towing Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

11
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
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

152
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
It is advisable not to demand maximum perfor-
mance from your car (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long distances at top rpm, excessively intense brak-
ing, etc.) when it is first used.
Remember that the brake servo and electro-
mechanical power steering are not operational un-
til the engine has been started, therefore much
more effort than usual is required on the brake pedal and
steering wheel.
Never jump start the engine by pushing, towing or
driving downhill. These manoeuvres may damage
the catalytic converter.
When the engine is switched off never leave the
key in the MAR position to prevent useless cur-
rent absorption from draining the battery.
HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE
AFTER IT HAS JUST STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❍drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium speed. Do
not accelerate abruptly;
❍do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilo-
metres. Wait until the engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, before turning the engine off you
should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine com-
partment to fall.
A quick burst on the accelerator before turning off
the engine serves absolutely no practical purpose;
it wastes fuel and is especially damaging to tur-
bocharged engines.

157
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The car must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and ad-
equate electric system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation must
be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors in accor-
dance with the highway code of the country in which you are trav-
elling.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb,
braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer depending
on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the car by the
same amount. Consider the weight at full load, including acces-
sories and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the maximum
towable weight (shown in the registration document).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to install a tow hook.
The ABS with which the car is equipped will not con-
trol the braking system of the trailer. Take extra
care when travelling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent from the hydraulic sys-
tem of the car.

162
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The space-saver spare wheel is vehicle-specific:
do not use it on vehicles of other model and do not
use space-saver spare wheels from other models
on your car. The space-saver spare wheel must only be
used in an emergency. Never use it longer than strictly
necessary and never exceed 80 km/h. On the space-saver
spare wheel there is a label, summarizing the main warn-
ings about the space-saver spare wheel usage restrictions.
Never remove or cover the label. Never apply any hub
cap to the space-saver spare wheel.
CHANGING A TYRE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The car is equipped with an “Automatic Fix&Go Kit“: see “Auto-
matic Fix&Go Kit” for how to use this device.
Alternatively to the “Automatic Fix&Go Kit” the car may be
equipped with a space-saver spare wheel: see the instructions on
the following pages for changing the tyre.
Use your hazard lights, warning triangle, etc. to
show that your car is stationary in compliance with
regulations. Passengers should get out of the car,
particularly if it is heavily loaded, and wait for the wheel
to be changed away from the traffic. In the event of a
wheel change on a slope or on unsurfaced roads, chock
the wheels.
BUMP STARTING
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving downhill.
Never use a fast battery-charger to start the en-
gine as this could damage the electronic systems
of your car, particularly the ignition and fuel sup-
ply control units.

196
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
LIFTING THE CAR
If you need to lift the car contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services,
who will be equipped with a workshop lift.
IMPORTANT Be careful when positioning the lift for versions with
side spoilers.
TOWING THE CAR
The tow ring provided with the car is housed in the tool box in
the boot.
ATTACHING THE TOW HOOK
Manually release the plug A pressing in the lower part, take the
tow hook from its seat in the tool support and tighten it securely
on the front threaded pin (fig. 159) or on the rear threaded pin
(fig. 160).
Before beginning to tow, turn the ignition key to
MAR and then to STOP, without extracting it When
the key is removed, the steering wheel lock auto-
matically activates, making it impossible to turn the
wheels.
fig. 159A0K0136mfig. 160A0K0137m

197
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The brake servo and the electrical power steering
will not work while the car is being towed. More
effort on the brake pedal and steering wheel will
therefore be required. Do not use wires for towing. Do not
jerk. Be careful not to damage parts in contact with the
car while towing. Respect the specific rules of the Highway
Code when towing the car, specifically in relation to the
towing device and conduct on the road. Do not start the
engine while towing the car. Clean the threaded seat care-
fully before fastening the hook. Make sure that the hook
is fully fastened in the seat before towing the car.The front and rear tow hooks must only be used
for emergency situations on the road. The car may
be towed for short distances when a dedicated de-
vice is used in compliance with the Highway Code (rigid
bar), and in order to move the vehicle on the road in
preparation for towing by a tow truck. Tow hooks MUST
NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles and/or for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices. Respecting the above condi-
tions, towing must take place with two vehicles (one tow-
ing, the other towed) aligned as much as possible along
the same centre line.

