key 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 CAR83
The Programmed Maintenance Schedule includes vehicle maintenance
every 20,000 km (or 12,000 miles) or one year; this is shown
automatically, with the ignition key at
MAR
, starting from 2,000
km (or 1,240 miles) or 30 day from this deadline and it is shown
again every 200 km (or 124 miles) or 3 days. When a programmed maintenance interval
(“coupon”) is near to come, turning the ignition key to
MAR
, will display the message
SCHEDULED SERVICE WITHIN followed by the number of kilometers, days or miles to go
before vehicle maintenance. The PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE message is displayed in km,
mi or days, according to the approaching service interval. At the very moment the value of 0
km, 0 miles or 0 days is reached, the display will show, every time the ignition key is turned
to
MAR
, the message SCHEDULED SERVICE EXPIRED, followed by the number of
kilometers, miles or days. In this case, to reset this visual information contact Authorized Alfa
Romeo Services.
WARNINGProducts shown in the SERVICE screen and to be used for scheduled maintenance could be subject to modifications. Refer to
paragraph “Fluids and lubricants” in section “Technical specifications”.

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 CAR92
WARNING LIGHTS AND INDICATIONSGENERAL WARNING
The failure indicationsshown on the Infocenter display, together with the buzzer (adjustable) and the turning on of the relevant warn-
ing light (if available), are accompanied by specific warning messages(e.g. “Go to dealer”, “Switch off eng., do not proceed”, etc…).
These warnings are concise and precautionaryand are intended to suggest the prompt actionthat the driver should take when a
failure occurs. However, these warnings are not to be considered exhaustive and/or alternative to the prescriptions of this Owner’s Manual,
which must always be read over carefully. When an anomaly occurs always refer to the contents of this chapter.
WARNINGWhen an anomaly occurs, the Infocenter display reaches its maximum brightness. By pressing button
â
the warning messages
disappear and the symbol referring to the failure warning is reduced to an icon in the right bottom area of the display.
WARNINGThe anomaly warnings that appear on the Infocenter display are divided into two categories: very serious and serious anomalies.
Very serious anomalies are displayed indefinitely, by interrupting any message previously shown on the display, and are proposed again every
time the ignition key is turned to MAR, until the malfunction is eliminated. Moreover, the “cycle” can be interrupted by pressing button
â
: in
this case, the symbol referring to the anomaly will be shown in the right bottom area of the display until the malfunction is eliminated.
Serious anomalies are displayed for about 20 seconds and then disappear, but they are proposed again every time the ignition key in turned
to MAR. At the end of the display cycle, equal to about 20 seconds, or when button
â
is pressed, the symbol referring to the anomaly will
be shown in the right bottom area of the display until the malfunction is eliminated.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR93
Warningl ight Message
on displayx
LOW BRAKE FLUID AND/OR HANDBRAKE ONWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light comes on but must go out after a
few seconds.
The warning light comes on (together with the message + symbol shown on the display) when
the level of the brake fluid inside the tank falls below the minimum, due to a possible leak in the
circuit and when the handbrake is switch on with the car moving.
d
BRAKE PAD WEARThe warning light on the dial comes on (together with the message + symbol shown on the dis-
play) when the front brake pads are worn; in this case, have them replaced as soon as possible.
WARNINGAs the car is fitted with wear sensors for the front brake pads, when replacing them,
also check the rear brake pads.
If the warning light
x
comes on when travelling (together with the
message on the display), check that the handbrake is not engaged. If
the warning light stays on with the handbrake off (together with the message
on the display), stop immediately and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
WARNING

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 CAR95
Warning light Message
on display¬
AIR BAG FAILUREWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel comes on, but must
go out after a few seconds. This warning light will come on glowing steadily if there is an operating
failure in the Air bag system.
F
PASSENGER’S FRONT AIR BAG DEACTIVATEDThe check panel warning light
F
turns on when the passenger’s front Air bag is deactivated by means
of the relevant key switch. With the passenger’s front Air bag activated, turning the ignition key to
MAR, the warning light on the check panel comes on but must go out after approx. 4 seconds.
If the
¬
warning light does not turn on when turning the ignition key
to MAR or if it stays on when travelling, this could indicate a failure
in safety retaining systems; under this condition air bags or pretensioners could
not trigger in the event of collision or, in a restricted number of cases, they
could trigger accidentally. Stop the car and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices to have the system checked immediately.
The failure of the warning light
¬
(warning light off) is also indicated by the
flashing of the passenger’s front Air bag deactivated warning light
F
for more
than the normal seconds.
WARNING
Warning light Findicates also warning light ¬failure. This is indi-
cated by intermittent flashing, over 4 seconds, of warning light F.
In this event, warning light ¬could be not up to indicate restraint system fail-
ures, if any. Stop the car and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to have
the system checked immediately.
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.