ESP Alfa Romeo GT 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
120
It is advisable to turn on
the inside air re-circulation
system in queues or tun-
nels to avoid admitting polluted air
from outside. The prolonged use of
this function should however be
avoided, especially with several
persons on board, to avoid the pos-
sibility of the windows misting in-
side.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION AUTO
BUTTON
(fig. 111)
Pressing the (13)
AUTObutton the sys-
tem automatically adjusts the amount and
distribution of the air admitted to the pas-
senger compartment, cancelling all the pre-
vious manual adjustments.
This condition is indicated by the lighting
up of both leds on the button itself.When the right led, on button (13)
AU-
TOis off, this means that one or more man-
ual operations have been carried out and
therefore automatic control is not complete
(except temperature control which is always
automatic) indicated by the left led on, or
that the system is in the
OFFcondition. In certain weather condi-
tions (e.g.: outside tem-
perature around 0°C) and
with automatic air re-circulation
control on, mist may form on the
windows. In this case press the in-
side air re-circulation button (8)
v, to switch off re-circulation
(leds on button off) and if neces-
sary increase the flow of air to the
windscreen.
A0A0209b
fig. 111

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
128
The gearbox can work in two operating
modes:
– the first is semiautomatic(then called
MANUAL), in which the driver directly re-
quests gearshifting through the lever on the
centre console or pressing the buttons at the
steering wheel;
– the second is automatic, calledCITY
(mode selectable with the specific button
B-fig. 119, the CITYsign appears on the
displayfig. 121), in which the system de-
cides directly when to shift gear.SELESPEED
TRANSMISSION
(on request for versions/markets
where applicable)
IMPORTANTTo be able to use the Se-
lespeed correctly, this chapter should be read
in full to understand the correct, permissible
operations to be carried out right from the
start.
This device comprises a conventional me-
chanical gearbox to which an electronical-
ly-operated electro-hydraulic device has been
added which automatically controls the
clutch and gear engagement.
The clutch pedal has been eliminated and
the vehicle moves off using only the accel-
erator pedal.Gearshifting takes place through the con-
trol lever (A-fig. 119) which is of the
floating type with a “single central stable
position”. Using the lever it is possible to re-
quest an increase/decrease of the gear ra-
tio engaged and/or reverse gear engage-
ment (R) or neutral (N).
There are also two buttons on the steering
wheel spokes (fig. 120) through which,
only with the car on the move (with speed
above 0.5 km/h), it is possible to shift gear
up or down.
fig. 119
A0A0697b
fig. 120
A0A0669b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
129
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
IMPORTANTWhen the driver’s door is
opened the Selespeed starts the hydraulic
part of the system to prepare it for when the
engine is started. This function (noted by
the turning of the electric pump) is deacti-
vated after 10 door openings/closings not
followed by actual system activation turning
the ignition key.
Turning the ignition key to MAR, all the
segments on the display turn on (fig.
121) together with the gearbox failure
warning light (fig. 122) and the word
CITY. After about a second, the display
shows the gear engaged (N, 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, R); from this moment onwards, the Se-
lespeed system accepts gearshift com-
mands.
IMPORTANTIf after 10 seconds the dis-
play segments do not show the gear en-
gaged or the warning light stays on, turn the
ignition key to STOPand wait for the dis-
play to turn off, then repeat system switch
on. If the fault persists, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. With the gearbox in the CITYmode it is
still possible to carry out manual gearshift-
ing, both using the gear lever and the steer-
ing wheel controls. The gearbox remains in
theCITYmode.
The gear engaged (fig. 121) is always
signalled on the display regardless of the se-
lected mode.
N= neutral;
1= first gear;
2= second gear;
3= third gear;
4= fourth gear;
5= fifth gear;
R= reverse.During operation in the CITYorSPORT
mode, the selected mode is shown as well.
IMPORTANTTheSPORTmode can be
engaged only after disengaging the CITY
mode.
Failures of the Selespeed gearbox are sig-
nalled to the driver through a warning light
connected with the associated failure mes-
sage (fig. 122) and accompanied by an
acoustic signal.
The Selespeed considerably simplifies use
of the car, reducing the fatigue of city dri-
ving or when frequent gearshifting is re-
quired, at the same time offering brilliant
performance.
fig. 121
A0A9017g
fig. 122
A0A9081g

