Alfa Romeo 8C 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

59
3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The two modes of the Trip Computer can be
selected by briefly pressing the TRIP button;
Using the button “+” you can scroll the item
shown at the top of the display, while the button
“-” allows you to scroll the items displayed at
the bottom.
To go from the Trip A to the Trip B information,
briefly press the TRIP button.Procedure when setting off on a trip (reset)
Trip A and Trip B must be reset separately.
Reset Trip ATo reset Trip A, turn the key to MAR and press
and hold down the TRIP button for more than 2
seconds. WARNING: The counter will automatically be
reset only in the following cases:- when the “distance travelled” reaches
9999.9 km or when the “travelling time”
reaches 99.59 (99 hours and 59 minutes)
- Every time the battery is disconnected
and reconnected. When the trip is reset, a
warning message appears on the display.WARNING: When Trip A is reset, the “fuel
range” and “instantaneous consumption” values
are not reset.
Reset Trip BFor the Trip B values, through the Setup menu
you can select whether you wish to perform a
manual or an automatic reset procedure (see the
chapter “Setup menu” above):
- Manual reset: to manually reset Trip B,
press and hold down the TRIP button for
more than 2 seconds.
- Automatic reset: this occurs each time the
electronic key is inserted in the ignition
block.
When Trip B is reset, a warning message appears
on the display.WARNING: When Trip B is reset, the “fuel
range” and “instantaneous fuel consumption”
values are not reset.

60
3
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESGENERAL WARNINGS
The failure warnings shown on the display are
divided into two categories: critical and serious
failures.
All the failure warnings are accompanied by
the illumination of the relative warning light on
the instrument panel (where provided) and by
specific warning messages (if needed).
In some cases, the failure warnings may also
be accompanied by an acoustic warning (the
volume is adjustable). These are synthetic and
precautionary warnings and suggest the prompt
action you need to take when a malfunction
occurs. These warnings should however not be
considered exhaustive and/or an alternative to
the instructions given in this Owner’s manual,
which must always be read carefully and
thoroughly.
Whatever the failure warning, always refer to
this section.Critical failures
These are shown on the display for an indefinite
time and interrupt any other information
displayed at that moment. Every time the key
is turned to MAR the warnings will reappear
until the malfunction that caused the failure is
corrected. This “cycle” can be interrupted by
pressing the MENU button: In this case, the
symbol referring to the malfunction will remain
displayed at the bottom left of the display
until the malfunction that caused the failure is
corrected.Serious failures
These are shown on the display for about 20
seconds and then disappear, but reappear every
time the key is turned to MAR. When the 20
seconds have elapsed, or when the MENU
button is pressed, the symbol referring to the
malfunction will remain displayed at the bottom
left of the display until the malfunction that
caused the failure is corrected.

61
3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLSWARNING: When the ignition key is turned to
MAR, if the warning light does not illuminate
or if it illuminates while driving, immediately
contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
Excessive coolant temperature
(*)
Combined with the “Coolant
thermometer”, it illuminates together with
the warning light on the instrument panel
and indicates an excessive temperature of the
coolant.
In this condition, stop the vehicle and have
the cooling system checked by an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network. INDICATORS AND
WARNING LIGHTS
Rear fog lights
When the rear fog lights are turned
on.
Position lights / low beams
Illuminates when the position lights
or low beams are activated.
High beams
When the high beams are turned on
or used to flash.
Low beams
Illuminates when the low beams are
activated.
Low fuel
When this warning light illuminates,
it means that there are about 14
litres of fuel left in the tank.Engine failure control system
(EOBD)
In normal conditions, this warning
light should illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to MAR and go off as soon as the engine
is started. This will show that the warning light is
working properly.
If the warning light remains on or illuminates
while driving, it indicates that there is a failure
in the fuel supply/ignition and emission control
system. This failure could cause high exhaust
emissions, loss of performance, poor vehicle
handling and high consumption levels.
In these conditions you can proceed slowly
without demanding engine performance.
Prolonged use of the vehicle when the warning
light is on can cause damage. Therefore, as
soon as possible contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network.
The warning light will go out if the problem
disappears. The error will be stored in any case.

