engine Alfa Romeo 8C 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

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2
A
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
ACTIVATION
The VDC and ASR systems are integrated in one
single function and are automatically activated
every time the engine is started; they can be
deactivated by pressing the button
A for about
1 second.
Press the button
A once again to reactivate the
systems.
The amber colour warning light
on the
instrument panel flashes during all the operating
phases.FAULT INDICATORS
In the event of a malfunction, the system
is automatically disabled and cannot be
reactivated. This condition is signalled while
driving by the amber symbol
on the display
that illuminates together with the message “ASR
failure - Go to workshop”.
MSR FUNCTION (ENGINE
BRAKING TORQUE
ADJUSTMENT)
The ASR system also controls the engine braking
torque when the accelerator pedal is released
under low grip conditions (e.g., snow, ice etc.):
in these conditions, the high braking torque of
the engine may cause instability of the vehicle.The system, using the same sensors as the ABS
system, detects the skidding of one or both
of the driving wheels when the accelerator is
released and opens the motor-driven throttle for
the engine fuel system. This reduces the braking
torque and resets the maximum grip conditions
for the driving wheels.
WARNING: However, the maximum deceleration
that can be obtained with the engine brake still
depends on the tyre grip on the road. Snow or ice
obviously reduce grip values.

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2
ABS AND EBD
SYSTEMSThe vehicle is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) system which enhances braking
power through the ABS system sensors and
control unit.
In the event of an emergency stop or braking on
slippery surfaces (e.g., snow, ice etc.) the ABS,
together with the standard braking system, is
designed to allow the driver to apply maximum
braking force without causing the wheels to lock
and consequently losing control of the vehicle.
The system is based on an electronic control unit
that processes the signals coming from 4 sensors
fitted on the 4 wheels.
When a wheel tends to lock, the sensor warns
the control unit, which informs the electro-
hydraulic unit so that it controls the pressure
exerted on the brake calipers; the driver feels a
“pulsating” sensation on the brake pedal which
is completely normal.
In the event of a failure, the system will be
deactivated, but this will not affect the efficiency of the standard braking system.
The failure is signalled by the amber warning
light
on the instrument panel and the
display which illuminates together with the
message “ABS failure - Go to workshop”.
In this case, we recommend that you contact the
nearest Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network in order to identify the fault as soon as
possible, by means of the system self-diagnostic
function.CAUTION
The vehicles must be equipped
only with wheels, tyres and brake
pads of the type and make approved
by the Manufacturer for this model.CAUTION
Regardless of the fact that
this device makes a considerable
contribution to safety it is still
essential to drive with the greatest
care when the road surface is wet,
covered with snow or ice.
CAUTION
The vehicle is equipped with
Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD). The warning light

illuminates when the engine is running
to indicate an EBD system malfunction.
In this case, sharp braking can cause
early locking of the rear wheels
and possible side skidding. Driving
extremely carefully, immediately go
to the nearest Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
system checked.

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ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
CAUTION
The warning light
usually
comes on with running engine to
indicate a fault in the ABS system only.
In this case, the standard braking
system is still efficient, but cannot use
the ABS system. In these conditions,
also the EBD system efficiency may be
reduced. Drive with the greatest care
to avoid abrupt braking and go the
nearest Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network to have the
system checked-
CAUTION
If the low brake fluid warning
light
illuminates while driving,
stop the vehicle and check the brake
fluid level immediately. If the level is
below the minimum notch, top up with
the recommended oil and immediately
contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network to
have the system checked.
Brake fluid leaks impair the operation
of the braking systems, both of the
traditional type and of those equipped
with ABS.
CAUTION
System performance in terms
of active safety is not a reason for the
driver to run unnecessary risks. The
driving style shall always be suited to
weather conditions, range of visibility
and traffic.CAUTION
The maximum obtainable
deceleration always depends on the
tyre grip on the road surface. With
snow or ice the grip is obviously
reduced and the braking distance is
very high, even with the ABS system.

38
2
A
FUEL CUT-OUT
INERTIA SWITCHThe vehicle is equipped with a safety switch
which activates in the event of a collision, cutting
off the fuel supply and consequently causing the
engine to stop. It also prevents fuel leaks if the
fuel lines are damaged during the accident.
Activation of the safety switch is signalled by
the illumination of the warning light
on the
display.
The switch is positioned underneath the front left-
hand seat. Move the seat fully back to access it.
CAUTION
After impact, if you smell fuel
or note any leakage from the fuel
supply system, do not reactivate the
switch in order to prevent any fire
risks.
The activation of the inertia switch causes all the
doors and the luggage compartment to unlock
and in the internal dome light and the four
direction indicators to turn on.
RESETTING THE SWITCH
Turn the ignition key to position STOP.
Check that there is no leakage from the fuel
system.
If no leaks are found, reset the inertia switch
which stops the fuel pump operation, by pressing
button
A on the switch.
Turn the ignition key to position MAR, wait a few
seconds and press the START button.Check that the warning light
on the display
is off.
Check once again that there are no fuel leaks.

