engine Alfa Romeo GT 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
148
Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
For safety reasons the
bonnet shall always be
perfectly closed when trav-
elling. Always check for proper
bonnet locking. If the bonnet is left
inadvertently open, stop the car
immediately and close the bonnet.
To close:
– lower the bonnet until approx. 20 cm
from the engine compartment and then let
it drop, ensuring it is fully closed and not just
held in position by the safety catch.
If the bonnet does not close properly do
not push it down but open it again and re-
peat the above procedure.
HEADLIGHTS
The adjustment of the headlights is vital to
your safety and comfort and to that of oth-
er road users.
The adjustment of the headlights is also
governed by precise regulations.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the headlights correctly adjusted.
IMPORTANTThe headlight inner sur-
face may get slightly misted: this does not
mean it is faulty; it is a natural phenome-
non due to low temperature and the air hu-
midity level. Misting will disappear as soon
as the headlights are turned on. The pres-
ence of water drops inside the headlight in-
dicates water infiltration: contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
COMPENSATION FOR TILT
(fig. 150)
When the vehicle is loaded, the beam from
the headlights is raised due to the back-
wards tilt of the vehicle.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly.
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), this will low-
er by one position (e.g.:3
➟2➟1➟0);
The display (B) in the tachometer shows
the positions while adjustment is being ma
fig. 150
A0A0093b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
151
Always take due care when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the
pressure, but keep the pedal firm-
ly pressed with no fear; this way
you will stop in the least space
possible, compatibly with the con-
ditions of the road surface.
Following these instructions you will be
in the best braking condition under all cir-
cumstances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors.The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andx
warning lights turn on simultane-
ously with the engine running, this
indicates an EBD system failure; in
this case with sharp braking the
rear wheels might lock too early,
with the possibility of skidding.
Driving extremely carefully, go to
the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system
checked.
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally in-
dicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system checked
over, driving in such a way as to
avoid sharp braking.
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immedi-
ately and contact the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. Any
loss of fluid from the hydraulic sys-
tem will negatively affect the op-
eration of the braking system be it
of the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
If the compact spare wheel
is used, operation of the
ABS system is cut off and
the
>warning light on the instru-
ment cluster turns on.
IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn
on when starting the engine and go off af-
ter starting. This should not be considered
as a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
152
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
(upon request for
versions/markets where
provided)
The VDC is an electronic system that con-
trols vehicle stability, intervening on the dri-
ving torque and braking the wheels in a dif-
ferentiated manner, in the lack of grip, it
helps to bring the car back to the correct
direction.
When travelling the car is subjected to lat-
eral and longitudinal forces which can be
controlled by the driver as long as the tyres
offer adequate roadholding; when this falls
below the minimum level, the car begins
to divert from the course required by the dri-
ver.
Especially when travelling on an uneven
surface (such as paving, or due to the pres-
ence of water, ice or soil), changes in speed
(acceleration or braking) and/or course
(bends or the need to avoid obstacles) may
cause the tyres to lose grip.When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC system
intervenes on the engine and on the brakes
producing a stabilising torque.
HOW THE VDC
SYSTEM WORKS
The VDC system is engaged automatical-
ly when the car is started and cannot be
switched off.
The basic components of the VDC system
are:
– an electronic control unit that process-
es the signals received from the various sen-
sors and brings about the most appropriate
strategy;
– a sensor that detects the position of the
steering wheels;
– four sensors that detect the turning
speed of each wheel;
– a sensor that detects rotation of the car
around its vertical axis;
– a sensor that detects lateral acceleration
(centrifugal force).
The heart of the VDC system is the VDC
control unit, which with the data supplied
by the sensors installed on the car calculates
the centrifugal forces generated when the
car is cornering. The yawing sensor, which
originates from the aeronautical industry, de-
tects the rotations of the car around its own
vertical axis. The centrifugal forces gener-
ated when the car is cornering are detect- 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 always be
adapted to the conditions of the
road surface, visibility and traffic.
The responsibility for road safety
is always and in any case the dri-
ver’s.
The VDC system helps the driver to keep
the car under control in the event of a loss
of tyre grip.
The forces induced by the VDC system to
control the loss of vehicle stability always
depend on the grip between the tyre and
the road surface.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
153
ed by a highly sensitive lateral acceleration
sensor.
The stabilising action of the VDC system is
based on the calculations of the system elec-
tronic control unit, which processes the sig-
nals received from the steering wheel rota-
tion sensor, acceleration sensor and rotation
speed sensor of each wheel. These signals
allow the control unit to recognise the ma-
noeuvre the driver intends to do when the
steering wheel is turned.
The control unit processes the information
received from the sensors and therefore is
able to know the position of the car instant
by instant and compares it with the course
the driver would like to follow. In the event
of a discrepancy, in a fraction of a second
the control unit chooses and commands the
most suitable intervention to bring the car
immediately back to the required course:
braking one or more wheels at different in-
tensity and, if necessary, reducing the pow-
er transmitted by the engine.
