key Alfa Romeo 159 2007 Owner handbook (in English)

176
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
ASR SYSTEM
(WHEEL ANTISKID
SYSTEM)
(amber)
Fitting the key into the ignition device
the warning light turns on, but it should
go off after few seconds. The warning
light flashes when the system cuts in, to
alert the driver that the system is adapt-
ing to the road surface grip conditions.
ASR deactivation
When the ASR is deactivated manually
(pressing the ASR/VDC button) (see
paragraph “ASR system” in section
“Dashboard and controls”) the
ASR/VDC button turns on (on versions
fitted with “Reconfigurable multifunction
display” symbol
Vis also displayed).
ASR failure
In the event of a failure the ASR system
is deactivated automatically and on ver-
sions fitted with “Reconfigurable multi-
function display” the symbol
Vis dis-
played. In this case contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services as soon as possible.
á
EXTERNAL LIGHTS
FAILURE
(amber)
The warning light (where provided)
turns on (on certain versions a message
is displayed) when one of the following
lights is failing:
– sidelights
– direction indicators
– rear fog guards
– number plate lights.
The failure referring to these lights could
be: one or more blown bulbs, a blown
protection fuse or an electric connection
cut-off.
W
HILL HOLDER
FAILURE
(where provided)
(amber)
Fitting the key into the ignition device,
the warning light (where provided) turns
on, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light stays on (on certain
versions a message is displayed) there
is a failure in the Hill Holder system. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
*

209
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
IF A FUSE BLOWS
GENERAL
The fuse is a protective device for the
electric system: it comes into action (i.e.
it cuts off) mainly due to a fault or im-
proper action on the system.
When a device does not work, check the
efficiency of its fuse. The conductor el-
ement must be intact; if not, replace the
fuse with one of the same amp rating
(same colour).
A:undamaged fuse
B:fuse with damaged filament.
To replace a fuse, use the pliers C
hooked to the fusebox on the dash-
board.
A0E0119mfig. 54
Never replace a broken
fuse with anything oth-
er than a new fuse.
Never change a fuse
with another with a
higher amp rating, danger of
fire.
WARNING
If a general fuse
(MEGA-FUSE, MAXI-
FUSE) cuts in, do not attempt
any repair and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
Before changing a fuse, check
the ignition key has been re-
moved and that all the other
electric devices have been
turned off/disabled.
WARNING
If the fuse blows again,
contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
WARNING

235
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Do not allow the pow-
er steering fluid to
touch the hot parts of the en-
gine: it is inflammable.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 15
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum. Top up with the brake
fluid specified in the table “Fluids and
lubricants” (see section “Technical Spec-
ifications ").
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When
opening the cap take the utmost care to
prevent impurities entering the tank.
When topping up, always use a funnel
with built-in filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 0.12 mm.
A0E0016mfig. 15
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised 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.
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.

237
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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.
Contact at Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices to have the battery checked/re-
placed.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
fig. 16
The battery charge may be checked
through the indicator A(where re-
quired) set on the battery cover and act-
ing according to the colour the indica-
tor shows.Should the battery be not fitted with bat-
tery charge inspection device (optical
electrolyte indicator), inspection opera-
tions shall be carried out by skilled per-
sonnel only.
Refer to the table below.
A0E0127mfig. 16
Bright 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
IMPORTANTThe charge in the bat-
tery should be checked at the start of
winter to limit the risk of electrolyte
freezing. This check should be carried
out more frequently if the car is used
mainly for short trips, or if it is fitted with
accessories that permanently absorb
electricity also with the ignition key re-
moved, especially in the case of after
market accessories.

238
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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.
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.
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
After connecting/dis-
connecting the battery,
wait for 3 minutes at
least before fitting the electronic
key into the ignition device in
order to allow the climate con-
trol system control unit to reset
the positions of the electric ac-
tuators that adjust air temper-
ature and distribution.

240
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
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”. 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
60 Ah 36 mA
70 Ah 42 mA
90 Ah 54 mAIf 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.

