check engine Alfa Romeo GT 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
14
IGNITION DEVICE
SWITCH(fig. 8)
The key can be turned to one of four
positions:
–STOP: engine switched off, key can
be removed, engine inhibitor engaged,
steering lock engaged, services excluded
apart from those supplied directly (e.g.
hazard warning lights).
–MAR: drive position. The engine lock
is deactivated and all electrical devices are
powered.
fig. 8
A0A0016b
When leaving the vehicle
always remove the key
from the ignition to pre-
vent any occupants of the vehicle
from accidentally activating the
controls. Never leave children in
the vehicle unaccompanied. Re-
member to engage the handbrake
and, if the vehicle is parked on an
uphill slope, to engage the first
gear. If the vehicle is facing down-
hill, engage reverse gear.
If the ignition device is
tampered with (for exam-
ple an attempted theft)
have it checked over by Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services before
travelling again.
IMPORTANTDo not leave the key in
this position when the engine is stopped.
–AV V: unstable position for starting
the engine.
IMPORTANTIf the engine fails to
start move the key back to STOPand
repeat.
The ignition switch has a safety device
which prevents passage to AV Vwhen
the engine is running.
–PARK: engine switched off, key can
be removed, engine lock engaged, steer-
ing lock engaged, sidelights switched on
automatically.
IMPORTANTTo turn the key to the
PARKposition, button (A) on the switch
must be pressed first.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
43
GENERAL CAUTIONS
If the ¬warning light does
not turn on when turning
the ignition key to MAR or
if it stays on when travelling, this
could indicate a failure in safety re-
taining systems; under this condi-
tion air bags or pretensioners could
not trigger in the event of collision
or, in a restricted number of cas-
es, they could trigger accidentally.
Stop the car and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Do not cover the back rest
of front seats with trims or
covers there are not set for
the use of side bags.Never travel with objects
on your lap, in front of the
chest or with a pipe, pen-
cil, etc. Serious injury may result in
the case of the air bag being trig-
gered.
Always keep your hands
on the steering wheel rim
when driving, so that if the
air bag is triggered, it can inflate
without meeting obstacles. Do not
drive with the body bent forwards,
keep the seat back rest in the erect
position and lean your back well
against it.
If the car has been stolen
or an attempt to steal it
has been made, if it has
been subjected to vandals or
floods, have the air bag system
checked by Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.
You are reminded that
when the ignition key is
engaged and in the MAR
position, even with the engine off,
the air bags can be triggered also
on a stationary vehicle, if it is
bumped by another moving vehi-
cle. Therefore, even with the car
stationary, never allow children on
the front seat. You are also re-
minded that with the ignition key
engaged in the STOP position, the
safety devices (air bags or preten-
sioners) are not triggered in the
event of an impact; in this case the
failure to trigger the air bags
should not be considered a system
failure.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
51
TO REDUCE THE
MEMORISED SPEED
The speed memorised can be reduced in
two ways:
1) disengaging the device (for instance
pressing the brake pedal) and then mem-
orising the new speed (turning the ring
(B) to (+) for at least three seconds);
2) keeping the ring pressed (B) at (–)
until reaching the new speed which will be
memorised automatically.The device may only be engaged in in
4th, 5th or 6th gear, depending on the
speed of the car. Travelling downhill with
the device engaged the car speed may
increase more than the memorised one,
due to the change in the engine load.
The ring (A) may be left constantly at
ONwithout damaging the device. You
are, however, advised to switch the device
off when not in use, turning the ring to
OFF, to avoid memorising speeds by
accident. It is advisable to engage the cruise con-
trol only when the conditions of the traffic
or roads so permit under completely safe
conditions, i.e.: straight and dry roads,
dual carriage ways or motorways, flowing
traffic and smooth road surface. Do not
engage the device in town or in heavy
traffic conditions.When travelling with the
cruise control on, do not
move the gearshift lever to
neutral and do not move the Sele-
speed selector to N.
Cruise control may only
be engaged at speeds be-
tween 30 and 190 km/h.
If the device is faulty or
not working, turn the ring
(A) to OFF and contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Services af-
ter checking that the protection
fuse is intact.
ESETTING THE MEMORISED
SPEED
The memorised speed is automatically
reset turning off the engine or moving the
ring (A) to OFF.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
63
If the display shows a failure message, see the details given in the
“Warning lights” chapter; if there are two or more failures, the display
shows them in cycle, one after the other. To eliminate the display of the
message and/or of the warning light repeated on the rev counter
by the reconfigurable multifunction display press button
Q.
