driving Alfa Romeo 159 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

This booklet describes all the versions of the Alfa 159, so you should only consider the infor-
mation concerning the trim level, engine and version purchased by you.
Dear Customer,
thank you for choosing Alfa Romeo.
Your
Alfa 159has been designed to guarantee the safety, comfort and driving pleasure typical of
Alfa Romeo.
This booklet will help you to get to know the characteristics and operation of your car.
The following pages contain all the indications necessary for you to be able to maintain the high standards of per-
formance, quality, safety and respect for the environment which characterize this
Alfa 159.
The enclosed Warranty Booklet also contains the regulations, the warranty certificate and a guide to the services of-
fered by Alfa Romeo.
Services which are essential and precious because, when you purchase an Alfa Romeo you are not only acquiring a
car, but the tranquillity that comes from knowing that an efficient, willing and widespread organization is at your ser-
vice for any assistance problems you may have.
What’s more, every single component of the
Alfa 159is fully recyclable. At the end of your car’s useful lifespan
any Alfa Romeo dealer would be pleased to make arrangements for you car to be recycled
(in compliance with current regulations in force). Nature benefits in two ways: there’s no pollution from waste dis-
posal, and the demand for raw materials is reduced.
Have a good trip.

ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to add electrical accessories (that will gradually drain the battery), contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services. They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the car’s elec-
tric system can support the required load.

CODE CARD
Keep the code card in a safe place, not in the car.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring it stays in tip-top condition and safeguards its safety fea-
tures, its environmental friendliness and low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER’S MANUAL CONTAINS…
…information, tips and important warnings regarding the safe, correct driving of your car, and its mainte-
nance. Pay particular attention to the symbols
"(personal safety) #(environmental protection) â(car well-be-
ing).

Warning light Ycoming on
when driving
If the warning light
Yturns on this
means that the system is running a self-
test (for example for a voltage drop).
If the warning light
Ystays on, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
IMPORTANTEvery electronic key has
its own code, which must be memorised
by the system control unit. To memorise
new keys, up to a maximum of eight,
apply solely to Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services taking with you all the keys in
your possession, the CODE card, a per-
sonal identity document and the car’s
possession documents. The codes of the
keys not provided during the new mem-
orising procedure are erased from the
memory. This is to ensure that any lost
or stolen keys can no longer be used
to start the car. The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit has recognised
the code transmitted from the electron-
ic key.
If the code has not been recognised cor-
rectly, the warning light Yturns on (on
certain versions a dedicated message
is displayed) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”).
In this case, the electronic key should
be removed from the ignition device and
then refitted; if the lock continues, pos-
sibly try again with the other keys pro-
vided with the car. If it is still not possi-
ble to start the car contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
10
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The electronic compo-
nents inside the key may
be damaged if the key is
submitted to sharp knocks.
If 2 seconds after fitting
the electronic key into
the ignition switch, the
warning light
Ycomes on again
flashing (on certain versions a
dedicated message is dis-
played), this means that the
code of the keys has not been
memorised, thus the car is not
protected by the Alfa Romeo
CODE system against attempt-
ed theft. In this case, contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorized Service
to have the key codes memo-
rised.

24
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Fitting the electronic key into the igni-
tion device will display the total km (or
mi), press button A-fig. 22for trip me-
ter (or mi).
To reset the trip meter (or mi), press for
long button A-fig. 22during display-
ing.
MULTIFUNCTION
DISPLAY
(where provided)
The “Multifunction display” shows all
the useful information necessary when
driving, more particularly:
INFORMATION ON
STANDARD SCREEN
❒ClockA-fig. 21;
❒External temperature B;
❒Total km (or mi) or trip meter C
(when total kilometres (or miles) are
indicated the display will also show
the wording TOT).
A0E0060mfig. 21
A0E0072mfig. 22
AUTOMATIC INSTRUMENT
PANEL LIGHT DIMMER
To give max. visibility and comfort un-
der whatever driving conditions (e.g.:
lights on in daylight, tunnels, etc…),
the speedometer is fitted with a sensor
for adjusting automatically, after fitting
the electronic key into the ignition de-
vice and pressing button START/
STOP, the light intensity of the indi-
cations given on the instrument panel
display, sound system display (where
provided), climate control system dis-
play, radionavigation system display
(where provided), and instrument pan-
el gauges (fuel level gauge, engine oil
temperature gauge (petrol versions) or
supercharger pressure gauge (diesel ver-
sions) and engine coolant temperature
gauge).

