headlights Alfa Romeo GT 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
45
Sidelights(fig. 56)
The sidelights are switched on by turning
the knurled ring from Oto
6.
The
3warning light on the instrument
cluster will come on at the same time.
Dipped-beam headlights
(fig. 57)
These are switched on by turning the
knurled ring from
6to2.
fig. 55
A0A0063b
fig. 56
A0A0064b
Main beams (fig. 58)
To turn the main beams on, set the knurled
ring to position
2and push the lever to-
wards the dashboard (stable position);
warning light
1on the instrument panel
will turn on.
To set dipped-beams back pull the lever to-
wards the steering wheel.
fig. 57
A0A0065b
fig. 58
A0A0066b
When the dipped beam headlights and the
fog lamps are switched on, the outer light con-
trol unit (integrated in the Body Computer)
works according to the following logics:
– turning on the main beams, the dipped
beams turn off while the fog lamps stay on,
when restoring the starting condition at
dipped beam setting;
or
– turning on the main beams, the fog
lamps turn off and then turn on again auto-
matically as the main beams are switched off.
Therefore, in the event of Body Comput-
er replacement, the outer light operating log-
ic may be different.
fig. 59
A0A0067b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
46
“Follow me home” device
(fig. 61)
This function allows the illumination of the
space in front of the car for the length of
time set, and is activated with the ignition
key at STOPor removed, pulling the left-
hand lever towards the steering wheel.
This function is activated pulling the lever
within 2 minutes from when the engine is
turned off. At each single movement of the
lever, the staying on of the dipped beams
and sidelights is extended by 30 seconds up
to a maximum of 3.5 minutes; the lights
switch off automatically after the time set.
Each time the lever is operated, the
1
warning light on the cluster turns on. Flashing
(fig. 59)
The headlights are flashed pulling the lever
towards the steering wheel (instable posi-
tion) regardless of the position of the
knurled ring. The
1warning light on the
cluster will come on at the same time.
IMPORTANTOnly the main-beam lights
are flashed. To avoid penalties follow local
regulations.
Direction indicators
(fig. 60)
Regardless of the position of the knurled
ring, moving the lever to the stable position
will:
up, position (1) - engage the right-hand
direction indicators.
down, position (2) - engage the left-hand
direction indicators.One of the warning lights (
RorE) will
come on on the instrument cluster at the
same time.
The lever is returned to its position auto-
matically and the indicators are switched off
when the steering wheel is straightened.
IMPORTANTIf you wish to signal a
rapid change of direction involving only a
minimal movement of the steering wheel,
the lever can be removed up or down with-
out it clicking (unstable position). When re-
leased, the lever will return to its home po-
sition.
fig. 61
A0A0067b
fig. 60
A0A0068b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
49
Headlamp washers (fig. 65)
These come into operation when the wind-
screen washer is turned on with the
dipped/main beam headlights on.
IMPORTANTOn certain versions when
the headlamp washer is operating, the cli-
mate control system automatically engages
inside air re-circulation, to prevent the smell
of liquid detergent from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
CRUISE CONTROL
GENERAL
The speed regulator (CRUISE CON-
TROL), with electronic control, makes it
possible to drive the car at the required
speed without pressing the accelerator ped-
al. This reduces driving fatigue during long
journeys because the speed memorised is
automatically maintained.
IMPORTANTThe device can only be en-
gaged at speeds between 30 and 190 km/h.
fig. 65
A0A0704bCruise Control must be ac-
tivated only when the
route and traffic allow a
constant speed for a sufficiently
long distance completely safely.
The device is disengaged automatically in
any of the following cases:
– pressing the brake pedal;
– pressing the clutch pedal;
– if the ASR, MSR or ESP system cuts in;
– with Selespeed transmission if a gear is
changed;
– inadvertently moving the Selespeed
gear control lever to N.
CONTROLS(fig. 66)
Cruise Control is controlled by the
ON/OFFknurled ring (A), by the +/–
ring (B) and by the RESbutton (C).
Ring (A) has two positions:
–OFFin this position the device is deac-
tivated;
fig. 66
A0A0077b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
106
CONTROLS
TAILGATE OPENING (fig. 112)
Electric tailgate release is only allowed with
the ignition key in the ignition switch at
MARcar stationary, at STOPorPARK
for 3 minutes without opening/closing a
door. To release the tailgate, press button
(A) on the central console panel.
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
(fig. 112)
They are switched on by pressing button
(C), on the central console panel, regard-
less of the position of the ignition key.
When the hazard lights are switched on,
the switch itself begins to flash together with
the direction indicators and warning lights
on the instrument panel. This function is
switched off by pressing the button again. Use of the hazard lights is
ruled by the Highway Code
of the country in which the
car is used. Observe regulations.
FOG LIGHTS (fig. 112)
These are turned on pressing button (B),
on the centre console panel, when the out-
er lights are already on, at the same time
the led on the button itself turns on.
Press button (B) again to switch off.
IMPORTANTThe front foglights should
be used in compliance with the local traffic
laws.
fig. 112
A0A0091b
REAR FOG GUARDS (fig. 112)
These are turned on, with the dipped beam
headlights or fog lights on, pressing button
(D) on the centre console panel, at the
same time the warning light on the button
itself turns on.
Turning the ignition key to STOPthe fog
guards are automatically turned off and they
do not come on the next time the engine
is started unless button (D) is pressed. To
turn them off press button (D).
IMPORTANTAlways use the rear fog
guards in compliance with local regulations.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
108
The wheels should be
locked after a few clicks of
the hand brake. If it does
not occur contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services to have the hand
brake adjusted.
HAND BRAKE (fig. 115)
The hand brake lever is located between
the two front seats.
To operate the brake when the car is sta-
tionary, pull lever (A) upwards, until the re-
quired braking action is obtained.
When the ignition key is at MAR, the
warning light on the instrument cluster
x
will come on.
fig. 115
A0A0620b
Adjust the beams every
time the load carried
changes.
Correct positions as a function of the load:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + 350 Kg load all
stowed in luggage com-
partment
fig. 114
A0A1106b
HEADLIGHT AIMING DEVICE
(fig. 114)
The headlights should be aimed correctly
depending on the car load.
For the required adjustment (only possible
with low beams on), press buttons
▲/▼:
– press button
▲, to increase by one po-
sition (e.g.: 0
➟1➟ 2➟3);
– press button
▼to decrease by one po-
sition (e.g.: 3
➟2➟1➟0);
The display (A), in the tachometer shows
positions during adjustment.
Xenon headlights aiming is automatic, ver-
sions with this optional are therefore not fit-
ted with headlight aiming device.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
130
Do not load the boot
above the permitted max-
imum (see “Technical spec-
ifications”). Also make sure that
the objects contained in the boot
are well secured to prevent them
from being thrown forward, caus-
ing harm to the passengers.
A heavy load that has not
been secured may cause
serious harm to passen-
gers.
If you want to carry re-
serve fuel in a can, follow
legal regulations, only us-
ing a certified can, suitably fas-
tened to the load securing eyelets.
Even in this way the risk of fire is
increased in the case of an accident.
SECURING THE LOAD (fig. 145)
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
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. 145
A0A0638b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
132
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. 148)
When the car is loaded, the beam from the
headlights is raised due to the backwards
tilt of the car.
In this case the headlights must be ad-
justed correctly. For the required adjustment (only with low
beams on), use buttons ▲/▼:
– press button
▲, to increase by one po-
sition (e.g.: 0
➟1➟ 2➟3);
– press button
▼, to decrease by one po-
sition (e.g.: 3
➟2➟1➟0);
The display (A), in the tachometer shows
positions during adjustment.
fig. 148
A0A1106b

