check engine Alfa Romeo 156 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

CAR MAINTENANCE
262
WARNINGContact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services for maintenance and repair
operations. If the level of the oil in the reservoir falls
below the specified level, top up only with
one of the products listed in the table
“Fluids and lubricants” in the “Technical
specifications” chapter as follows:
– Start the engine and allow the oil in the
reservoir to settle.
– When the engine is running turn the
steering wheel lock to lock a few minutes.
– Top up to the MAXlevel notch and
then replace the cover.Oil consumption is very
low, if topping up again is
needed shortly afterwards,
have the system checked for pos-
sible leaks by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.fig. 19 fig. 18
A0B0158m
A0B0158m
POWER STEERING OIL LEVEL Fig. 17: T.SPARK versions
Fig. 18: 2.0 JTS versions
Fig. 19: 2.5 V6 24V and JTD versions
Check that the oil level in the reservoir is
at the MAX level.
This operation must be carried out with the
car on level ground and when the engine
is stationary and cold.
Check that the level reaches the MAXref-
erence notch on the reservoir or coincides
with the upper notch (maximum level) on
the dipstick integral with the reservoir cap.fig. 17
A0B0159m
Power steering fluid is
highly inflammable. Do not
let it come into contact with hot en-
gine parts.
WARNING

CAR MAINTENANCE
264
WINDSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHER FLUID Fig. 21: T.SPARK, 2.0 JTS and diesel ver-
sions
Fig. 22: 2.5 V6 24V version.
Check the level in the reservoir removing
the cap (A).fig. 21
A0A0156m
fig. 22
A0A0155m
To avoid damaging the
pump motors, do not use
the windscreen washers
when the reservoir is empty.
If necessary top up using a mixture of wa-
ter and TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35
as follows:
– 30% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer;
– 50% of TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 50% water in winter;
– in the case of temperatures below
–20°C use TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35fluid neat.
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reser-
voir empty: the action of the wind-
screen washer is fundamental for
improving vision.
WARNING
Some commercial additives
for windscreen washers
are inflammable. The engine com-
partment contains hot components
which could set it on fire.
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.

CAR MAINTENANCE
270
– Do not check for current in the cables by
short-circuiting the ends.
– If electrical welding is to be carried out
on the body of the car, the electronic con-
trol units must be disconnected or removed
if the work involves the production of high
temperatures.
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption activated by the user,
such as bottle warmers, vacuum cleaners,
cellular telephone, mini refrigerator, etc. ac-
celerate the battery drainage process if they
are powered with the engine not run-
ningor running at idle speed.
WARNINGIt should also be noted that
improper branches on connectors of the elec-
tric wiring for installing additional equipment
is dangerous, particularly if safety devices
are involved.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL
UNITSWith normal use of the car, no particular
precautions need to be taken.
In the event of work on the electric system
or emergency starting, the instructions giv-
en below must absolutely be adhered to:
– Always switch off the engine before dis-
connecting the battery from the electric sys-
tem.
– If it is necessary to charge the battery,
always disconnect it from the electric sys-
tem.
– When starting in an emergency, only
use an auxiliary battery and not a battery
charger.
– Check that the bias is correct and that
the connections between the battery and
the electric system are in efficient conditions.
– Do not connect or disconnect the ter-
minals of the electronic units while the ig-
nition key is at MAR.
Battery50 Ah60 Ah70 AhMaximum permissible
loadless absorption
30 mA
36 mA
42 mAThe total absorption of these accessories
(standard and installed later) must be less
than 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as
shown in the table below:
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system carried
out incorrectly and without taking
into account the specifications of
the system, may cause operating
faults with the risk of fire.
WARNING