30
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARThe date Cin the middle of the display
will stay on until another display info is
activated (e.g. “Light dimmer”) or oth-
er information on car conditions.
With key removed (when opening when
of the front doors) the display will turn
on and show for a few seconds the time,
covered km (or miles) and outside tem-
perature.
INFORMATION ABOUT CAR
CONDITIONS (at event)
❒Scheduled servicing;
❒Trip computer;
❒Instrument panel light dimmer;
❒Engine oil level;
IMPORTANTWhen opening one of
the front doors, the display will show for
a few seconds the time, the km covered
and the external temperature.
RECONFIGURABLE
MULTIFUNCTION
DISPLAY
(where provided)
The “Reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play” shows all the useful information
necessary when driving, more particu-
larly:
INFORMATION ON
STANDARD SCREEN
❒ClockA-fig. 24;
❒External temperature B;
❒DateC;
❒Partial km (or mi) covered D;
❒Total km (or mi) covered E;
❒Indications on car conditions F(e.g.:
doors open, or possible ice on road,
etc. ...).
A0E0015mfig. 24

42
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Values displayed
Average consumption
This value shows the average con-
sumption from the start of the new mis-
sion.
Current consumption
This value shows instant fuel consump-
tion (this value is updated second by
second). If parking the car with engine
on, the display will show “- - - -”.
Average speed
This value shows the car average speed
as a function of the overall time elapsed
since the start of the new mission.
Travel time
This value shows the time elapsed since
the start of the new mission (driving
time).
Range
This value shows the distance in km (or
mi) that the car can still cover before
needing fuel, assuming that driving con-
ditions are kept unvaried.The display will show “- - - -“ in the fol-
lowing cases:
❒value lower than 50 km (30mi);
❒car left parked with engine running
for over 5 minutes.
Travel Distance
This value shows the distance covered
from the start of the new mission.
Each time the battery is connected and
each time a new mission is started (re-
set), the display will show “0.0”.
IMPORTANTLacking information,
Trip computer values are displayed with
“- - - -”. When normal operating condi-
tion is reset, calculation of different units
will restart regularly. Values displayed
before the failure will not be reset. The “General Trip” displays the figures
relating to:
❒Average consumption
❒Current consumption
❒Average speed
❒Travel time
❒Range
❒Travel Distance
“Trip B” displays information concern-
ing:
❒Travel Distance B
❒Average consumption B
❒Average speed B
❒Travel time B.

Upholstery of your car
has been designed to
withstand wear deriv-
ing from common use of the car.
You are however recommended
to avoid strong and/or contin-
uous scratching with clothing
accessories such as metallic
buckles, studs, Velcro fasten-
ings and the like, since these
items cause circumscribed stress
of the cover fabric that could
lead to yarn breaking, and dam-
age the cover as a consequence.
46
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Height adjustment
(where provided)
Move repeatedly lever Bupwards or
downwards to achieve the required
height.
IMPORTANTAdjustment must be car-
ried out only seated at the driver’s seat.
Back rest angle adjustment
Turn the knob Cuntil obtaining the re-
quired position.
Lumbar adjustment
(where provided)
Turn the knob Duntil obtaining the re-
quired position.
SEATS
MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE
FRONT SEATS fig. 31
Only make adjustments
when the car is sta-
tionary.
WARNING
A0E0020mfig. 31
Once you have re-
leased the lever, check
that the seat is firmly locked
in the runners by trying to
move it back and forth. Failure
to lock the seat in place could
result in the seat moving sud-
denly and the driver losing
control of the car.
WARNING
Moving the seat backwards
or forwards
Lift the lever A(on the inner side of the
seat) and push the seat forwards or
backwards: in the driving position the
arms should rest on the rim of the steer-
ing wheel.

