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

This Owner’s Manual describes all the versions of the Alfa Brera, so you should only consider the
information concerning the trim level, engine and version purchased by you.
Dear Customer,
thank you for choosing Alfa Romeo.
Your
Alfa Brerahas been designed to guarantee the safety, comfort and driving pleasure typical of
Alfa Romeo.
This booklet will help you to get to know the characteristics and operation of your car.
The following pages contain all the indications necessary for you to be able to maintain the high standards of per-
formance, quality, safety and respect for the environment which characterize your
Alfa Brera.
The enclosed Warranty Booklet also contains the regulations, the warranty certificate and a guide to the services of-
fered by Alfa Romeo.
Services which are essential and precious because, when you purchase an Alfa Romeo you are not only acquiring a
car, but the tranquillity that comes from knowing that an efficient, willing and widespread organization is at your ser-
vice for any assistance problems you may have.
Have a good trip.

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
buttonSTART/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
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
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MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
A0F0056mfig. 1
1.Adjustable and swivel side air vents - 2.Front side window demisting/defrosting vents - 3.External lights control lever
-4.Instrument panel - 5.Driver’s air bag and horn - 6.Windscreen wiper control lever - 7.Upper central vent - 8.Ad-
justable and swivel central air vents - 9.Fuel level gauge/engine coolant temperature gauge/engine oil temperature gauge
(petrol versions) or turbocharger pressure gauge (diesel versions) - 10.Passenger’s air bag - 11.Passenger’s knees air
bag (where provided) - 12.Glove box - 13.Sound system - 14.Heating/ventilation/climate controls - 15.Engine
START/STOPbutton - 16.Ignition device - 17.Driver’s knees air bag - 18.Sound system controls on the steering
wheel (where provided) - 19.Cruise Control lever (where provided) - 20.Bonnet opening lever - 21.Dashboard fusebox
lid - 22.Switches for external lights, trip meter reset and headlamp aiming device.

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SAFETY
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
THE ALFA ROMEO
CODE SYSTEM
To further protect you car from theft, it
has been fitted with an engine immo-
bilising system. This system is auto-
matically activated when the electronic
key is removed.
An electronic device, in fact, is fitted in
each electronic key grip. The device
transmits a radio-frequency signal when
the engine is started through a special
aerial built into the ignition switch on the
dashboard. The modulated signal, which
changes each time the engine is start-
ed, is the “password”, by means of
which the control unit recognises the
electronic key and enables to start the
engine.
SYMBOLS
Special coloured labels have been at-
tached near or actually on some of the
components of your car. These labels
bear symbols that remind you of the pre-
cautions to be taken as regards that par-
ticular component.
The plate summarising the symbols used
fig. 3can be found under the bonnet.
A0F0138mfig. 3

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MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Message + symbol Y
displaying when driving
If message + symbol
Yare displayed
this means that the system is running
a self-test (for example for a voltage
drop).
If message + symbol
Ycontinue to
stay on the display, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
IMPORTANTEvery electronic key has
its own code, which must be memorised
by the system control unit. To memorise
new keys, up to a maximum of eight,
apply solely to Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services taking with you all the keys in
your possession, the CODE card, a per-
sonal identity document and the car’s
possession documents. The codes of the
keys not provided during the new mem-
orising procedure are erased from the
memory. This is to ensure that any lost
or stolen keys can no longer be used
to start the car.
OPERATION
Each time the electronic key is fitted in-
to the ignition switch, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit sends a recog-
nition code to the engine control unit
to deactivate the inhibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit has recognised
the code transmitted from the electron-
ic key.
If when fitting the electronic key into the
ignition device or starting engine the
code has not been recognised correct-
ly, a message + symbol will be shown
on the display (see section “Warning
lights and messages”).
In this case, the electronic key should
be removed and refitted; if the lock con-
tinues, possibly try again with the oth-
er keys provided with the car. If it is still
not possible to start the car contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.
The electronic compo-
nents inside the key may
be damaged if the key is
submitted to sharp knocks.
If 2 seconds after fitting
the electronic key into
the ignition switch the
message + symbol continue to
be displayed, this means that
the code of the keys has not
been memorised, thus the car is
not protected by the Alfa Romeo
CODE system against attempt-
ed theft. In this case, contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorized Service
to have the key codes memo-
rised.