CAR MAINTENANCE
274
HEADLIGHT WASHERS(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean fig. 28.
If it is necessary to direct the jet, contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorized Service.
BODYWORKPROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTSThe main causes of corrosion are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or
hot humid climates)
– seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand and mud and gravel raised by oth-
er vehicles.
On your Alfa 156, Alfa Romeo has
implemented the best manufacturing tech-
nologies to effectively protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
These include:
– Painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to corrosion
and abrasion.
– Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corrosion.
– Spraying the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheel arches and other parts with
highly protective wax products.
SPRAY JETS Make sure that the windscreen and head-
light (where applicable) washer jets deliv-
er a jet of fluid which is adequate and cor-
rectly directed.
If the spray devices are not working check
that the supply circuit is not blocked. If nec-
essary unblock the nozzles using a needle.
fig. 28
A0B0581m

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
305
SPARK PLUGClean, intact spark plugs are determinant
with regard to engine efficiency and for re-
ducing the emission of pollutants.Spark plugs should be re-
placed at the intervals
specified in the Scheduled
Maintenance Programme. Only use
spark plugs of the specified type: if
the thermal capacity is inadequate
or if the envisaged life is not guar-
anteed inconveniences may ensue.BRAKESService brakes:
– front
– rearParking brake
If examined by an expert eye, the ap-
pearance of a spark plug is a sound clue
for locating a fault, even if not involving the
ignition system. Therefore if you are expe-
riencing any engine problems, it is impor-
tant to have the spark plugs checked by Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.
STEERING
1.6 T.SPARK 1.8 T.SPARK 2.0 JTS 2.0 JTS 2.5 V6 24V 2.5 V6 24V JTD JTD 20V
Selespeed Q-System JTD 16V Multijet
MultijetSelf-ventilated Self-ventilated Self-ventilated Self-ventilated Self-ventilated Self-ventilated Self-ventilated Self-ventilated
disk disk disk disk disk disk disk disk
Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk
Wheel anti-look system (ABS) with electronic braking distribution.
Servo-brake. Electronic control with brake pad wear sensors. Gasket of ecological type.
Controlled by hand lever operating rear brakes.
Type Turning radius(between pavements)
1.6 T.SPARK 1.8 T.SPARK 2.0 JTS 2.0 JTS 2.5 V6 24V 2.5 V6 24V JTD-JTD 16V JTD 20V
Selespeed Q-System Multijet Multijet
Rack and pinion.
Hydraulic power steering with liquid reservoir in engine compartment
11.1 m 11.1 m 11.1 m 11.1 m 11.6 m 11.6 m 11.1 m 11.1

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
327
Bulbs
– general instructions ............... 218
– replacement .......................... 217
– types of bulbs ................. 218-219Car lifting
– with arm hoist ....................... 245
– with jack .............................. 245
– with workshop hoist .............. 245
Car maintenance..................... 248
Carrying children safely ................ 35
Catalytic converter ....................... 188
Ceiling lights................................ 162
– centre rear roof lamp .............. 163
– courtesy light......................... 163
– front roof light ....................... 162
– rear roof light ........................ 163
Centre rear roof lamp.................... 163
– bulb replacement ................... 231
Changing battery of key
with remote control ................... 10
Changing bulbs
– general instructions ............... 218
– replacement .......................... 217
– types of bulbs ................. 218-219
Changing wheels.......................... 209
– general instructions ................ 207Charging the battery .............. 242-268
Checking levels ............................ 254
– brake and clutch fluid ............. 263
– engine coolant....................... 261
– engine oil ............................. 257
– power steering oil .................. 261
– Q-system automatic
gearbox oil............................ 260
– Selespeed gearbox oil ............ 259
– windscreen/rearscreen/
headlamp washing fluid .......... 264
Child safety device .............. 19-35-279
Children (carrying safely) ............. 35
– child’s seats .................... 35-38
– presetting for installing the
Isofix type child restraint system 39
Cigar lighter ............................... 164
Cleaning and maintenance
– car exterior ........................... 274
– car interior ............................ 277
– engine compartment ............. 276
– fabric seats .......................... 277
– leather seats ........................ 277
– plastic parts........................... 277
– windows ............................... 276
Climate control system.................. 108
– air vents................... 108-109-110– controls ................................ 118
Climate control system, automatic
two-zone ................................. 114
Clock .......................... 57-58-59-60-61
Clutch
– checking fluid level
and topping up ...................... 263
CO
2emissions ............................. 324
CODE card................................... 7
Compact spare wheel ................... 294
– technical data ........................ 312
Controls ...................................... 135
Correct use of the car............ 189
Courtesy light .............................. 163
– bulb replacement ................... 232
Cruise control
(constant speed adjustment) ...... 53
Current socket (boot) ................... 285
D
ashboard ................ 57-58-59-60-61
– brighting adjustment............... 63
Dashboard lighting dimming .......... 136
Demisting-defrosting
– door mirrors .................... 25-133
– rearscreen....................... 26-133
– windscreen and front
side windows ........................ 132