50
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Certain versions are fitted with electro-
chromic mirror fig. 38. The electro-
chromic function is turned on/off by
pressing buttonON/OFFin the low-
er section of the mirror. When engaging
reverse, the mirror will always set to
daylight colouring.
REARVIEW
MIRRORS
DRIVING MIRROR
The mirror is fitted with a safety device
that causes it to be released in the event
of a violent crash.
A0E0135mfig. 37A0E0032mfig. 38
Using lever A-fig. 37the mirror can
be adjusted to two different positions:
normal or antiglare.

51
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Electrically folding of the
mirror (only versions with 4
power windows)
When required (for example when the
mirror causes difficulty in narrow spaces)
it is possible to fold the mirrors by press-
ing button C-fig. 39.
To bring the mirrors back to driving po-
sition press again button C-fig. 39.
A0E0081mfig. 40
To adjust the mirror selected press but-
tonBin the four directions shown by
the arrows.
IMPORTANTAfter adjusting the mir-
ror, turn selector Ato0to prevent ac-
cidental movements.
Manually folding of the mirror
When required (for example when the
mirror causes difficulty in narrow spaces)
it is possible to fold the mirror moving it
from positionA-fig. 40 to position B.DOOR MIRRORS
Door mirror can only be adjusted and
folded when the electronic key is fitted
into the ignition device.
Adjusting the mirror
Use device A-fig. 39to select the re-
quired mirror:
❒turn selector Ato1to select the left
door mirror;
❒turn selector Ato2to select the right
door mirror.
A0E0036mfig. 39
As the driver’s door mir-
ror is curved, it may
slightly alter the per-
ception of distance.
When driving the mir-
rors shall always be in
open position.
WARNING

58
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
To guarantee perfect
and regular sensor op-
eration do not apply
stickers in the “monitoring”
area between sensor and wind-
screen. Keep windscreen and
sensor clean and avoid to accu-
mulate dust or other sub-
stances.
AUTOMATIC TWO-/
THREE-ZONE
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
(where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The car is fitted with a two-/three-zone
climate control system which makes it
possible to separately adjust the air tem-
perature in the two/three passenger’s
compartment areas to reach the required
comfort.
For top quality temperature control in
the two/three areas of the passenger's
compartment, the system is fitted with
external temperature sensor, passen-
ger's compartment temperature sensor
and two-side sun radiation sensor.
The climate control system automatically
controls and adjusts the following pa-
rameters and functions:
❒air temperature at driver/passengers
vents;
❒fan speed;
❒air distribution at driver/passenger
vents;
❒compressor activation;
❒air recirculation.
The following parameters and functions
can be set or changed manually:
❒required temperature;
❒fan speed;
❒air distribution on seven levels ;
❒compressor on/off;
❒window demisting/defrosting;
❒air recirculation;
❒one-zone function.
The system is fitted with AQS (Air Qual-
ity System) sensor (where provided),
that turns on air recirculation automati-
cally when it detects the presence of out-
side polluted air (for example in queues
and tunnels).
Where provided, the system also features
a demisting sensorA-fig. 48 ( set be-
hind the driving mirror), capable of mon-
itoring a preset area of the internal wind-
screen pane and to cut in automatically
to prevent or to reduce misting up through
a suitable strategy.
A0E0091mfig. 48
This sensor can be disabled by any man-
ual control and it is activated each time
the engine is started and in any case
when the user presses one of the AUTO
buttons.