display Alfa Romeo 156 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
148
fig. 131
A0B0270m
OPERATIONThe gearbox can work in two operating
modes:
– the first is semiautomatic (MANUAL),
in which the driver directly decides when to
shift gear;
– the second is completely automatic
(CITY), in which the system decides di-
rectly when to shift gear according to the
type of driving.
The CITYmode can be selected by press-
ing the specific button CITYon the gearbox
lever knob; when this mode is selected, the
CITY sign appears on the display fitted on
rev counter.
SEMIAUTOMATIC OPERATION
(MANUAL) In the MANUALoperating mode the dis-
play on the rev counter shows the gear en-
gaged.
In this operating mode, the decision to
change gear is left to the driver who decides
the most appropriate moment.
The requests to change gear can take place
through:
– the control lever on the centre console
(A-fig. 130);
– the levers on the steering wheel
(fig. 131), which can be used only when
the vehicle speed exceeds 0.5 km/h.The MANUALoperating mode is set
when, with the CITYmode selected, the
CITYbutton (B-fig. 130) is pressed
again, excluding the previously selected
mode.fig. 130
A0B0271m

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
153
In an emergency (failures, flat battery,
etc.), it is possible to move the lever from
position P, pressing the special mechanical
button under the gearshift lever cover, in the
area (A-fig. 135); at the same time
move the lever from position Pto the re-
quired position. If the engine is being
started, move the lever to position N, which
is the only one that allows this operation
in this case.
WARNINGThe ignition key in the
STOPposition can only be removed from
the ignition switch provided that the
gearshift lever is at P(Key-lock).In an emergency (failures, flat battery,
etc.), it is possible to remove the ignition
key also with the selector lever not posi-
tioned at P.
Press the release device (A-fig. 136),
next to the ignition switch inside the trim,
with your finger removing the key at the
same time.
Do not take the car to peak performance
until the engine has reached normal oper-
ating temperature.fig. 135
A0B0267m
fig. 136
A0B0266m
fig. 137
A0B0385m
SELECTING AUTOMATIC/
MANUAL GEARSHIFTINGThe main feature of this gearbox is the pos-
sibility of using it either automatically or
manually. The choice of the operating mode
is carried out positioning the gearshift lever
in the right sector (automatic gearshifting)
or in the left sector (manual gearshifting).
The gearbox operating mode and the gear
engaged are shown on the display inside the
rev counter (A-fig. 137).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
156
SPORT(button (A-fig. 139)
pressed):
This is selected when wanting to avail of
the vehicle’s peak performance for sporty
driving or on demanding routes.
Driving in the SPORTmode increases fuel
consumption.
WARNINGThe CITYor SPORTdri-
ving modes can be selected under any con-
dition (vehicle stationary or on the move).
WARNINGWhen the car is started with
a cold engine, the system selects the
SPORTdriving mode, even if the CITY
mode has been selected, until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature.
C/S
ICE( button (B-fig. 133) pressed):
This driving mode is recommended when
the road surface offers poor grip (snow, ice,
etc.). Moving off takes place in 2
ndgear.
The ICEdriving mode is available only with
the selector lever at D.
Moving the lever from D, the ICEmode
is automatically cut off.
WARNINGThe ICEdriving mode can
be engaged pressing the corresponding but-
ton also with the car on the move, provided
that the speed is below 45 km/h.
ICE
SELECTING THE DRIVING
MODESThe automatic gearbox for this car is con-
trolled electronically and includes the selec-
tion of three different driving modes, thereby
giving the best response in terms of driving
comfort, consumption levels, sporty perfor-
mance and travelling safety.
The three driving modes CITY, SPORT
and are selected by 2 buttons on the
centre console (fig. 139).
The button (A-fig. 139) selects the
CITYor SPORTfunctions, the button
(B-fig. 139) selects the mode.
With the ignition key at MAR, the driving
mode selected is indicated by the lighting
up of the corresponding word on the display
on the instrument cluster (rev counter):
CITY( button (A-fig. 139)
pressed):
This is used under normal operating con-
ditions; it gives preference to comfortable
driving and balanced consumption control
engaging gears at relatively low engine
speed.
