radio Alfa Romeo 156 2004 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR6
ALFA ROMEO
CODE SYSTEMTo increase protection against attempted
theft, the car is fitted with an electronic en-
gine lock system (Alfa Romeo CODE) which
is activated automatically when the ignition
key is removed. In fact the grip of each key
contains an electronic device which modu-
lates the radio frequency signal transmit-
ted when the engine is started by a special
aerial incorporated in the ignition switch. This
modulated signal is the “password” by
which the control unit recognises the key
and only in this condition can the engine
be started.
THE KEYSThe car is delivered with two keys, key
(A-fig.1) with metal insert and remote
control function and another key with metal
insert only, without remote control.
The key remote control operates:
– door centralised opening/locking
– opening luggage compartment boot/
tailgate
– activation/deactivation of electronic
alarm (if existing)
G G
E E
T T
T T
I I
N N
G G

T T
O O

K K
N N
O O
W W

Y Y
O O
U U
R R

C C
A A
R R
SYMBOLSSpecial coloured labels have been attached
near to or actually on some of the compo-
nents making up your Alfa 156.
These labels bear symbols that remind you
of the precautions to be taken as regards
that particular component.
fig. 1
A0B0016m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR8
To insert the metallic insert in the key grip,
press the button (E-fig. 3) to release the
insert and turn it in the direction of the ar-
row until it clicks.
To open/close the doors by remote con-
trol, press button (B). On cars fitted with
electronic alarm system, pressing button (B)
also turns the electronic alarm.
WARNINGCertain radio devices outside
the car (e.g. mobile phones, HAM radio sys-
tems) could disturb the remote control fre-
quency. In this case the remote control could
malfunction.
OPENING THE BOOTThe boot can be opened by remote control
from outside pressing button (C-fig. 3),
also when the electronic alarm (where fit-
ted) is on.
In this case the alarm system switches off
the boot volumetric protection and control
sensor, the system gives two “beeps” (with
the exceptions of versions for certain mar-
kets) and the direction indicators light up for
about three seconds.
Closing the boot again, the control func-
tions are restored, the system gives two
“beeps” (with the exceptions of versions for
certain markets) and the direction indicators
light up for about three seconds. The metallic insert (A) of the key oper-
ates:
– the ignition switch
– the driver's door lock and, optional for
versions/markets where applicable, the pas-
senger's door lock
– passenger’s Air bag deactivation.
To move the metallic insert out of the key
grip, press button (E).
When button (E) is
pressed, take the utmost
care to prevent the metal insert
from causing injury or damage
when it comes out. Button (E) must
only be pressed when the key is
away from the body, in particular
the eyes, and from objects that
could be spoilt (e.g. clothes). Never
leave the key unattended to pre-
vent anyone, especially children,
from holding it and pressing button
(E) inadvertently.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR16
MINISTERIAL HOMOLOGATIONIn keeping with the laws in force in each
country on the subject of radio frequency,
we point out that:
– the separate homologation numbers for
each market are given on the last pages of
this handbook before the alphabetical index
(for some countries also homologation doc-
ument);
– for markets in which the transmitter
needs to be marked with the homologation
number, this has been stated on the com-
ponent.
(Depending on the versions/markets, the
code may also be marked on the transmit-
ter and/or on the receiver).
REMOTE CONTROL
DOOR LOCKING SYSTEMThe system comprises a receiver inside the
car and a transmitter (remote control) in-
corporated in the key (E-fig. 11).
To lock/unlock the locks, point the trans-
mitter towards the car, press and release the
button (B-fig. 11).WARNINGShould it be necessary to
programme additional remote controls, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.fig. 10
A0B9000m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR56
DASHBOARD1.Side air outlets - 2.Defrosting/demisting vents for side windows - 3.Upper side vents - 4.Radio controls on the steering wheel (where
applicable) - 5.Outside lights control lever - 6.Speedometer (mileage recorder) - 7.Check panel - 8.Rev counter - 9.Windscreen wiper
control lever - 10.Fuel level gauge - 11.Centre air vents - 12.Infocenter Display - 13.Clock - 14.Engine coolant temperature gauge -
15.Sound system (where required) - 16.Passenger’s Air bag - 17.Glove box - 18.Controls for heating, ventilation and climate control -
19.Ashtray and cigar lighter - 20.Hazard warning lights switch - 21.Ignition switch - 22.Steering wheel lock/release lever - 23.Driver’s
Air bag and horns - 24.Cruise Control control lever (if provided) - 25.Bonnet opening lever - 26.Set of controls: instrument panel lighting
