service Alfa Romeo GT 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
140
EOBD SYSTEM
(upon request for versions/
markets where applicable)
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 certain versions together with message
+ symbol on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tion display), when these components are
no longer in peak conditions.
The objective is:
– to keep the system efficiency under con-
trol;
– to warn when a fault causes emissions
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.IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are
obliged to run a bench test and, if necessary,
road tests which may also call for a long jour-
ney.
If, turning the ignition key
to MAR, the warning light
Udoes not turn on or if,
while travelling it turns on glow-
ing steadily or flashing (on some
versions together with the mes-
sage + symbol on the reconfig-
urable multifunction display), con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices as soon as possible.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
142
Care and maintenance
The radio structure ensures long operation
with no need for particular maintenance.
In the event of a fault, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
To clean the front panel only use a soft,
antistatic cloth. Cleaning and polishing prod-
ucts might spoil the surface. Compact Disc
Remember that dirt, marks or distortion on
Compact Disc can cause skipping. To obtain
optimum playing conditions we give the fol-
lowing advice:
– Only use Compact Discs which have the
following brand:
– Carefully clean all Compact Discs of fin-
gerprints and dust using a soft cloth. Sup-
port Compact Discs from the outer circum-
ference and clean from the centre outwards;
– Never use chemical products for clean-
ing (e.g.: spray cans, antistatic or thinners)
as they might damage the surface of Com-
pact Discs;
– After use, put Compact Discs back in
their container, to avoid marks or scratches
that may cause skipping when playing;
– Do not expose Compact Discs to direct
sunlight, high temperatures or damp for pro-
longed lengths of time to prevent them from
bending;
– Do not stick labels or write on the record-
ed surface of Compact Discs. Too high a volume when
driving can put the driver’s
life at risk and that of oth-
er people. Therefore the volume
should always be adjusted in such
a way that it is always possible to
hear the noises of the surrounding
environment (e.g.: horns, ambu-
lance, police sirens, etc.).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
145
HI-FI BOSE SYSTEM
(for versions/markets where
applicable)
The HI-FI BOSE system installed on your
car has been accurately designed to offer
outstanding sound quality and reproduce the
musical realism of a live concert, for all the
seats in the passenger compartment.
The system’s features include outstanding
faithful reproduction of crystalline treble
tones and full, rich basses which among oth-
er things, make the Loudness function su-
perfluous. In addition, the complete range
of the sounds is reproduced in the whole pas-
senger compartment enveloping the occu-
pants with the natural spatial sensation that
is felt when listening to live music.
The components adopted are patented and
are the result of the most sophisticated tech-
nology, but at the same time they are easy
and intuitive to use, so that even less expert
people can use the system. Technical information
System comprises:
– 4 high efficiency woofers with diameter
165 mm, two at the front and two at the
back, each having a coaxial tweeter inside;
– 1 bass box with a volume of 12 dm
3
housed on the left-hand side of the boot;
– 1 high power HI-FI amplifier (150W)
with 6 channels, analogue equalising in am-
plitude signal phase and with 130 mm di-
ameter sub-woofer. Protection fuse
The radio has a 10A fuse located in the
rear part of the set. To replace the fuse, the
radio needs to be pulled out: therefore con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
163
CD CHANGER (CDC) Possible error messages
Error messages will be displayed in the fol-
lowing cases:
– no CD in the CD Changer: the display
will show “CD ERROR” until changing the
sound source;
– selected CD is illegible (CD not in the se-
lected position or CD not inserted properly):
the display shows “CD ERROR” after the
number of the selected CD. The next CD will
be selected; if there are no other CDs or if
they are also illegible the display will show
the wording “NO CD” until the sound source
is changed;
– error in CD reading: the display shows
“CD ERROR”. The next CD will be selected;
if there are no other CDs in the CD Chang-
er (after the last CD search will restart from
the first one) or they are also illegible, if the
sound source is not changed, the display will
show the following:
❒“CHANGER” for about 2.5 seconds;
❒“CD ERROR” for about 5 seconds;
❒plays next source for other 5 seconds;
– a CD-ROM is inserted: next CD will be
selected. Select next/previous directory
Press button
▲to select the next directo-
ry or press button
▼to select the previous
one. The name of the new selected direc-
tory will be shown on the display.
