Alfa Romeo 8C 2008 Owner handbook (in English)
Page 81 of 223
79
4
D
E
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
There is a button on the front central dashboard 
that activates door locking and unlocking:D - door locking/unlocking.
OPEN DOOR WARNING 
LIGHTS 
If the doors and the engine/luggage 
compartment lids are not closed properly, this is 
signalled by the illumination of relative symbols 
on the instrument panel display, accompanied by 
the messages “Door open” or “Doors open”.DOOR LOCK ECU 
INITIALISATION 
Every time the battery is reconnected or a 
fuse replaced, you must perform the system 
initialisation procedure to ensure proper system 
operation. To perform this procedure, lock and 
then unlock the doors using the door remote 
control.DOOR COURTESY LIGHT
Each door has a courtesy light 
E fitted on the 
lower part of the door panel to light up the area 
where you get into and out of the vehicle. 
We suggest that you move the seat fully back 
before getting out of the vehicle, which also 
makes it easier to get back in. 
Page 82 of 223
80
4
A
B
POWER 
WINDOWS Activation is only possible with the ignition key in 
the MAR position.
The power window controls are positioned on the 
centre console.A   -  Front left-hand window opening/closingB  -  Front right-hand window opening/closing.
Lower the power window with the key turned 
to MAR to activate automatic operation: the 
window will stop when it reaches the end of its 
travel (or when the button is pressed again). 
A brief pressure causes a small movement of the window, which stops when the button is 
released.
When the window is raised, automatic operation 
is active only for the left-hand window. 
WARNING: If the window is operated with the 
door open, when it reaches the upper limit it 
will go down for a short distance so as not to 
interfere with the weather strip when the door 
is closed.
CAUTION
When the door is opened, the 
window is slightly lowered and then 
closes automatically after the door is 
closed: take the greatest care to avoid 
passengers (especially children) being 
near the windows when opening/
closing the doors.CAUTION
Improper use of the power 
windows can be dangerous. Check 
that passengers are away from the 
side windows before shutting them. 
Always remove the ignition key when 
you get out of the vehicle, in order to 
avoid that accidental activation of the 
power windows may be dangerous for 
passengers remaining in the vehicle.
CAUTION
Leaving children in a parked 
vehicle with the windows closed is 
dangerous: the temperature inside 
the vehicle can reach very high levels, 
causing fainting and serious injuries. 
Page 83 of 223
81
4
A
B
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
WARNING: Before disconnecting the battery, 
lower the side windows by at least 4-5 cm 
to avoid damaging the weather strips when 
opening and closing the doors. When the battery 
is connected and fully charged, this operation 
is done automatically whenever the doors are 
opened or closed. The windows must remain 
open until the charged battery is reconnected.
If the battery has discharged with the windows 
fully closed, open the door only if necessary and 
with the greatest care; do not close it again until 
it the windows can be lowered.
WARNING: Before activating the alarm system, 
check that all the windows and the sunroof are 
closed to prevent accidental activation of the 
alarm system. 
ENGINE 
COMPARTMENT LID
 
To unlock the engine compartment lid, pull the 
lever 
A found in the lower, left-hand side of the 
dashboard.
Release the safety device by moving the lever 
B 
as shown in the figure.
Lift the engine compartment lid: this operation is 
facilitated by two gas struts.
The engine compartment lid positions itself at the 
maximum opening position and does not require 
support stays.
CAUTION
To close the lid: lower it 
to about 20 cm from the engine 
compartment and let it drop: it will 
close automatically.
In doing this, always be extremely 
careful to prevent your hands from 
being crushed. 
CAUTION
Always check that the engine 
compartment lid is properly shut so 
that it cannot open while driving.  
Page 84 of 223
82
4
A
B
REAR WINDOWThe rear window can be opened from the inside 
or outside of the vehicle. Press button 
A on 
the centre console to open it from the inside. 
The rear window may only be opened when 
the vehicle is stationary. The button can be 
deactivated after the doors have been locked.
To open the rear window from the outside, press 
the button 
B on the ignition key for at least 2 
seconds, thus releasing the lock.
To prevent accidental activation while driving, 
the rear window can only be opened when the 
vehicle is stationary.Raising the rear window is facilitated by the 
action of the gas struts. The struts are calibrated 
to ensure proper operation with the weights 
specified by the manufacturer. Arbitrary additions 
of objects (e.g. spoilers, trunk racks, etc.) can 
jeopardise proper operation and safety in the use 
of the rear window. 
