vin Alfa Romeo 159 2007 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.
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).

THE SYMBOLS USED IN THIS BOOKLET
The symbols illustrated in these pages show the subjects which should,
in particular, be closely studied.
Warning: partially or
fully ignoring these rules may lead
to serious injury.This indicates the correct procedures
to be followed to prevent
the car from damaging the environment.Warning: partially or fully ignoring these
rules may lead to serious damage
being caused to the car which, in some
circumstances, may cause forfeiture of the
warranty cover.
The texts, illustrations and specifications given in this booklet refer to the car at the time of going to press.
As part of our ongoing striving to improve our products, Alfa Romeo may introduce technical changes during production, there-
fore the specifications and fittings may be altered without prior notice.
For details on this subject, please apply to the manufacturer's sales network.
PERSONAL
SAFETYPROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT CAR SAFETY

11
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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.
OPERATION
Each time the electronic key is fitted in-
to the ignition switch, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit sends a recog-
nition code to the engine control unit
to deactivate the inhibitor.
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
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.

15
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
If the key battery is
flat, the safe lock de-
vice can only be deactivated by
unlocking the doors by turning
the metal insert of the key in-
to the driver’s door lock or by
fitting the key into the ignition
device.
WARNING
If the car battery is
down, the safe lock de-
vice can be activated only us-
ing the metal insert of the
electronic key on the driver’s
door revolving plug: in this
case the safe lock device is ac-
tive on front passenger’s door
and rear doors.
WARNING
Device activation is signalled by three
flashes of the led on the driver’s door
panel and, only if activated by pressing
the electronic key button
Á, of direction
indicators.
Should one of the doors be not perfect-
ly closed, the safe lock device is not ac-
tivated, thus preventing that a person
getting into the car from the open door
remains blocked inside the passenger’s
compartment when he/she closes the
door.
Device deactivation
The device is deactivated automatically
on every door in the following cases:
❒when unlocking the doors;
❒when unlocking only the driver’s door
(where possible);
❒when fitting the electronic key into
the ignition switch. Device activation
The device is automatically activated on
every door in the following cases:
❒turning twice the metal insert of the
electronic key into the driver door to
locking position;
❒pressing twice the electronic key but-
ton
Á.
A0E0021mfig. 12

17
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Depending on the markets, the trigger-
ing of the alarm will activate the siren
and the hazard warning lights (for about
26 seconds). The methods of operation
and the number of cycles may vary de-
pending on the versions/markets.
A maximum number of sound/sight cy-
cles is however envisaged. Once the
alarm cycle is over, the system will re-
store its normal operation.
IMPORTANTCentral door unlocking
by the emergency electronic key will not
deactivate the alarm, therefore with
alarm on the siren will activate when
opening one of the doors or the boot.
To deactivate the siren see paragraph
“How to deactivate the alarm”.
IMPORTANTThe engine immobiliser
function is guaranteed by the Alfa
Romeo CODE system, which is auto-
matically activated when the electronic
key is removed from the ignition device.
HOW TO ACTIVATE
THE ALARM
With the doors, bonnet and boot shut
and electronic key removed from igni-
tion switch, point the electronic key in
the direction of the car, then press and
release the button
Á.
With the exception of certain markets,
the system sounds a “beep” and the
doors are locked.
Engagement of the alarm is preceded
by a self-diagnostic test characterised by
a different flashing of the round led lo-
cated around the door lock/unlock but-
ton (see fig. 13): if a fault is detect-
ed the system sounds a further warning
“beep”.
ALARM
(where provided)
WHEN THE ALARM
IS TRIGGERED
The alarm comes into action in the fol-
lowing cases:
❒unlawful opening of doors, bonnet
and boot (perimetral protection);
❒attempt to start the engine with
unauthorised electronic key;
❒ battery cable cutting;
❒ presence of moving bodies in the pas-
senger’s compartment (volumetric
protection);
❒abnormal raising/sloping of the car
(for versions/markets where applic-
able);
Volumetric and anti-raising protections
can be cut off by operating the front ceil-
ing light controls(see paragraph “Volu-
metric protection/Anti-raising sensor”
on the following pages).
A0E0025mfig. 13

19
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IGNITION DEVICE
The ignition device is located on the
dashboard and it consists of the follow-
ing:
❒electronic key reading device A-fig.
15(set near the steering wheel);
❒buttonSTART/STOP(set under the
electronic key reading device).
IMPORTANTTo prevent running
down the battery do not leave the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device when
the engine is off.
HOW TO CUT OFF
THE ALARM SYSTEM
To deactivate the alarm system com-
pletely (for instance during prolonged
inactivity of the car) simply lock the car
by rotating the metal insert (provided
inside the electronic key) into the dri-
ver’s door lock.
MINISTERIAL
HOMOLOGATION
In keeping with the laws in force in each
country on the subject of radio fre-
quency, for markets in which the trans-
mitter needs to be marked the certifi-
cation number is given on the compo-
nent. For certain versions/markets, the
code may also be marked on the trans-
mitter and/or on the receiver.
A0E0219mfig. 15
If the ignition device is
tampered with (for ex-
ample during an attempted
break-in) have it checked over
by Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices before travelling again.
WARNING
When leaving the car
always remove the
electronic key from the ignition
device to prevent any passen-
ger in the car from inadver-
tently activating the controls.
Remember to engage the
handbrake and if the car is fac-
ing uphill, first gear and if the
car is facing downhill, reverse.
Never leave children unat-
tended in the car.
WARNING