The corrective actions are modified and
controlled continuously in seeking the course
required by the driver.
The action of VDC system considerably en-
hances the active safety of the car in very
critical situations and it is particularly help-
ful when the grip conditions of the road sur-
face change.For the VDC system to
work correctly, the tyres
must be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and above all of the
specified type, brand and size.CUTTING IN
OF THE VDC SYSTEM
The cutting in of the VDC system is indi-
cated by the flashing of the
áwarning light
on the instrument cluster, to inform the dri-
ver that the car is in critical conditions of sta-
bility and grip.
VDC system
failure warning
In the event of a failure the VDC system
disengages automatically and the
áwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on
glowing steadily, together with the message
on the reconfigurable multifunction display.
In the event of an VDC system failure the
car behaves like a vehicle not fitted with this
system: in any case it is advisable to con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon
as possible.During use of the compact
spare wheel, the VDC sys-
tem continues working. It
should be borne in mind that the
spare wheel is smaller than a nor-
mal tyre, therefore its grip is low-
er than that of the other tyres of
the car.

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).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
155
ASR system
failure warning
In the event of a fault, the ASR system
switches off automatically and the
Vwarn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on,
together with the message on the reconfig-
urable multifunction display.
In the event of an ASR system operating
failure, the car behaves in the same way
as a car that is not fitted with this system:
in any case, it is advisable to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as soon as pos-
sible.
MSR SYSTEM
(Engine drive adjustment)
The car is fitted with a special system, in-
tegral with the ASR system, that in case of
sudden gear shifting, cuts in providing torque
to the engine thus preventing excessive dri-
ving wheel drive that, specially in poor grip
conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD system (European On Board Di-
agnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of the
components of the car correlated with emis-
sions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light
Uon the instrument panel
(on some versions together with the mes-
sage + symbol on the reconfigurable multi-
function display) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”), when these condi-
tions are no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
– to keep the system efficiency under con-
trol;
– to warn when a fault causes emission
levels to increase;
– to warn of the need to replace deterio-
rated components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor that can be interfaced with appropriate
tools, which makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis. This
check can also be carried out by the traffic
police. During use of the compact
spare wheel, the ASR func-
tion is cut off and the
V
warning light on the instrument
cluster turns on glowing steadily
together with the message on the
reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play.
For correct operation of
the ASR system the tyres
must absolutely be of the
same brand and type on all wheels,
in perfect conditions and, above all,
of the specified type, brand and
size.
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on snow
with snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR device off: in fact, in these condi-
tions, slipping of the driving wheels when
moving off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
165
6.Multifunction button:
– Radio: call preset stations (from 6 to
1)
– Compact Disc player: select previous
track.
Volume adjustment and Mute
buttons
The buttons for volume adjustment (1)
and (2) and for turning Mute on/off (3)
work in the same way as the corresponding
buttons on the radio.
Radio frequency and sound
source select button
To cyclically select the radio frequencies
and sound sources, briefly and repeatedly
press button (4).
The frequencies/sources available are:
FMI, FMII, FMT, MW, LW, CD*, CDC**.
(*) Only if the Compact Disc is inserted
(**) Only if the CD-Changer is connected
Multifunction buttons (5) and (6)
Multifunction buttons (5) and (6) call the
preset radio stations, or select the next/pre-
vious track when listening to a Compact
Disc.
Press button (5) to select stations from
1 to 6 or to listen to the next track on a CD.
Press button (6) to select stations from
6 to 1 or to listen to the previous track on
a CD.
FUNCTIONS AND
ADJUSTMENTS
(fig. 154)
Switching on
The set is turned on keeping the “ON”
(20) button pressed. If the radio was on
before the engine was turned off, it will turn
on again automatically the next time the en-
gine is started.
If the radio is turned on with the ignition
key at STOP, it will turn off automatically
after about 20 minutes.
With the ignition key at MARthe “ON”
button is always lit to facilitate turning on
the radio.When the radio is turned on again it will
resume with the same settings that were
working before turning off, with the excep-
tion of the volume which, if it was set to
above 20, it is activated at 20.
Turning the radio off
To turn off keep the “ON” button (20)
pressed again.
If the ignition key is turned to STOPwhen
the radio is on, it will turn off automatical-
ly and turn on again the next time the key
is turned to MAR.
Selecting the Radio/Compact
Disc/CD-Changer functions
Briefly and repeatedly pressing the “SRC”
button (14) it is possible to select the fol-
lowing functions in sequence:
– TUNER (Radio)
– CD (only if the Compact Disc is insert-
ed)
– CHANGER (only if the CD-Changer is con-
nected).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
198
FUEL CAP
The fuel cap (C-fig. 164) is electrically
controlled. To open it, press button (D-
fig. 165); the flap can be opened only
when the engine is off.
