check engine light Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

REFUELLING
Petrol engines: refuel with unleaded petrol with an
octane rating (RON) of 95 or higher only.
Diesel engines: refuel with diesel fuel compliant with
European specification EN590 only. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently
invalidate the warranty, depending on the damage caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is
engaged, set the gearshift lever to neutral, fully depress the
clutch without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key
to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.
Diesel engines: turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the Yandmwarning lights to turn off; turn the key to AVV and release it
as soon as the engine starts.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter reaches high temperatures
during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry
leaves, pine needles or other flammable material: fire
hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a
continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components
in order to help protect the environment.
ELECTRIC ACCESSORIES
If after having purchased your car you decide to add
accessories requiring electricity (that may otherwise
cause the battery to gradually lose power), please
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services. They can
calculate the overall electric requirement and check that
the car’s electric system can support the required load
CODE CARD(for versions/markets where provided)
Keep this in a safe place, not in the car. We recommend
that you always carry the electronic code provided on
the CODE card with you, in case you need to perform
an emergency start.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct car maintenance is essential to ensure that the
performance, safety features, environmental
friendliness and low running costs stay in tip-top
condition over the years.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS…
... information, tips and important warnings on the
correct use and maintenance of your car over time. Pay
special attention to the symbols
"(personal safety) #(environmental protection) â(car integrity).
READ THIS CAREFULLY
K



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SPEEDOMETER (SPEED INDICATOR)
This shows the speed of the car.
REV COUNTER
This indicates the engine rpm.
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE
This shows the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
0 - tank empty.
1 - tank full
The warning light in the gauge lights up when there are only 8 to
10 litres of fuel remaining in the tank; refuel at the earliest op-
portunity.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. The
warning light on the indicator lights up to indicate an increase in
coolant temperature; in the event of this happening, switch off the
engine and contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider.
INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS
General warnings
The warning lights come on in conjunction with a dedicated mes-
sage and/or a buzzer where appropriate. These indications are
brief and precautionary and as such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained in the
Owner’s Handbook, which you are recommended to read careful-
ly in all cases. Always refer to the information in this chapter in the
event of a failure signal.
Low brake fluid level (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) comes on
when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the
minimum level due to possible leaks in the circuit.
A specific message will be shown on the display.
Handbrake on (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light turns
on but should go off after a few seconds. The warning light (or
symbol on the display) comes on when the handbrake is on. If
the car is moving a buzzer is also triggered.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on with the vehicle in mo-
tion, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
x

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EBD fault
Warning lights x(red) and >light up at the same
time with the engine running to indicate an EBD sys-
tem fault or that the system is not available. Early
locking of the rear wheels may occur in the event of
sharp braking, causing the car to swerve. Under these
circumstances drive with extreme caution straight to
the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider
to have the system checked. A specific message ap-
pears on the display.x
>
ABS system fault (amber)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up to
indicate a system fault. Under these circumstances, the braking sys-
tem will work as normal but without the extra performance offered
by the ABS system. Drive with caution and visit an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service Provider at your earliest convenience. A specif-
ic message appears on the display.>
Brake pads worn (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switch-
es on when the front and rear brake pads show signs
of wear; under these circumstances have them replaced as soon as
possible. The display will show the dedicated message.d

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Hot engine coolant (red)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is over-
heated. A specific message will be shown on the display.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❍when driving normally: stop the car, switch off the engine and
check that the water level in the reservoir is not below the MIN
mark. If it is not, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool
down then slowly and carefully open the cap, top-up with coolant
and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
Also visually check for leaks. If the warning light comes on again
at the next engine start-up, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
❍if the car is used under demanding conditions (e.g. towing trail-
ers uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the light stays on,
stop the car. Stop for two or three minutes with the engine run-
ning and slightly accelerated to assist better coolant circulation.
Then switch the engine off. Check correct fluid level as described
above.
IMPORTANT On particularly demanding journeys, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes be-
fore switching it off.
u
Door open (red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) comes
on when one or more doors or the boot are not perfectly
closed. An acoustic signal is activated with the doors open and
the car moving. On some versions, the warning light (or symbol
on the display) also lights up when the bonnet is not perfectly
closed.´
EOBD/injection system fault (amber)
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on
when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should
go off as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or comes on whilst driving, that
means that the injection system is not working properly; in partic-
ular, if the warning light comes on constantly, this indicates a mal-
function in the supply/ignition system that could cause excessive
exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveabil-
ity and high fuel consumption.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Under these conditions, you can continue travelling at moderate
speed without demanding excessive effort from the engine. Pro-
longed use of the car with the warning light on may cause dam-
age. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
The warning light goes out after the fault disappears, but the in-
dication is stored in the system.U