Directories are selected in cyclic sequence:
after the last directory the first one is se-
lected and vice versa.
If no other directory/track is selected in
the following 2 seconds, the first track in the
new directory will be played.
If the last track in the currently selected di-
rectory is played, the next will then be
played.
Protection against theft
Refer to “Compact Disc player” paragraph.Installation and connec-
tion of a Lineaccessori CD
Changer shall only be per-
formed by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
Introduction
This section only describes CD Changer
(where provided) operation variants: as con-
cerns sound system operation, refer to
“Functions and adjustments” paragraph.
Selecting the cd changer
Turn on the set, then press briefly and re-
peatedly button CD until selecting “CHANG-
ER”.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
167
The devices used to reduce diesel fuel en-
gine emissions are:
– oxidising catalyst;
– exhaust gas recirculation system (E. G. R.);
– diesel particulate filter (DPF). DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
(for versions/ markets where
applicable)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechani-
cal filter, integral with the exhaust system,
that physically traps particulates present in
the exhaust gases of Diesel engines.
The diesel particular filter has been adopt-
ed to eliminate almost totally particulates in
compliance with current / future law regu-
lations.
During normal use of the car, the engine
control unit records a set of data (e.g.: trav-
el time, type of route, temperatures, etc.)
and it will then calculate how much partic-
ulates has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particulates,
it shall be cleaned (reclaimed) at regular in-
tervals by burning carbon particles.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The devices used to reduce petrol engine
emissions are:
– trivalent catalytic converter (catalytic si-
lencer);
– Lambda sensors;
– anti-evaporation system.
If one or more spark plugs are discon-
nected, do not run the engine, even for a
test.During normal service the
catalyst and the diesel par-
ticulate filter (DPF) reach
high temperatures. Do not there-
fore park the car over inflammable
materials (grass, dry leaves, pine
needles, etc.): fire hazard.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
169
STARTING PROCEDURE
FOR PETROL VERSIONS
IMPORTANTIt is important never to
press the accelerator before the engine has
started.
1) Make sure the handbrake is engaged.
2) Move the gear lever to neutral.
3) Fully depress the clutch pedal, so that
the starter motor is not forced to crank the
gears.
4) Ensure that the electric systems and de-
vices, especially if they absorb high quanti-
ties of energy (e.g. heated rearscreen), are
switched off.
5) Turn the ignition key to the AV Vpo-
sition and release it as soon as the engine
starts.
6) If the engine does not start, return the
key to STOP, then repeat the procedure.
IMPORTANTIf it is difficult to start the
engine do not insist with extended attempts
which may damage the catalyst, but con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services. The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
device which obliges the driver to return the
key to the STOPposition before repeat-
ing the starting operation if the engine does
not start immediately.
Similarly, when the engine is running, the
device prevents the key being moved from
theMARto the AV Vposition.
STARTING
THE ENGINE
IMPORTANTThe car is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device. If the engine
fails to start, see the “Alfa Romeo CODE sys-
tem”.
C C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T
U U
S S
E E
O O
F F
T T
H H
E E
C C
A A
R R
We recommend that dur-
ing the initial period you do
not drive to full car perfor-
mance (for example excessive ac-
celeration, long journeys at top
speed, hard braking etc.).
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely
dangerous. The engine con-
sumes oxygen and produces carbon
monoxide which is a highly toxic
and lethal gas.
When the engine is
switched off never leave
the ignition key in the MAR
position to prevent pointless cur-
rent absorption from draining the
battery.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
171
Never push, tow or coast
start the car. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the en-
gine brake and power
steering are not opera-
tional until the engine is started,
therefore, much greater effort than
usual is needed on the brake ped-
al and steering wheel. For cars with turbocharg-
er in particular, but for all
cars in general, sharp ac-
celerating should be avoided before
switching the engine off.
