maintenance schedule Alfa Romeo 156 2007 Owner handbook (in English)

CAR MAINTENANCE
252
WARNING
Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy condi-
tions:
– trailer or caravan towing
– dusty roads
– short distances (less than 7-8 km) re-
peated and with external temperatures be-
low zero.
– frequently idling engines or long distance
low speed driving (e.g. taxis or door-to-door
deliveries) or in case of a long term inac-
tivity.
Replace engine oil more frequently than
required on
SERVICE SCHEDULE
.WARNING
Fuel oil filter
The variety of the degree of purity of the
fuel oil in commerce may make it necessary
to change the fuel oil filter more frequently
than stated in the Scheduled Maintenance
Programme. If the engine is “sobbing” it
is a sign that the filter needs changing.WARNING
Air cleaner
Using the car on dusty roads, change the
air cleaner more frequently than stated in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
For any doubts about the intervals be-
tween engine oil and air cleaner changes
in relation to how the car is used, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

CAR MAINTENANCE
253
Car maintenance should be
entrusted to Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services. For
routine and minor maintenance op-
erations you wish to carry out
yourself, always make sure you
have the proper equipment, genuine
Alfa Romeo spare parts and the
necessary fluids; do not however
carry out these operations if you
have no experience.
WARNING
Pollen filter
If the car is used frequently in dusty or
heavily polluted environments it is advisable
to replace the filtering element more fre-
quently; in particular it should be replaced if
a reduction of the amount of air admitted to
the passenger compartment is noted. WARNING
Battery
You are recommended to have the battery
charge conditions checked, preferably at the
onset of winter, to avoid the possibility of
freezing the electrolyte.
This check should be carried out more fre-
quently if the car is used prevailingly for
short journeys, or if it is fitted with services
that absorb high amounts of current per-
manently with the ignition key off, especially
if installed in the after market.
In the case of use of the car in hot climates
or particularly harsh conditions, it is wise
to check the level of the battery fluid (elec-
trolyte) at more frequent intervals than stat-
ed in the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme.

CAR MAINTENANCE
263
WARNINGBrake and hydraulic clutch
fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it absorbs moisture).
For this reason, if the car is mainly used in
areas with a high degree of atmospheric hu-
midity, the fluid should be replaced at more
frequent intervals than specified in the
Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
BRAKE AND HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH FLUID
(fig. 20)
From time to time check the instrument
panel warning light x
by pressing cover
(B) of the reservoir (A) (with the ignition
key at MAR) instrument panel warning
light should come on.
fig. 20
A0B0157m
When loosening the reser-
voir cap do not allow the
fluid to come into contact
with painted parts. If it does, wash
it off immediately with water.
Brake and clutch fluid is
poisonous and highly cor-
rosive. In the event of accidental
contact, wash the parts involved
immediately with neutral soap and
water, then rinse thoroughly. See
a doctor at once if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
Symbol
π
on the contain-
er indicates synthetic type
brake fluid distinguishing it from
the mineral kind. Using mineral
type fluids damages the special
rubber braking system gaskets be-
yond repair.
WARNING

CAR MAINTENANCE
265
DIESEL FILTERDRAINING CONDENSATION
WATER
Water in the supply circuit
can seriously damage the
whole injection system and
cause malfunctions to engine oper-
ation. Should the warning lamp
c
turn on, available for the provid-
ed versions/markets, contact as
soon as possible the Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service for drainage op-
erations.
When the car is habitual-
ly driven in dusty areas,
the cleaner should be
changed at shorter intervals than
those given in the Programmed
Maintenance Schedule.Any attempt to clean the
air cleaner may cause se-
rious engine damage.
AIR FILTERThe air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send the
electrical signals needed for correct opera-
tion of the injection and ignition system to
the control unit.
It must therefore always be in perfect con-
ditions to ensure correct operation of the en-
gine, low consumption and exhaust emis-
sion levels.
If they are not carried out
correctly and with the due
precautions, the operations
involving cleaner replacement de-
scribed herein may compromise the
safety of the car.
This operation should be carried
out by Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.

