Alfa Romeo 159 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

229
SAFETY
DEVICES
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Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered sta-
bilised after the first 5000 - 6000 km.
IMPORTANTThe oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANTDo not add oil with
specifications other than that already
in the engine. Topping up engine oil
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler
neckB, until reaching the MAXmark.
Oil level shall never exceed the MAX
mark.
IMPORTANT If a routine check re-
veals that the oil level is above the
MAXmark, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the correct lev-
el restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
turning it off before you check the level.
When the engine is hot,
take care when work-
ing inside the engine compart-
ment to avoid burns. Remem-
ber that when the engine is
hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Used engine oil and fil-
ter contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the oil
and filter changed.

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ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
fig. 9
If the level is low, pour slowly a mixture
of 50% distilled water and 50%
PARAFLU UPthrough the filler neck
A.
A 50% mixture of distilled water and
PARAFLU UP gives freeze protection
to –35°C.
A0E0017mfig. 9
The cooling system uses
PARAFLU UP that shall
be used for topping up
and that cannot be mixed with
other types of fluids. Should
other fluids be added, do not
start the engine and contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible.
Do not remove the
reservoir cap when the
engine is hot: you risk scalding
yourself.
WARNING
The cooling system is
pressurised. If neces-
sary, replace the cap only with
another genuine one, other-
wise system efficiency could
be compromised.
WARNING

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MAINTENANCEPOWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 11-12
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum level: this operation shall
be carried out with the car on level sur-
face, engine not running and cold.
WINDSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHER FLUID fig. 10
To top up, remove the cap Aand then
pour a mixture of water and TUTELA
PROFESSIONAL SC 35, in the fol-
lowing concentrations:
❒30%TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35and 70% water in summer;
❒50%TUTELA PROFESSIONAL
SC 35 and 50% water in winter.
In case of temperatures below –20°C,
use undiluted TUTELA PROFES-
SIONAL SC 35.
A0E0029mfig. 10
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer
reservoir empty. The wind-
screen washer is fundamental
for improving visibility.
WARNING
Certain commercial ad-
ditives for windscreen
washers are inflammable. The
engine compartment contains
hot components which may set
it on fire.
WARNING
A0E0027mfig. 11 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 2.4 JTDMversions
A0E0234mfig. 12 3.2 JTS -
1.9 JTDM8V- 1.9 JTDM16Vversions

232
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Do not allow the pow-
er steering fluid to
touch the hot parts of the en-
gine: it is inflammable.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 13
Unscrew cap Aand check that the flu-
id level in the reservoir is at maximum.
Fluid level in the reservoir shall not ex-
ceed the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
From time to time, check the instrument
panel warning light
x: pressing on cap
A(with key fitted into the ignition de-
vice) the warning light shall turn on.
A0E0016mfig. 13
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
Check that the fluid level is at the MAX
mark on the reservoir or at the top mark
(maximum level) shown on the dipstick
under the reservoir cap.
If the fluid level in the reservoir is below
the specified level, top up as follows:
❒start the engine and wait until the flu-
id level in the reservoir has stabilized;
❒with the engine started, turn repeat-
edly the steering wheel fully right-
wards and leftwards;
❒top up until reaching the MAXmark
then refit the cap.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.IMPORTANTBrake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the Service schedule.

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Brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts involved im-
mediately with neutral soap
and water, then rinse thor-
oughly. Call the doctor imme-
diately if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
Symbolπon the con-
tainer indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distinguish-
ing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irre-
versibly damages the special
braking system rubber seals.
WARNING
AIR FILTER/
POLLEN FILTER
Air cleaner or pollen filter replacement
shall be carried out at Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
DIESEL FUEL FILTER
DRAINING THE
CONDENSE
The presence of water in
the fuel circuit can se-
verely damage the in-
jection system and make the en-
gine misfire. If the warning light
cturns on (on certain versions
together with a message on the
display) contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services as soon as
possible to have the bleeding
operation carried out. Should
the warning light turn on after
refuelling, water has probably
been poured into the tank: turn
the engine off immediately and
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.

