brake Alfa Romeo 156 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
143
SYSTEM ACTIVATIONWARNINGOpening the driver’s door,
the Selespeed starts the hydraulic part of
the system to prepare it for the engine to be
started. This function (noted by the turning
of the electric pump) is deactivated after 10
openings/closings of the door that are not
followed by actual system activation using
the ignition key.
Turning the ignition key to MAR, all the
segments of the display (A-fig. 126), the
gearbox failure warning light (B-fig. 126)
and the word CITYlight up. After about one
second, the display indicates the gear en-
gaged (N, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R); from this mo-
ment, the Selespeed system accepts
gearshift commands.
WARNINGIf after 10 seconds the dis-
play segment do not display the gear en-
gaged or the failure warning light stays on,
turn the ignition key to STOPand wait for
the display to go off, then repeat the sys-
tem activation procedure. If the fault per-
sists, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices
OPERATION WITH THE
ENGINE OFFWARNINGBefore operating the gear-
shift control lever, always check the gear en-
gaged on the display (N, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R).
When the engine is off and the vehicle is
stationary, it is possible to engage all the
gears.
With the vehicle stationary and with the
brake pedal pressed, requests to shift gear
are accepted onlyif they are carried out
through the control lever on the central con-
sole.To request gearshifting, in addition to keep-
ing the brake pedal pressed it is necessary to:
– to increase gear (+) (fig. 127) push
the lever “forwards” (if the car is in first gear
this shifts to second, if it is in second gear
it goes to third and so on up to fifth). If the
system is in neutral (N) or reverse (R) the
forward movement on the lever causes en-
gagement of first gear (1).
– to shift down (–) (fig. 127) push the
lever backwards (if the car is in fifth gear
it moves to fourth, if fourth gear is engaged
it shifts to third and so on down to first).
fig. 127
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
144
WARNINGOnce a gear has been shifted
it is necessary to release the gearshift con-
trol lever immediately after making the re-
quest. A prolonged action (over 10 seconds)
causes automatic shifting to CITY; previous
conditions are restored when releasing the
lever.
WARNINGIf wanting to leave the car
parked on a sloping road with a gear en-
gaged to keep it braked, it is necessary to
check that the Infocenter display shows the
new gear engaged and then wait for 1 to
2 seconds before releasing the brake pedal
to allow complete clutch engagement.
fig. 129
A0B0274m
To put the gearbox in neutral (N), start-
ing from the condition with the vehicle sta-
tionary and the brake pedal pressed, it is
necessary to move the gearshift control lever
to the right (fig. 128).From any gear (N, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and
with the vehicle practically at a standstill,
it is possible to request engagement of re-
verse gear, pushing the lever to the right and
then backwards (fig. 129). If the vehi-
cle is on the move, the request is not ac-
cepted; wait for the car to stop and then
request reverse gear engagement againfig. 128
A0B0273m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
145
STARTING THE ENGINEThe engine can be started with the gear
engaged or in neutral (N), provided that the
brake pedal is pressed down.
WARNINGKeep the brake pedal
pressed during the starting operation. As the
brake pedal stiffens if it is pressed repeat-
edly with the engine off, in this situation, to
allow the engine to be started, it is neces-
sary to increase the pressure exerted on the
pedal itself.
After starting, the gearbox automatically
sets to neutral, the display shows the let-
ter (N) and the system selects the operat-
ing mode stored before switching off.
TURNING THE ENGINE OFF
AND SYSTEM DEACTIVATIONTurning the ignition key to STOPthe en-
gine switches off but the Selespeed system
still remains active, waiting for the vehicle
to stop completely. After about 2 - 4 seconds
from when the key has been turned to the
STOPposition, the hydraulic part is deac-
tivated and immediately afterwards the dis-
play on the rev counteralso goes out ; the
Selespeed system is only deactivated at this
point.
The gear selected before turning the en-
gine off remains engaged.