A “kick” on the accelerator
serves no purpose, consumes fuel
pointlessly and may cause serious
damage to the turbocharger im-
peller 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 car on the move, the next time it is start-
ed, the Alfa Romeo CODE warning light may
turn on(
Y). In this case, check that switch-
ing off and starting the engine again with
the car stationary, the warning light stays
off. If not, contact 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 STOPpo-
sition 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 compartment.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
172
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the ignition
key when leaving the car 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.
PARKING
When the car is parked, proceed as fol-
lows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the car is faced up-
hill or reverse if the car is facing downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the car 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 car running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance have
the checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance 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 car (especially in urban
traffic), and its geometry heavily affect con-
sumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy,
therefore increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels(up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
177
It is necessary therefore to limit their use
to the purposes for which they are certified.
IMPORTANTWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the car (in-
creased by 5%), place a notice in the pas-
senger’s compartment, plainly in the driver’s
view, which states the maximum permissi-
ble speed of the winter tyres (as per EC Di-
rective).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four wheels
(brand and profile) to ensure higher driving
safety when braking and good handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres.WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for dri-
ving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as nor-
mal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of the
tyre most suited to the use the Customer in-
tends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and specifications of winter tyres,
follow the instructions given in the “Tech-
nical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are re-
duced considerably when the tread depth
is below 4 mm. In this case, they should be
replaced.
Due to the winter features, under normal
conditions of use or long motorway jour-
neys, the performance of these tyres is low-
er than that of normal tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations.
For 1.8 T. SPARK, 2.0 JTS and 1.9
JTD versions, tyre 195/60 R15 can be
fitted with chains (use snow chains with re-
duced size with max protrusion beyond the
tyre profile of 12 mm). Tyres 205/60 R15
- 205/55 R16 - 205/55 ZR16 - 215/45
R17 - 215/45 ZR17 - 225/40 ZR18 can-
not be fitted with snow chains.
For 3.2
V6version, only use spider type
chains on tyres 215/45 R17” and
215/45 ZR 17”. Tyres 225/45 ZR17 -
225/40 ZR18 cannot be fitted with snow
chains.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo provides SPIKES
SPIDER COMPACT chains (model: 17003
compact) with 9 spikes, 16 mm adjustable
length and 17 inch wheel cap adapter.
Snow chains should only be applied to the
drive wheels (front).
Before purchasing or using snow chains,
you are recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Check the tensions of the chain after the
first few metres have been driven.

IN AN EMERGENCY
179
3) Fully depress the accelerator pedal and
keep it pressed. The
Uwarning light will
come on for eight seconds and then go off,
now release the accelerator pedal.
4) The
Uwarning light begins to flash:
after it has flashed the same number of
times as the first digit on the CODE card,
press the accelerator pedal and keep it
pressed until the
Uwarning light turns on
(for four seconds) and then goes off; now
release the accelerator pedal.
5) The
Uwarning light starts to flash: af-
ter the number of flashes corresponding to
the second digit on the CODE card, press the
accelerator pedal and keep it pressed.
6) Repeat this procedure for the remain-
ing digits on the CODE card.
7) After entering the last figure, keep the
accelerator pedal pressed. The
Uwarning
light turns on (for four seconds) and then
goes off; now release the accelerator pedal. 8) A quick flash of the
Uwarning light
(for about four seconds) confirms that the
operation has been carried out correctly.
9) Start the engine turning the ignition key
fromMARtoAV Vwithout returning the
key to the STOPposition.
Conversely, if the
Uwarning light stays
on, turn the key to STOPand repeat the
procedure starting from point 1).
IMPORTANTAfter emergency starting
it is advisable to contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services, because the emergency
procedure must be repeated each time the
engine is started.
EMERGENCY
STARTING
If it is not possible to deactivate the engine
inhibitor with the Alfa Romeo CODE system,
the
YandUwarning lights stay on and
the engine will not start. Emergency start-
ing is needed to start the engine.
IMPORTANTYou are advised to care-
fully read the entire procedure before carry-
ing it out. If a mistake is made during the
emergency procedure, the ignition key should
be turned to STOPand the operations must
be repeated from the start (point 1).
1) Read the 5-figure electronic code on the
CODE card.
2) Turn the ignition key to MAR.
I I
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