CAR MAINTENANCE
266
BATTERYThe battery is of the “Limited Mainte-
nance” type and is fitted with an optical in-
dicator (A-fig. 23) for checking the elec-
trolyte level and charge.
Under normal conditions of use the elec-
trolyte does not need topping up with dis-
tilled water. To make sure that it is in effi-
cient conditions, at routine intervals check
the indicator on the battery cover which
should be dark in colour with a green cen-
tral area.
If the indicator is a bright light colour, or
dark without the green central area, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have the
battery changed at Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services, which are
properly equipped for disposing of
used batteries respecting nature
and the law.
POLLEN FILTER This has mechanical/electrostatic air fil-
tering actions, provided that the windows
and doors are shut.
Have the pollen filter checked once a year
by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services, prefer-
ably at the onset of summer.
If the car is mainly used in dusty or heav-
ily polluted areas, the filter should be
changed at more frequent intervals than
specified in the Scheduled Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
WARNINGThe failure to replace the fil-
ter can considerably reduce the effectiveness
of the climate control system.
fig. 23
A0B0147m
The liquid in the battery is
poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Do not bring naked flames or pos-
sible sources of sparks near to the
battery: risk of fire and explosion.
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
272
fig. 26
A0B0589m
In the case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those of dubious origin.
Alfa 156uses Tubeless tyres. Never
use an inner tube with these tyres.
If a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve
To allow even wear between the front and
rear tyres, it is advisable to change them
over every 10-15 thousand kilometres,
keeping them on the same side of the car
so as to not reverse the direction of rotation
(fig. 26).
RUBBER HOSESAs far as the brake system and fuel sup-
ply rubber hoses are concerned, carefully fol-
low the Scheduled Maintenance Programme
of this chapter. Indeed ozone, high tem-
peratures and prolonged lack of fluid in the
system may cause hardening and cracking
of the hoses, with possible leaks. Careful
control is therefore necessary.
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from
the right of the car to the left and
vice versa.
WARNING
Alloy rim painting involv-
ing temperatures exceed-
ing 150°C should be avoided since
wheel mechanical characteristics
could be impaired.
WARNING

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
330
– display rheostat light
adjustment............................ 63
– exit menu ............................. 86
– General Trip - Trip B ................ 87
– initial check........................... 68
– language selection ................. 78
– menu ................................... 67
– programmed maintenance
(Service) .............................. 82
– speed limit ............................ 73
– Trip B on/off ......................... 75
– units selection ....................... 79
– warning/failure buzzer
volume setting....................... 80
– “winter” tyres speed limit ....... 81
Instrument cluster ........................ 56
Intelligent washing function
(windscreen) ............................ 51
Interiors (cleaning) ...................... 277
Interior lighting
– boot lighting ......................... 171
– dashboard............................. 136
– front .................................... 162
– rear ..................................... 163
Internal fittings ...................... 161-292
Internal rear-view mirror ............... 25
Isofix (child’s seat)....................... 39
Jack
– use ............................... 209
– warnings ....................... 207-208K
eys......................................... 6
– remote control ....................... 7
– remote door locking/unlocking 16
– replacing remote control
battery ................................. 10
– request for additional keys
with remote control ................ 12
Lifting points .............................. 245
Lights (controls) .......................... 48
Luggage compartment
– capacity ......................... 317-318
– current socket........................ 285
– extension.............................. 289
– lighting .......................... 171-284
– luggage cover........................ 287
– luggage retainer net ............... 285
– oddment compartments .......... 285
– opening from inside .. 135-170-282
– opening lever ........................ 135
– opening with remote
control ..................... 8-170-282– passenger compartment
separation net (lower) ............ 288
– passenger compartment
separation net (upper)............ 288
– reversible net ........................ 283
– securing the load ............ 171-283
– tailgate closing ............... 171-283
– warnings for carrying
luggage.......................... 172-284
Luggage compartment light
– bulb replacement ............. 233-297
M
ain beam headlights
– changing bulbs ..................... 226
– switching on ......................... 48
Maintenance
– additional operations .............. 251
– annual inspection programme . 251
– checking fluid levels ............... 254
– general information ................ 248
– scheduled maintenance ........... 248
– scheduled maintenance
programme ........................... 249
– warnings .............................. 248
Manual climate control system ....... 11
Mechanical gearbox
– lever .................................... 139

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