adjustment, trip meter reset and headlamp aiming device.fig. 80
A0B0570m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
166
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNERIf, after purchasing your car, you want to
install electric accessories that require per-
manent power supply (burglar alarm, voice
function, radionavigator with satellite bur-
glar alarm, etc.) or other accessories that af-
fect the vehicle’s electric load, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services, whose qualified
staff is able to recommend the most suitable
equipment of the Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
and also assess the electric absorption of the
same, checking if the vehicle can withstand
the required load or if a battery of greater
power must be used.
TELEPHONE
PROVISION(on request for versions/
markets where applicable)
On request for versions/markets where
applicable, the car may be fitted with a pro-
vision for the installation of a cellular tele-
phone.
This provision comprises:
– sound system two-function aerial + cel-
lular phone;
– supply and connection cables with spe-
cific connector for voice kit connection.
The voice kit must be pur-
chased separately by the
customer, since it has to be
compatible with the customer’s
own cellular phone.
For the installation of the
cellular phone and connec-
tion to the provision in the
car, contact only Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services; this will guar-
antee first-rate results with no
possibility of any inconvenience
that may compromise the safety of
the vehicle.
fig. 154
A0B0252m
SUN VISORSThey can be adjusted frontally and later-
ally.
On the back of the visors there is a cour-
tesy mirror with sliding cover (A-fig. 154),
lit by the lamp (B).
The passenger’s sun visor bears also the
symbol for correct use of children’s seats in
cars equipped with passenger’s airbag. For
further information, see the descriptions
given in paragraph “Passenger’s front
airbag” in this chapter.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
167
RADIO
TRANSMITTERS
AND CELLPHONESCellphones and other radio transmitters
(e.g. CB radios) cannot be used inside the
vehicle, unless you use a separate aerial
mounted outside the vehicle.
The transmission and reception efficiency
of this equipment may also be affected by
the shielding effect of the vehicle’s body.
SUNROOF(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The sunroof can only be operated when
the ignition key is in the MARposition.Do not open the sunroof
when snow or ice are on
the roof as this may dam-
age it.
The use of cellphones, CB
radios or similar inside the
passenger compartment (without
an outside aerial) produces electro-
magnetic RF fields; if these are am-
plified by the resonance inside the
passenger compartment, they may
not only result in a potential health
hazard, or poor functioning of the
electronic systems such as engine
control units, ABS/EBD control
units, etc., fitted to the vehicle, but
also put the safety of your vehicle
in jeopardy.
WARNING
Improper use of the sunroof
can be dangerous. Before
and while operating it, always
make sure that the passengers are
not exposed to the risk of harm
caused either directly by the sunroof
in motion or by personal items
drawn or knocked by it.
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle,
the ignition key should al-
ways be removed to avoid acci-
dents involving the sunroof which
could be inadvertently operated by
any passenger remaining in the ve-
hicle.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
183
SOUND SYSTEM(where applicable)
The fixed sound system, with cassette
player (radio with cassette player) or CD
player with parametric sound equalizer (ra-
dio with CD player) has been designed to
suit the specific characteristics of the pas-
senger compartment, with a personalised
design that matches the style of the dash-
board. The sound system instructions for use
are described in the attached supplement.
SOUND SYSTEM
PRESETTING SYSTEM(for versions/markets where
applicable)
The car, if not delivered with sound sys-
tem, is fitted with a glove compartment
(fig. 172) on the instrument panel.
Sound system presetting system includes
the following:
– sound system power cables;
– front and rear speaker power cables;
– aerial power cable;
– sound system housing;
– aerial on car roof (where provided).The sound system shall be installed in the
proper housing occupied by the glove com-
partment that can be removed by pressing
the two retaining tabs in the glove com-
partment: here are the power cables.
If after buying the car you
want to install the sound
system, contact first Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services whose
qualified personnel, in addition to
suggesting the most suitable de-
vices, will evaluate the overall
electric absorption to safeguard the
battery. Excessive loadless ab-
sorption could damage the battery
and lose warranty.fig. 172
A0B742m