234
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MAINTENANCEBright white colourTop up electrolyte Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
Dark colour withoutLow charge level Charge the battery
green area in the centre(advisable to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services)
Dark colour withElectrolyte level and charge No action
green area in the centresufficient
BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited mainte-
nance” type: under normal conditions
of use the electrolyte does not need top-
ping up with distilled water.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
The battery charge may be checked sat-
isfactorily through the indicatorA-fig.
14and acting according to the colour
the indicator shows.
Refer to the table below or to the label
on the battery.
A0E0127mfig. 14
The liquid in the bat-
tery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
eyes and skin. Do not bring
naked flames or possible
sources of sparks near to the
battery: risk of fire and ex-
plosion.
WARNING
Running the battery
with low fluid level can
damage the battery beyond
repair and could also cause its
explosion.
WARNING

235
SAFETY
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REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Service schedule in this section will
no longer be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the car. If after buying
the car, you want to install elec-
tric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm,
free-hand phone kit, etc.) contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most
suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, check-
ing whether the car’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding
the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more
powerful battery.
If the car is left inactive
for long periods at cold,
remove the battery and store
it in a warm place to prevent
freezing.
WARNING
When working on the
battery or near it, al-
ways wear the proper gog-
gles.
WARNING
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 is properly equipped for
disposing of used batteries re-
specting nature and the law.

236
SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE
OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
lengthen its life, observe the following
indications:
❒ when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly;
❒ the ceiling lights must be off. The car
is however provided with an auto-
matic system for switching off inter-
nal lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g.: sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched
on for a long time when the engine
is not running;
❒before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
battery negative terminal cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be per-
fectly tightened.
IMPORTANTA battery which is kept
at a charge of less than 50% (optical in-
dicator with dark colour without green
area in the middle) for any length of time
will be damaged by sulphation leading to
a reduction in cranking power.
Moreover, this might lead to a higher
risk of the battery electrolyte freezing
(this may even occur at –10°C). If the
car is inactive for a long period of time,
refer to “Car inactivity”, in section “Cor-
rect use of the car”. If after buying the car, you want to in-
stall electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.)
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel, in addition
to suggesting the most suitable devices
available at Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
will evaluate the overall electric ab-
sorption, checking whether the car’s
electric system is capable of withstand-
ing the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more pow-
erful battery.
In fact, since these devices continue ab-
sorbing energy even when the ignition
key is off, they gradually run down the
battery.
The total intake of these systems (factory and after-market) must be less than 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery) as shown in
the following table:
Battery Maximum admitted stand-by intake
50 Ah 30 mA
60 Ah 36 mA
70 Ah 42 mA
90 Ah 54 mA

237
SAFETY
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wearfig. 15:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres must be replaced when the tread
wears down to 1.6 mm. In any case,
comply with the laws in the country
where the car is being driven.
IMPORTANT NOTES
As far as possible, avoid sharp braking
and screech starts, etc. Be careful not to
hit the kerb, potholes or other obstacles
hard. Driving for long stretches over
bumpy roads can damage the tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres have no
cuts in the side wall, abnormal swelling
or irregular tyre wear. If any of these oc-
cur, have the car seen to at Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
Avoid overloading the car when travel-
ling: this may cause serious damage to
the wheels and tyres; if a tyre is punc-
tured, stop immediately and change it
to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, includ-
ing the space-saver spare wheel, every
four weeks and before long journeys:
pressure should be checked with the tyre
rested and cold.
For the correct tyre inflation pressure,
see “Wheels” in “Technical specifica-
tions” section.
A0E0120mfig. 15

238
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Remember that road
holding depends also
on the correct tyre inflating
pressure.
WARNING
If the pressure is too
low the tyre overheats
and this can cause it serious
damage.
WARNING
Never submit alloy
rims to repainting
treatments requiring to use
temperatures exceeding
150°C since the mechanical
properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them
from the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.
WARNINGTyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are a
sign of ageing. In any case, if the tyres
have been on the car for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised
personnel, to see if they can still be
used. Also remember to check the space-
saver spare wheel.
In the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of dubious ori-
gin.
If a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve; to allow even wear be-
tween the front and rear tyres, it is ad-
visable 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.