TURNING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL OFF
With engine off and clutch and brake
pedals released, press button START/
STOPor remove the electronic key
from the ignition device.
A few seconds after the instrument pan-
el display will turn off gradually.
IMPORTANTContact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services if the instrument pan-
el fails to turn off.
TURNING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL ON
Proceed as follows:
❒fit the electronic key into the ignition
device;
❒if the electronic key is fitted yet, press
buttonSTART/STOPwithout
pressing the clutch or brake pedal.
To safeguard the battery, when leaving
the car with the instrument panel on,
electric and electronic devices will be de-
activated after approx. 1 hour.
IMPORTANTFit completely the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device until
it locks into place.
IMPORTANTContact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services if the instrument pan-
el fails to turn on.
IMPORTANTIf when fitting the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device, the
warning light
Yon the instrument pan-
el comes on (on certain versions to-
gether with a message on the display),
check whether the electronic key is the
proper one and then try to refit it into
the ignition device. If the problem per-
sists contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
20
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
A0E0028mfig. 16
ENGINE STARTING
See paragraph “Engine starting” in sec-
tion “Correct use of the car”.
START/STOP BUTTON
fig. 16
ButtonSTART/STOP, set on the
dashboard, controls car electric systems
and engine starting/stopping.
ButtonSTART/STOPis fitted with
knurled ring and led. When the led and
the instrument panel are on, the engine
can be started.

21
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
ed) (or as an alternative, on certain ver-
sions, a symbol and a message are dis-
played). In this event contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
IMPORTANTIf after trying to turn on
the instrument panel and/or to start the
engine, the instrument panel warning
light
>(where provided) (or as an al-
ternative, on certain versions the mes-
sage "Vehicle protection system not
available" is displayed), repeat the op-
eration moving the steering wheel in or-
der to release the steering lock. The dis-
played warning message will not impair
steering lock operation.
INSTRUMENTS
REV. COUNTER
Rev counter shows engine rpm. The red
zone at the scale bottom indicates that
the engine is running at excessive rpm
dangerous for mechanical components.
Do not drive with the pointer in this area.
IMPORTANTThe electronic injection
control system gradually shuts off the
flow of fuel when the engine is “over-
revving” (rev counter pointer in the red
area) resulting in a gradual loss of en-
gine power, in order to bring engine rpm
below to the safety limit.
The rev counter may, when the engine
is idling, indicate gradual or sudden in-
crease of engine revs as the case may
be; such behaviour is normal and must
not be interpreted as a faulty condition
as it occurs during normal operation, for
instance when climate control or electric
fan are switched on. In particular, slow
revs variation helps keep the battery
charged.
STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Engaging
The steering column lock will engage
5 seconds after removing the electron-
ic key from the ignition device and if the
following conditions are present:
❒engine off;
❒instrument panel off with car at a
standstill;
❒electronic key removed from ignition
device.
Disengaging
The steering column lock will disengage
after fitting the electronic key into the
ignition device.
IMPORTANTSwitching the engine off
when the car is running will not engage
the steering column lock till next switch-
ing off with car stopped. In this event
warning light
>(where provided) on the
instrument panel will come on (or as an
alternative, on certain versions, a sym-
bol and a message are displayed).
IMPORTANTSteering column lock
failure is indicated by the instrument
panel warning light
>(where provid-It is absolutely forbid-
den to carry out what-
ever after-market operation
involving steering system or
steering column modifications
(e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect
performance and safety, cause
the lapse of warranty and al-
so result in non-compliance of
the car with homologation re-
quirements.
WARNING

24
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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).
MANUAL INSTRUMENT
PANEL LIGHT DIMMER
With this function it is possible to adjust
on 8 levels the light intensity of the indi-
cations given on the instrument panel dis-
play, sound system display (where pro-
vided), climate control system display, ra-
dionavigation system display (where pro-
vided), and instrument panel gauges (fu-
el level gauge, engine oil temperature
gauge (petrol versions) or supercharger
pressure gauge (diesel versions) and en-
gine coolant temperature gauge).
To increase light intensity press briefly
button+on the left-hand stalk, to re-
duce it press button –: the display will
show an indication and a figure corre-
sponding to the current light intensity
level. This screen will be displayed for
a few seconds and then it will go off.
TRIP METER RESET fig. 21
To reset the trip meter, keep button A
pressed for a few seconds.
A0E0072mfig. 21