CAR MAINTENANCE
267
Incorrect fitting of electri-
cal accessories can serious-
ly damage the car. If after
buying the car, you wish to install
electric accessories (alarm, sound
system, radiotelephone, etc.) con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices who will be able to suggest
the most suitable devices and
above all advise about the need to
use a more powerful battery.If the car is to remain sta-
tionary for a long time in
very cold weather, remove
the battery and take it to a warm
place, otherwise it might freeze.
CHECKING THE CHARGE The battery charge may be checked satis-
factorily using the indicator, and acting ac-
cording to the colour the indicator shows.
Refer to the table below or to the label
fig. 24on the battery.fig. 24
A0B0146m
When doing any work on
the battery or near it, al-
ways wear special protective gog-
gles.
WARNING
Working with a low fluid
level may damage the bat-
tery irreversibly, even causing it to
burst.
WARNING

CAR MAINTENANCE
269
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERYTo avoid quickly draining the battery and
to preserve its operating conditions over the
course of time, carefully follow the instruc-
tions below:
– The terminals must always be tightened.
– As far as possible, avoid keeping ser-
vices on for a long time with the engine
stopped (radio, hazard lights, parking lights,
etc.).
– When leaving the car parked in a
garage, make sure that the doors, bonnet,
boot and interior lids are properly shut to
prevent lights from staying on.
– Before doing any work on the electric
system, disconnect the battery negative ter-
minal.– If after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which need a
permanent electrical supply (alarm, hands-
free phone, radio-navigator with satellite an-
ti-theft function, etc.) contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services whose qualified per-
sonnel, in addition to suggesting the most
suitable devices from Lineaccessori Alfa
Romeo will be able to evaluate the total
electrical absorption, checking whether the
car’s electric system is able to support the
load required or whether a battery with high-
er capacity is necessary. In fact, these de-
vices continue to absorb current with the
ignition key off (car parked, engine off) and
may gradually drain the battery.
REPLACING THE BATTERYIf required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine spare part having the same specifica-
tions. If a battery with different specifica-
tions is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Programmed Maintenance Schedule in
this section will no longer be valid. Refer
to the instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer.

ALFA 156 SPORTWAGON
293
AUTOMATIC REAR
GEOMETRY CONTROL(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The car is fitted with a semi-bearing hy-
dropneumatic system with built-in self-level-
ling functions (due to an active element in-
corporated in the rear shock absorbers) and
damping, applied to the rear suspensions in-
stead of conventional shock absorbers.
When the car is loaded with passengers
and luggage, the rear geometry lowers in
relation to the rigidity of the spring system
and the load. However, as soon as the car
moves off the system utilises the move-
ments induced on the wheels by the rough-
ness of the road surface to increase its bear-
ing capacity and higher the body up to a
pre-established position that will be kept un-
der any load condition.
SOUND SYSTEM(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The fixed sound system, with cassette
player (radio with cassette player) or CD
player with parametric sound equalizer
(radio with CD player) has been designed
to suit the specific characteristics of the
passenger compartment, with a
personalised design that matches the
style of the dashboard. The sound system
instructions for use are described in the
attached supplement.The distance that must be covered to reach
the levelling condition is approx. 2,000 me-
tres and it may vary depending on the road
bottom.
When using the boot, nev-
er exceed the maximum
permissible loads given in the
“Technical specifications” chapter.
The load carried and its arrange-
ment in the boot modify road hold-
ing of the car in any case even if
the geometry is kept constant by
the automatic device.
WARNING