weight Alfa Romeo GT 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
32
CARRYING CHILDREN
SAFELY
For the best level of protection in the
event of a crash, all occupants must trav-
el seated and secured by suitable restraint
systems. This is even more important for
children.
According to 2003/20/EC Directive,
this prescription is compulsory for all
European Community countries.
Compared with adults, a child’s head is
proportionately larger and heavier than
the rest of the body, while muscles and
bone structure are not completely devel-
oped. Therefore, in order to restrain them
correctly in the event of a crash, different
systems are needed than adult seat belts.
The results of research on the best pro-
tection for a child are summarised in
European Standard ECE- R44, which in
addition to making them compulsory, sub-
divides restraint systems into five groups:
Group 0 - until 10 kg in weight
Group 0+ - until 13 kg in weight
Group 1 9 - 18 kg in weight
Group 2 15 - 25 kg in weight
Group 3 22 - 36 kg in weightAs it may be noted, the groups overlap
partly and in fact, in commerce it is possible
to find devices that cover more than one
weight group.
All the restraint devices must bear the
homologation data, together with the con-
trol brand, on a solidly fixed label which
must absolutely not be removed.
Over 1,50 m in height, from the point of
view of restraint systems, children are con-
sidered as adults and wear belt normally.
The Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes
seats for each weight group, which are the
recommended choice because they have
been designed and specifically experi-
mented for Alfa Romeo cars.
With passenger’s air bag
active, never place child’s
seats with the cradle fac-
ing backwards since the air bag ac-
tivation could cause to the child se-
rious injuries, even mortal, re-
gardless of the seriousness of the
crash that triggered it. You are ad-
vised to carry children always with
proper restraint systems on the
rear seats, as this is the most pro-
tected position in the case of a
crash.SERIOUS DANGER
If it is absolutely
necessary to carry a
child on the front passenger seat
with the cradle child’s seat facing
backwards, the front passenger’s
air bag must be deactivated using
the key switch. In this case it is ab-
solutely necessary to check the
warning light Fon the instru-
ment panel (see paragraph “Pas-
senger’s front air bag”) to make
sure that deactivation has actual-
ly taken place. Moreover, the front
passenger’s seat shall be adjust-
ed in the most backward position
to prevent any contact between
the child’s seat and the dashboard.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
33
GROUP 0 AND 0+ (fig. 43)
Babies up to 13 kg must be carried fac-
ing behind on a cradle seat which, sup-
porting the head, does not induce strain
on the neck in the event of a sharp decel-
eration.
The cradle is restrained by the car safety
belts, as illustrated, and it should in turn
restrain the child with the belts incorporat-
ed on it.
GROUP 1 (fig. 44)
Starting from 9 to 18 kg in weight, chil-
dren may be carried facing forwards with
seats fitted with front cushion, through
which the car seat belt restrains both child
and seat.The illustration is indica-
tive only for assembly.
Assemble the seat accord-
ing to the compulsory instructions
provided with it.
Seats exist which are
suitable for covering
weight groups 0 and 1
with a rear connection to the car
belts and its own belts to
restrain the child. Because of
their mass, they can be danger-
ous if installed incorrectly fas-
tened to the car belts with a
cushion. Strictly adhere to the
assembly instructions provided.
fig. 43
A0A0659b
fig. 44
A0A0660b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
34
GROUP 2 (fig. 45)
Starting from 15 to 25 kg in weight,
children may be restrained directly by the
car seat belts.
Child seats only have the function of
positioning the child correctly in relation to
the belts, so that the diagonal part
adheres to the chest and never to the neck
and that the horizontal part adheres to the
child’s pelvis and not to the abdomen.
GROUP 3 (fig. 46)
For children from 22 up to 36 kg the
child’s chest is thick enough not to need
the spacer back rest anymore.
The figure shows proper child seat posi-
tioning on the rear seat.
Over 1,50 m in height, children may
wear seat belts like adults.The illustration is indica-
tive only for assembly. As-
semble the seat according
to the compulsory instructions pro-
vided with it.
fig. 45
A0A0661b
fig. 46
A0A0662b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
35
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON CHILD’S SEAT USE
The car omplies with the new EC Directive 2000/3 regulating child’s seat assembling on the different car seats according to the follow-
ing table:
Key:
U= suitable for child restraint systems of the “Universal category”, according to European Standard ECE-R44 for the specified “Group”.
Group
Group 0, 0+
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Range of weight
until 13 kg
9-18 kg
15-25 kg
22-36 kgFront
passenger
U
U
U
URear
passengers
U
U
U
UCentral
passenger
U
U
U
U