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
328
Diesel filter ................................. 265
Dimensions ........................... 315-316
Dipped beam headlights
– aiming for left-hand/
right-hand driving ................... 178
– changing bulbs ..................... 224
– switching on ......................... 48
Direction indicators
– changing front bulbs ............... 223
– changing rear bulbs ................ 228
– changing side bulbs ................ 227
– switching on ......................... 49
Door mirrors.......................... 25-26
Doors
– centralized locking ................. 19
– child safety lock............... 20-279
– opening/closing
from inside ..................... 19-278
– opening/closing
from outside ................... 18-278
– remote control ....................... 7
– remote locking/unlocking ...... 16
Economy and environment-friendly
driving ..................................... 197
Electronic alarm system................. 11
– automatic engagement ........... 14
– cutting out the siren .............. 15
– description ............................ 11
– interrupting the alarm ............. 14
– ministerial homologation ........ 16
– request for additional
emote controls....................... 12
– switching off ........................ 13
– switching on ......................... 12
– volumetric protection ............. 15
– when the alarm is triggered ..... 14
Electronic control units ................. 270
Emergency starting ................ 191-205
– starting by inertia .................. 207
– starting with an auxiliary
battery ................................. 242
Engine
– identification codes................. 301
– marking ............................... 299
– specifications ......................... 302
Engine compartment
– bonnet ................................. 172
– cleaning................................ 276Engine coolant
– checking level and topping up .. 261
– temperature gauge
and warning light ................... 62
Engine lock system
(Alfa Romeo CODE) ................... 6
Engine oil
– checking level and topping up .. 257
– consumption ......................... 258
Environment
– economy and environment-
friendly driving....................... 197
– emission reducing devices . 187-188
– protecting emission
reducing devices .................... 198
– reducing running costs
and environment pollution ....... 195
– use of non-toxic materials........ 187
EOBD system............................... 182
First-aid kit ................................ 247
Fix&Go (quick tyre repair kit) ........ 212
Flashing main beam headlights ..... 49
Fluids and lubricants .................... 320
Front foglights
– adjustment............................ 177
– changing bulbs ..................... 225
– switching on.......................... 136