C/S
ICE
ICE
C/SICE
fig. 139
A0B0264m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
169
fig. 158
A0B0247m
EMERGENCY OPERATIONIf the electrical control device does not
work, the sunroof can be opened manually
as follows:
– apply leverage to the points indicated
by the arrows and remove the plate with
switch (D-fig. 159);
– use the outfit screwdriver or the special
wrench (B-fig. 160) supplied for the ver-
sions / market where provided, and located
in the object holder drawer, push on and turn
the sunroof control bushing (C-fig. 160)
clockwise to open it and anti-clockwise to
close it. WARNINGAt the end of the operation,
before removing the screwdriver or the
wrench, it is necessary to turn it by half a
turn in the direction opposite to that used,
until a click is felt.
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENTThe boot lid can be opened from outside
the vehicle (pressing the button on the key)
and from inside the vehicle.
WARNINGIf the boot is not properly
shut, the warning light
´
will come on on
the instrument panel or (where applicable)
on the Infocenter display (together with rel-
evant message).
fig. 159
A0B0246m
fig. 160
A0B0245m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
178
Braking on corners always requires the ut-
most caution, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important piece of advice, how-
ever, is the following:Following these instructions you will be
in a condition to obtain peak braking per-
formance at all times.
WARNINGCars fitted with ABS must
only be fitted with wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of the type and brand approved
by the Manufacturer.
The braking system is completed by the
electronic control braking distribution system
called EBD(Electronic Braking Force Dis-
tributor) which distributes the braking action
through the ABSsystem control unit and
sensors.
In the event of a system
fault, with lighting up of
the
>
warning light on the instru-
ment cluster (together with the
message + symbol shown by the
display), have the vehicle checked
immediately by Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services, driving slowly
to be able to regain full system
performance.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in and
you feel the pedal pulse, do
not reduce the pressure, but keep
the brake pedal firmly pressed
with no fear; this way you will
stop in the shortest possible space,
compatibly with the conditions of
the road surface.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic brake distributor
(EBD). If the
>
and
x
warning
lights, where required, come on at
the same time (together with the
message + symbol shown by the
display) when the engine is run-
ning, there is an EBD system fault;
in this case, violent braking may
lock the rear wheels too early, with
the possibility of skidding. Drive
extremely carefully to the nearest
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
have the system checked over.
WARNING
In order to be able to exploit as far as pos-
sible the possibility of the antilock system
in the case of need, it is wise to follow a few
pieces of advice:
The ABS exploits the avail-
able grip in full, but it can-
not increase it; therefore, caution
is required on slippery surfaces,
without running unnecessary risks.
WARNING
If the ABS cuts in, it means
that the grip limit between
the tyres and the road surface has
been reached: it is necessary to
slow down and adapt driving to
the grip available.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
179
If the
x
low brake fluid
warning light comes on (to-
gether with the message + symbol
shown by the display), stop the car
immediately and contact the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices. Indeed, any leak of fluid
from the hydraulic system com-
promises the effectiveness of both
the conventional brake system and
the system with antilock system.
WARNING
The turning on of the
>
warning light (together
with the message + symbol shown
by the display) with the engine
running normally indicates an ABS
system fault. In this case the brak-
ing system preserves its effec-
tiveness, without however making
use of the antilock device. Under
these circumstances, the EBD sys-
tem may fail to give top perfor-
mance. In this case, too, you are
recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services imme-
diately, driving in such a way as to
avoid abrupt braking, to have the
system checked.
WARNING
VDC AND ASR
SYSTEMS(where required)VDC SYSTEM (VEHICLE
DYNAMICS CONTROL):
GENERALThe VDC is an electronic vehicle stability
control system which, acting on the torque
and braking the wheels in a differentiated
manner, helps to bring the car back to the
correct course in the event of loss of grip.
While travelling the car is subjected to lat-
eral and longitudinal forces that may be
controlled by the driver up to when the
tyres offer adequate road-holding; when
this falls below the minimum level, the car
starts to deviate from the course required
by the driver.
