Alfa Romeo 8C 2008 Owner handbook (in English)
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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA 
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
USING THE VEHICLE
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
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1VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA 
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
USING THE VEHICLE
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
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Symbols ............................................................................................................................... 6
Identifi cation plates and labels  ..............................................................................................12
Electronic key ...................................................................................................................... 14
Alfa Romeo Code System ...................................................................................................... 14
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA 
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ENGINE MARKING
The engine serial number is punched in the lower 
part of the crankcase, in the starter motor area.
IDENTIFICATION 
PLATES AND LABELS CHASSIS MARKING
The vehicle registration number is punched on 
the underfl oor, in front of the right-hand front 
seat. 
To read the number, lift the mat and remove the 
guard.
This number is also shown on the left-hand side 
of the windscreen.PAINT IDENTIFICATION 
LABEL
The label is applied on the engine compartment 
lid. 
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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION 
PLATE
The plate is applied on the rear window ledge, 
next to the gas strut, and bears the following 
data:A  -  Space for domestic homologation detailsB  -  Space for progressive chassis number 
punching 
C  -  Space for any indications on the maximum 
weights permitted by local legislation D  -  Space for model version and any additional 
indications E  -  Space Manufacturer’s name punching. 
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ELECTRONIC KEYCODE CARD
The car keys are provided with a CODE card, 
which contains an electronic code 
A, and a 
mechanical code 
B.
The codes must be kept in a safe place, not in 
the vehicle.
WARNING: In the event of a vehicle ownership 
transfer, it is essential that the new owner is 
provided with the electronic key and with the 
CODE card.
ALFA ROMEO 
CODE SYSTEMThis is an electronic engine immobilizer system 
which provides enhanced protection against 
theft. It is automatically activated when the 
electronic key is extracted from the ignition 
block.
Each electronic key contains an electronic 
device that translates the signal emitted upon 
ignition by an antenna incorporated in the seat 
of the electronic key on the dashboard. This 
signal is the “password” (always different for 
each ignition) with which the ECU recognises 
the electronic key and allows the engine to be 
started.OPERATION
Each time the ignition key is removed from 
position STOP the protection system activates 
the engine immobilizer.
Upon starting the engine, when the key is turned 
to MAR:
1)  If the code is recognised, the CODE 
 
warning light on the instrument panel turns 
off in one second, while the EOBD 
warning light turns off after about four 
seconds, after the ECU has completed its 
diagnostic cycle. The protection system has 
recognised the key code and deactivates the 
engine immobilizer. Press the START button 
and at the same time depress the brake 
pedal to start the engine.
2)  If the CODE   warning light remains on 
and the EOBD   warning light goes off 
after four seconds (ECU diagnostics) and 
illuminates again immediately afterwards, 
the code has not been recognised and the 
message “Electronic key not recognised” 
is displayed. In this case, it is advisable to 
turn the key back to position STOP and 
then back to MAR; if the immobilizer stays 
on, try with the other keys.  
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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA
If you are still unable to restart the engine, 
you will have to run an emergency start 
procedure and contact an Authorised 
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s 
Network.
While driving, with the ignition key in position 
MAR:
1)  If the CODE 
 warning light illuminates, 
it means that the system is performing a 
self-diagnostic cycle. At the fi rst stop you 
can test the system: stop the engine by 
turning the ignition key to position STOP 
and then turn the key back to position. 
MAR: the CODE   warning light will 
illuminate and should turn off in one 
second. If the warning light remains on, 
repeat the procedure described previously 
leaving the key at STOP for more than 30 
seconds. If the problem persists, please 
contact an Authorised Service Centre of 
the Manufacturer’s Network.
2)  If the CODE   warning light fl ashes, it 
means that the vehicle is not protected by 
the immobilizer device. Immediately contact 
an Authorised Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network to have all the 
keys stored in the system memory.
WARNING: Strong impacts can damage the 
electronic components in the key.
WARNING: Each key supplied has its own 
specifi c code, which must be stored in the 
memory of the system control unit. 
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2VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION DATA 
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
USING THE VEHICLE
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAPACITIES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Page 19 of 223
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ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Seat belts  .......................................................................................................................... 18
Front airbags ....................................................................................................................... 26
VDC system ........................................................................................................................ 33
ASR system (electronic anti-skid device) .................................................................................. 34
ABS and EBD systems .......................................................................................................... 36
Fuel cut-out inertia switch ..................................................................................................... 38 
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BDC
SEAT BELTS The vehicle is equipped with seat belts with three 
anchorage points and automatic retractor for 
optimal freedom of movement. 
The seat belts are equipped with electronically-
controlled load limiting devices and 
pretensioners.
CAUTION
Before fastening the seat belts 
make sure they are correctly fitted into 
the guide A on the seat.
FASTENING THE SEAT 
BELTS
Extract the lower section of the seat belt from the 
outer side of the seat and secure it by holding the 
latch 
B and pull the seat belt out until the latch is 
fully inserted in the buckle 
C.
The seat belt is correctly buckled when the lock 
clicks in place. Press the button 
D to release the 
seat belts.
If one or both of the front seat belts are not 
fastened or improperly fastened, the warning 
light 
 on the instrument panel comes on. 
For the passenger’s seat belt this warning light 
is accompanied by a specific message only if a 
passenger is seated on the front seat. When the 
warning light is on, an acoustic signal is also activated as soon as the vehicle speed exceeds 
20 Km/h.
When the warning light is on, an acoustic signal 
is also activated as soon as the vehicle speed 
exceeds 20 Km/h. 
The retractor locking device is activated 
whenever the seat belt is pulled out too rapidly 
or in case of sudden braking or collision.
If the seat belt locks due to too rapid extraction, 
allow it to retract a short distance to disengage 
the locking device.
The retractor allows the seat belt to automatically 
fit to the passenger’s body, allowing him/her to 
move freely.
When the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, the 
retractor may lock: this is normal
WARNING: Feed the seat belt back into the 
retractor by hand to avoid twisting and snagging.LOAD LIMITING DEVICES 
To enhance passive safety, the front seat belt 
retractors are equipped with load limiting devices 
which control the seat belt reeling out so as to 
adjust the force exerted on the shoulders while 
the seat belt is in restraining mode.