tow Alfa Romeo GT 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
121
QUICK FRONT WINDOW
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING
BUTTON
(MAX-DEF FUNCTION)
(fig. 112)
Pressing button (7)
-the climate con-
trol automatically activates timed operation
of all the functions needed to quicken
demisting/defrosting of the windscreen and
front side windows, i.e.:
- it turns on the climate control compres-
sor;
- switches off inside air re-circulation, if on
(both leds off);
- sets the maximum air temperature (HI)
on both displays (1) and (5);
- operates the fan at a predefined speed;
- directs the flow of air towards the wind-
screen and front side window vents;
- turns on rearscreen heating and, if pre-
sent, the wing mirror coils.
When the maximum demisting/defrost-
ing feature is on, the led on button (7)
-, the led on the rearscreen heating button
(9)
(and the led on button (14)√turn on; at the same time the leds on but-
ton (8)
v.IMPORTANTIf the engine is not hot
enough, the function does not immediate-
ly engage the pre-established fan speed, to
restrict the inlet of air to the passenger com-
partment that is not warm enough to demist
the windows.
When the maximum demisting/defrost-
ing function is on, the only manual opera-
tion possible are manual adjustment of the
fan and switching rearscreen heating off.Pressing one of the following buttons
again: (7)
-, (8)v, (12)MONO,
(13)
AUTOor (14)√the system switch-
es off the maximum demisting/defrosting
function, restoring the operating conditions
of the system prior to turning it on, in ad-
dition to activating the last function required,
if any.
A0A0213b
fig. 112

Rear sensors are auto-
matically switched off
when the trailer’s electric
cable plug is inserted into the car
tow hitch socket.
Rear sensors are automatically switched
on by removing the trailer cable plug.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
123
PARKING SENSORS
(fig. 113a)
(optional for versions/markets where
applicable)
The parking system detects and informs
the driver (through an intermittent acoustic
signal) about the presence of obstacles in
the rear part of the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when the reverse gear is engaged.
The sound produced by the acoustic alarm
becomes continuous when the distance be-
tween the car and the obstacle is less that
30 cm.
ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
When the reverse gear is engaged an in-
termittent acoustic signal is automatically
activated.
The acoustic signal:
– raises with the reduction of distance be-
tween the car and the obstacle;
– becomes continuous when the distance
between the car and the obstacle is less that
30 cm and stops if the distance raises.
– is constant if the distance is unvaried.
If this situation takes place for side sensors,
the signal is stopped after about 3 seconds
to prevent sound indications when per-
forming manoeuvres near walls.
TOWING A TRAILER
fig. 113a
A0A0735b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
126
The adjustment of Xenon headlights is au-
tomatic, therefore the versions fitted with
this optional lack the headlight aiming de-
vice (fig. 116a).
HAND BRAKE(fig. 117)
The hand brake lever is located between
the two front seats.
To operate the brake when the vehicle is
stationary, pull lever (A) upwards, until the
required braking action is obtained.
When the ignition key is at MAR, the
warning light on the instrument cluster
x
will come on.
fig. 117
A0A0620b
fig. 116a versions with Xenon headlights
A0A0677b
Adjust the beams every
time the load carried
changes.
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartment
fig. 116 versions without Xenon headlights
A0A0093b
HEADLIGHT AIMING DEVICE
(fig. 116)
The headlights should be aimed correctly
depending on the vehicle load.
To do this, use the rocker button (A), on
the plate at the side of the steering column:
– press the arrow on the button (
A), to
increase by one position (e.g.:0
➟1➟2➟
3);
– press the arrow on the button (
S), to lower
by one position (e.g.:3
➟2➟1➟0);
The display (B) in the tachometer shows the
positions during adjustment.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
PARKING THE CAR
To park the car safely it is absolutely nec-
essary to engage first gear (1) or reverse
(R) and also the handbrake if the road is
on a slope.
Turning off the engine with the car on an
uphill slope and a gear engaged, it is ab-
solutely necessary to wait for the display
showing the gear engaged to go off before
releasing the brake pedal, so that the clutch
is completely closed.
