weight Alfa Romeo 159 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

103
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
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DASHBOARD
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TAILGATE CLOSING
Lower the tailgate pressing the lock un-
til hearing the locking click.
IMPORTANT If the option for ”Indep.
boot” is on, before closing the boot,
check whether you have with you the
ignition key since the boot will be locked
automatically.
The addition of objects
(speakers, spoilers, etc.)
on the rear shelf or boot
lid, except those envisaged by
the manufacturer, may prevent
the gas filled struts at the sides
of the boot from working prop-
erly.
When using the boot,
make sure the loads do
not exceed the permitted
weight (see “Technical specifi-
cations” chapter). Also make
sure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent
them being thrown forwards
and injuring passengers should
you brake sharply.
WARNING
Never travel with ob-
jects on the rear shelf
to prevent them being thrown
forwards and injuring passen-
gers in case of accident or
sharp braking.
WARNING
EXTENDING THE BOOT
(where provided)
To extend the boot proceed as follows:
❒remove rear head restraints;
❒turn head restraints by 180° and fit
them into their seat;
❒move aside the seat belt, check that
it is not twisted;
❒lift seat back lever A-fig. 96 and
tilt the seat back forward. Lever rais-
ing is indicated by a “red band” B.
A0E0085mfig. 96

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In this event, to adjust the headlight
slant use control A-fig. 101set on the
button control panel near the steering
wheel.
If the car is fitted with bixenon head-
lights, headlight aiming is electronic and
therefore control Ais not present.Control has four positions corresponding
to the loads given below:
❒position0: one or two passenger on
front seats and kerb weight (includ-
ing full fuel tank, tools and acces-
sories);
❒position1: five passengers;
❒position2: five passengers and boot
fully loaded (about 50 kg);
❒position3: driver plus 300 kg load
completely stored into the boot.
IMPORTANT Check headlight slant
each time the transported load changes.
FRONT FOG LIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
to have the headlights correctly adjusted.
A0E0226mfig. 101
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are adjust-
ed for circulation in the country in which
the car is marketed. In countries with
opposite circulation, to avoid glaring on-
coming vehicles, proceed as follows:
❒remove headlight cover (see para-
graph “Dipped beam headlights” in
section “In an emergency”);
❒move lever A-fig. 102aside;
A0E0050mfig. 102

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WARNING
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DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
The results of research on the best child
restraint systems are contained in the
European Standard ECE-R44. This Stan-
dard enforces the use of restraint sys-
tems classified in five groups:
Group 0 - 0-10 kg in weight
Group 0+ - 0-13 kg in weight
Group 2 9-18 kg in weight
Group 2 15-25 kg in weight
Group 3 22-36 kg in weight
As it may be noted, the groups overlap
partly and in fact, in commerce it is pos-
sible to find devices that cover more
than one weight group.
All restraint devices must bear the cer-
tification data, together with the control
brand, on a solidly fixed label which
must absolutely never be removed.
Over 1.50 m in height, from the point
of view of restraint systems, children are
considered as adults and wear the seat
belts normally.Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo offers seats for
each weight group, which are the rec-
ommended choice, as they have been
designed and experimented specifical-
ly for Alfa Romeo cars.CARRYING
CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of
a crash, all passengers must be seated
and wearing adequate restraint systems.
This is even more important for children.
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
Compared with adults, a child’s head is
proportionately larger and heavier than
the rest of the body, while muscles and
bone structure are not completely de-
veloped. Therefore, in order to restraint
them correctly in the event of a crash,
different systems are needed than adult
seat belts.
With passenger’s air
bag active, never place
child’s seats with the cradle
facing backwards since the air
bag activation could cause to
the child serious injuries, even
mortal, regardless of the seri-
ousness of the crash that trig-
gered it. You are advised to
carry children always with
proper restraint systems on
the rear seats, as this is the
most protected position in the
case of a crash.
WARNING

136
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SAFETY
DEVICES
GROUP 0 and 0+
Babies up to 13 kg must be carried fac-
ing backwards fig. 7on a cradle seat,
which, supporting the head, does not in-
duce stress on the neck in the event of
sharp deceleration.
The cradle is restrained by the car seat
belts and in turn it must restrain the child
with its own belts.
SERIOUS DANGER If it
is absolutely necessary
to carry a child on the
front passenger seat
with the cradle child’s
seat facing backwards, the
front passenger’s air bags
(front air bag, knees air bag,
where provided, and side bag
on seat), must be deactivated
using the key switch. In this
case it is absolutely necessary
to check the warning light
F
on the front ceiling light pan-
el (see paragraph “Passen-
ger’s front air bag”) to make
sure that deactivation has ac-
tually taken place. Moreover,
the front passenger’s seat
shall be adjusted in the most
backward position to prevent
any contact between the
child’s seat and the dashboard.
WARNING
A0E0106mfig. 7
The figure is only an ex-
ample for mounting. At-
tain to the instructions for fas-
tening which must be enclosed
with the specific child restrain-
ing system you are using.
WARNING
A0E0106mfig. 8
GROUP 1
Starting from 9 kg to 18 kg in weight,
children may be carried facing forwards,
with seat fitted with front cushion fig.
8, through which the car seat belt re-
strains both child and seat.

