engine Alfa Romeo 156 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR70
Engine oil level check
(JTD versions only)
By turning the ignition key to the MAR
position, the Infocenter display will show the
engine oil level display for about 3 seconds.
During this phase, to clear the display and
move to the following screen, press
ç
.
WARNINGTo ensure correct reading of
the engine oil level, the check must be car-
ried out with the vehicle on level ground.The following display in fig. 90refers to
correct engine oil level. As the oil level grad-
ually falls, the full bars go off leaving room
for the empty bars.
fig. 90
A0B2129g
fig. 91
A0B2134g
fig. 92
A0B2135g
The following fig. 91andfig. 92re-
fer to the display with an oil level below the
foreseen minimum. Under this condition, the
bars are all empty with symbol and warn-
ing messages.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR71
The following refers to the display
(fig. 93) (appearing for about 3 seconds)
with an oil level above the foreseen maxi-
mum. Under this condition the bars are all
full.fig. 93
A0B2136g
Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have
the engine oil restored to
its correct level.
Restore correct engine oil
level (see paragraph
“Checking fluid levels” in
chapter “Car maintenance”).Do not add oil with dif-
ferent characteristics from
those of the oil already
used in the engine (see “Fluids and
lubricants” in chapter “Car main-
tenance”).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR87
GENERAL TRIP - TRIP BThe TRIP COMPUTER function gives information relating to the operating status of the vehicle on the Infocenter display. This function comprises
the GENERAL TRIP concerning the complete mission of the car and TRIP B concerning the partial car mission. This function (as shown in the
graph below) is contained within the complete mission. Both functions are resettable.
The GENERAL TRIP displays the figures relating to
RANGE
, TRAVEL DISTANCE
, AVERAGE CONSUMPTION
, ACTUAL CONSUMPTION
, AVERAGE VELOCITY
, TRAVELTIME
(com-
plete mission time).
The TRIP B (with automatic reset each time at least 2 hours have passed since stopping the engine), displays information concerning TRAVEL
DISTANCE B
, AVERAGE CONSUMPTION B
, AVERAGE SPEED B
, TRAVEL TIME B
(partial mission time).
Start of journey procedure (reset)
To start a new journey monitored by the GENERAL TRIP, with the ignition key at MAR, press the button
ã
with
å
(see “Control buttons”).
The reset operation (pressing the
å
button) in the presence of the screens concerning the GENERAL TRIP also makes it possible to reset
TRIP B. The reset operation (pressing the å
button) in the presence of only the screens concerning TRIP B makes it possible to reset only the
information associated with this function.
WARNINGThe
RANGE
and
ACTUAL CONSUMPTION
information cannot be reset.
Reset TRIP B
End of partial mission
Start of new partial mission
˙
Reset TRIP B
End of partial mission
Start of new partial mission
˙
˙
Reset TRIP B
˙
˙
˙
TRIP B
TRIP B
TRIP B
End of partial mission
Start of new partial missionReset TRIP B
End of partial mission
Start of new partial mission
GENERAL TRIP
Reset GENERAL TRIP
End of complete mission
Start of new mission
˙
Reset GENERAL TRIP
End of complete mission
Start of new mission
˙

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR91
RANGE= This shows the distance (in km or miles) the car can still cover before needing fuel if keeping the same driving conditions. The
display will show “- - - -“ after the following events:
A)range values lower than 50 km (approx. 31 miles) (after the reduced range warning message),
B)Parking with running engine or car speed lower than 4 km/h for over 5 minutes.
TRAVEL DISTANCE= This shows the distance traveled by the car from the start of the new mission (*).
AVERAGE CONSUMPTION= This shows the average actual consumption in l/km or in l/100 km depending on the unit selected.
ACTUAL CONSUMPTION= This shows the consumption of the car updated every 5 sec. approx. If parking with running engine or in
case of speed values lower than 4 km/h the display will show “- - - -“. Actual consumption calculation algorithm, according to the above pro-
cedure, restarts as soon as the car speed will be equal to or higher than 4 km/h.
AVERAGE VELOCITY= This shows the average speed of the car as a function of the overall travel time elapsed from the start of the
new mission (*).
TRAVELTIME= time elapsed from the start of the new mission (*).
(*) NEW MISSION: this takes place when performing the “manual” reset by pressing the dedicated button.
WARNINGGENERAL TRIP is reset automatically when the Distance Traveled is equal to 9999,9 km (or mi), when Travel Time is 99:59
(99 hours and 59 minutes) or after reconnecting the battery.
WARNINGIf no information is available, all the TRIP COMPUTER parameters display the message “****” instead of a value, together
with the typical description of each parameter. When the normal operation condition is resumed, the count of the various parameters starts
again normally, with no reset of the values displayed prior to the failure, nor the start of a new mission.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR94
Warning light Message
on display
ç
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATUREWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light comes on but must go out after a
few seconds.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on (together with the message + symbol
shown on the display) when the engine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
– Normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch the engine off and check if the water
level inside the tank is not below the reference mark MIN.