If the gearbox is in neutral (N) and want-
ing to engage a parking gear, the system
should be activated and with the foot on the
brake pedal it is necessary to engage (1)
or (R).
TOWING THE CAR
IMPORTANTFor towing the car follow
local regulations. Make sure that the gear-
box is in neutral (N) (checking that the car
moves if pushed) and tow as for a car with
normal mechanical gearbox following the
instructions given in the chapter “In an emer-
gency”.
Should it be impossible to set to neutral,
do not tow the vehicle; contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
While towing the car do
not start the engine.
BUZZER WARNINGS
The buzzer is activated when:
– reverse gear is engaged (R);
– the car is parked with the gearbox in
neutral (N); signal that can be noted turn-
ing the ignition key to STOP;
– clutch overheating occurs when moving
off;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged (e.g.: the car moves
downwards with reverse gear engaged);
– the system has shifted automatically
to neutral (N) when:
no action is made on the accelerator
and/or brake pedal for at least 3 minutes;
or the brake is pressed for over 10 min-
utes;
or the driver’s door is opened and no ac-
tion is made on the accelerator and brake
for at least 1 second;
or a gearbox failure has been detected.
– In the event of gearbox failure.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
149
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes.
fig. 152
A0A0199b
For correct adjustment, bear in mind the
following conditions:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + maximum permis-
sible load all stowed in lug-
gage compartmentHEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 152)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the ve-
hicle is marketed. In countries with opposite
circulation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehi-
cles it is necessary to cover the area of the
headlights as shown below; this is done us-
ing non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustration refers to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
fig. 151
A0A00677b
IMPORTANTThe compensation for tilt of
Xenon headlights (if fitted) is carried out au-
tomatically and therefore in the versions fitted
with this type of headlights the aiming de-
vice is not present (fig. 151).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
154
SWITCHING ON
THE ASR FUNCTION
The ASR function switches on automati-
cally each time the engine is started.
When travelling the device can be switched
off and on again pressing switch (A-
fig. 153) on the centre console.
When the device is switched off this is
shown by the lighting up of the led on the
switch itself.
If the function is switched off when trav-
elling, it will turn on again automatically the
next time the engine is started.
fig. 153
A0A0639b
ASR SYSTEM
(Antislip Regulation)
(upon request for
versions/markets where
provided)
The ASR function controls the vehicle dri-
ve and cuts in automatically every time one
or both driving wheels slip.
In slipping conditions, tow different control
systems are activated:
1) if slipping involves both driving wheels,
being caused by excessive power transmit-
ted, the ASR device cuts in reducing the pow-
er transmitted by the engine.
2) if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in automatical-
ly braking the wheel that is slipping, with
an effect similar to that of a self-locking dif-
ferential.The performance of the
system in terms of active
safety should not induce
the driver to take pointless and un-
necessary risks. The style of dri-
ving must in any case be adapted
to the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility and traffic. Road
surface is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
The action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
– slipping of the inner wheel on a bend,
due to the effect of dynamic load changes
or excessive acceleration.
– too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the conditions of
the road surface.
– acceleration on slippery, snowy or frozen
surfaces.
– in the case of loss of grip on a wet sur-
face (aquaplaning).

Never push, tow or
coast start the vehicle.
This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalyst damaging
it irreversibly.
Remember that the
engine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort
than usual is needed on the brake
pedal and steering wheel.CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
202
For cars with tur-
bocharger in particular,
but for all cars in general,
sharp accelerating should be
avoided before switching the
engine off.
A “kick” on the accelerator
serves no purpose, consumes fuel
pointlessly and may cause seri-
ous damage to the turbocharger
impeller bearings.EMERGENCY STARTING
If the Alfa Romeo CODE system does not
recognise the code transmitted by the igni-
tion key (warning light
Yon the instru-
ment cluster glowing on steadily) emer-
gency starting may be carried out using
the code of the CODE card.
For the correct procedure see the chapter
“In an emergency”.