62
3
Low brake fluid warning light (*)
It illuminates when the brake fluid
level goes below the minimum
level. The operation of the warning light can be
checked by pressing the button on the brake fluid
tank cover located in the engine compartment. If
accompanied by a specific message, it indicates
an EBD system failure. In this case, do not
apply the brakes suddenly, since this may cause
an early locking of the rear wheels. Driving
extremely carefully, immediately go to the
nearest Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network to have the system checked.
CAUTION
If the warning light illuminates
while driving check the brake fluid
level immediately. If fluid level is
below the minimum level, there may
be a leakage. In this case, contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network before
continuing on your journey.
Defective ABS system (*)
It illuminates when the ABS system
is not functioning. The standard
braking system remains active, but we advise
you to contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network as soon as
possible.
Seat belts
It illuminates when one or both
front seat belts are not fastened
or improperly fastened. For the passenger seat
belt, the warning light will illuminate only if a
passenger is seated on the seat.
When the warning light is on, an acoustic signal
is also activated as soon as the vehicle speed
exceeds 20 Km/h.
Airbag/pretensioner failure (*)
It indicates that the pretensioner
and/or airbag system is defective.
CAUTION
Turning the key to MAR the
warning light illuminates but it should
turn off after a few seconds with the
engine running.
CAUTION
If, upon ignition, the warning
light does not illuminate or illuminates
permanently, or if it illuminates while
driving, immediately stop and contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
Parking brake engaged
The warning light illuminates when
the parking brake is engaged.
VDC system failure
It indicates a malfunction or the
deactivation of the VDC system.
When flashing, it indicates that the VDC or ASR
system have activated.

63
3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Right-hand direction indicators
It illuminates when the right-hand
direction indicators or the hazard
lights are turned on.
Left-hand direction indicators
It illuminates when the left-hand
direction indicators or the hazard
lights are turned on.
Cruise Control
It indicates that the constant speed
regulator, Cruise Control, is active.
(*) Viewed on the display as wellWARNING LIGHTS ON
THE DISPLAY
Inertia switch, fuel cut-off
enabled
It illuminates when a collision
activates the inertia switch, thus cutting off the
fuel supply.
CAUTION
After an impact, if you smell
fuel or note leakages from the fuel
system do not re-activate the switch in
order to prevent the risk of fire.
Windscreen washer fluid
It indicates a low level of washer
fluid in the windscreen washer tank.
Alternator failure
If there is a fault in the recharging
system. When the battery is
insufficiently charged or overcharged. Lighting system failure
It illuminates in the case of a system
failure or if the position, direction
indicator, rear fog and number plate lights are
blown.
Stop light failure
It illuminates in the case of a system
failure or if the stop light is blown.
Twilight sensor failure
It illuminates on in the case of a
failure of the twilight sensor.
Engine oil temperature
It illuminates when the temperature
reaches high values. In this case,
reduce the engine RPM until the warning light
goes out.

64
3
Low oil pressure (*)
In normal conditions, when turning
the key to MAR the warning light
should illuminate, and should go off once the
engine has started.
If the warning light remains on or illuminates
while driving, this indicates a too low engine
oil pressure. In this case, turn the engine off
immediately and carry out the necessary checks.
If the problem persists, contact an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.
High catalytic converter
temperature
It illuminates if the engine runs
irregularly with consequent high temperature in
the exhaust system.
CAUTION
IF THE WARNING LIGHT IS
ACCOMPANIED BY THE MESSAGE
“CATALYST TEMPERATURE TOO
HIGH, SLOW DOWN”: the catalytic
converters’ temperature is too
high. The driver must slow down immediately until the warning light
goes off.
Catalyst temperature too high
CAUTION
IF THE MESSAGE “CATALYST
TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH, DO
NOT CONTINUE” APPEARS AFTER
DECELERATING: dangerous catalyst
temperature, the catalysts can be
damaged. Stop the vehicle and contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
CAUTION
If the warning light illuminates
permanently 3 times, the engine stops.
The engine can only be restarted
turning the key to off and then back to
on. Then go to the nearest Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network driving at low speed.CAUTION
Alfa Romeo declines all
responsibility for whatever damage
deriving from non compliance with the
above mentioned warnings.
Low Q-Select gearbox oil
The red symbol indicates that the
gearbox oil is low; stop the vehicle
and contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network to have the
vehicle checked.
Q-Select gearbox failure
It indicates a failure of the
electronically-controlled gearbox.
If the failure permits, slowly drive to
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.

