check engine light Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

145
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading
to higher consumption. When the tem-
perature outside the car permits it, use
the air vents where possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific
use on the vehicle, may reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and
increase consumption. Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
car (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affects consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof as soon as they are no
longer used. These accessories lower air
penetration and adversely affect con-
sumption levels. When needing to car-
ry particularly voluminous objects, prefer-
ably use a trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window,
additional headlights, windscreen wipers
and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy therefore, increasing
the requirement of current increases fu-
el consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of
your car down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service sched-
ule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, con-
sumption levels increase as resistance
to rolling is higher.

152
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if
possible well-ventilated premises;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged;
❒disconnect battery negative terminal
and check the battery charge. This
check is to be repeated every three
months when the car is left inactive.
Recharge if the optical indicator
shows a dark colour without the cen-
tral green area (see paragraph “Bat-
tery” in section “Car maintenance”);
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds read-
ily available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rub-
ber windscreen and rear window
wiper blades and lift them off the
glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perfo-
rated plastic sheet. Do not use sheets
of non-perforated plastic as they do
not allow moisture on the car body
to evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the
normal specified pressure and check
it at intervals;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery
from the electric system, check its
charge every month and recharge it
if the optical indicator shows a dark
colour without the central green
area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling sys-
tem.
IMPORTANTIf the car is fitted with
alarm system, switch off the alarm with
the remote control.

157
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
– Car heavy duty (e.g.: towing trail-
er uphill or fully laden car): decrease
speed, if the warning light stays on, stop
the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes leaving
the engine on and slightly accelerated to
further activate the circulation of the
coolant fluid, then switch the engine off.
IMPORTANTUnder severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly ac-
celerated for few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
Warning light Findi-
cates also warning light
¬ ¬failures. This is indicated by
intermittent flashing, over 4
seconds, of warning light
F. In
this event warning light
¬ ¬could
not indicate safety system fail-
ures. Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the
system checked immediately.
WARNINGENGINE COOLANT
HIGH TEMPERATURE
(red)
Fitting the key into the ignition device, the
warning light (set on engine coolant
gauge) turns on but it shall go off after a
few seconds. The warning light turns on
(with a dedicated message on the display)
to indicate engine overheating. If the warn-
ing light comes on, proceed as follows:
– Normal driving conditions: stop
the car, switch off the engine and check
whether the water level in the reservoir
is not below the MINmark. Otherwise
wait for few seconds to allow engine
cooling, then open slowly and carefully
the cap, top up coolant and check
whether its level is falling between MIN
and MAXmarks in the reservoir. Check
visually any leak. If when restarting the
warning light comes on again, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
u
With engine hot, do not
remove the cap: risk of
burnt.
WARNING

CAR PROTECTION
SYSTEM FAILURE
(amber)
STEERING LOCK
INHIBITION (amber)
Car protection system failure
The message on the display indicates
car protection system failure: in this
event contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services as soon as possible.
Steering lock inhibition
The display will show a dedicated mes-
sage when the engine is killed by re-
moving the electronic key from the ig-
nition device while the car is moving.
ALARM FAILURE
(where provided)
(amber)
BREAK-IN ATTEMPT
(amber)
ELECTRONIC KEY
NOT RECOGNIZED
(amber)
Alarm failure
The message + symbol on the display
indicate a failure in the alarm system.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible.
Break-in attempt
The message + symbol on the display
indicate an attempt of break-in. Contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible. – flashing: indicates the possibility of
damage to the catalyst (see “EOBD sys-
tem” in section “Dashboard and con-
trols”). If the light flashes, it is neces-
sary to release the accelerator pedal to
lower the speed of the engine until the
warning light stops flashing; continue
the journey at moderate speed, trying
to avoid driving conditions that may
cause further flashing and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services as soon as
possible.
160
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
If when fitting the key in-
to the ignition device, the
warning light
Udoes
not turn on or if turns on with
fixed light or flashing when the
car is travelling, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible. Warning light
Uoperation can by checked by
traffic agents by proper equip-
ment therefore, comply with
laws and regulations in force in
the country where you are dri-
ving.
>Y

163
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
EBD SYSTEM
FAILURE (red)
(amber)
With the engine running the
turning on at the same time
of warning lights
>and x
(together with the message on the dis-
play) indicates that the EBD system is
inefficient; in this case heavy braking
may cause the rear wheels to lock be-
fore time, with the possibility of skid-
ding.
Drive with the utmost care to the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorized Service to
have the system checked.
VDC SYSTEM
(where provided)
(amber)
Fitting the key into the ignition device
the warning light turns on, but it should
go off after few seconds.
The warning light flashes when the VDC
cuts in, to alert the driver that the sys-
tem is adapting to the road surface grip
conditions.
VDC deactivation
When the VDC is deactivated manually
(pressing the ASR/VDC button for 2 sec-
onds) (see paragraph “VDC system” in
section “Dashboard and controls”) the
display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.
VDC system failure
In the event of a failure the VDC system
is deactivated automatically and warn-
ing light
áturns on glowing steadily
(together with a message on the dis-
play). In this case contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services as soon as possible.
ABS SYSTEM
FAILURE (amber)
Fitting the key into the ignition
device the warning light turns on, but
it should go off after few seconds.
The warning light turns on (with a ded-
icated message on the display) when
the system is inefficient. In this case the
braking system keeps its effectiveness
unchanged, but without the potential of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive careful-
ly and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services as soon as possible.
>
>
xá

