Alfa Romeo 159 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

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

22
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARIMPORTANTThe pointer can reach
the red area also for a sum of un-
favourable conditions, i.e.: slow speed,
uphill, fully laden or towing a trailer with
hot outside temperature.
IMPORTANTRefuelling shall always
be performed with engine off. Failing to
observe this precaution could cause the
gauge to provide wrong indications.
Should this occur, to restore proper in-
dication just have next refuelling with
the engine off. Otherwise contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE fig. 18
This shows the temperature of the en-
gine coolant fluid and begins working
when the fluid temperature exceeds ap-
prox. 50°C.
The pointer should normally be towards
the middle of the scale. If the pointer
reaches the red sector, reduce your de-
mand on the engine.
The turning on of the warning light
u
(on certain versions together with a
message on the display) indicates that
the coolant fluid temperature is too high;
in this case, stop the engine and contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services .
IMPORTANT The pointer can reach
the red area also for a sum of un-
favourable conditions, i.e.: slow speed,
uphill, fully laden or towing a trailer with
hot outside temperature.
FUEL GAUGE fig. 17
This shows the amount of fuel left in the
fuel tank.
0- tank empty.
1- tank full (see the indications given
in paragraph “At the filling station").
The warning light on the fuel level gauge
turns on when about 10 litres fuel are
left in the tank. On certain versions. the
display will show a warning message
when the cruising range is less than 50
km (or 31 mi).
If warning light
Kstarts
flashing when travelling
contact immediately Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services.
A0E00177mfig. 17A0E0178mfig. 18

23
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The turning on of the warning light `
when travelling (on certain versions to-
gether with a message on the display)
indicates that the oil temperature is too
high; in this case, stop the engine and
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
IMPORTANTThe pointer can reach
the red area also for a sum of un-
favourable conditions, i.e.: slow speed,
uphill, fully laden or towing a trailer with
hot outside temperature.
ENGINE OIL
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
(petrol versions) fig. 19
This shows the temperature of the en-
gine oil and begins working when the
oil temperature exceeds approx. 70°C.
If the pointer reaches the red sector, re-
duce your demand on the engine.
A0E0179mfig. 19A0E0180mfig. 20
TURBOCHARGER PRESSURE
GAUGE (diesel versions)
fig. 20
This shows the turbocharger pressure
value.

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

25
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INFORMATION ABOUT CAR
CONDITIONS (at event)
❒Scheduled servicing (symbol õ
D-fig. 22).
❒Instrument panel light dimmer.
❒Symbol of possible presence of ice on
the road (symbol
√E-fig. 22).
❒Speed limit exceeded.
❒Engine oil level.
MULTIFUNCTION
DISPLAY
(where provided)
The “Multifunction display” shows all
the useful information necessary when
driving, more particularly:
INFORMATION ON
STANDARD SCREEN
❒ClockA-fig. 22;
❒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).
Fitting the electronic key into the igni-
tion device will display the total km (or
mi), press button A-fig. 23for trip me-
ter (or mi).
A0E0060mfig. 22
A0E0072mfig. 23
To reset the trip meter (or mi), press for
long button A-fig. 23during display-
ing.

Speed limit (SPEED BEEP)
With this function it is possible to set the
car speed limit (km/h or mph) which,
if exceeded, automatically sounds a
buzzer and displays a specific message
(see section “Warning lights and mes-
sages”) to alert the driver. Once the
warning cycle is over the display will
resume the standard screen. The warn-
ing message will disappear only after
the car speed slows 5 km/h (5 mph)
below the set speed limit or after press-
ing briefly the MENUbutton. This pro-
cedure is carried out just once after ex-
ceeding the speed limit and it can be re-
peated only if the car speed slows at
least 5 km/h (5 mph) below the set
speed limit and then it increases until
exceeding the speed limit again.
26
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
A0E0074mfig. 24
“SETUP MENU”
There is also a “Setup Menu” enabling
to perform the adjustments and/or set-
tings described on the following pages
by pressing button MENUand+/–
(seefig. 24). The Setup can be acti-
vated by pressing briefly button MENU.
With the car stopped, the
following settings are
enabled:
❒Speed limit on/off and speed limit
value.
❒Clock.
❒Failure/warning buzzer volume.
❒“Distance” unit.
With the car running, only the
following setting is enabled:
❒Speed limit on/off and speed limit
value setting.
CONTROL BUTTONS
(set on left stalk) fig. 24
MENU
Short push on button: to confirm
the required option and/or to go to next
screen;
Long push on button: to confirm the
required option and to go back to stan-
dard screen;
+/–to scroll up/down the “Setup
Menu” options or to increase/decrease
the value displayed on the screen.
When the standard screen is displayed
buttons+/–activate instrument pan-
el light dimming.

