light Alfa Romeo GT 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
140
REAR ROOF LIGHT (fig. 134)
IMPORTANTWhen a door is opened,
the roof light turns on and timing of about
3 minutes is activated automatically, after
which it goes off; closing the doors (within
the 3 minutes) a second timing of about 7
seconds is activated to allow vehicle start-
ing.
Unlocking the doors using the remote con-
trol, the roof light turns on gradually and tim-
ing is activated automatically for about 15
seconds. Locking the doors with the remote
control the roof light turns off gradually.
The light turns off in any case turning the
ignition key to MAR(with the door
closed).PUDDLE LIGHTS (fig. 135)
(for versions/markets where
applicable)
The light (A) housed in the doors turns on
when the associated door is opened, re-
gardless of the position of the ignition key.
fig. 134
A0A0633b
On the light there is a switch with three
positions.
When switch (A) is in the central posi-
tion (0) the light turns on automatically
when a door is opened.
Moving the switch to the right (position 1)
the light stays off.
Moving the switch to the left (position 2)
the light stays on.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOPthe roof light can be turned on for on-
ly 15 minutes; after which it is turned off to
avoid draining the battery.
IMPORTANTBefore leaving the car,
make sure that the switch (A) is in the cen-
tral position (0), so that the roof light turns
off when the doors are closed.
fig. 135
A0A0243b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
141
Do not use the ashtray as
waste paper basket: it
might set on fire in contact
with cigarette stubs.
Always ensure that the
cigar lighter has turned off.
The cigar lighter gets ex-
tremely hot. Handle with
care and prevent its use by
children: danger of fire and/or
burning.DETERRENT LED (fig. 136)
The led (A) on the instrument cluster
comes into operation when the doors are
locked (ignition key at STOPor removed)
and it remains in the “deterrence” condition,
flashing with a red light until the next time
the doors are unlocked.
IMPORTANTIf a door or the tailgate are
not closed perfectly, the deterrent led flash-
es at a higher frequency for 4 seconds and
then flashes at normal frequency again.FRONT ASHTRAY AND CIGAR
LIGHTER
(fig. 137)
To gain access to the ashtray and the cig-
ar lighter open the lid (A).
To use the cigar lighter, with the key at
MAR, press button (B); after a few sec-
onds the button will return automatically
to its initial position and the cigar lighter is
ready for use.
Remove the tray to empty and clean the
ashtray (C).
The position of the cigar lighter in relation
to the ashtray and viceversa, may vary de-
pending on the trim level.
fig. 136
A0A0005b
fig. 137
A0A0634b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
143
CELL PHONE
PROVISION
The car may be fitted with a provision for
installing a cell phone.
The mobile phone provision consists of:
– radio + cell phone dual-purpose anten-
na;
– connection and supply cables with spe-
cific connector for connecting hands-free kit.
ODDMENT RECESSES ON
CENTRE CONSOLE
(fig. 141)
On the centre console, at the side of the
hand brake lever, depending on the versions,
the following recesses are provided:
– can holder (B);
– magnetic card or toll ticket holder (C);
– pen or pencil holder (D);
– coin holder (E).
SUN VISORS (fig. 142)
The visors can be directed at the front and
side.
Behind, the visors have a courtesy mirror
with a light at the side(A). To use, open the
cover (B).
The lights allow use of the mirrors with dim
light.
The passenger’s sun visor has a symbol
concerning correct use of a child’s seat in the
presence of the passenger’s air bag. For fur-
ther details, refer to the passenger’s front
air bag paragraph.
fig. 141
A0A0118b
fig. 142
A0A0121b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
145
OPENING FROM INSIDE
(fig. 143)
Tailgate is released electrically and this can
be performed only when the ignition key
is in position MARwith car at a standstill
or in STOPorPARKposition for 3 min-
utes without unlocking/locking one of the
doors.
To unlock the tailgate, press button (A)
on the centre console panel.
Tailgate raising is facilitated by the gas
shock springs.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 144)
The tailgate can be opened by remote con-
trol from outside pressing the button (A),
also when the electronic alarm is engaged.
Opening of the tailgate is accompanied by
a double flash of the direction indicators;
closing is accompanied by a single flash.
If an electronic alarm is fitted, with the
opening of the tailgate, the alarm system
switches off volumetric protection and the
tailgate control sensor, the system “beeps”
twice (with the exception of certain mar-
kets).
