brake Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider 2007 Owner handbook (in English)

MUST BE READ!
REFUELLING
Petrol engines:only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95.
Diesel engines: only refuel with diesel fuel conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of
other products or mixtures may irreparably damage the engine with invalidation of the warranty due to the
damage caused.
K
ENGINE STARTING
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition switch to the stop limit; fully depress the clutch or the brake pedal without pressing the accelerator; press
button START/STOPand release it as soon as the engine has started.
Diesel engines:make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition switch to the stop limit; wait for the
mwarning light to go off; fully depress the clutch or the brake ped-
al without pressing the accelerator; press buttonSTART/STOPand release it as soon as the engine has started.
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.

RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
A system for continuously monitoring emission system components to ensure greater environmental protec-
tion is fitted in your car.

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SAFETY
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
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IGNITION
DEVICE
The ignition device is located on the
dashboard and it consists of the fol-
lowing:
❒electronic key reading device A-
fig. 13(set near the steering
wheel);
❒button START/STOP(set under
the electronic key reading device).
IMPORTANTTo prevent running
down the battery do not leave the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device when
the engine is off.
HOW TO CUT OFF THE
ALARM SYSTEM
To deactivate the alarm system com-
pletely (for instance during prolonged
inactivity of the car) simply lock the car
by rotating the metal insert (provided
inside the electronic key) into the dri-
ver’s door lock.
MINISTERIAL
HOMOLOGATION
In keeping with the laws in force in each
country on the subject of radio fre-
quency, for markets in which the trans-
mitter needs to be marked the certifi-
cation number is given on the compo-
nent. For certain versions/markets, the
code may also be marked on the trans-
mitter and/or on the receiver.
A0F0219mfig. 13
If the ignition device is
tampered with (for ex-
ample during an attempted
break-in) have it checked over
by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services before travelling
again.
WARNING
When leaving the car
always remove the
electronic key from the ignition
device to prevent any passen-
ger in the car from inadver-
tently activating the controls.
Remember to engage the
handbrake and if the car is fac-
ing uphill, first gear and if the
car is facing downhill, reverse.
Never leave children unat-
tended in the car.
WARNING

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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
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INDEX
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CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANTIf when fitting the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device, sym-
bol
Yis displayed (on certain versions
together with a message) check
whether the electronic key is the prop-
er one and then try to refit it into the
ignition device. If the problem persists
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
TURNING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL OFF
With the engine off and brake and clutch
pedal released, press button
START/STOPor take the electronic
key out of the ignition device.
Few seconds after the instrument pan-
el will gradually turn off.
IMPORTANTIf when removing the
electronic key from the ignition device
the instrument panel stays on, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
TURNING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL ON
Proceed as follows:
❒fit the electronic key into the ignition
device;
❒if the electronic key is fitted yet,
press button START/STOP with-
out pressing the clutch or brake ped-
al.
To safeguard the battery, when leaving
the car with the instrument panel on,
electric and electronic devices will be de-
activated after approx. 1 hour.
IMPORTANT Fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition device completely until
it locks into place.
IMPORTANTIf when fitting the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device the in-
strument panel stays off, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
A0F0028mfig. 14
ENGINE STARTING
See paragraph “Engine starting” in sec-
tion “Correct use of the car”.
START/STOP BUTTON
fig. 14
Button START/STOP, set on the
dashboard, controls car electric systems
and engine starting/stopping.
Button START/STOPis fitted with
knurled ring and led. When the led and
the instrument panel are on, the engine
can be started.

TO INCREASE THE
MEMORISED SPEED
The speed memorised can be increased
in two ways:
❒pressing the accelerator and then
memorising the new speed reached;
or
❒moving the stalk upwards (+).
Each operation of the stalk will corre-
spond to a slight increase in speed
(about 1.5 km/h), while keeping the
stalk upwards will correspond to a con-
tinuous speed increase.
TO REDUCE MEMORISED
SPEED
The speed memorised can be increased
in two ways:
❒disengaging the device and then
memorising the new speed;
or
❒moving the stalk downwards (–) un-
til reaching the new speed which will
be memorised automatically.
Each operation of the stalk will corre-
spond to a slight decrease in speed
(about 1.5 km/h), while keeping the
stalk downwards will correspond to a
continuous speed decrease.
TO RESET THE MEMORISED
SPEED
If the device has been disengaged for
example pressing the brake or clutch
pedal, the memorised speed can be re-
set as follows:
❒accelerate gradually until reaching a
speed approaching the one memo-
rised;
❒engage the gear selected at the time
of speed memorising (4th or high-
er gear);
❒press button RES(set at stalk end).
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SAFETY
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INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR

Automatic Cruise Control
deactivation
The Cruise Control is temporarily deac-
tivated when the ABS or VDC systems
come into operation (above a max. pre-
set time): in this case the last set speed
will stay memorised, to recall it press
button RES.
In the event of Cruise Control or engine
control system failure, the device is de-
activated until removing the electronic
key from the ignition device. In this
event contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
The device is automatically deactivated
when operating accidentally or incor-
rectly the stalk, the knurled ring Aor
button RES: in this event to reactivate
the device: bring the car to the required
speed and then move the stalk upwards
(+) or downwards (–).DEVICE DISENGAGEMENT
The device is disengaged in one of the
following cases:
❒turning the knurled ring A-fig. 50
to O;
❒turning the engine off or removing
the electronic key from the ignition
device;
❒pressing the brake pedal, pressing
the clutch pedal (in these cases the
last stored speed will stay memo-
rised, to resume it press button
RES);
❒pressing the accelerator pedal; in this
case the system is disengaged only
temporarily; device operation will be
resumed automatically when re-
leasing the pedal;
❒with car speed below the preset lim-
it (in these cases the last stored
speed will stay memorised, to re-
sume it press button RES);
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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
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EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
In the event of device
malfunction or failure,
turn the knurled ring A-fig. 50
to O and contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services after
checking the protection fuse in-
tegrity.
WARNING
When travelling with
the device on, never
set the gearshift lever to neu-
tral.
WARNING