In this case, wait a few minutes to let the engine cool down, then open the cap slowlyand care-
fully, fill with coolant, making sure its level is between reference marks MINand MAXon the
tank. Moreover, perform a visual check for any fluid leakage. If the warning light comes on again
the next time the engine is started, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
– Car heavy duty(e.g. towing a trailer uphill or car fully loaded): slow down and, if the
warning light stays on, stop the car. Pause for 2 or 3 minutes, keeping the engine on and slightly
accelerated to facilitate better coolant circulation, then switch the engine off.
Check correct fluid level, as described above.
WARNINGIn case of highly demanding use of the car, you are recommended to keep the en-
gine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it off.
When the engine is very hot, do not remove the tank cap: danger of
burns.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR96
<
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENEDThe warning light on the check panel will turn on for some seconds when, with the ignition key at
MAR, the driver’s seat belt is not fastened properly.
Warning lightMessage
on displayv
LOW OIL PRESSUREWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel comes on but
must go out as soon as the engine is started.
w
LOW BATTERY CHARGEWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel comes on, but must
go out as soon as the engine is started (a slight delay is permitted when the engine is running at
idle). It if stays on, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services immediately.
If the warning light
v
comes on when travelling (together with
the message + symbol shown on the display), switch the engine off im-
mediately and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR98
Warning lightMessage
on displayU
ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM (EOBD) FAILUREIn normal conditions, turning the ignition key to MAR, the dial warning light turns on but it should
go off when the engine has started. The initial turning on indicates that the warning light is work-
ing properly.
If the warning light stays on or turns on (together with the message + symbol shown on the dis-
play) when travelling:
glowing steadily- indicates a fault in the supply/ignition/injection system which could cause
high exhaust emissions, possible lack of performance, poor handling and high consumption levels.
In these conditions, it is possible to continue driving without however demanding heavy effort or
high speeds. Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause damage. Contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorized Service as soon as possible.
The warning light turns off if the fault disappears, but it is still stored by the system;
flashing- indicates that the catalyst could be damaged (see paragraph on “EOBD system” in this
chapter).
If the warning light flashes, it is necessary to release the accelerator pedal to lower the speed un-
til the warning light stops flashing; continue travelling at moderate speed trying to avoid driving
conditions that could cause the warning light to flash again. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vice as soon as possible.
If, when turning the ignition key to MAR, the warning light
U
does
not switch on or if it turns on glowing steadily or flashing when trav-
elling, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Service as soon as possible. The
operation of the warning light
U
can be checked by traffic agents by proper
equipment, therefore comply with the regulations in force in the country where
you are driving.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR99
Warning light Message
on displayY
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEMWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel should flash only
once and then go out. If the warning light stays on with the key at MAR, this indicates a possible
failure: see “Alfa Romeo CODE System”.
WARNINGThe turning on at the same time of
U
and
Y
warning lights indicates a failure of
the Alfa Romeo CODE System.
If with the engine running, the
Y
warning light flashes, this means that the car is not protected
by the engine inhibitor device (see “Alfa Romeo CODE system” in this chapter). Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have all the keys memorised.
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROADWhen the outside temperature is below or equal to 3° C, in order to warn the driver on the pres-
ence of ice on the road, message + symbol are displayed accompanied by the related buzz.
The buzz lasts about 2 seconds while the message is displayed for about 10 seconds. After this
period, only the symbol is displayed until the temperature does not go over 6° C or until the en-
gine stops.
If during travelling, after the presence of ice on the road has been signalled, should temperature
rise over 6° C the symbol will go off and should temperature fall again to 3° C, a new message +
symbol will be displayed accompanied by the buzz.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
100
Warning light Message
on displaym
GLOW PLUGS (JTD engines)When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the dial warning light comes on and go out when the
glow plugs have reached the pre-established temperature.
Start the engine as soon as the warning light has gone out.
WARNINGWith a high environment temperature, the warning light may turn on for an imper-
ceptible length of time. For versions/markets where applicable, the warning light flashes for approx.
30 seconds after starting the engine, which means that there is a fault in the glow plug warming
system, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
c
WATER IN THE FUEL OIL FILTER (JTD engines)The warning light switches on with fixed light when driving, to indicate the presence of water in
the fuel oil filter.
The presence of water in the fuel circuit may cause serious damage to
the entire injection system and cause irregular engine operation. If warn-
ing light
c
comes on the dial, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible to have the system relieved. Should the above warning in-
dication come one immediately after topping up, water has probably been poured
into the tank: turn the engine off immediately and contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
101
Warning light Message
on display
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHThe message + symbol are shown on the display when the fuel cut-off switch comes into operation.ENGINE OIL SENSOR FAILURE (JTD versions)The message + symbol are shown on the display when there is a failure in the engine oil level
sensor. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible to have the fault eliminated.
If, after the message has been displayed, you can smell fuel or notice
leaks from the supply system, do not re-engage the switch to avoid
the risk of fire.
WARNING