INITIAL CHECK
Turning the ignition key to MAR, the reconfigurable multifunction display shows the message CHECK ACTIVE: the diagnostic phase of
all the electronic systems on the car has started; this lasts for about 4 seconds (for JTD versions only, the multifunction reconfigurable dis-
play is also able to show the engine oil level, see the “Engine oil level check” paragraph below). If no faults are detected, when the engine
has started, the display shows the OK message.
IMPORTANT If the reconfigurable multifunction display shows a failure message, see the details given in the “Warning lights” chapter.
Standard screen with
mechanical transmission Only JTD versionsStandard screen with
Selespeed transmission
The Programmed Maintenance
Schedule includes vehicle
maintenance every 20,000
km; this is shown automatical-
ly with the ignition key at
MAR, starting from 2,000
km (or miles) from this dead-
line and it is shown again
every 200 km.
If no failures
are presentIs the
engine
started?YES
NO

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
64
Engine oil level check
(JTD
16Vversions)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
reconfigurable multifunction display shows
the engine oil level for 10 seconds. During
this phase, to clear the display and move
to the next screen, press
Q.
IMPORTANTTo make sure that the
engine oil level displayed is correct, carry
out the check with the vehicle on the level
ground.
(Fig. 84) refers to the correct engine
oil level display. As the oil level gradually
falls, the full bars go off leaving room for
the empty ones.
fig. 84
A0A9101g
fig. 85
A0A9102g
fig. 86
A0A9103g
(Fig. 85) refers to the display with an
oil level below the foreseen minimum. In
this condition the bars are all empty.
IMPORTANTIn this case the correct
engine oil level should be restored as soon
as possible, see “Checking levels” in the
“Vehicle Maintenance” chapter. (Fig. 86) refers to the display with an
oil level above the foreseen maximum. In
this condition the bars are all full.
IMPORTANTIn this case, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services who will
restore the correct engine oil level.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
85
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
WARNING LIGHTS
IMPORTANTThe number of warning lights present depends on the type of engine and equipment with which the car is fitted.
x
LOW BRAKE FLUID AND/OR HANDBRAKE ON
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warning light on the dial turns on, but it should go off after
approx. 4 seconds.
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the min-
imum level, due to a possible leak in the circuit and when the handbrake is engaged.
If the
xwarning light turns on when travelling check that the hand-
brake is not engaged. If the warning light stays on with the handbrake
off (on some versions together with the message + symbol shown on
the reconfigurable multifunction display) stop the car immediately and contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
u
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT FLUID TEMPERATURE
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warning light on the dial turns on, but it should go off after
approx. 4 seconds.
The warning light turns on (on some versions together with the message + symbol shown on
the reconfigurable multifunction display) when the engine is overheated. If it turns on when trav-
elling, stop the car, leaving the engine on and slightly accelerated to further activate the circula-
tion of the coolant fluid.
If the warning doesn’t go off within 2 or 3 minutes, stop the car immediately and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
94
Warning
light on dialMessage
on display
>
INEFFICIENT ABS SYSTEM (where fitted)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warning light on the dial turns on, but it should go off after
approx. 4 seconds.
The warning light turns on (on some versions the message + symbol are shown on the recon-
figurable multifunction display) when the system is inefficient. In this case the braking system
keeps its effectiveness unchanged, but without the potential offered by the ABS system. Caution
is advised, particularly in all cases of less than perfect grip. It is also necessary to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
The car is fitted with electronic braking distributor (EBD). The turn-
ing on at the same time of the
xand>warning lights on the dial
(on some versions the message + symbol are shown on the reconfig-
urable multifunction display) with the engine running indicates an EBD system
failure; in this case heavy braking may cause the rear wheels to lock before
time, with the possibility of skidding. Driving extremely carefully, immedi-
ately contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to have the system checked.
The turning on only of the
>warning light (on some versions the
message + symbol are shown on the reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play) with the engine running normally indicates a failure of the ABS
system only. In this case the braking system maintains its effectiveness,
without however the antilock function. In these conditions, the effectiveness
of the EBD may also be reduced. In this case, too, you are recommended to
contact the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service immediately, driving in
such a way as to avoid sharp braking, to have the system checked.
Inefficient EBD electronic braking distributor
x
>
+

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
107
HEATING (fig. 98)
To obtain the temperature required, pro-
ceed as follows:
- temperature adjustment knob pointer (1)
on the red sector as required;
- air quantity adjustment knob pointer (2)
on the fan speed required to personalise the
amount of air admitted;
- air distribution knob pointer (3) on the
required position.