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SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
CAR
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
TAILGATE CLOSING
Lower the tailgate pressing the lock un-
til hearing the locking click.
IMPORTANT Before closing the boot,
check whether you have with you the
ignition key since the tailgate will be
locked automatically.
The addition of objects
(speakers, spoilers, etc.)
on the rear shelf or boot
lid, except those envisaged by
the manufacturer, may prevent
the gas filled struts at the sides
of the boot from working prop-
erly.
When using the boot,
make sure the loads do
not exceed the permitted
weight (see “Technical specifi-
cations” chapter). Also make
sure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent
them being thrown forwards
and injuring passengers should
you brake sharply.
WARNING
Never travel with ob-
jects on the rear shelf
to prevent them being thrown
forwards and injuring passen-
gers in case of accident or
sharp braking.
WARNING
EXTENDING THE BOOT
The double rear seat enables to extend
the boot totally or partially by splitting
one of the two seat section, thus ob-
taining different loading spaces accord-
ing to the number of rear passengers.
When driving at night
with heavy loads in the
boot, check and adjust, if re-
quired, the low beams
height (see paragraph “Head-
lights” in this section).
WARNING

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SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from
locking when braking, makes the most
of road grip and gives the best control
when emergency braking under difficult
road conditions.
System is completed by EBD (Electron-
ic Braking Force Distribution), which dis-
tributes the braking action between front
and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To have the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, it is
necessary a setting period of about 500
km: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
brakes.
ABS SYSTEM
INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has
come into action because the brake ped-
al pulsates slightly and the system gets
noisier: it means that the car speed
should be altered to fit the type of road
surface.
If the ABS system cuts
in, it is a sign that the
grip between tyre and the
road surface has reached the
limit: you must slow down to
match the speed to the road
grip available.
WARNING
The ABS exploits the
tyre-road grip at the
best, but it cannot improve it;
you should therefore take
every care when driving on
slippery surfaces without tak-
ing unnecessary risks.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in,
and you feel the brake
pedal pulsating, do not re-
move your foot, but keep it
pressed; in doing so you will
stop in the shortest amount of
space possible under the cur-
rent road conditions.
WARNING

101
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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INDEX
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AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
EBD failure
EBD failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning lights
>+ xon the in-
strument panel (together with a mes-
sage on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
In this case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with the
possibility of skidding. Drive extremely
carefully to the closest Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the system
checked.
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking
assistance)
The system, which cannot be cut out,
recognizes emergency braking (on the
ground of the brake pedal operation
speed) and considerably increases the
pressure in the brake circuit.
Brake Assist is deactivated on the ver-
sions equipped with VDC system in the
event of VDC system failure, indicated
by the turning on of warning light
áon
the instrument panel (together with a
message on the display).
FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS
ABS failure
ABS failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light
>on the instru-
ment panel (together with a message
on the display) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”). In this case the
braking system is still efficient, though
without the aid of the ABS system.
Drive carefully to the closest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system
checked.

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SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Performance of the
VDC system, in terms
of active safety should not in-
duce the driver to take point-
less and unnecessary risks.
The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to
the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility an traffic. Road
safety is always the driver’s
responsibility.
WARNING
During the use of the
space-saver spare
wheel (where provided), the
VDC system carries on work-
ing. However, you must re-
mind that the space-saver
spare wheel has dimensions
smaller than the standard tyre
and therefore its grip is re-
duced as to the other car tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of
the VDC system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system and it is provided to facilitate
starting on slopes:
❒uphill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed, gearbox to neutral or
engaged gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed and reverse gear en-
gaged.
At pickup the VDC system control unit
will keep brake force on wheels until
reaching the torque suitable for starting,
or in any case for about 1 second in or-
der to pass easily from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal.
FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS
In the event of failure, the VDC system
is automatically disconnected and the
warning light
ácomes on with fixed
light on the instrument panel (together
with a message on the display) (see sec-
tion “Warning lights and messages”). In
this case contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services as soon as possible.

The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel due to
the effect of dynamic load changes
or excessive acceleration;
❒too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the condi-
tions of the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning). This time elapsing without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by
releasing gradually the brake force.
At releasing, the typical brake disen-
gagement noise indicating that the car
is going to move will be heard.
Failure warnings
System failure is indicated by the dedi-
cated message on the display (see sec-
tion “Warning lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system
is not a parking brake. Never get out
of the car without engaging the hand-
brake, switching the engine off and en-
gaging the first gear.
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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
CAR
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The performance of the
system, in terms of ac-
tive safety should not induce
the driver to take pointless
and unnecessary risks. The
style of driving must in any
case always be adapted to the
conditions of the road surface,
visibility an traffic. Road safe-
ty is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
WARNING
ASR SYSTEM
(AntiSlip Regulation)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system, it controls car drive and cuts in
automatically every time one or both dri-
ving wheels slip.
According to slipping conditions, two dif-
ferent control systems are activated:
❒if slipping involves both driving
wheels, the ASR function intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in au-
tomatically braking the wheel that is
slipping.