65
3
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Parking brake failure
Depending on the message
displayed, it signals the following
failures of the EPB system:
- Parking brake failure
- If the message that warns you to go to
the nearest Authorised Service Centre of
the Manufacturer’s Network is displayed,
drive slowly and remember that the electric
parking brake device is not functioning.
- Excessive temperature.
If the vehicle has been stationary (key to
STOP) for about 15 minutes without using
the parking brake, and the warning light
comes on again after restarting the engine,
slowly drive to the nearest Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.
If the brake failure is accompanied by the
message “Mechanical release only”, the
manual emergency deactivation procedure
must be performed to release the parking
brake (see page 137).
- Parking brake system overhaul
The EPB system requires maintenance,
therefore contact an Authorised Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network to
have the system corrected.
ASR system failure
It indicates the deactivation or
failure of the ASR system.
In the event of a failure contact an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.
Rain sensor failure
It indicates that the rain sensor is
faulty.
Generic gearbox indication
It indicates gearbox information and
malfunctions.
The severity of the malfunctions is specified in
the accompanying message.Doors open
It indicates that the doors are
open or not properly closed. The
accompanying message indicates the door that
is not closed.
WARNING: Before setting off, close the open or
not properly closed doors.
Engine compartment lid open
It indicates that the engine
compartment lid is open or not
properly closed.
Rear window open
It indicates that the rear window is
open or not properly closed.
Ice hazard
It illuminates when the outside
temperature is 3° C or lower, in
order to indicate the risk of icy road surfaces. In
these conditions, drive carefully and slow down
as the grip of the tyres will be strongly reduced.
Do not activate “SPORT” mode in this situation.

66
3
Vehicle protection systems
It in the following conditions:
- Alarm system not available
- Break-in detected
Brake pads worn
It illuminates when the brake pads
have reached their wear limit.
Contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
INSTRUMENTS
AND GAUGESTACHOMETER/
SPEEDOMETER
It indicates the vehicle speed. The gauge starts
providing data when 4 Km/h are exceededREV. COUNTER
Indicates the engine RPM. Correct driving allows
the driver to exploit the engine performance
fully, without the need for overrevving.

67
3
°C
50
°C90 130
50 90 130
0 1/2 1
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge is always displayed when the key
is turned to ON and with the display in Normal or
Trip mode.
The fuel reserve is indicated by the last of the 8
notches split in two.
- When 8 notches are shown the tank is full
- When two notches are shown the tank is
in reserve
- When one notch is shown the tank is in
half reserve.COOLANT
THERMOMETER
The coolant TMP is displayed when the key is
turned to ON and with the display in standard
mode. When the display is in TRIP mode, it is no
longer shown.
The coolant temperature is displayed by means
of a bar graph.
The temperature is indicated with 8 notches
corresponding to the temperature values the
coolant has reached.
The temperature symbol
is shown next to
the 8 notches indicating the following values:°C °F
Beginning of
scale50 120
Average 90 190
End of scale 130 260
Beginning of
danger sector 115 239

68
3
A
ENGINE OIL
THERMOMETER
The engine oil temperature is displayed by
means of a bar graph.
The engine oil temperature is displayed when
the key is turned to ON and with the display in
standard mode.
When the display is in TRIP mode, it is no longer
shown.
The temperature is indicated with 8 notches
corresponding to the temperature values the
engine oil has reached.
The temperature symbol
is shown next to
the 8 notches indicating the following values:°C °F
Beginning of
scale50 120
Average 105 220
End of scale 160 320
Beginning of
danger sector 140 284
CONTROLS Horn
Pressing near the horn symbol
A will sound the
horn.