscreen defogging/demisting.
To deactivate this function, press the switch.

Defogging/demisting switch
H for rear window and
external rear-view mirrors
It is activated by operating the switch
H and
activation is signalled by the LED.
If it is not deactivated within thirty minutes
after activation, this function deactivates
automatically.
It is however advisable to deactivate it once the
defogging/demisting process is complete.
Once the internal temperature has stabilised at
the desired level, you are advised not to change
the position of the selector unless the external
temperature changes drastically.
A change in the position of the temperature
selection switch will involve a difference
between temperature inside the passenger
compartment and the air coming out of the
vents. This difference will gradually decrease as
the system works at full, stabilised speed.

114
5
MAR
STARTING THE
ENGINE
CAUTION
Hold the brake pedal depressed
when starting the engine.
CAUTION
It is dangerous to operate the
engine in an enclosed space. The engine
consumes oxygen and discharges
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gases.
WARNING: Before start-up, switch off the
electrical devices with a high power consumption
(air-conditioning and heating system, heated
rear window, headlights, etc.).
WARNING: Do not start the engine if the fuel
level in the tank is low.
1) Make sure that the parking brake is applied
and that the doors are closed.
2) Hold the brake pedal depressed when
starting the engine.
3) Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
4) Set the gear to neutral by pulling both
paddles UP and DOWN towards the
steering wheel and check that the gear
display indicates N not fl ashing.
5) Turn the ignition key to MAR.
6) press button START button and release it as
soon as the engine starts.
Do not hold the START button for a long time.If the engine does not start, turn the key back to
position STOP and wait for the gear display to go
off before retrying.
The engine can also be started with a gear
engaged; turning the key to position MAR, with
the brake pedal depressed, press the START
button. The system allows the clutch to open and
the gearshift to engage neutral gear; then the
starter motor receives clearance for start-up. This
procedure usually requires one second. At very
low temperatures, the procedure could take a
slightly longer time.
If the gearbox is instead in the N position,
starting is immediate.
If the engine does not start after turning the key
to position STOP, wait for the gear display to go
off and then repeat the entire procedure.

118
5
If the symbol
remains on, there is a system
failure. This condition is also indicated by a beep
when the key is turned to position MAR.
WARNING: Contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network to have
the malfunction corrected.
OPERATION WITH THE
ENGINE OFF
After completing the “system start-up” stage,
the gear currently engaged will appear on the
display:
- N (Neutral)
- R (Reverse)
- D(1
st).
If the indication flashes (may also occur with N)
it means that the gear is not properly engaged or
is disengaged; therefore, request neutral (N) and
then the desired gear.CAUTION
If a horizontal dash appears on
the display, there is a system failure.
When the engine is off, 1st gear, reverse (R) and
neutral (N) can be engaged. Keeping the brake
pedal pressed during the request, you must
proceed as follows:
- N (Neutral): pull both paddles found behind
the steering wheel.
- R (Reverse): press button
C.
- Engaging 1
st gear: pull the UP paddle
towards the steering wheel.
CAUTION
To engage reverse gear, hold
the button C down until the letter R is
displayed.
WARNING: Immediately release the paddles
UP, DOWN and the button R after the gearshift
request. A prolonged manoeuvre may cause
the failure warning light
and the buzzer
to activate. Do not operate the system with the
engine off, to prevent discharging the battery.
Avoid useless gearshifting with the engine off, to
prevent overheating of the pump.

8
MAINTENANCE
Scheduled Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 190
Additional checks ............................................................................................................... 192
Level checks ..................................................................................................................... 193
Air fi lter ............................................................................................................................ 197
Anti-dust/anti-pollen fi lter ................................................................................................... 197
Battery ............................................................................................................................. 198
Electronic control units ........................................................................................................ 199
Spark plugs ...................................................................................................................... 200
Wheels and tyres ............................................................................................................... 200
Windscreen wipers .............................................................................................................202
Air conditioning/heating system .......................................................................................... 203
Bodywork ......................................................................................................................... 204
Interiors ........................................................................................................................... 206
If the vehicle is laid up for long periods ................................................................................. 207
Radio-frequency remote control: Ministerial homologation ....................................................... 211
Conversion table ................................................................................................................ 212