IMPORTANTIf the engine turns off
with the vehicle on the move, the next
time it is started, the Alfa Romeo CODE
warning light may turn on(
Y). In this
case, check that switching off and starting
the engine again with the vehicle station-
ary, the warning light stays off. If not, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
ENGINE SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and wait
until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and switch off the engine.
IMPORTANTAfter a tiring journey it is
advisable to let the engine “get its breath
back” allowing it to idle a while to lower
the temperature in the engine compart-
ment.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
205
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANTS
For towing caravans or trailers the vehicle
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system.
Installation should be carried out by spe-
cialised personnel who release a special
document for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional
rearview mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the braking
spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a lower gear when driving down-
hill, rather than constantly using the
brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the vehi-
cle tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual vehicle loading capacity. To make sure the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the log
book) account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and per-
sonal belongings.
Drive within the specific speed limit in
every country for vehicle trailers. In any
case the maximum speed should never
exceed 100 km/h.
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel accord-
ing to the following instructions and any
additional and/or integrative information
supplied by the Manufacturer of the device
itself.
The towing device must meet current
regulations with reference to Directive
94/20/CEE and subsequent amend-
ments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the
vehicle on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fas-
tened to the towing device itself. The ABS system with
which the car may be fit-
ted does not control the
trailer braking system. Particular
care is therefore necessary on
slippery surfaces.
Under no circumstances
should the vehicle brake
system be altered to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer
braking system must be fully
independent of the vehicle’s
hydraulic system.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
206
For the electrical connection a 7 or 13
pole 12VDC connection must be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN standards) fol-
lowing any reference instructions given by
the vehicle Manufacturer and/or towing
device Manufacturer.
Any electric brake should be supplied
directly by the battery through a cable
with a cross-section of no less than 2.5
mm
2. In addition to the electrical branch-
es, the vehicle electric system can only be
connected to the supply cable for an elec-
tric brake and to the cable for an internal
light, though not above 15W.INSTALLATION LAYOUT
(fig. 1)
The tow hook structure must be fas-
tened in the points shown by the
symbol Ø using 4 M8 screws and 7
M10 screws.
The inner plate (2) should have a
minimum thickness of 6 mm.
The inner plate (3) should have a
minimum thickness of 4 mm.
The inner plate (4) should have a
minimum thickness of 5 mm.
The fastening points (1) should be
fitted with 25 mm x 6 mm spacers.After assembly, the fas-
tening screw bores shall
be sealed to prevent pos-
sible exhaust gas infiltrations.
IMPORTANTIt is compulsory to fas-
ten a label (plainly visible) of suitable size
and material with the following wording:
MAX LOAD ON BALL 60 kg.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
209
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted.
Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements to
prevent damaging the tyres, sus-
pension and steering. Remember
that with snow chains fitted the
brake distance will increase.
VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle is to be left inactive for
long periods, the following precautions
should be noted:
– House the vehicle under cover in a dry
and possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Check that the handbrake is not
engaged.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by
protective wax.
– Cover the rubber windscreen and
rearscreen wiper blades with talcum pow-
der and raise them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5
bars above normal. If possible rest the
tyres on wooden planks and periodically
check the pressure.
– Do not turn on the electronic alarm
system.– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal (–) from the battery and check the
battery charge. This check should be
repeated once a month during stowage.
Charge the battery if the loadless voltage
is below 12,5V.
– Do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.
– Cover the vehicle with a fabric or per-
forated plastic cover. Do not use compact
plastic covers which prevent the humidity
on the surface of the vehicle from evapo-
rating. Snow chains cannot be
fitted to the compact
spare wheel. So, if a front
(drive) wheel is punctured and
chains are needed, a rear wheel
should be fitted to the front of
the vehicle (inflate the tyres to
the specified pressure as soon as
possible) and the spare wheel
should be fitted to the rear. This
way, with two normal drive
wheels, snow chains can be fitted
to them to solve an emergency.
With snow chains fitted
it is advisable to turn off
the ASR system. Press
the ASR-OFF button, led on but-
ton on.