Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

100
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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.
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.
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics
Control)
The VDC system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event
of tyre grip loss.
The VDC system is therefore particular-
ly useful when grip conditions of the
road surfaces changes.
VDC SYSTEM
INTERVENTION
It is indicated by the blinking of the
warning light
áon the instrument pan-
el, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.

101
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARTURNING THE VDC SYSTEM
ON/OFF
The VDC system is automatically acti-
vated when the engine is started. When
travelling, to turn the VDC off press the
ASR/ VDC button on the central console
for 2 seconds fig. 85. Turning off the
VDC will also turn off the ASR. Both func-
tions can be reactivated by pressing the
ASR/VDC button.
VDC system deactivation is indicated
by the dedicated message on the dis-
play.
If the VDC has been turned off when
travelling, at next engine start-up it will
turn on again automatically.
A0F0026mfig. 85
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 working.
However, you must remind
that the space-saver spare
wheel has dimensions smaller
than the standard tyre and
therefore its grip is reduced 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
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.

102
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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.
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.
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.
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;

103
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning).
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
Switching the ASR system
on/off
The ASR system switches on automati-
cally each time the instrument panel is
turned on.
When travelling the ASR can be
switched off by pressing briefly the
ASR/VDC button on the central console.
When the ASR is switched off this is
shown by the lighting up of the
ASR/VDC button led and by symbol
V
on the display.
If the ASR is switched off when travel-
ling, it will turn on again automatically
the next time the engine is started.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
slipping of the driving wheels when mov-
ing off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.
Failure warnings
In the event of malfunctioning, the ASR
system is automatically disconnected
and symbol
Vwill be displayed. In this
case contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices as soon as possible.
For correct operation of
the ASR system, all
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand, size and type,
in normal conditions of use and
at the pressure values speci-
fied in paragraph “Wheels” in
section “Technical Specifica-
tions”).
WARNING
MSR system (engine braking
torque control)
It is an integral part of the ASR system
that in case of sudden gear shifting, cuts
in providing torque to the engine thus
preventing excessive driving wheel dri-
ve that, specially in poor grip conditions,
can lead to loss of stability.

104
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
SOUND SYSTEM
The car is fitted with sound system with
CD or MP3 CD player (where provided).
As concerns sound system operation, re-
fer to the Supplement attached to this
Owner’s Manual.
EOBD SYSTEM
(optional for
versions/markets
where applicable)
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis
of the components of the car correlat-
ed with emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light
Uon the instrument pan-
el (together with the message on the
display) (see section “Warning lights
and messages”), when these compo-
nents are no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
❒to keep system efficiency under con-
trol;
❒to warn when a fault causes emis-
sion levels to increase;
❒to warn of the need to replace de-
teriorated components.
The system also has a diagnostic con-
nector that can be interfaced with ap-
propriate tools, which makes it possible
to read the error codes stored in the con-
If when fitting the key
into the ignition device,
the warning light
U
does not turn on or if, while
travelling it turns on glowing
steadily or flashing, contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible. Warning
light
Uoperation can be
checked by means of special
equipment by traffic agents. Al-
ways comply with the traffic
regulations in force in the coun-
try where you are travelling.
trol unit, together with a series of spe-
cific parameters for engine operation
and diagnosis. This check can also be
carried out by the traffic police.
IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the
inconvenience, to check the system
completely, Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices are obliged to run a bench test
and, if necessary, road tests which may
also call for a long journey.

105
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Mobile phones and other radio trans-
ceiver equipment (e.g.: HAM radio sys-
tems and the like) shall not be used in-
side the car unless a separate aerial is
mounted.
IMPORTANTThe use of mobile
phones, HAM radio systems or other
similar devices inside the passenger
compartment (without separate aerial)
may cause electronic systems equipping
the car to malfunction. This could com-
promise safety in addition to constitut-
ing a potential hazard for the passen-
gers.
In addition, transmission and reception
of these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the car body.
As concerns the use of mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS) with homologa-
tion , keep strictly to the mobile
phone manufacturer’s specifications.
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNER
If after buying the car, you decide to in-
stall electrical accessories that require a
permanent electric supply (alarm, satel-
lite antitheft system, etc.) or accessories
that in any case burden the electric sup-
ply, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices, whose qualified personnel, besides
suggesting the most suitable devices be-
longing to Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo, will
also evaluate the overall electric absorp-
tion, checking whether the car’s electric
system is able to withstand the load re-
quired, or whether it needs to be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Take care when fitting
additional spoilers, al-
loy rims and non-standard
wheel caps: they might reduce
ventilation of the brakes, thus
their efficiency, during abrupt
and repeated braking, or long
downhill slopes. Make sure
that nothing (mats, etc.) gets
in the way of the pedals when
they are pushed down.
WARNING
INSTALLATION OF
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed af-
ter buying the car or in aftermarket shall
bear the and marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installa-
tion of transceivers provided that instal-
lation is carried out at a specialized
shop, workmanlike performed and in
compliance with manufacturer’s speci-
fications.
IMPORTANTInstallation of devices
resulting in modifications of car charac-
teristics may cause driving license seiz-
ing by traffic agents and also the lapse
of the warranty as concerns defects due
to the abovementioned modification or
traceable back to it directly or indirectly.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibil-
ity for damages caused by the installa-
tion of non-genuine accessories or not
recommended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and
installed not in compliance with the spec-
ified requirements.

