Alfa Romeo 8C 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

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MAINTENANCE
WARNING: If the battery charge remains
below 50% for a long period of time, it will be
damaged due to sulphating: this will reduce its
performance and starting power and the battery
will be more subject to freezing (this can happen
even at -10°C).We recommend that you have the battery charge
condition checked, preferably at the beginning of
the cold season, to prevent the electrolyte from
freezing.
This check should be performed more frequently
if the vehicle is used mainly for short trips or if it
is equipped with power absorbing devices that
remain permanently on even if when the ignition
key is removed. This applies above all if these
devices have been fitted “after market”.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods of time,
please refer to chapter “If the vehicle is laid up
for long periods”, in this section.WARNING: If additional systems have to be
fitted in the vehicle, there is the risk of creating
dangerous branches on the electric wiring, in
particular if the safety devices are involved.
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNITSNo special precautions are required for the
normal use of the vehicle.
In the event of repairs to the electrical system
or in an emergency starting, the following
instructions must be strictly followed:
- Never disconnect the battery from the
electrical system when the engine is
running.
- Disconnect the battery from the electrical
system when recharging it (see page 168
“If the battery is fl at”). WARNING: When the battery is disconnected,
you must first detach the negative pole terminal
(–) and then the positive pole one (+).
WARNING: The battery is secured inside the
vehicle by means of a metal box, therefore, be
extremely careful not to let the battery charger
clips come into contact with it.WARNING: When the battery is reconnected,
you must first attach the positive pole (+),
remembering to cover it with the cap provided,
and then the negative one (–).
- Never perform the emergency starting
procedure using a battery charger: always
use an auxiliary battery.
- Take special care when connecting the
battery to the electrical system, checking
both that polarity is correct and that the
connection is properly working.
- Do not connect or disconnect the terminals
of the ECUs when the ignition key is at
MAR.
- Do not check the electric polarities through
sparking.
- Disconnect the ECUs in the event of
electrical welding on the vehicle body.
Remove them if the temperature is
over 80°C (special interventions on the
bodywork, etc.).

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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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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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CAUTION
During the tyre life, the rolling
direction of the first fitting shall
always be observed, also in case of
“non-directional” tyres.
CAUTION
Check the depth of the tyre
tread at regular intervals (minimum
allowed value 1.6 mm). The thinner
is the tread, the greater is the risk of
skidding.
CAUTION
Drive carefully on wet roads to
decrease the risk of aquaplaning.
WINDSCREEN
WIPERSClean the rubber parts regularly using the
appropriate products.
Change the blades if the edge of the rubber
is deformed or worn. In any case, the blades
should be changed about once a year.
CAUTION
Travelling with worn wiper
blades is very dangerous because it
reduces the visibility in the event of
poor atmospheric conditions.
CAUTION
The arms of the wiper blade
have to be replaced with new ones
after having disassembled them twice.
The special arm fixing system ensures
optimal mechanical stability only after
the first two refitting operations,
provided that the specified tightening
torque is observed.CAUTION
We advise you to have any
operations involving removal of the
windscreen wiper arms performed at
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
Some simple measures may reduce the
possibility of damage to the blades.
- In the case of temperatures below zero °C,
check that ice has not stuck the rubber part
against the windscreen glass. If necessary,
release with an anti-ice product.
- Remove any snow on the windscreen: as
well as protecting the blades, this avoids
forcing and overheating the electric motor.
- Do not activate the windscreen wipers when
the windscreen is dry.

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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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BODYWORKPROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of the corrosion phenomena
are:
- atmospheric pollution
- salinity and humidity in the atmosphere
(sea areas or humid climate)
- seasonal environmental conditions.
- salt scattered on the road surface to melt
ice and snow.
The abrasive action of atmospheric dust and
wind-carried sand, mud and stones should not be
underestimated.
For your vehicle, Alfa Romeo has adopted
the best technological solutions to protect the
bodywork from corrosion. The main measures are:
- Paint products and systems that provide the
vehicle with high-resistance features against
corrosion and abrasion.
- Use of galvanized (or pre-treated) metal
sheets whose most exposed parts are highly
resistant against corrosion.
- Spraying of the underbody, engine
compartment, internal part of the
wheelhouse and of other parts using highly
protective wax products.
- Spraying of the plastic material most
exposed parts with protective function:
under the doors, inside part of the
mudguards, edges, etc.
- Use of ventilated box sections treated
with wax products, to prevent water
condensation and pooling, which may lead
to the internal formation of rust.TIPS FOR KEEPING THE
BODYWORK IN GOOD
CONDITION
Paint
Paint does not only have an aesthetic function
but also serves to protect the metal sheets.
In the event of abrasions or deep scratches,
we recommend that you have the necessary
touch-ups made immediately, to avoid any rust
formation.
Touch-ups do not feature particular difficulties,
even on metallic finishes. For all paint touch-ups,
use only the genuine products indicated on the
label applied on the engine compartment lid.

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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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If you do not plan on using the vehicle for more
than a week, we advise you to connect the
battery conditioner in order to preserve full
battery efficiency.
Position the device outside the vehicle and be
careful not to “pinch” the connection cable
and/or damage the strips when closing the door.
Arrange the battery conditioner in a well visible
position, away from heat sources and children’s
reach.
Instructions for use: active and passive phase
First connect the battery conditioner to the
socket in the vehicle and then to the mains
socket, thus starting the “Active” phase; the
battery conditioner can stay connected to the
vehicle for months without any contraindications.
Position the device outside the vehicle and be
careful not to “pinch” the connection cable
and/or damage the strips when closing the door.
CAUTION
Arrange the battery conditioner
in a well visible position, away from
heat sources and children’s reach.
Battery conditioning can be interrupted at any
time by disconnecting the power cable from the
mains.