To obtain the maximum heating power pro-
ceed as follows:
- knob pointer (1) as far as it will go clock-
wise (maximum temperature red sector);
- knob pointer (2) on maximum fan
speed;
- air distribution knob pointer (3) on the
required position (position
w) is recom-
mended.
IMPORTANTTo be able to obtain sat-
isfactory passenger compartment warming,
the engine should have reached normal op-
erating temperature.The filter has the specific capability of com-
bining the mechanical filtering of the air with
an electrostatic effect so that the outside air
admitted to the passenger compartment is
purified and free of particles such as dust,
pollen, etc.
In addition to the above mentioned func-
tions, is also reduces the concentration of
pollutants.
The filtering action is active in all air inlet
conditions and it is clearly more effective
with the windows closed.
Have the conditions of the filter checked
at least once a year, preferably at the on-
set of summer by Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services.If the car is habitually used in dusty or pol-
luted areas, the filter should be checked and
replaced at shorter intervals than those spec-
ified in the Programmed Maintenance
Schedule.
If the filter is not replaced
the efficiency of the cli-
mate control system may
be seriously compromised up to
blocking the air flow at the outlets
and vents.
POLLEN FILTER
(for versions/markets where applicable)
A0A0734b
fig. 98

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
122
WING MIRROR AND
REARSCREEN
DEFROSTING/DEMISTING
BUTTON
(fig. 113)
Pressing button (9)
(turns on demist-
ing/defrosting of the rearscreen and, if pre-
sent, the wing mirror coils.
The turning on of this function is shown by
the turning on of the led on the button.
This function is timed and switches off au-
tomatically after 20 minutes, or pressing the
button again; the function is also switched
off when the engine is stopped and will not
be switched on again the next time the en-
gine is started.
IMPORTANTThe system automatically
turns on rearscreen heating if the tempera-
ture is below 3
°C.
IMPORTANTDo not apply stickers on
the inside of the rearscreen over the heat-
ing filaments to avoid damage that might
cause it to stop working properly.
POLLEN FILTER
Have the conditions of the filter checked
by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services at least
once a year, preferably at the onset of sum-
mer.
If the vehicle is used mainly in dusty or pol-
luted areas it should be checked and, if nec-
essary, replaced at shorter intervals.
A0A0214b
The filter has the specific capability of com-
bining the mechanical filtering of the air with
an electrostatic effect so that the outside air
admitted to the passenger compartment is
purified and free of particles such as dust,
pollen, etc.
In addition to the above mentioned func-
tion, it also reduces the concentration of pol-
lutants.
The filtering action takes place under all
air inlet conditions and it is clearly most ef-
fective with the windows shut.The failure to replace the
filter may considerably re-
duce the effectiveness of
the climate control system up to
blocking the air flow from the out-
lets and vents.
fig. 113

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
130
IMPORTANTOnce a gear has been
changed it is necessary to immediately re-
lease the gearshift control lever after mak-
ing the request. A manoeuvre prolonged
(over 10 seconds) makes the system au-
tomatically switch to CITYmode; every-
thing stops releasing the gearshift lever.
IMPORTANTWhen parking the vehicle
on a sloping road and engaging a gear to
keep it braked, always check that the dis-
play shows the new gear engaged and wait
for one or two seconds before releasing the
brake pedal to allow complete engagement
of the clutch .
fig. 125
A0A0700b
OPERATION WITH ENGINE OFF
IMPORTANTBefore using the gearshift
control lever, always check the gear en-
gaged on the display (N, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
R).
With the engine off and the vehicle sta-
tionary it is possible to engage all the gears.
With the vehicle stopped and the brake
pedal pressed, requests to change gear are
accepted only through the control lever on
the centre console.
To request gearshifting, in addition to keep-
ing the brake pedal pressed:
– to shift upwards (+) (fig. 123) push
the lever “forwards” (if the car is in first gear
it shifts to second, if in second it shifts to third
and so on up to fifth). If the system is in neu-tral (N) or reverse (R) moving the lever for-
wards causes the engagement of first gear
(1).
– to shift downwards (–) (fig. 123)
push the lever backwards (if the car is in
fifth gear it shifts to fourth, if in fourth it
shifts to third and so on down to first gear).
To allow setting the transmission to neu-
tral (N), starting from the condition with
the vehicle stationary and brake pedal
pressed, move the gearshift lever to the right
(fig. 124).
From any gear (N, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and
with the vehicle stationary, it is possible to
request the engagement of reverse gear
pushing the lever to the right and then back-
wards (fig. 125). If the car is moving, the
request is not accepted. Wait for the car to
stop and then request gear engagement
again.
fig. 123
A0A0698b
fig. 124
A0A0699b