199
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT NOTES
❍At 2000 km from the next service operation the display will
show a message.
❍Scheduled Servicing operations are required by the manufac-
turer. Failure to comply with the schedule may invalidate the
warranty.
❍It is advisable to inform Alfa Romeo Authorized Services of any
small faults without waiting for the next scheduled service.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance is essential for ensuring long car life under the
best conditions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has prepared a series of checks and
service operations to be carried out every 30,000 kilometres (for
1.4 petrol versions) or every 35,000 kilometres (for 1750 Turbo
Petrol and diesel versions).
Check the items on the Scheduled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodical-
ly check level of liquids, tyre pressure, etc.) before 30,000/
35,000 km and between these services deadlines.
Scheduled Service operations should be carried out at Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services according to a set time schedule. If, during
each operation, in addition to the ones scheduled, the need aris-
es for further replacements or repairs, these may be carried out on-
ly with the explicit agreement of the Customer.
If your car is used frequently for towing, the interval between one
service operation and the next should be reduced.

206
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
REGULAR CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and top up the fol-
lowing if necessary:
❍engine coolant level, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid
❍tyre pressure and condition;
❍operation of lighting system (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard lights, etc.);
❍operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system, position
and wear of windscreen/rear window wiper blades;
Check and top up, if required, the engine oil level every 3,000 km.
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If you use the car mainly under one of the following conditions:
❍trailer or caravan towing;
❍dusty roads;
❍short (less than 7-8 km) and repeated journeys in sub-zero
temperatures;
❍frequent engine idling, travelling long distances at low speeds
or long term inactivity;
perform the following inspections more frequently than shown on
the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❍check front disc brake pad condition and wear;
❍check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, as well as cleanli-
ness and lubrication of linkages;
❍visually inspect the conditions of: engine, gearbox, transmis-
sion, pipes and tubes (exhaust - fuel - brakes), rubber parts
(boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.);
❍check battery charge and liquid level (electrolyte);
❍visually inspect the condition of auxiliary drive belts;
❍check and if necessary change engine oil and oil filter;
❍check pollen filter and replace it, if required;
❍check air filter and replace, if required.

1320
505
1100
850
1825
1300
500
50
601280
505
1100
850
1785
1300
500
50
601290
505
1100
850
1795
1300
500
50
60
238
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
(*) If special equipment is fitted (sun roof, trailer towing equipment, etc.) the unladen weight will increase and consequently the payload will de-
crease in relation to the maximum permitted loads.
(**) Loads that must not be exceeded. The driver is responsible for arranging goods in the luggage compartment and/on load carrying platform with-
in the maximum permitted loads.
WEIGHTS
Weights (kg) 1.4 Turbo Petrol 1.4 Turbo Multi Air1750 Turbo Petrol
Unladen weight
(with all fluids, fuel tank
filled to 90% and without
optional equipment):
Payload (*)
including the driver:
Maximum permitted loads (**)
– front axle :
– rear axle:
– total:
Towable loads
– braked trailer:
– non-braked trailer:
Maximum load on roof:
Maximum load on the ball joint
(braked trailer):

239
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
1320
505
1100
850
1825
1300
500
50
601310
505
1100
850
1815
1300
500
50
60
(*) If special equipment is fitted (sun roof, trailer towing equipment, etc.) the unladen weight will increase and consequently the payload will
decrease in relation to the maximum permitted loads.
(**) Loads that must not be exceeded. The driver is responsible for arranging goods in the luggage compartment and/on load carrying platform
within the maximum permitted loads.
Weights (kg) 1.6 JTDM2.0 JTDM
Unladen weight
(with all fluids, fuel tank filled to
90% and without optional equipment):
Payload (*)
including the driver:
Maximum permitted loads (**)
– front axle:
– rear axle:
– total:
Towable loads
– braked trailer:
– non-braked trailer:
Maximum load on roof:
Maximum load on the ball joint
(braked trailer):