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
131
Never remove the ignition
key when the car is mov-
ing. In addition to the fact
that the Selespeed system would
not work properly up to stopping
the car, the steering wheel would
lock automatically the first time it
is turned.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The engine can be started either with a
gear engaged or in neutral (N), provided
that the brake pedal is fully depressed.
IMPORTANTKeep the pedal fully de-
pressed during starting. Since the brake ped-
al becomes hard if it is pressed repeatedly
with the engine off, in this situation it is nec-
essary to increase the pressure on the ped-
al itself to start the engine.
After starting, the gearbox sets to neutral
automatically, the display shows the letter
(N) and the system selects the operating
mode memorised before switching off.
If the engine fails to start
with the gear engaged, the
driver is informed of the
potentially dangerous situation due
to the fact that the gearbox is in
neutral by the buzzer and by the
display.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
AND SYSTEM DEACTIVATION
Turning the ignition key to STOPthe en-
gine turns off but the Selespeed system is
still active waiting for the car to stop com-
pletely. After about 2-4 seconds from when
the key has been turned to STOP, the hy-
draulic part is deactivated and immediately
after the gear sign on the display disappears.
Now the Selespeed system is deactivated.
The gear selected before switching off the
engine remains engaged.
If the engine is stopped with the gearbox
in neutral (N), the buzzer calls the driver’s
attention so that the car can be put in safe-
ty conditions engaging first gear (1) or re-
verse (R). In this case, the ignition key
should be turned to MARand with the
brake pedal pressed, engage first gear (1)
or reverse (R).
NEVER leave the car with
the gears in neutral (N).
It is absolutely necessary
to turn off the engine and
then turn off the Selespeed
system keeping the brake pedal
pressed: ONLY release the pedal
when the display has gone out.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
OPERATION
The gearbox can work in two operating
modes:
– the first is semiautomatic (MANUAL),
in which the driver directly decides when to
shift gear; this mode is based on two logics:
1) normal: comfortable driving;
2) sports (mode selectable with button B-
fig. 126): sports driving.
The sports mode can be selected by press-
ing the specific button SPORT(B-fig.
126) on the gearbox lever knob; when this
mode is selected, the SPORTsign appears
on the display.
– the second is completely automatic
(CITY), in which the system decides di-
rectly when to shift gear according to the
type of driving.
TheCITYmode can be selected by press-
ing the specific button CITYon the gearbox
lever knob; when this mode is selected, the
CITY sign appears on the display. When travelling downhill with a gear en-
gaged and the accelerator released (if the
vehicle is moving), beyond a pre-established
speed, the system engages the clutch au-
tomatically to give the car adequate engine
braking.
For safety reasons the Selespeed system
activates the buzzer when:
– clutch overheating occurs while the ve-
hicle is being started; in this case it is nec-
essary to “force” starting avoiding hesita-
tion or, if the car is on a slope, release the
accelerator and use the brake pedal to stop
the car;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged, (e.g.: it moves for-
wards with reverse gear engaged); in this
situation it is necessary to stop the car and
engage the correct gear, keeping the brake
pedal pressed.
Still due to safety reasons, with the car sta-
tionary, the engine running and gear (1),
(2) or (R) engaged, the system activates
the buzzer and automatically shifts to neu-
tral (N) when:
– no action is made on the accelerator
and/or brake pedals for at least 3 minutes;
– the brake is pressed for over 10 min-
utes;– the driver’s door is opened and the ac-
celerator and brake are not touched for at
least 1 second.
STOPPING THE CAR
To stop the car, simply release the accel-
erator pedal and, if necessary, press the
brake pedal.
Regardless of the gear engaged and the
operating mode activated (MANUALor
CITY) the system automatically disengages
the clutch and shifts to a lower gear.
If deciding to move off again without hav-
ing stopped the car completely, the most
suitable ratio will be available for accelera-
tor again.
Stopping the car the system automatical-
ly engages first gear (1).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
134
SEMIAUTOMATIC OPERATION
(MANUAL)
In the MANUAL operating mode, the dis-
play shows the gear engaged.
In this operating mode, the decision to
change gear is left to the driver who decides
the most appropriate moment.The requests to change gear may take
place through:
– the control lever on the centre console
(A-fig. 126);
– the buttons on the steering wheel
(fig. 127), which can be operated only
when the car speed exceeds 0.5 km/h.
TheMANUALoperating mode is set
when, with the CITYmode selected, the
CITYbutton(A-fig. 128) is pressed
again, excluding the previously selected
mode.When changing gear it is not necessary
to release the accelerator pedal because the
Selespeed system directly controls the en-
gine in such a way as to:
– reduce and then increase engine torque;
– adapt the engine speed to the latest
gear engaged.
When downshifting, the engine is accel-
erated automatically to bring it to the speed
necessary with the new gear ratio.
The neutral command (N) is accepted un-
til the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h.
The reverse gear engagement command
(R) is accepted only if the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
fig. 127
A0A0669b
fig. 126
A0A0702b

In the event of a gearbox
fault to any component,
contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Services as soon as possible
to have the system checked over.In the case of a fault to the gearshift con-
trol lever, the system automatically engages
the automatic operating mode CITYto
make it possible to reach the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service to have the fault
eliminated.
In the case of a fault to the other gear-
box components, the system only allows the
engagement of certain gears: first gear (1),
second gear (2) and reverse (R).
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
136
FAILURE WARNING
Failures of the Selespeed gearbox are
shown on the display by the warning light
t(fig. 129) associated with a mes-
sage and a buzzer. If warning light
tand
the message appear on the
display, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services as soon
as possible to have the fault elim-
inated.
fig. 129
A0A9081g

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
138
INTERIOR FITTINGS
GLOVEBOX
On the dashboard there is a glovebox with
lid and light.
To open use handle (A-fig. 130).
When the glovebox is opened with the key
atMARan inside courtesy light turns on
(A-fig. 131).
FRONT ROOF LIGHT (fig. 139)
The roof light comprises two courtesy lights
with corresponding control switch.
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.
fig. 130
A0A0108b
fig. 131
A0A0109b
Never travel with the
glovebox open: the lid
might harm the passenger
in the event of an accident.
The fitting is completed by device (B), on
the lid, for inserting a pen or pencil.
IMPORTANTTurning the ignition key to
STOP, opening the glovebox, the light in-
side can only be turned on for 15 minutes;
after which the system turns it off to avoid
draining the battery.
fig. 132
A0A0111b

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
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.