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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Depending on the markets, the trigger-
ing of the alarm will activate the siren
and the hazard warning lights (for about
26 seconds). The methods of operation
and the number of cycles may vary de-
pending on the versions/markets.
A maximum number of sound/sight cy-
cles is however envisaged. Once the
alarm cycle is over, the system will re-
store its normal operation.
IMPORTANTCentral door unlocking
by the emergency electronic key will not
deactivate the alarm, therefore with
alarm on the siren will activate when
opening one of the doors or the boot.
To deactivate the siren see paragraph
“How to deactivate the alarm”.
IMPORTANTThe engine immobiliser
function is guaranteed by the Alfa
Romeo CODE system, which is auto-
matically activated when the electronic
key is removed from the ignition device.
HOW TO ACTIVATE
THE ALARM
With the doors, bonnet and boot shut
and electronic key removed from igni-
tion switch, point the electronic key in
the direction of the car, then press and
release the button
Á.
With the exception of certain markets,
the system sounds a “beep” and the
doors are locked.
Engagement of the alarm is preceded
by a self-diagnostic test characterised by
a different flashing of the driver’s door
ledA-fig. 11: if a fault is detected the
system sounds a further warning
“beep”.
ALARM
(where provided)
WHEN THE ALARM
IS TRIGGERED
The alarm comes into action in the fol-
lowing cases:
❒unlawful opening of doors, bonnet
and boot (perimetral protection);
❒attempt to start the engine with
unauthorised electronic key;
❒battery cable cutting;
❒presence of moving bodies in the
passenger’s compartment (volu-
metric protection);
❒abnormal raising/sloping of the car
(for versions/markets where ap-
plicable);
Volumetric and anti-raising protections
can be cut off by operating the front ceil-
ing light controls(see paragraph “Volu-
metric protection/Anti-raising sensor”
on the following pages).
A0F0034mfig. 11

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SAFETY
DEVICES
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LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
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MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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);
❒buttonSTART/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
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
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/STOPwith-
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
ButtonSTART/STOP, set on the
dashboard, controls car electric systems
and engine starting/stopping.
ButtonSTART/STOPis fitted with
knurled ring and led. When the led and
the instrument panel are on, the engine
can be started.

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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
It is absolutely forbidden
to carry out whatever
after-market operation involv-
ing steering system or steering
column modifications (e.g.: in-
stallation of anti-theft device)
that could badly affect perfor-
mance and safety, cause the
lapse of warranty and also re-
sult in non-compliance of the car
with homologation require-
ments.
WARNING
Disengaging
The steering column lock will disengage
after fitting the electronic key into the
ignition device.
IMPORTANTSwitching the engine off
when the car is running will not engage
the steering column lock till next switch-
ing off of the engine with car stopped. In
this event a dedicated message will be dis-
played.
IMPORTANTSteering column lock fail-
ure is indicated by symbol + message on
the display. In this event contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Engaging
The steering column lock will engage
5 seconds after removing the electron-
ic key from the ignition device and if the
following conditions are present:
❒engine off;
❒ instrument panel off with car at a
standstill;
❒electronic key removed from ignition
device.IMPORTANTIf after turning the in-
strument panel on and/or starting the en-
gine, the display shows the message “Car
protection system not available”, repeat
the operation using the moving the steer-
ing wheel to facilitate steering column un-
locking. Displaying of the warning mes-
sage will not impair steering column lock
regular operation.

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SAFETY
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
FUEL GAUGE fig. 15
The pointer shows the amount of fuel
left in the tank.
0- tank empty.
1- tank full (see the indications given
in paragraph “At the filling station").
The fuel gauge warning light turns on to
indicate that approx. 10 litres of fuel are
left in the tank. When range falls below
50 km (or 31 mi) the display will show
a dedicated warning message.
If warning light
Kstarts
flashing when travel-
ling, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
A0F00177mfig. 15
INSTRUMENTS
REV. COUNTER
Rev counter shows engine rpm. The dan-
ger zone (red) indicates excessive high
engine revs. Do not drive for long peri-
ods with the pointer in this area.
IMPORTANTThe electronic injection
control system gradually shuts off the
flow of fuel when the engine is “over-
revving” (rev counter pointer in red
area) resulting in a gradual loss of en-
gine power, in order to bring back rpm
below the safety limit.The rev counter may, when the engine is
idling, indicate gradual or sudden increase
of engine revs as the case may be; such
behaviour is normal and must not be in-
terpreted as a faulty condition as it occurs
during normal operation, for instance when
climate control or electric fan are switched
on. In particular, slow revs variation helps
keep the battery charged.