check engine light 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
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
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
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
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.

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.

Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
Always remove the igni-
tion key when leaving the vehicle
and take it with you.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when
the engine is not running.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
203
PARKING
When the vehicle is parked, proceed as
follows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the vehicle is faced
uphill or reverse if the vehicle is facing
downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the vehi-
cle will immediately come to a halt if the
handbrake slips.
REDUCING RUNNING
COSTS AND
ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save vehicle running costs
and reduce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance
have the checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Maintenance Programme”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely
at an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the
boot. The weight of the vehicle (especial-
ly in urban traffic), and its geometry heav-
ily affect consumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rearscreen heating, addi-
tional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further
load bearing heavily on the engine induc-
ing higher consumption levels(up to
+20% on average). Outside temperature
permitting, preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.