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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

89
4
B
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
WARNING: If the direction indicators flash 9
times when the alarm system is activated with
doors, front and rear lids properly closed, this
means that the self-diagnostic function has
detected a malfunction in the system and that
you should contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network to have
the system checked.
DEACTIVATION
Press button
B on the key to deactivate the
alarm system:
- the direction indicators will fl ash twice
- the system emits a double beep
- the centralised door locking system is
activated and the doors are unlocked.
The alarm system is off and it is therefore
possible to get into the vehicle and to start the
engine.Press button
B twice to unlock all the doors; the
low beams will activate for 30 seconds.
WARNING: The alarm system is not deactivated
when the key is turned in the locks.GETTING INTO THE
VEHICLE WHEN THE
ALARM SYSTEM IS ON
When the remote control battery is flat, to access
the vehicle you must insert the key in the lock on
one of the two front doors and turn it clockwise
to unlock it: the alarm will sound but you will
have to continue with the normal starting
procedure. The alarm will go off.

100
4
F
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
The headlight washers are activated
automatically when the windscreen washer is
started and the low beams are on.
The headlight washer and windscreen washer
share the same fluid tank, and a low fluid level
is indicated by the same warning light on the
instrument panel.
The headlight washers are deactivated if the
vehicle speed exceeds 130 Km/h.RAIN SENSOR
The function of the rain sensor is to adapt the
frequency of the windscreen wiper strokes (in
the intermittent operation mode) to the intensity
of the rain.
All the other functions controlled by the right-
hand lever (windscreen wipers off, headlight and
windscreen washer in continuous slow and fast
operation mode and in temporary fast operation
mode) remain the same.
The rain sensor is automatically activated when
shifting the right-hand lever to position
B and has
an adjustment range that varies progressively
from “windscreen wiper off” when the
windscreen is dry, to” second continuous speed”
in heavy rain.To adjust the intermittent wiping frequency, shift
the lever to position
B, rotate the dial
F.
Turning the dial clockwise, intermittent operation
varies from a maximum (fast intermittent
operation) to a minimum (slow intermittent
operation).
If the engine is turned off when the windscreen
wiper is set to automatic with the lever in
position
B, to reactivate the feature, the next
time the engine is started you must shift the
lever to the standby position
A, and then back to
position
B.

5
USING THE VEHICLE
Starting the engine ............................................................................................................ 114
Q-Select gearbox ............................................................................................................... 116
Using the brakes ................................................................................................................ 124
Using the engine ............................................................................................................... 125
Constant speed regulator (Cruise Control) .............................................................................. 126
Headlights ........................................................................................................................ 130
Driving conditions .............................................................................................................. 130
Anti-pollution devices ......................................................................................................... 135
Parking ............................................................................................................................ 136
Tyres ................................................................................................................................ 141
Useful accessories to keep in the vehicle ............................................................................... 142

114
5
MAR
STARTING THE
ENGINE
CAUTION
Hold the brake pedal depressed
when starting the engine.
CAUTION
It is dangerous to operate the
engine in an enclosed space. The engine
consumes oxygen and discharges
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gases.
WARNING: Before start-up, switch off the
electrical devices with a high power consumption
(air-conditioning and heating system, heated
rear window, headlights, etc.).
WARNING: Do not start the engine if the fuel
level in the tank is low.
1) Make sure that the parking brake is applied
and that the doors are closed.
2) Hold the brake pedal depressed when
starting the engine.
3) Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
4) Set the gear to neutral by pulling both
paddles UP and DOWN towards the
steering wheel and check that the gear
display indicates N not fl ashing.
5) Turn the ignition key to MAR.
6) press button START button and release it as
soon as the engine starts.
Do not hold the START button for a long time.If the engine does not start, turn the key back to
position STOP and wait for the gear display to go
off before retrying.
The engine can also be started with a gear
engaged; turning the key to position MAR, with
the brake pedal depressed, press the START
button. The system allows the clutch to open and
the gearshift to engage neutral gear; then the
starter motor receives clearance for start-up. This
procedure usually requires one second. At very
low temperatures, the procedure could take a
slightly longer time.
If the gearbox is instead in the N position,
starting is immediate.
If the engine does not start after turning the key
to position STOP, wait for the gear display to go
off and then repeat the entire procedure.

115
5
USING THE VEHICLE
STARTING-OFF WHEN
THE ENGINE IS COLD
Start-off slowly, avoiding sudden accelerations
and run the engine at low-medium speeds. High-
performance driving should be avoided until the
water temperature reaches
65–70 °C.EMERGENCY STARTING
WITH AUXILIARY
BATTERY
If the battery is flat, the engine can be started
using another battery having the same or slightly
higher capacity than the flat one.
Proceed as follows:
1) Connect the positive terminals (+) of the
two batteries with a cable specifi cally
designed for this purpose.
2) Connect the negative terminals (-) of the
two batteries with a cable specifi cally
designed for this purpose.
WARNING: The battery is housed in a metal box,
therefore, be extremely careful not to let the
battery charger clips come into contact with it.3) Start the engine.
4) When the engine starts, remove the cables
in reverse order.
If the engine does not start after a number
of attempts, do not continue indefinitely but
consult an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network.
CAUTION
Do not carry out this procedure
if you have no experience of it:
incorrect manoeuvres may cause high
levels of electrical discharge and may
even lead to the battery explosion.
CAUTION
You are also advised not to
approach the battery with open flames
or lit cigarettes and not to cause
sparks: risk of explosion and fire!