The fuel cap (A-fig. 164), accessible af-
ter opening the lid (C), is fitted with a catch
to prevent losing it (B) which fastens it to the
lid.
When refuelling, hook the cap to the de-
vice on the inner flap, as illustrated.
REFUELLING
PETROL ENGINES
Use only unleaded petrol.
To prevent accidentally filling with leaded
petrol, the diameter of the fuel tank filler
is of such a size as not to accept the noz-
zle of this type of petrol.
The unleaded petrol octane number
(R.O.N.) used shall not be less than 95.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalyst
leads to harmful emission at the exhaust,
thus environment pollution.
IMPORTANTNever put leaded petrol,
even in small quantity, in the tank, even if
it is an emergency. This would irreversibly
damage the exhaust gas catalyst.
JTD ENGINES
At low temperatures the degree of fluidi-
ty of fuel oil may become insufficient due to
the formation of paraffins leading to mal-
functioning of the fuel system.
Therefore, to avoid inconveniences, sum-
mer and winter fuel oils are normally dis-
tributed depending on the season.
In the event the car is filled with fuel oil
unsuitable for the using temperature, mix
it with DIESEL MIX additive in the propor-
tions stated on the can, firstly putting the
antifreeze in the tank and then the fuel oil.
The vehicle must only be
filled with fuel oil for mo-
tor vehicles, in compliance
with European Specification
EN590. The use of other products
or mixtures may irreparably dam-
age the engine with invalidation of
the warranty due to the damage
caused. In the event of accidental-
ly filling with another type of fuel,
do not start the engine and empty
the tank. If the engine has been run
even for only a very short time, in
addition to the tank, it is also nec-
essary to empty the whole supply
circuit.
fig. 164
A0A0644b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
199
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The devices used to reduce petrol engine
emissions are:
– trivalent catalytic converter (catalytic si-
lencer);
– Lambda sensors;
– anti-evaporation system.
If one or more spark plugs are discon-
nected, do not run the engine, even for a
test.
The devices used to reduce diesel fuel en-
gine emissions are:
– oxidising catalyst;
– exhaust gas re-circulation system
(E. G. R.). Do not go near the fuel
filler with naked flames or
lit cigarettes: danger of
fire. Avoid going too near the fuel
filler with your face, to avoid in-
haling harmful vapours.
In the case of need, only
replace the fuel cap with
another genuine one, or the
efficiency of the fuel vapour re-
covery system could be adversely
affected.
Should it be not possible to open the fuel
flap electrically, use the special cable in the
boot (A-fig. 166) to open it manually.
Due to the high tempera-
tures reached during oper-
ation of the catalytic si-
lencer the vehicle should not be
parked over inflammable materials
(grass, dry leaves, pine needles,
etc.).
fig. 165
A0A0643b
fig. 166
A0A0652b
IMPORTANTThe sealing of the tank
may cause light pressurising. A little breath-
ing off, while slackening the cap is ab-
solutely normal.
After refuelling, turn the cap clockwise and
close the flap.
IMPORTANTFor your safety, before
starting the engine, also make sure that the
fuel nozzle is correctly inserted in the fuel
distributor.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
200
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR PETROL VERSIONS
IMPORTANTIt is important never to
press the accelerator before the engine
has started.
1) Make sure the handbrake is engaged.
2) Move the gear lever to neutral.
3) Fully depress the clutch pedal, so that
the starter motor is not forced to crank the
gears.
4) Ensure that the electric systems and
devices, especially if they absorb high
quantities of energy (e.g. heated
rearscreen), are switched off.
5) Turn the ignition key to the AV V
position and release it as soon as the
engine starts.
6) If the engine does not start, return
the key to STOP,then repeat the proce-
dure.
IMPORTANTIf it is difficult to start
the engine do not insist with extended
attempts which may damage the catalyst,
but contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services. The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
device which obliges the driver to return
the key to the STOPposition before
repeating the starting operation if the
engine does not start immediately.
Similarly, when the engine is running,
the device prevents the key being moved
from the MARto the AV Vposition.
STARTING
THE ENGINE
IMPORTANTThe car is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device. If the engine
fails to start, see the “Alfa Romeo CODE
system”.
C C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T
U U
S S
E E
O O
F F
T T
H H
E E
C C
A A
R R
We recommend that dur-
ing the initial period you
do not drive to full vehicle
performance (for example exces-
sive acceleration, long journeys
at top speed, hard braking etc.).
Running the engine in
confined areas is
extremely dangerous. The
engine consumes oxygen and
produces carbon monoxide which
is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
When the engine is
switched off never leave
the ignition key in the
MAR position to prevent point-
less current absorption from
draining the battery.