Above all on rough surfaces (such as cob-
bles, or due to the presence of water, ice
or soil), changes in speed (when accelerat-
ing or braking) and/or course (bends or the
need to avoid obstacles) can cause the tyres
to lose grip.When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC system
acts on the engine and brakes generating
a stabilising torque.
The system performance
levels, in terms of active
safety, should not induce the dri-
ver to run pointless and unjustified
risks. Driving conduct should al-
ways be suited to the conditions of
the road surface, vision and traf-
fic. The responsibility for road
safety is always and anyway the
vehicle driver’s concern.
The VDC system helps the driver
to keep control of the car in the
event of loss of tyre grip.
The forces induced by the VDC sys-
tem to control the lack of stability
of the car always and anyway de-
pend on the grip between the tyre
and the road surface.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
182
EOBD SYSTEMThe EOBD (European On Board Diagnosis)
system fitted in the car conforms with the
98/69/EC (EURO 3) Directive and the
2001/1/EC Directive, level B (EURO4) for
2.0 JTS, 2.0 JTS Selespeed and JTD 20V
Multijet versions.
This system continuously monitors the
components of the vehicle related to emis-
sions; it also indicates, when the warning
light
U
comes on on the instrument panel
(together with the message + symbol
shown by the display) that the components
in question are in poor conditions.
The objective is the following:
– to keep under control the efficiency of
the system;
– to indicate when a malfunction causes
an increase in the emissions beyond the
threshold established by European regula-
tions;
– to indicate the need to replace the de-
teriorated components.
The system also has a diagnostic connec-
tor, which can be interfaced with adequate in-
struments, that enables the error codes stored
in the control unit to be read, together with
a series of specific parameters concerning the
operation and diagnosis of the engine.This check can also be made by the traf-
fic control agents.
If, when the ignition key
is turned to MAR, the
U
warning light does not
come on or if, when driving, it
lights up and emits a fixed light or
a flashing one (together with the
message + symbol shown by the
display), contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorized Service Station as soon
as possible. The operation of the
U
warning light can also be
checked by means of special equip-
ment available to the traffic con-
trol officers. Comply with the reg-
ulations in force in country where
you drive your car.
WARNINGAfter the problem has beel
resolved, to completely check the system,
the Alfa Romeo Authorized Services must
carry out tests on a test bench and, if nec-
essary, road tests that could be long.
WARNING LIGHT ON
INSTRUMENT PANELWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR,
the dial warning light
á
comes on but must
go out after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not go out, or if it
stays on (together with the message + sym-
bol on the display and the coming on of the
ASR button led) when the vehicle is running,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
The flashing of the warning lamp when the
vehicle is running indicates the actuation of
the VDC system.
VDC system failure warning
In the event of a failure the VDC system
disengages automatically and the
á
warn-
ing light on the instrument cluster turns on
glowing steadily (together with the message
+ symbol shown on the display and the com-
ing on of the ASR button led).
In the event of a VDC system failure the
car behaves like a vehicle not fitted with this
system: in any case it is advisable to con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible.

CAR MAINTENANCE
248
It is however wise to remember that Pro-
grammed Maintenance does not complete-
ly cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before 20,000 km service
coupon and later, between one coupon and
another, ordinary care is still necessary such
as for example routinely checking and top-
ping up the level of fluids, checking the tyre
pressure, etc...
WARNINGThe Programmed Mainte-
nance coupons are specified by the Manu-
facturer. The failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the warranty.
The Programmed Maintenance service is
carried out by all Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices, at pre-established times.If during each operation, in addition to the
ones programmed, the need arises for fur-
ther replacements or repairs, these may be
carried out only with the explicit agreement
of the customer.
WARNINGYou are advised to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services in the event
of any minor operating faults, without wait-
ing for the next service coupon.
PROGRAMMED
MAINTENANCECorrect maintenance is essential for en-
suring long car life under the best conditions.
This is why Alfa Romeo has programmed
a series of checks and maintenance opera-
tions every 20,000 km.
WARNINGAt 2000 km from the main-
tenance deadline, the Infocenter display will
show “SCHEDULED SERVICE WITHIN” which
is shown again turning the ignition key to
MAR, every 200 km. For further details,
see “Service” in the “Display Infocenter”
paragraph in “Getting to know your car”
chapter.
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