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
Check beam aiming every
time the load carried
changes. Correct positions as a function of the load:
– position 0: one or two people occupy-
ing the front seats
– position 1: five people;
– position 2: five people + load in the
boot;
– position 3: driver + 350 Kg load all
stowed in luggage com-
partment
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
(fig. 149-150)
The dipped-beam headlights are adjusted
for circulation in the country in which the car
is marketed. In countries with opposite cir-
culation, to avoid glaring oncoming vehicles
it is necessary to cover the area of the head-
lights as shown below; this is done using
non-transparent sticker tape.
The illustrations refer to passing from right-
hand drive to left-hand drive.
IMPORTANTXenon headlights aiming
is automatic, versions with this optional are
therefore not fitted with headlight aiming
device.
fig. 149
A0A0199b
fig. 150
A0A0750b

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.

Halogen bulbs must be
handled touching only the
metallic part. If the trans-
parent bulb is touched with the fin-
gers, its lighting intensity is re-
duced and life of the bulb may be
compromised. If touched acciden-
tally, rub the bulb with a cloth
moistened with alcohol and allow
to dry.
IN AN EMERGENCY
192
Halogen bulbs contain
pressurised gas which, if
broken, may cause small
fragments of glass to be project-
ed outwards.WHEN NEEDING TO
CHANGE A BULB
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system not car-
ried out correctly and with-
out taking into account the specifi-
cations of the system may cause
malfunctioning and the risk of fire.
Where possible the bulbs
should be replaced by Alfa
Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices. The correct operation and po-
sitioning of the external lights are
vital to the safety of the car and
its passengers and the subject of
specific laws.
Due to high voltage, the
bulb of (Xenon) gas-dis-
charge headlights must on-
ly be replaced by experts: danger
of death! Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.