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VDC system (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light turns on but should go off after a few seconds. If
the warning light does not go out, or if it remains lit up when dri-
ving, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services. A specific message
is displayed on certain versions. The warning light will flash while
driving to indicate that the VDC system is intervening.
ASR fault
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light turns
on but should go off after a few seconds. If the warning light does
not go out, or if it remains lit up when driving, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services. A specific message is displayed on certain ver-
sions. The warning light will flash while driving to indicate that
the ASR system is intervening.
Hill Holder fault
This warning light comes on, on some versions together with the
*symbol and a message in the display, in the event of a Hill Hold-
er system fault. In this case, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
á
NOTE (petrol engines only)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic
converter may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on intermittently, release the accelera-
tor pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning light
stops flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to
avoid driving conditions that may cause further flashing and contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider as soon as possible.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as
possible if the
Uwarning light does not light up
or if, while travelling, the warning light comes on
either fixed or blinking (in combination with a message
on the display on some versions). The operation of the
U
warning light may be checked by traffic police using ap-
propriate equipment. Follow the laws in force in the coun-
try where you are driving.

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ALARM(for versions/markets, where provided)
OPERATION OF THE ALARM
The alarm intervenes in the following instances:
❍unauthorised opening of doors/bonnet/boot (perimeter pro-
tection);
❍unauthorised operation of ignition system (ignition key rotat-
ed to MAR);
❍the battery cables cutting;
❍when someone is moving inside the passenger compartment
(volumetric protection);
❍anomalous lifting/tilting of the vehicle (for versions/markets,
where provided).
Operation of the alarm is indicated by an acoustic and visual sig-
nal (flashing of the direction indicators for several seconds). The
alarm triggering modes may vary according to the markets. There
is a maximum number of acoustic/visual cycles. When this is
reached the system returns to normal operation.
IMPORTANT The engine locking function is guaranteed by the Alfa
Romeo CODE, which is automatically activated when the ignition
key is extracted from the ignition switch.
IMPORTANT The alarm is configured to comply with the regulations
existing in different countries.
SWITCHING ON THE ALARM
With the doors and bonnet closed and the ignition key either turned
to STOP or removed, direct the key with the remote control to-
wards the car, then press and release
Ábutton. Except specific
markets, the system produces a visual and acoustic signal and
enables door locking.
A self-diagnostic stage precedes the turning on of the alarm: In case
of faults the system will generate a further acoustic and/or visu-
al signal using the LED on the dashboard.
If after the alarm is switched on, a second acoustic signal is emit-
ted and/or the LED on the dashboard flashes, wait about 4 sec-
onds and switch off the alarm by pressing
Ëbutton, check that the
doors, bonnet and boot are closed correctly and then reactivate the
system by pressing
Ábutton.
If the alarm produces an acoustic signal even when the doors, bon-
net and boot are correctly closed, a fault has occurred in system
operation: in this case, go to Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
ALARM SELF-ACTIVATION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If the alarm has not been activated using the remote control, once
about 30 seconds have elapsed from when the ignition key was
turned to STOP and a door or the tailgate was last opened and
then closed, the alarm activates automatically. This is indicated
by the LED on the button A-fig. 20 lighting up intermittently and
the indications of activation described previously.
To deactivate the alarm, press the
Ëbutton on the remote control.
The alarm also activates when the doors are closed by turning
the metal insert of the key in the driver side door latch. If the sys-
tem self-activates, the doors are not locked.

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IGNITION SWITCH
The key can be turned to three different positions fig. 21:
❍STOP: engine off, key can be extracted, steering locked. Some
electric devices (e.g. car radio, central door locking system,
alarm, etc.) can work;
❍MAR: driving position. All electric devices can work;
❍ON: starting the engine.
The ignition switch is fitted with an electronic safety system that
requires the ignition key to be turned back to STOP if the engine
will not start, before the starting operation can be repeated.
fig. 21A0K0063m
If the ignition switch is tampered with (e.g.: at-
tempted theft), have it checked over by an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service Provider as soon as pos-
sible.
Always remove the key when you leave your car
to prevent someone from accidentally operating
the controls. Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage 1
stgear if the car is parked uphill or reverse if the
car is parked downhill. Never leave children unattended
in the car.
STEERING LOCK
Engagement
When the key is at STOP, remove the key and turn the steering
wheel until it locks.
Disengagement
Move the steering wheel slightly and turn the ignition key to MAR.
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any after-
market operation involving steering system or
steering column modifications (e.g.: installation of
anti-theft device). This could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also result in the non-
compliance of the car with approval requirements.
Never remove the key while the car is moving. The
steering wheel should lock automatically as soon
as it is turned. This also applies to when the car is
towed.