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SAFETY
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GROUP 2
Starting from 15 kg to 25 kg in weight,
children may be restrained directly by
the car belts. The only function of the
seat is to position the child correctly in
relation to the belts, so that the diago-
nal part adheres to the chest and not
to the neck and that the horizontal part
clings to the child’s pelvis and not the
abdomenfig. 9.
GROUP 3
For children from 22 kg to 36 kg the
size of the child’s chest no longer re-
quires a support to space the child’s back
from the seat back.Fig. 10shows
proper child seat positioning on the rear
seat.
Children taller than 1.50 m can wear
seat belts like adults.
Seats exist which are
suitable for covering
weight groups 0 and 1 with a
rear connection to the car belts
and their own belts to restrain
the child. Due to their size, they
can be dangerous if installed in-
correctly fastened to the car
belts with a cushion. Carefully
follow the instructions for in-
stallation provided with the
seat.
WARNING
A0E0108mfig. 9A0E0109mfig. 10
The illustrations are in-
dicative only for as-
sembly. Assemble the seat ac-
cording to the compulsory in-
structions provided with it.
WARNING

138
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SAFETY
DEVICES
SEAT
Group Range Front Rear
of weight
Seat with Seat with Rear seat side Rear seat central
6 positions 8 positions
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg U (*) U (*) U U
Group 1 9-18 kg U (*) U (*) U U
Group 2 15-25 kg U (*) U (*) U U
Group 3 22-36 kg U (*) U (*) U U
Key:
U= suitable for child restraint systems of the “Universal” category, according to European Standard EEC-R44 for the specified “Groups”.
(*) = on cars not fitted with passenger’s seat adjustable in height, the seat back shall be positioned perfectly upright. On cars fitted with
passenger’s seat adjustable in height, the seat shall be raised as much as possible.
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON CHILD’S SEAT USE
Your car complies with the new European Directive 2000/3/EC regulating child’s seat assembling on the different car seats
according to the following tables:
Front and rear seat (fixed and double seat)

140
WARNING
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SAFETY
DEVICES
Mount the child restraint
system only with the car
stationary. The Isofix child re-
straint system is properly an-
chored to the mounting brackets
when clicks are heard. In any
case, keep to the installation in-
structions that must be provid-
ed by the child restraint system
Manufacturer.
WARNING
PRESETTING FOR
MOUNTING THE
“UNIVERSAL
ISOFIX” CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
This car is preset for mounting the Uni-
versal Isofix child restraint system, a
new European standardised system for
carrying children safely.
Fig. 11shows an example of child re-
straint system. The Universal Isofix
child’s seat covers weight group: 1.
Due to its different anchoring system,
the Universal Isofix child's seat shall be
anchored to the proper lower metal rings
A-fig.12, set between rear seat back
and cushion. The upper belt (provided
with the child's seat) shall be then se-
cured to fasteners B-fig.13set on the
rear seat back (behind head restraints).
It is possible to mount at the same time
both the traditional restraint system and
the “Universal Isofix” one.
Remember that in case of Universal Isofix
child’s seat, you can only use all those
seats approved with the marking ECE
R44/03 “Universal Isofix”.At Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo is available
the “Universal Isofix” “Duo Plus” child’s
seat shown in.
For any further installation/use detail,
refer to the “Instructions Manual” that
must be provided by the child restraint
system Manufacturer.A0E0174mfig. 12
fig. 11A0E0241mA0E0190mfig. 13

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SAFETY
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PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON UNIVERSALS ISOFIX CHILD’S
SEAT USE
The table below, according to ECE 16 European Directive, shows the different installation possibilities of Isofix restraint sys-
tems on seats fitted with Universals Isofix fasteners.
IUF: suitable for Isofix child restraint systems to be set facing forwards, universal class (fitted with third upper fastener), approved for
the weight group.
IL: suitable for Isofix Type child restraint systems, specific and approved for this type of car. The child's seat can be installed by moving
forward the front seat
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing backwards
Facing forwards
Facing forwards
Facing forwardsE
E
D
C
D
C
B
BI
AIL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IUF
IUF
IUF Range of weight Child’s seat Isofix Isofix position
direction size group side rear
Group 0 - 0 to 10 kg
Group 0+ - 0 to 13 kg
Group I - 9
to 18 kg

157
SAFETY
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
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INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading
to higher consumption. When the tem-
perature outside the car permits it, use
the air vents where possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific
use on the vehicle, may reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and
increase consumption. Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
car (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affects consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof as soon as they are no
longer used. These accessories lower air
penetration and adversely affect con-
sumption levels. When needing to car-
ry particularly voluminous objects, prefer-
ably use a trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window,
additional headlights, windscreen wipers
and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing
the requirement of current increases fu-
el consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of
your car down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service sched-
ule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, con-
sumption levels increase as resistance
to rolling is higher.

159
SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Engage a low gear when driving down-
hill, rather than constantly using the
brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity. To make
sure the maximum towable weight is
not exceeded (given in the log book)
account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and
personal belongings.
Do not exceed the speed limits of the
country you are driving in. In any case
do not exceed 100 km/h.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. In-
stallation should be carried out by spe-
cialised personnel who release a special
document for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional
rear-view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
The ABS system with
which the car may be
fitted does not control the
trailer braking system. Drive
with extreme care on slippery
roadbeds.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the car brake
system be altered to control
the trailer brake. The trailer
braking system must be fully
independent of the car hy-
draulic system.
WARNING