LEANING LEATHER SEATS
Remove dried on dirt with lightly moist-
ened chamois leather or cloth without
pressing too hard.
Remove liquid or grease stains with a dry
absorbent cloth without rubbing. Then
wipe with a soft cloth or chamois leather
with water and neutral soap.
If the stain persists, use specific prod-
ucts, carefully following the instructions
for use.
IMPORTANTNever use spirit or al-
cohol-based products.
247
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed,
without directing the jet against electronic
control units. Contact a specialised work-
shop to have this done.
IMPORTANT The car should be
washed with the engine cold and the key
removed from the ignition device. After
washing make sure that the various pro-
tections (e.g. rubber caps and various cov-
ers) have not been damaged or removed.INTERIORS
Periodically check that water is not
trapped under the mats (due to water
dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.)
which could cause oxidisation of the
sheet metal.
CLEANING SEATS AND
FABRIC AND VELVET PARTS
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to
remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if
the brush is moistened.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral de-
tergent.

CURRENT OUTLET
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
The current outlet is located on the left
side of the boot.
To use the current outlet, open the lid
A-fig. 10. The current outlet only
works with the key fitted into the igni-
tion device and can only be used to pow-
er accessories having max. 15A intake
(180 W).
279
ALFA 159 SPORTWAGON
A0E0274mfig. 10
Never use the outlet for
accessories with power
over the max. specified
one. Long power intake can run
down the battery and inhibit
engine starting.
A0E0281mfig. 11 A0E0282mfig. 12
LUGGAGE NET
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
The left and right sides of the boot are
quipped with a luggage retainer net.
–fig. 11- version with side lid
(where provided)
–fig. 12- version without side lidAs optional, for versions/markets where
applicable, an additional luggage re-
tainer net can be fitted.

293
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
INDEX
Fuel cut-off and power supply
switches ................................ 81
Fuel feed ................................ 255
Fuel filler cap ........................... 126
Fuses (replacement) .......... 209-291
Gearbox (use) ........................ 156
Glass/can holder ...................... 87
Glove compartment .................. 85
Glove compartment light
– bulb replacement ................ 207
Handbrake .............................. 155
Hazard lights ........................... 72
Head restraints .................. 48-49
Headlight washer
– control ............................... 73
– fluid level ........................... 232
Headlights ............................... 65
– adjusting headlight beam ..... 106
– headlight adjustment abroad 107
– headlight aiming device ....... 106
– front fog light adjustment ..... 107
Hill Holder system .................... 111
Homelink ................................ 89
Identification data .................... 250
If an exterior light burns out 196-286
If an interior light burns out . 205-289
Ignition device ......................... 19
In an emergency................. 181
Inactivity of the car ................... 164Inertial fuel cut-off switch .......... 80
Installation of electric/
electronic devices ................... 117
Instrument panel ...................... 7-8
Instruments ............................. 21
Interior fittings ......................... 83
Interiors .................................. 247
Isofix universal
(child's seat) .................. 140-285
Jacking the car ........................ 220
Labels
– identification data ............... 250
– bodywork paint .................. 251
Level checks ............................ 230
Main beam headlights
– bulb replacement ................ 199
– control ............................... 70
Manual climate control system ... 55
MSR system ............................ 114
Multifunction display ................. 25
Number plate light ................... 204
Oddments compartments .......... 88
Paint ...................................... 246
Parking ................................... 155
Parking lights
– control ............................... 72 Electronic key .......................... 12
Engine
– identification code ............... 252
– marking ............................. 251
– technical data ..................... 253
Engine oil
– consumption ...................... 232
– level check ......................... 231
– specifications ...................... 266
Engine starting ......................... 152
Environment protection ............. 127
EOBD system ........................... 115
External lights .......................... 70
Eyeglasses holder ..................... 87
Fix&Go automatic (device) ....... 190
Flashing the headlights ............. 70
Fluid level checks ..................... 230
Fluids and lubricants ................. 267
Follow me home (device) ......... 71
Front air bags .......................... 141
Front ceiling lights
– bulb replacement ................ 205
– control ............................... 78
Front fog lights
– bulb replacement ................ 201
– control ............................... 72
Fuel
– consumption ...................... 269
– fuel cut-off switch ................ 81
– fuel gauge ......................... 22