If the engine stops with the gearbox in
neutral (N), the buzzer draws the attention
of the driver so that the vehicle can be put
in safety conditions engaging the first gear
(1) or reverse (R). In this case, it is nec-
essary to turn the ignition key to MARand
with the brake pedal pressed, engage first
gear (1) or reverse (R).
If the engine fails to start
with the gear engaged, the
driver is alerted of the potentially
dangerous situation due to the fact
that the gearbox has automatically
set to neutral by the buzzer and
the display on the rev counter.
WARNING
NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (N).
WARNING
Never remove the key
when the car is on the
move, because in addition to the
fact that the Selespeed system
would not work properly until
stopping the car, the steering
wheel would automatically lock at
the first turn.
WARNING
It is absolutely necessary
to turn off the engine con-
sequently deactivating the Sele-
speed system keeping the brake
pedal pressed: release the pedal
ONLY when the display on the rev
counter goes off.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
146
WARNINGS– With the vehicle stationary and a gear
engaged, always keep the brake pedal
pressed until you decide to move off;
– in prolonged stops with the engine run-
ning it is advisable to keep the gearbox is
neutral;
– when the car is parked on a slope, do
not use the pick-up manoeuvre to keep the
vehicle stopped; use the brake pedal and
work on the accelerator pedal only when
you decide to move off;
– use second gear onlywhen necessary
to obtain better control of pick-up in low
speed manoeuvres;
– if, with reverse gear engaged, you need
to engage first gear or vice versa, shift gear
only when the car is completely stationary
and with the brake pedal pressed. This should not be considered as a fault as
it is part of the operating logic. For the same
reason, in the event of sticking on reverse,
the system commands partial clutch closing
to allow engagement of the gear; in this
case engagement of reverse gear (R) will
be less comfortable.
Moving off of the vehicle is obtained:
1) releasing the brake pedal;
2) gradually operating the accelerator
pedal.
The vehicle pick-up torque is higher the
more the accelerator pedal is pressed.
MOVING OFFWith the engine running and the vehicle
stationary, the gears that can be engaged
for moving off are only first (1), second (2)
or reverse (R).
To engage them it is possible to use the
control lever on the centre console, with the
brake pedal pressed, as the levers on the
steering wheel allow gear engagement only
over 0.5 km/h.
WARNINGReverse gear (R) can be en-
gaged from each of the following other ra-
tios: neutral (N), first gear (1) or second
gear (2). If the car is on the move, the re-
quest is not accepted; it is necessary to wait
for the car to be completely stopped and
then request reverse (R) again.
The driver is informed of the reverse gear
engaged condition by the intermittent sound
of the buzzer as well as by the display on
the rev counter.
WARNINGIf while shifting from reverse
(R)/first gear (1) to neutral (N)/first gear
(1) sticking occurs on the first gear, the sys-
tem automatically engages second gear
(2).
After a request to shift
gear with the vehicle sta-
tionary, before pressing the accel-
erator pedal to make the car start,
the driver must always check that
the gear engaged shown on the
display is the one required.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
147
STOPPING THE CARTo stop the vehicle, simply release the ac-
celerator pedal and, if necessary, operate
the brake pedal.
Regardless of the gear engaged and of the
operating mode activated (MANUALor
CITY), the system automatically disen-
gages the clutch and downshifts gear.
If you intend to move off again without
having completely stopped the car, this way
the most suitable gear ratio for re-acceler-
ating will be available.
Stopping the vehicle, the system auto-
matically engages first gear (1). Though strongly inadvisable, if due to un-
foreseen circumstances when driving down-
hill the car is allowed to travel with the gear-
box in neutral (N), when the engagement
of a gear is requested, the system auto-
matically engages the best gear to allow
transmission of the torque to the wheels in
relation to the speed of the car.
Downhill with the gear engaged and the
accelerator released (if the vehicle is trav-
elling), if a certain pre-established speed is
exceeded, the system automatically en-
gages the clutch to provide adequate engine
braking.