CAUTION
To close the rear window push 
it down taking care not to crush your 
hands when the gas struts invert 
resistance.
CAUTION
When using the luggage 
compartment, never exceed the 
maximum loads allowed (see 
section on “Capacities and Technical 
Specifications”). Also check that 
the objects contained in the luggage 
compartment are arranged properly.
CAUTION
It is extremely dangerous and 
moreover prohibited by law to travel 
on the luggage shelf behind the seats. 
In the event of an accident, persons 
travelling in this position are more 
exposed to the risk of serious injury. 
Passengers must only travel seated in 
the vehicle seats, with the seat belts 
fastened properly. Always check that 
you and your passengers have your 
seat belts fastened correctly. 
Page 85 of 223
83
4
A
C
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
EMERGENCY OPENING
If necessary, the rear window can be opened by 
pulling the cable 
C positioned underneath the 
luggage shelf behind the seats.The cap is linked to the filler neck with a strap, to 
prevent it from being lost while refuelling.
The fuel tank door must be re-closed manually.
Before closing the fuel tank door, check that the 
fuel filler cap is fully tightened.
CAUTION
Do not bring open flames or lit 
cigarettes close to the tank filler neck: 
risk of fire!
Also avoid putting your face close to the filler so 
as not to inhale noxious fumes. 
FUEL TANK DOOR The fuel tank door is found on the right-hand rear 
side of the vehicle. To open the door, press on it 
as shown in the figure.
It may only be opened after deactivating the 
central door locking.
The cap’s hermetic seal may result in a slight 
pressure increase in the tank. Any hissing noise 
whilst the cap is being released is therefore 
completely normal.
When refuelling, the cap must remain attached 
to the door by means of the hook provided 
A. 
Page 86 of 223
84
4
B
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. With the brake pedal 
depressed, pushing the START button, the 
engine starts.
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. If you are still  FUEL TANK DOOR 
EMERGENCY OPENING
If necessary, the fuel tank door can be opened 
by pulling the cable 
B housed in the luggage 
compartment, in the beauty case compartment
KEYSTHE ALFA ROMEO CODE 
SYSTEM 
In order to enhance protection against thefts, 
the vehicle is equipped with an electronic engine 
immobilizer system (Alfa Romeo CODE), which 
is automatically activated when the ignition key 
is removed.
Each starter key contains an electronic device 
which transmits a code signal to the Alfa Romeo 
CODE control unit, and engine ignition is enabled 
only if the key code is recognised by the system.
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. 
The key is used to:
-  start the engine
-  activate the central door locking system
-  deactivate/activate the passenger airbag 
(on vehicles equipped with manual 
deactivation system)
-  open the rear window
-  activate/deactivate the alarm system 
Page 87 of 223
85
4
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
unable to restart the engine, you will have 
to perform the 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 
back to 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 
specific code, which must be stored in the 
memory of the system control unit.DUPLICATING KEYS
When ordering additional keys, remember 
that the storage procedure (up to maximum 
of 7 keys) must be carried out on all the keys, 
including those already in your possession. 
Directly contact an Authorised Service Centre 
of the Manufacturer’s Network bringing with 
you all the keys in your possession, the Alfa 
Romeo CODE system CODE CARD, the electronic 
alarm system CODE CARD, a personal ID and the 
identification and registration documents proving 
ownership of the vehicle. The codes of any keys 
that are not available when the new storage 
procedure is carried out will be deleted from the 
memory to prevent any lost or stolen keys from 
being used to start the vehicle.EMERGENCY STARTING
If the Alfa Romeo CODE fails to deactivate the 
engine immobilizer, the CODE 
 warning light 
will illuminate permanently, accompanied by 
the message: “Electronic key not recognised”, 
while the EOBD   warning light will go off 
after four seconds to turn on again immediately 
afterwards: the engine will not start. The 
engine can only be started with the emergency 
procedure.
WARNING: It is recommended to read the whole 
procedure through carefully before carrying it 
out. If you make a mistake, you should turn the 
ignition key to STOP and repeat the operations 
from step 1. 
Page 88 of 223
86
4
1)  Read the 5-digit electronic code found on 
the CODE CARD.