43
3
A
B
C
D
E
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
1) Air conditioning side vents2) Lower gearshift paddle “DOWN”3) Instrument panel4) Air conditioning upper vent5)
Sun radiation sensor
6)
Driver’s airbag
7)
Windscreen/headlight wiper/washer
control lever
8)
Upper gearshift paddle UP
9)
Central air conditioning/heating vents
10)
Radio/navigator
11)
Passenger’s airbag
12)
Air conditioning and heating system
controls
13)
Side windows vents
14)
Glove compartment
15)
Central dashboard controls
16)
Electric parking brake engagement/
disengagement lever
17)
Starter/steering wheel lock switch
18)
Horn control
19)
Steering wheel height and depth
adjustment lever
20)
Cruise Control lever, direction indicators
21)
Controls to the left of the steering wheel
22)
Engine start button
23)
Reverse gear engagement button
24)
AUTO mode button
25)
SPORT mode button
26)
VDC deactivation button
27)
WET mode button
28)
Hazard light buttonRef. 15 Central dashboard controls
A) Front left-hand power window controlB) Central locking control C) PARK OFF function button (see page.
137)D) Rear window opening control E) Front right-hand power window control

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1354
27896
INFORMATION SHOWN
ON THE STANDARD PAGE 1) Time2) Outside temperature3) Failure/information symbol4) Trip odometer5) Total odometer6) Q-Select gearbox status 7) Engine oil temperature8) Coolant temperature 9) Fuel level gauge
The central area of the display indicating the
engine oil and coolant temperatures and the
fuel level remains active until another function
is activated or other information on the vehicle
status needs to be displayed.
RECONFIGURABLE
MULTIFUNCTION
DISPLAY The “reconfigurable multifunction display” shows
useful information while driving, in particular:With the key turned to MAR the following
information is immediately displayed for 2
seconds:
- Clock
- Outside air temperature
- Date
- Total odometer
- Trip odometer
- Q-Select gearbox status.
After two seconds the display will automatically
return to the standard page.

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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
TRIP COMPUTER
General
When the electronic key is inserted in the ignition
block, the “Trip computer” allows you to view
the vehicle mileage features. This function
comprises the “Trip A” function which monitors
total mileage, and the “Trip B” function which
monitors trip mileage; the latter function is
“contained” in the total mileage function.
Both functions can be reset (reset when setting
off on a new trip).
Trip A and B allow you to view the following
values:
- Fuel range
- Distance travelled
- Average fuel consumption
- Instantaneous fuel consumption
- Average speed
- Travel timeValues displayed
Fuel rangeIt indicates the distance you can still travel with
the fuel left in the tank, assuming you continue
travelling at the same speed.
A specific message will be shown on the display
“----“ when the following events occur:
- when the fuel range is less than 50 km (or
30 mi)
- if the vehicle is stopped with the engine
running for more than 3 minutes.
Distance travelledIt indicates the distance travelled from the
beginning of a new trip.
Every time the battery is connected and at the
beginning of each new trip (reset) the display
indicates the value “0.0”.WARNING: If there is no information, all the
Trip Computer indicators will show “-” instead of
the value. When correct operation is resumed,
the counter resumes regular operation as well,
without resetting the values displayed prior to
the malfunction nor restarting the count from
zero as for a new trip.Average fuel consumptionThis is the average fuel consumption from the
beginning of a new trip.

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3
Instantaneous fuel consumptionThis is the actual fuel consumption which is
constantly updated. If the vehicle is stopped with
the engine running, the display will show the
information “----“.Average speedThis is the average vehicle speed in relation
to the total time that has elapsed from the
beginning of a new trip.Travel timeThis is the time that has elapsed from the
beginning of a new trip (trip time) New tripA new trip begins after:
- the user has manually reset the indicator by
holding down the button TRIP;
- an “automatic” reset when the “distance
travelled” reaches 9999.9 km (or mi),
when the “travelling time” reaches 99.59
(99 hours and 59 minutes) or after
disconnection and reconnection of the
battery.
This function is active only for TRIP B.TRIP BUTTON
The TRIP button, located on the button panel
to the left of the steering wheel, allows you
to access the Trip A and Trip B functions when
the key is turned to MAR To scroll the values
displayed for each function, use the buttons “+”
and “-”.
The TRIP button also allows you to reset the Trip
A and Trip B functions when setting off on a new
trip:
- button pressed brie y: to display the
various values;
- button pressed at length: to reset when
setting off on a new trip.To go from one item to the next of the Trip
Computer briefly press buttons“+” and “-”
Each page of the Trip Computer displays two
items for the current trip (Trip A or Trip B) at the
same time. These items are displayed at the top
and bottom of the display, respectively.
The same item cannot be viewed at the top and
bottom of the display at the same time on the
same page.

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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.

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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.