Due to safety reasons, the Selespeed sys-
tem activates the buzzer when:
– clutch overheating occurs during vehicle
starting; in this case, it is necessary to
“force” moving off avoiding hesitations or
to release the accelerator and use the brake
pedal to park the vehicle if the car is on a
slope;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged, (e.g.: vehicle moving
forward with reverse engaged); in this sit-
uation it is necessary to stop the vehicle and
keeping the brake pedal pressed, engage
the gear correctly.Still for safety reasons, when the vehicle
is stationary, with the engine started and
gear (1), (2) or (R) engaged, the system
activates the buzzer and shifts to neutral
(N) automatically when:
– there is no action on the accelerator
and/or brake pedal for at least 3 minutes;
– the brake pedal is pressed for over 10
minutes;
– the driver’s door is opened and the ac-
celerator and brake pedal are not pressed
for at least 1 second.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
150
AUTOMATIC OPERATION (CITY)The CITYautomatic operating mode is se-
lected pressing the button (A-fig. 132),
at the base of the gearshift lever.
In addition to the gear, the display on the
rev counter will show the word CITY.
The system decides directly when gearshift-
ing according to the engine running speed
and the driving style.
Quickly releasing the accelerator pedal, the
system does not engage a higher gear in or-
der to maintain an adequate level of engine
brake.
FAILURE SIGNALLINGFailures to the Selespeed gearbox are in-
dicated by the
t
(A-fig. 133) warn-
ing light on the instrument cluster.
When the system is turned on (turning the
ignition key to MAR), the warning light
should turn on glowing steadily for about
4 seconds and then turn off.
If the warning light stays on it means that
a fault to the gearbox has been detected; at
the same time a buzzer sounds intermit-
tently for 4 seconds to attract the driver's
attention.In the case of a fault to the gearshift lever,
the system automatically activates the au-
tomatic CITYmode to allow the car to
reach the nearest Authorized Alfa Romeo
Services to have the fault detected elimi-
nated.
In the event of faults to other components
of the gearbox, the system only allows the
engagement of certain ratios: first gear (1),
second (2) and reverse (R).
fig. 132
A0B0269m
fig. 133
A0B0383m
If the warning light
t
comes on, contact the Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible to remove the
fault.In case of transmission
fault, contact the Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible to check the sys-
tem.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
151
SIGNALLING WITH THE BUZZERThe buzzer is activated when:
– reverse gear (R) is engaged;
– the vehicle is parked with the gearbox
at neutral (N); this can be seen turning the
ignition key to STOP;
– clutch overheating takes place during
pick-up;
– the car moves in the opposite direction
to the gear engaged (e.g.: the car tends to
do downhill with reverse gear engaged);
– in the event of gearbox failure;
– the system has automatically engaged
neutral (N) after:•
there is no action on the accelerator
and/or brake pedal for at least 3 min-
utes;
•
the brake pedal is pressed for over 10
minutes;
•
the driver’s door is opened and the ac-
celerator and brake pedal are not
pressed for at least 1 second;
•
detection of a gearbox fault.
PARKING THE VEHICLETo park the car safely it is absolutely
necessaryto engage first gear (1) or re-
verse (R) and, when on a sloping road, also
engage the hand-brake.
Turning the engine off with the car facing
uphill and a gear engaged, it is absolutely
necessaryto wait for the display on the
rev counter to go off before releasing the
brake pedal, so that the clutch has innested
completely.
If the gearbox is in neutral (N) and you
want to engage a parking gear, it is neces-
sary to activate the system and engage the
gear (1) or reverse (R) with your foot on
the brake pedal.
TOWING THE VEHICLEWARNINGFor towing the vehicle, ad-
here to local regulations. Make sure that the
gearbox is in neutral (N) (checking that the
car moves when pushed) and proceed as for
towing a normal car with mechanical gear-
box following the instructions given in the
chapter “In an emergency”.
Should it be impossible to set to neutral,
do not tow the vehicle; contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
Do not start the engine
when towing the vehicle.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
152
Q-SYSTEM
AUTOMATIC GEARBOX(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The 2.5 V6 24V engine can be supplied
with an automatic gearbox which in addi-
tion to the normal functions, makes it pos-
sible to shift gear by hand moving the se-
lector lever to the special sector, Q-System
device.