2)  Turn the ignition key to MAR: at this 
moment the CODE 
 and EOBD   
warning lights are on.
3)  Depress the accelerator pedal and hold 
it down. Approximately 8 seconds later, 
the EOBD   warning light will go off. 
Release the accelerator and get ready to 
count the number of times the EOBD   
warning light fl ashes.
4)  As soon as the number of fl ashing is equal 
to the fi rst digit of your CODE CARD, fully 
depress the accelerator pedal and hold it 
down until the EOBD   warning light 
goes off (after approximately 4 seconds). 
then release the accelerator.
5)  The EOBD   warning light starts fl ashing 
again. As soon as the displayed number of 
fl ashing is equal to the second digit of your 
CODE CARD, depress the accelerator and 
hold it down.6)  Follow the same procedure for the 
remaining digits in the code on the CODE 
CARD.
7)  When the last digit has been entered, hold 
the accelerator pedal pressed down. The 
EOBD   warning light comes on for 4 
seconds and then goes off; you can now 
release the accelerator.
8)  A quick fl ashing of the EOBD   warning 
light (about 4 seconds) confi rms that 
procedure has been carried out correctly.9)  Start the engine by turning the key to 
position MAR.
If the EOBD   warning light remains on, 
turn the key to position STOP and repeat the 
procedure from step 1.
This procedure can be repeated an unlimited 
number of times.
WARNING: After an emergency staring, you 
should contact an Authorised Service Centre of 
the Manufacturer’s Network otherwise you will 
have to perform the emergency procedure every 
time the engine is started. 
Page 89 of 223
87
4
STOPACC
MAR
A
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
IGNITION SWITCHThe ignition key can be turned to 3 positions:
STOP - Engine off, engine immobilizer and 
steering wheel lock activated, connected devices 
cut-out, except those that are not key-controlled 
(e.g. centralised door lock, rear window opening 
control, etc.). The key is removable.
ACC - Steering lock release position.
MAR - Engine start and driving position. All 
electrical devices can operate.START BUTTON
Hold the brake pedal depressed and press the 
START button 
A to start the engine.
When the engine has started, release the START 
button.
Avoid pressing the START button at length. 
For the starting procedure, see “Starting the 
Engine”.
CAUTION
If the ignition switch has been 
tampered with (e.g. attempted theft) 
have it checked at an authorised 
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s 
Network before continuing driving.
CAUTION
When you get out of the 
vehicle, always remove the key 
to prevent someone inadvertently 
activating the controls.
Remember to apply the parking brake 
and, if the vehicle is on a hill, engage 
first gear.
If the vehicle is on a downward slope, 
engage reverse gear.
CAUTION
Never leave children 
unattended in the vehicle. 
Page 90 of 223
88
4
A
ELECTRONIC 
ALARM SYSTEMThe electronic alarm system has the following 
functions:
-  remote control of the centralised door 
locking/unlocking system
-  perimeter surveillance, detecting the 
opening of doors, engine/luggage 
compartment lids
-  motion surveillance, detecting intrusion in 
the passenger compartment
-  vehicle movement surveillance.WARNING: The engine immobilizer function is 
ensured by the Alfa Romeo CODE system, which 
is automatically activated when the ignition key 
is removed from the starter switch.
ACTIVATION
Press button 
A on the key to activate the alarm 
system:
-  the direction indicators fl ash once
- the system beeps;
-  the centralised door locking of the vehicle is 
activated and doors are locked.
The alarm system is active after approximately 
25 seconds and the alarm is activated when:
-  a door is opened 
-  the luggage compartment lid is opened
-  the engine compartment lid is opened
-  someone attempts to enter the vehicle from 
a window
-  the power supply is disconnected
-  the siren is disconnected
-  the vehicle is moved.When the alarm is active, the user may request 
the luggage compartment opening; in this 
case, the motion and inclination sensors are 
temporarily deactivated. 
If the luggage compartment is then closed, the 
sensors will be reactivated.
Should the direction indicators flash 9 times 
when you activate the alarm system, this means 
that one of the doors or lids is not properly closed 
and therefore is not protected by the perimeter 
surveillance. Check for correct closing of doors, 
luggage/engine compartment lid and close the 
open one without deactivating the alarm system: 
direction indicators flashing once indicate that 
now the door, luggage/engine compartment 
lid are closed properly and are protected by the 
perimeter surveillance.