106
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
Parking sensors inform the driver about
the presence of obstacles behind the car.
This system is therefore an aid for the
driver when parking the car since it de-
tects obstacles out of the driver’s sight
range.
The presence and the distance from the
car of an obstacle is indicated by a warn-
ing buzzer - as the distance from the ob-
stacle decreases, the acoustic alarm be-
comes more frequent.
Parking manoeuvres
however are always
under the driver’s responsibil-
ity that shall always check the
absence of people (specially
children) or animals in the ma-
noeuvre space. This system is
just a help for the driver but
she/he shall never reduce at-
tention during dangerous ma-
noeuvres even if performed at
low speed.
WARNINGACTIVATION
Sensors are activated automatically,
with electronic key fitted into the igni-
tion device, when the reverse gear is en-
gaged.
Sensors will deactivate when exceeding
18 km/h.
When sensors are on, rear indicators will
sound warning signals as soon as an ob-
stacle is detected: as the distance from
the obstacle decreases, the acoustic
alarm becomes more frequent.
When the distance between the car and
the obstacle is less than 30 cm, the
acoustic alarm becomes continuous.
The acoustic alarm will stop immediately
as distance raises. The acoustic alarm is
constant if the distance measured by
central sensors is unvaried, whereas if
this situation takes place for side sen-
sors the acoustic alarm is muted after
about 3 seconds to prevent sound indi-
cations when performing manoeuvres
near walls.

107
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARSENSORS
Obstacles are detected by 4 sensors lo-
cated in the rear bumper fig. 86.
A0F0232mfig. 86
BUZZER
The presence of any obstacle and its dis-
tance from the car is indicated by the
buzzers installed in the rear area of the
passenger compartment.
SENSOR DETECTION RANGE
Sensors enable the system to monitor
he rear part of the car.
Actually their position covers the central
and side areas of the rear part of the car.
An obstacle positioned at central area is
detected at a distance less than approx.
1.40 m.
An obstacle positioned at side area is de-
tected at a distance less than 0.6 m.
For proper operation,
the parking sensors shall
always be clean from
mud, dirt, snow or ice. When
cleaning the sensors, take the
utmost care to prevent their
damaging; do not use therefore
dry or rough clothes. Sensors
shall be washed with clean wa-
ter and car detergent, if re-
quired. In washing stations,
clean sensors quickly keeping
the vapour jet/high pressure
washing nozzles at 10 cm at
least from the sensors.
Repainting the bumpers
or touch-up in the sen-
sor area, if required,
shall be carried out at Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services on-
ly. Incorrect repainting may im-
pair regular operation of the
parking sensors.

108
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
If a failure is indicated, stop the car, turn
the engine off and then clean the sen-
sors. Make sure to be far from possible
ultrasound sources (e.g.: truck pneu-
matic brakes or pneumatic hammers).
If failure cause has been eliminated the
system will resume regular operation
and message + symbol on the display
will turn off.
If the warning light stays on, contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services to have
the system inspected, although the sys-
tem keeps on working. If the failure de-
tected does not impair system operation,
the system keeps on working and fail-
ure is stored in order to be then detect-
ed by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
at next inspection.GENERAL WARNINGS
When parking, take the utmost care to
obstacles that may be set above or un-
der the sensors. Objects set close to the
car, under certain circumstances are not
detected and could therefore cause dam-
ages to the car or be damaged.
Indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposited on
the sensors or by ultrasound systems
(e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes or pneu-
matic hammers) set nearby the car.
TOWING TRAILERS
Sensors are reactivated automatically
when removing the trailer cable plug.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
The system control unit checks every
system component each time the key is
fitted into the ignition device. Sensors
and relevant electrical connections are
then constantly monitored during sys-
tem operation.
Sensor failure is indicated by message
+ symbol on the display (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
Sensors operation is de-
activated automatically
when the trailer electric
cable plug is fitted into the car
tow hook socket.

109
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM -
T.P.M.S. (where provided)
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The car can be equipped with the
T.P.M.S. (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem). This system consists of a radio-fre-
quency sensor, installed on each wheel
(on the rim inside the tyre) that sends
pressure information to the control unit.IMPORTANT NOTES
Failure indications will not be stored and
therefore will not be displayed when
turning the engine off and on again. If
failure persists, the control unit will send
warning indications to the instrument
panel only after a few seconds when the
car is moving.
Tyre pressure should be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary
for whatever reason to check pressure
with hot tyres, do not reduce pressure
although it is higher than the prescribed
value but repeat the check when tyres
are cold (see section “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”).T.P.M.S. cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g.: tyre burst). In this
event, brake the car cautiously and
avoid sudden steering.
The T.P.M.S. system requires special
equipment. Consult Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services to know what type of ac-
cessories are compatible with the sys-
tem (wheels, wheel caps, etc.). Using
other accessories could cause system
malfunctioning. Due to inflation valve
special characteristics, use only tyre re-
pair sealants approved by Alfa Romeo;
other sealants could cause system mal-
functioning.
The T.P.M.S. does not
exempt the driver from
checking tyre pressure, includ-
ing the space-saver spare
wheel (where provided) at
regular intervals.
WARNING