WARNINGTo be able to use the auto-
matic gearbox correctly, the description given
in this chapter should be read thoroughly
in order to learn the correct, allowed oper-
ations also in concerning the Shift-lock and
Key-lock safety devices with which the gear-
box is fitted right from the start.
STARTING THE ENGINEThe engine can only be started with the
gearshift lever (fig. 134) in position P
or N.
For safety reasons, you are advised to start
the engine with the brake pedal pressed.
WARNINGWhen moving off, after hav-
ing started the engine, do not press the ac-
celerator pedal before and while moving the
gearshift lever. This is particularly important
when the engine is cold.
MOVING OFFAfter starting, with the engine idling and
keeping the brake pedal pressed (Shift-lock
safety device), move the gearshift lever
(fig. 134) to position D, or to the man-
ual position. Release the brake pedal and
gradually press the accelerator pedal.
WARNINGMoving the lever from posi-
tion P, with the ignition key at MAR, is
only allowed with the brake pedal pressed
(Shift-lock safety device).
To move the lever, raise the ring (A-
fig. 134) under the gearshift lever knob.
fig. 134
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
154
R - Reverse
Move the gearshift lever to Rwith the car
stationary, the engine idling and the brake
pedal pressed.
To prevent accidental engagements, mov-
ing the lever to this position is only allowed
raising the ring (A-fig. 138) placed un-
der the gearshift lever knob.
With the lever in position R the reversing
lights turn on and a beep is sounded for
safety reasons to indicate that reverse gear
has been engaged.
Before moving the lever, press the brake
pedal: the car must be stationary.
WARNINGWith the lever in position R,
reverse gear is not engaged if the vehicle
speed is above the established level. When
the car speed falls below this level, reverse
gear is engaged and remains engaged even
if the speed returns above the limit.
AUTOMATIC OPERATIONSelector lever
For automatic gearshifting, move the
gearshift lever to the right sector
(fig. 138) in one of the following posi-
tions:
P- park (the engine can be started)
R- reverse
N- neutral (the engine can be started)
D- automatic forward gear.
Raise the ring (A-fig. 138) placed un-
der the gearshift lever knob for shifting:
– from Pto Rand vice versa
– from Nto R.P - Park
To prevent accidental engagements, mov-
ing the lever to position Pis only allowed
raising the ring (A-fig. 138) placed un-
der the gearshift lever knob.
When the car is being parked, move the
lever to this position. A device in the gear-
box will lock the driving wheels.fig. 138
A0B0265m
Always pull the hand-
brake completely before
leaving the car.
Move the gearshift lever to posi-
tion P when getting out of the car
leaving the engine running.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
155
N - Neutral
This is the neutral position to be used when
the car has to be pushed or towed.D - Automatic forward gear
This is the position to be used always un-
der “normal” driving conditions, for exam-
ple on the motorway and urban roads and
when wanting to minimise fuel consumption
(combined with the CITYdriving mode).
When the lever is in this position, the gear-
box automatically selects the four available
speeds. It is also the position to be used
for the ICEdriving mode.Shifting to lower gear
(Kick down)
In the event of the need to accelerate
heavily (e.g. for overtaking) pressing the
accelerator fully home beyond the stiff point
will cause automatic kick down to a shorter
ratio, engine speed conditions permitting.
Releasing the accelerator pedal as soon as
the stiff point has been passed, the gearbox
shifts to the optimum ratio in relation to the
driving mode, throttle opening position and
selector lever position.
The Kick-down function is advised only for
overtaking or fast accelerating to avoid in-
creasing fuel consumption.
Kick-down is cut off automatically in the
ICEdriving mode.
With the engine idling,
when moving the lever to
position N the car tends to move
even if it is on level ground: keep
the brake pedal pressed when the
lever is in position N.
WARNING
With the engine idling and
the lever in position D the
vehicle tends to move: always
keep the brake pedal pressed un-
til moving off.
WARNING