Closing the tailgate again, the control func-
tions are restored, the system “beeps” twice
(with the exception of certain markets).
fig. 143
A0A0129b
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT
The tailgate can be opened:
from the outside of the car- by a
remote control impulse;
from the inside of the door- by de-
pressing the button (A-fig. 143).
IMPORTANTIf the boot is not proper-
ly shut, the
´warning light will come on
(on certain versions accompanied by the
message on the reconfigurable multifunction
display).
The gas springs are cali-
brated to ensure correct
tailgate raising with the
weights foreseen by the manufac-
turer. The arbitrary addition of
items (such spoilers, etc.) may
compromise the correct operation
and safety of the actual tailgate.
fig. 144
A0A0636b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
146
EMERGENCY OPENING
OF TAILGATE
To succeed in opening the tailgate from the
inside, should the car battery be flat, or be-
cause of a defect of the electric lock of the
tailgate itself, proceed as follows (see “Ex-
tending the luggage compartment” in the
chapter “Getting to know you car”):
– tilt the rear seat cushions;
– tilt the backrests;
– - pull the string to unlock (A-fig. 146)
(the string is in the tailgate imprint on the
right).
TAILGATE CLOSING
To lock, push in correspondence with the
Alfa Romeo badge to lower tailgate, until
you feel the click of the lock.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
LIGHTING
(fig. 145)
When the tailgate is opened the light turns
on automatically (A) in the right-hand side
of the boot. Closing the tailgate, the light
turns off automatically.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOP, opening the tailgate, turning on the
light will only be possible for 15 minutes;
after which the system turns it off to avoid
draining the battery.
fig. 145
A0A0637b
fig. 146
A0A0658b
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 147)
The loads carried may be secured with
straps hooked to the special rings (A) in the
boot.
The rings also serve for fastening the lug-
gage restrainer, if present (in any case avail-
able c/o Alfa Romeo Authorised Services).
CAUTIONS FOR CARRYING
THE LUGGAGE
Travelling at night with a load in the boot
it is necessary to adjust the height of the low
beam headlights (see next paragraph
“Headlights” in this chapter). For correct use
of the aiming device, also make sure that
the load does not exceed the values given
in the same paragraph.
fig. 147
A0A0638b

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
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
150
ABS
(upon request for
versions/markets where
provided)
The car is fitted with an ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from lock-
ing when braking, makes full use of the grip
and within the limits of the grip available,
keeps the car controllable also in emergency
braking.
When braking a slight pulsing accompa-
nied by noise may be felt on the brake ped-
al due to the action of the ABS system.
This should not be interpreted as a brak-
ing malfunction. It is the signal to the driver
that the ABS has come into action: it is the
warning that the car is travelling at the lim-
it of its grip and therefore the speed should
be adapted to the type of road.
The ABS system is an additional part of the
base braking system; in the event of a fail-
ure it is disabled, leaving the braking sys-
tem in the same conditions as a vehicle with-
out ABS.The ABS better exploits
the grip available, but can-
not increase it; caution is
therefore necessary on slippery
surfaces, without taking unneces-
sary risks.
If the ABS cuts in it means
that the limit of the grip is
being reached between the
tyre and the road surface: it is
therefore necessary to slow down
to adapt driving to the grip avail-
able.
In the event of a system
failure, with the turning on
of the
>warning light on
the instrument cluster, have the car
checked immediately by Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services, to be
able to have the system restored
to fully efficient conditions.
In the case of a failure, the anti-lock action
is no longer present, the braking capacity of
the vehicle is not adversely affected at all.
If you have never previously used cars fit-
ted with ABS, it is advisable to practice a lit-
tle on a slippery surface, naturally in safe-
ty conditions and in accordance with the lo-
cal Highway Code; you are also advised to
read the following instructions carefully.
The advantage of the ABS over a conven-
tional system is that it makes it possible to
obtain the highest degree of handling also
when braking completely under limited grip
conditions, preventing the wheels from lock-
ing.
However, with the ABS do not expect the
braking distance to always shorten: for ex-
ample, on soft surfaces like gravel or fresh
snow or a slippery surface, the space might
increase.
To better exploit the possibilities of the an-
ti-lock system in the case of need, the ad-
vice given below should be followed.

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
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.