173
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Please note:
❒the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
❒the jack requires no adjustment;
❒the jack cannot be repaired. If it
breaks it must be replaced with a
new jack;
❒no tool other than its cranking de-
vice may be fitted on the jack.To change a wheel proceed as follows:
❒Stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic
where you can change the wheel
safely. The ground should be flat and
adequately firm;
❒Turn the engine off, pull up the hand-
brake and engage first gear or re-
verse;
❒Using handle A-fig. 2, lift the stiff
cover B;
Never tamper with the
inflation valve. Never
place tools between the rim
and tyre. Check and restore, if
required, the pressure of tyres
and spare wheel to the values
given in section “Technical
Specifications”.
WARNING
A0F0132mfig. 2
❒remove the box as shown in fig. 3;
❒for versions fitted with “quick tyre
repair kit Fix&Go” take the tool con-
tainer fig. 4out of the boot;
A0F0007mfig. 3
A0F0134mfig. 4

179
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR❒if after 5 minutes it is still impossi-
ble to reach at least 1.5 bar, disen-
gage compressor from valve and cur-
rent outlet, then move the car forth
for approx. ten metres in order to dis-
tribute the sealing fluid inside the
tyre evenly, then repeat the inflation
operation;
❒if after this operation it is still im-
possible after 5 minutes to reach at
least 1.8 bar, do not start driving
since the tyre is excessively dam-
aged and the quick tyre repair kit
cannot guarantee suitable sealing,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services;
❒loosen tyre inflation valve cap, take
out the filler hose A-fig. 14and
screw the ring nut B-fig. 15on the
tyre valve;
❒make sure the compressor switch A-
fig. 16is set to 0(off), start the
engine and fit plug A-fig. 17in-
to the outlet/cigar lighter on the
front console and then turn on the
compressor by setting switch A-fig.
16to I (on);
❒inflate the tyre to the pressure spec-
ified in paragraph “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”. Check
tyre pressure on gauge B-fig. 16
with compressor off to obtain precise
reading;
A0F0116mfig. 14
A0F0214mfig. 15
A0F0213mfig. 16A0F0217mfig. 17

❒after reaching the tyre pressure spec-
ified in paragraph “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”, start
driving immediately;
180
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Apply the sticker in a
visible position for the
driver to indicate that the tyre
has been treated with the
quick tyre repair kit. Drive
carefully especially when cor-
nering and do not exceed 80
km/h. Avoid heavy braking
and accelerating.
WARNING
You shall absolutely
communicate that the
tyre has been repaired with
the quick tyre repair kit. Hand
the instruction brochure to the
personnel charged with treat-
ing the tyre repaired with the
kit.
WARNING
If pressure falls below
1.8 bar, stop the car
since the tyre is excessively
damaged and the quick tyre
repair kit Fix & Go automatic
cannot guarantee suitable
sealing. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
WARNING
❒after driving for about 10 minutes
stop and check again the tyre pres-
sure; pull up the handbrake;❒if at least 1.8 bar pressure is read,
restore proper pressure (with engine
running and handbrake on) and
restart;
❒drive with the utmost care to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorized
Service.

211
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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SERVICE SCHEDULE
Thousands of km
Check tyre conditions/wear and
adjust pressure if required
Check light system operation (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard lights, boot lights, passenger compartment lights,
glovebox lights, warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer operation,
adjust nozzles if required
Check windscreen/rear window blade
position/wear
Check front disk brake pad conditions and wear
and wear indicator operation
Check rear disk brake pad conditions and wear
Sight inspect the conditions of: body external parts,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel -
brakes), rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check cleanness of locks, bonnet and boot and lever cleanness
and lubrication
Check and top up, if required, fluid levels (brakes/hydraulic
clutch, power steering, windscreen washer, battery,
engine coolant, etc.)
Check and adjust handbrake lever stroke
Sight inspect accessory drive belt conditions

212
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Thousands of km
Check exhaust emissions (petrol versions)
Check exhaust emissions/smoke (diesel versions)
Check antievaporation system (petrol versions)
Check engine control system operation
(through diagnosis socket)
Replace accessory drive belt/s
Replace timing belt (diesel versions) (*)
Change spark plugs (petrol versions)
Replace diesel fuel filter (diesel versions)
Change air cleaner cartridge (petrol versions)
Change air cleaner cartridge (diesel versions)
Change front transmission gear oil (3.2 JTS versions)
Change engine oil and oil filter (petrol versions)
(or every 2 years)
Change engine oil and oil filter (diesel versions - DPF)(**)
(or every 2 years)
Change brake fluid (or every 2 years)
Change pollen filter (or every 2 year)
(*) Regardless of the km covered, the timing belt shall be replaced every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates, driving
in the city, idling for a long time) or in any case every 5 years.
(**) Engine oil and oil filter shall actually be changed according to the conditions of use of the car and it is indicated by the relevant
message on the instrument panel display (see section “Warning lights and messages”).
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