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AFS ADAPTIVE LIGHTS
(Adaptive Frontlight System) fig. 52
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is a system combined with xenon headlamps which directs the
main light beam and continuously and automatically adapts it to
the driving conditions round bends/when cornering. The system
directs the light beam to light up the road in the best way, taking
into account the speed of the vehicle, the bend/corner angle and
the speed of steering.
The adaptive lights are automatically activated when the engine
is started. In this condition, LED A-fig. 52 will stay off. When the
button is pressed the adaptive lights (if on) are deactivated and the
LED A-fig. 52 in the button comes on continuously.
Press button again to turn the adaptive lights on (LED off).
fig. 52A0K0123m
DOOR LOCK fig. 53
Press≈to lock all the doors at the same time (the LED on the
button will light up when the doors are locked. Locking takes place
regardless of the position of the ignition key.
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
This system is tripped after a collision and activates the following
functions:
❍cutting off fuel supply and consequently stopping the engine;
❍automatically unlocking the doors;
❍turning on the inside lights.
The intervention of the system is indicated by a message shown
on the display. Carefully check the car for fuel leaks, for instance
in the engine compartment, below the car or near the tank area.
After a crash, turn the ignition key to STOP to avoid draining the
battery.
fig. 53A0K0145m

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EOBD SYSTEM
(European On Board Diagnosis)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The aim of the EOBD (European On Board Diagnosis) system is to:
❍to monitor system efficiency;
❍indicate an increase in emissions;
❍to warn of the need to replace deteriorated components.
The car also has a diagnostic connector that can be interfaced
with appropriate tools, which makes it possible to read the error
codes stored in the electronic control units together with a series
of specific parameters for engine operation and diagnosis. This
check can also be carried out by the traffic police.
IMPORTANT After eliminating a fault, to check the system com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorized Services are obliged to run tests
and, if necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
DUAL PINION ACTIVE STEERING
This only operates with the key turned to MAR and the engine start-
ed. The steering allows the force required at the steering wheel
to be adjusted to suit driving conditions. The different power as-
sistance modes can be selected via the d,n,a positions of the"Alfa
DNA System" lever (see paragraph entitled "Alfa DNA System").
IMPORTANT The steering system will need to be initialised after
disconnecting the battery. A warning light will come on to indicate
this. Simply turn the steering wheel all the way from one end to the
other or simply drive in a straight line for a few hundred metres.
Under no circumstances should aftermarket op-
erations be carried out involving steering system
or steering column modifications (e.g. installation
of anti-theft device). This could negatively affect perfor-
mance and safety, invalidate the warranty, cause serious
safety problems and also result in non-compliance of the
car with type-approval requirements.

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If the warning light ¬does not turn on when the key
is turned to MAR, or if it stays on when travelling (to-
gether with the message on the display on some ver-
sions), there could be a failure in the restraint systems. If
this is the case, the air bags or pretensioners may not be de-
ployed in the event of an accident or, less likely, they may
be deployed accidentally. Do not drive the car and contact
a Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider to have the sys-
tem checked immediately.
The expiry dates of the pyrotechnic charge and
clock contact are shown in the plate installed in-
side the glove compartment. Go to an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service Provider when the time to have them
replaced approaches.
Do not travel with objects on your lap, in front of
your chest, or between your lips (e.g. pipes, pen-
cils, etc.): you may be seriously injured in the event
of a crash with air bag deployment.
If someone tries to steal or damage your car, and
in the event of floods, have the air bag system
checked by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
Provider.
With the ignition key inserted and turned to MAR,
the air bags can be deployed also with the car at
a standstill, if it is hit by another vehicle even if the
engine is off. For this reason, children must never sit on
the front seat, even if the car is not moving. Remember
that no safety device (airbag or pretensioner) will be de-
ployed in a crash if the key is inserted and turned to the
STOP position. Failure to deploy in such cases must not
be considered a sign of malfunction.
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the “
warning light turns on (front airbag on passenger’s
side enabled) and will blinks for a few seconds as
a reminder that the passenger airbag will be deployed
in the event of a crash and then go off.
The front air bags are deployed in the event of
more severe collisions than those required for de-
ploying the pretensioners.
For collisions in the range between the two thresholds, it
is normal for only the pretensioners to be activated.