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
36
Below is a summary of the safe-
ty rules to be observed when car-
rying children:
– The recommended position for
installing a child’s seat is on the rear seat,
as it is the most protected in the event of
a crash.
– If the passenger’s air bag is deactivat-
ed,alwayscheck the warning light
F
on the cluster to make sure that it has
actually been deactivated.
– Carefully follow the instructions pro-
vided with the child’s seat, which the sup-
plier is obliged to attach. Keep them in the
car together with the documents and this
booklet. Do not use used seats without
the instructions for use.
– Always pull the tape to check that
belts are buckled.With passenger’s air bag
active, never place child’s
seats with the cradle fac-
ing backwards since the air bag ac-
tivation could cause to the child se-
rious injuries, even mortal, re-
gardless of the seriousness of the
crash that triggered it. You are ad-
vised to carry children always with
proper restraint systems on the
rear seats, as this is the most pro-
tected position in the case of a
crash.– All restraint systems are strictly for one
child only: never use for two children at
the same time.
– Always make sure that the belts do
not rest on the child’s neck.
– During the journey, do not allow the
child to stay in abnormal positions or
release the belts.
– Do not carry children in your arms, not
even small babies. No-one, however
strong, can keep hold od them in a crash.
– In the case of accidents, replace the
child’s seat with a new one.
PRESETTING FOR
MOUNTING THE
“TYPE ISOFIX” CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
The vehicle is fitted with rear seat
arranged for mounting type Isofix child
restraint system, a European standardised
system for mounting child restraints. Type
Isofix is an additional option that does not
prevent from using traditional child
restraint systems. The type Isofix child’s
seat covers three weight groups: 0, 0+
and 1.
Due to its different anchoring system,
the type Isofix child’s seat shall be
anchored just using the metal brackets
(A-fig. 47) set between rear seat back
and cushion.
fig. 47
A0A0671b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
37
Mount the child restraint
system only with the car
stationary. The Isofix child
restraint system is properly an-
chored to the mounting brackets
when clicks are heard. In any case,
keep to the installation instructions
that must be provided by the child
restraint system Manufacturer.– push the child restraint system until
hearing the locking clicks;
– check proper locking by moving the
child’s seat with force: the built-in safety
mechanism actually inhibits proper cou-
pling with only one coupling locked.
It is possible to mount both the tradi-
tional restraint system and the type Isofix
one, one on the left and the other on the
right, for example.
Since sizes are different, it is possible to
install max two traditional child’s seats on
the rear seats, or two type Isofix child’s
seats. On the front passenger’s seat it is
possible to mount only traditional child’s
seats.
These child’s seats are recommended
since they have been designed and exper-
imented expressely for this car.
fig. 48
A0A0663b
FITTING THE TYPE ISOFIX
CHILD’S SEAT
Groups 0 and 0+
For children of the 0 and 0+ group
(babies up to 13 Kg), the child’s seat is
facing backwards and the child is restrained
by the child’s seat belts (D-fig. 48).
As the child grows, passing to weight
group 1, the child’s seat shall be fitted fac-
ing forwards.
For proper mounting proceed as follows:
– check whether the release lever (B) is
at rest position (inward);
– find the presetting brackets (A), then
position the child restraint system with the
fastening devices (C) aligned with the
brackets;

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

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.

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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
271
IDENTIFICATION LABEL
This (fig. 2) is to be found on the front
crossmember of the engine compartment.
It contains the following information:
(A)Space for details of national ho-
mologation
(B)Space for punching the consecutive
chassis number
(C)Space available for maximum
weights authorised by various na-
tional regulations
(D)Space for version and any supple-
mentary indications to those specified(E)Space for smoke coefficient (JTD ver-
sions)
(F)Space for punching manufacturer’s
name.
BODYWORK LABEL
This is located in the engine bay, to one side
of the upper right shock absorber (fig. 3)
and contains:
– Type of vehicle: ZAR 937.000
– Manufacturer’s serial number (chassis
number).
IDENTIFICATION DATA
You are advised to note the identification
codes. The identification datastamped and
given on the labels and their position are
the following (fig. 1):
1- Identification label
2- Body label
3- Bodywork paint identification label
4- Engine label.
T T
E E
C C
H H
N N
I I
C C
A A
L L
S S
P P
E E
C C
I I
F F
I I
C C
A A
T T
I I
O O
N N
S S
fig. 1
A0A0654b
fig. 2
A0A0246b
fig. 3
A0A0247b