check engine light Alfa Romeo GT 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
14
IGNITION DEVICE
SWITCH(fig. 8)
The key can be turned to one of four po-
sitions:
–STOP: engine switched off, key can be
removed, engine inhibitor engaged, steer-
ing 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 car al-
ways remove the key from
the ignition to prevent any
occupants of the car from acciden-
tally activating the controls. Nev-
er leave children in the car unac-
companied. Remember to engage
the handbrake and, if the car is
parked on an uphill slope, to en-
gage the first gear. If the car is fac-
ing downhill, 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 au-
tomatically.
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 when turning the ignition
key to MAR, the warning
light
¬does not turn on or
if it stays on when travelling there
could be a failure in safety sys-
tems; in this event air bags or pre-
tensioners could not trigger in case
of impact or, in a minor number of
cases, they could trigger acciden-
tally. Contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services immediately to have
the system checked.
Do not cover the backrest
of front seats with trims or
covers that are not suitable
to be used with side bags.Never travel with objects
on your lap, in front of
your chest or with a pipe,
pencil, etc. between your lips; in-
jury may result in the event of the
air bag being triggered.
Always keep your hands
on the steering wheel rim
when driving, so that if the
air bag is triggered, it can inflate
without meeting any obstacles
which could cause serious harm to
you. 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 Authorized
Services.
Remember that with the
key engaged and at MAR,
even if the engine is not
running, the air bags may be trig-
gered on a stationary car if it is
bumped by another moving car.
Therefore, never seat children on
the front seat even when the car is
stationary. On the other hand re-
member that if the key is at STOP,
no safety system (air bags or pre-
tensioners) is triggered in the
event of an impact; in this case,
failure to come into action cannot
be considered as a sign that the
system is not working properly.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
72
Handbrake on
The warning light turns on when the hand-
brake is on. HIGH ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMPERATURE (red)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warn-
ing light turns on, but it should go off after
few seconds.
The warning light turns on (together with
message + symbol on the display) when the
engine is overheated: if the warning light
comes on when driving, stop the car leav-
ing the engine on and slightly accelerated
to further activate the circulation of the
coolant fluid.
If the warning light does not turn off with-
in the next 2 or 3 minutes, stop the engine
and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANTThe presence of warning
lights depends on the type of engine and
equipment with which the car is fitted.
LOW BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL (red)
HANDBRAKE
ON (red)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warn-
ing light turns on, but it should go off after
few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on (together with
message + symbol on the display) when the
level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls
below the minimum level, due to possible
leak in the circuit.
x
If the warning light turns
on when travelling, check
that the handbrake is not
engaged. If the warning light stays
on with handbrake disengaged,
stop the car immediately and con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
u

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
74
BRAKE PAD WEAR
With the brake pedal pressed, the display
will show message + symbol when front
brake pads are worn; in this case have them
changed as soon as possible.
IMPORTANTSince the car is fitted with
wear sensors for the front brake pads, when
changing them, check also the rear brake
pads.
SELESPEED
TRANSMISSION
FAILURE
(2.0 T.SPARK
Selespeed versions)
On versions with Selespeed transmission,
message + symbol are displayed when there
is a failure in the Selespeed transmission. In
the event of Selespeed transmission failure,
go as soon as possible to the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services and have the
system checked.
ENGINE CONTROL
SYSTEM FAILURE
(EOBD) (amber)
(upon request for versions/
markets where applicable)
In normal conditions, turning the ignition
key to MAR, the warning light turns on,
but it should go off when the engine has
started. The initial turning on indicates that
the warning light is working properly.
If the warning light stays on or turns on
when travelling (together with message +
symbol on the display):
glowing steadily- means a fault in the
supply/ignition system which could cause
high emissions at the exhaust, possible lack
of performance, poor handling and high con-
sumption levels. In these conditions it is pos-
sible to continue driving without however re-
quiring heavy effort or high speed from the
engine. Prolonged use of the car with the
warning light on may cause damages. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible. The warning light goes off if the
fault disappears, but it is however stored by
the system;
SEAT BELTS NOT
FASTENED (red)
The warning light turns on glowing steadi-
ly with ignition key at MAR, when the dri-
ver’s seat belt is not fastened correctly.
INCOMPLETE DOOR
LOCKING
Message + symbol are displayed when
one or more doors or the bonnet are not
properly shut.
´
t
U

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
77
INEFFICIENT ABS
SYSTEM (where
provided) (amber)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe warn-
ing light turns on, but it should go off after
few seconds.
The warning light turns on (together with
message + symbol on the display) when the
system is inefficient. In this case the brak-
ing system keeps its effectiveness un-
changed, but without the potential offered
by the ABS system.
Caution is advisable, particularly in all cas-
es of less than perfect grip. It is necessary
to contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible.
INEFFICIENT EBD
ELECTRONIC
BRAKING
DISTRIBUTOR (red)
(amber)
The turning on at the same
time of warning lights
xand>(togeth-
er with message + symbol on the 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.
Drive with the utmost care to the nearest
Alfa Romeo Authorized Service to have the
system checked.
INERTIAL FUEL
CUT-OFF SWITCH
Message + symbol are displayed when the
inertial fuel cut-off switch is triggered.
s>x
>
If after the message you
smell fuel or see leaks from
the fuel system, do not re-
set the switch to avoid fire risk.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
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. Dri-
ving extremely carefully, go to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice 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 in-
strument cluster turns on.
IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn on
when starting the engine and go off after
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
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.

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
178
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted.
Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and
avoid also to drive for long dis-
tances on roads not covered with
snow to prevent damaging the car
and the roadbed.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for long pe-
riods, the following precautions should be
noted:
– House the car under cover in a dry and
possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by pro-
tective wax.
– Clean and protect the metal polished
parts with marketed products.
– Cover the rubber windscreen and
rearscreen wiper blades with talcum powder
and raise them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5 bars
above normal. If possible rest the tyres on
wooden planks and periodically check the
pressure.
– Do not turn on the electronic alarm sys-
tem.– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal from the battery and check the battery
charge. This check should be repeated
every three months during stowage.
Charge the battery if the indicator (where
provided) shows a dark colour in the central
green area.
– Do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.
– Cover the car with a fabric or perforat-
ed plastic cover. Do not use compact plas-
tic covers which prevent the humidity on the
surface of the car from evaporating. Snow chains cannot be
fitted to the space-saver
spare wheel. So, if a front
(drive) wheel is punctured and
chains are needed, a rear wheel
should be fitted to the front of the
car (adjust tyre pressure to the
specified value as soon as possi-
ble) and the space-saver spare
wheel should be fitted to the rear.
This way with two normal drive
wheels, snow chains can be fitted
to them to solve an emergency.
Deactivate the ASR sys-
tem when snow chains are
fitted. Press the ASR-OFF
button, button led turned on.