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
331
N
umber plate lights
– changing bulbs ................ 229-296
O
ddment recesses
– in the boot ........................... 285
– on centre console ................... 165
– on dashboard ........................ 165
Odometer ................................... 59
Paintwork (maintenance) ............ 275
– colour label ........................... 301
Parking....................................... 191
Parking sensors............................ 187
Partial odometer .......................... 63
Performance................................ 314
Pockets and compartments
on front doors ........................... 165
Pollen filter ................................ 266
Power steering
– checking fluid level
and topping up ..................... 262
Power windows ........................... 27
Pre-tensioning devices ................... 32
Protecting emission reducing
devices ....................................... 198
Q
-system automatic gearbox........ 152
– acoustic warning .................... 159
– automatic operation ............... 154
– checking the oil level .............. 260
– fault signalling ....................... 158
– manual operating mode/
Q-System activation................ 157
– moving off ............................ 152
– push starting ......................... 159
– selecting automatic/
manual gearshifting................ 153
– selecting the driving modes ..... 156
– starting the engine ................. 152
– stopping the car ..................... 157
– towing the car ....................... 160
R
adio transmitters and cellular
telephones ............................... 167
Rain sensor ................................. 51
Rear fog guards
– changing bulbs ............... 227-294
– switching on.......................... 136
Rear light units
– bulb replacement ................... 227
Rear roof lights ............................ 163
– changing bulbs ...................... 231
Rear seats................................... 23– centre armrest ................. 23-280
– headrests ....................... 24-279
– ski compartment.............. 24-280
Rear suspensions
(automatic geometry control) ..... 293
Rearscreen heating................. 26-133
Rearscreen washer ....................... 281
– spray jet ............................... 281
Rearscreen wiper
– blade replacement ................. 281
– operation .............................. 281
Reducing running costs
and environment pollution .......... 197
Refilling ..................................... 319
Remote control ............................ 7-12
– additional remote controls ...... 12
– alarm system ........................ 11
– boot opening ......................... 8
– changing the battery .............. 10
– door opening-closing ............... 7
– ministerial homologation ......... 325
– remote door locking/
unlocking .............................. 16
Rev counter................................. 62
Reversing lights
– changing bulbs ................ 227-294

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
332
Roof bars/ski racks ...................... 292
Roof rack provision ....................... 174
Rubber hoses .............................. 272Safe driving ............................... 192
– before driving off ................... 192
– driving in the fog ................... 194
– driving in the rain ................... 194
– driving on snow and ice .......... 195
– driving with ABS .................... 195
– mountain driving .................... 194
– night driving .......................... 193
– when travelling ...................... 192
Safeguarding the environment ...... 187
Scheduled maintenance
programme .............................. 249
Seat belts ................................... 28
– carrying children safely ........... 35
– front and rear side belt
height adjustment .................. 31
– general instructions ................ 33
– maintenance ......................... 34
– pretensioners......................... 32
– rear central abdominal belt ..... 30
– use ...................................... 28
Seats (front and rear) ............ 21-23
Selespeed gearbox ....................... 141– automatic operation (CITY) ..... 150
– checking the oil level .............. 259
– failure signalling .................... 150
– moving off ............................ 146
– operation with the engine off ... 143
– parking the vehicle ................. 151
– semiautomatic operation
(MANUAL) ............................ 148
– signalling with the buzzer........ 151
– starting the engine ................. 145
– stopping the car ..................... 148
– system activation ................... 142
– towing the vehicle .................. 151
– turning the engine off ............. 145
– warnings .............................. 146
Side lights
– changing front bulbs ............... 226
– changing rear bulbs ............... 228
– switching on.......................... 48
Ski compartment ......................... 24
Snow chains................................ 202
Sound system ...................... 183-293
Sound system presetting
system ............................. 183
Spark plugs (technical data) .......... 305
Speedometer............................... 63
Spray jets – windscreen/rearscreen/
headlight .............................. 274
Starting the engine....................... 189
– emergency starting .......... 191-205
– ignition switch ....................... 17
– procedure for JTD versions ....... 190
– procedure for petrol versions .... 189
– switching off the engine .......... 190
– warming the engine ............... 190
Starting with an auxiliary battery ... 242
Steering system
– specifications ......................... 305
– steering wheel adjustments .... 25
Steering lock .............................. 18
Steering wheel
– adjustment............................ 25
Steering wheel levers ................... 48
Stop lights
– changing bulbs ...................... 228
Sunroof ...................................... 167
– emergency operation ............. 169
– sliding forwards/backwards..... 168
– raising to the quarterlight
position ............................... 168
Sun visors .................................. 166
Symbols .................................... 5-6