To set the speed limit, proceed as fol-
lows:
❒press button MENUuntil selecting
SPEED BEEP: the display will show
SPEED BEEPand setting condition
(ON= speed limit on/ OFF= speed
limit off);
❒press again button MENU:ON(or
OFF) will flash;
❒press buttons +/–to select ONor
OFF;
❒selectingONwill make the last
speed limit set flashing on the dis-
play;
❒press buttons +/–to adjust the val-
ue.
IMPORTANT The possible setting is be-
tween 30 and 250 km/h (or between
20 and 150 mph) depending on the unit
set previously (see paragraph “Units” de-
scribed later). Every press (pulse) of the
button+/–increases or decreases the
value by 5 units. Keeping the button +/–
pressed obtains automatic fast increase or
decrease. When you are near the required
setting complete adjustment with single
presses.
27
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Failure/warning buzzer
volume (BUZZ)
With this function the volume of the
buzzer accompanying any failure/warn-
ing indications can be adjusted accord-
ing to 4 levels. The buzzer can be ad-
justed and excluded.
Proceed as follows:
❒press button MENUuntil selecting
BUZZ: the display will show BUZZ
and a figure corresponding to the
buzzer volume level;
❒press again button MENU: the fig-
ure will flash;
❒press buttons +/–to adjust the
buzzer volume.
To mute the buzzer set the volume lev-
el to “0” using buttons +/–. Clock (TIME REG)
This function enables to adjust the clock.
To adjust the clock proceed as follows:
❒press button MENUuntil selecting
TIME REG;
❒press again button MENU:TIME
and clock will flash;
❒press buttons +/–to adjust time.
Clock is always displayed in 24h mode
(24 hours).

ENGINE OIL LEVEL
INDICATION
Fitting the electronic key into the igni-
tion device, the display will show for a
few seconds the engine oil level. At this
stage, to clear this indication and to go
to next screen, press button MENU.
Low oil level will be indicated by a ded-
icated warning message on the display.
IMPORTANT Check the proper en-
gine oil level on the dipstick (see para-
graph “Checking levels” in section “Car
maintenance”).
IMPORTANTProper engine oil level
shall be checked with the car on level
ground.
IMPORTANT To read the correct oil
level after fitting the electronic key, wait
for about 2 seconds before starting the
engine.
IMPORTANT Engine oil level could in-
crease after a long stop. Scheduled servicing
IMPORTANTThe Service schedule in-
cludes car maintenance every 30,000
km (or 18,000 mi); this is shown au-
tomatically, with the electronic key in-
to the ignition device starting from
2,000 km (or 1,240 mi) from this
deadline and it will be displayed in km
or miles according to the unit set. When
a scheduled service interval (“coupon”)
is near to come, fitting the electronic key
into the ignition device will display a
message followed by the number of
km/mi to go before car servicing. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
carry out any service operation provid-
ed by the Service schedule or by the An-
nual inspection plan, and to reset the
display.
28
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Distance unit (UNIT)
With this function it is possible to set the
required distance unit (km or mi).
To set the distance unit, proceed as fol-
lows:
❒press button MENUuntil selecting
UNIT: the display will show UNIT
and “km” or “mi”;
❒press again button MENU: “km”
(or “mi”) will flash;
❒press buttons +/–to set the re-
quired distance unit.