air condition Alfa Romeo 159 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

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

57
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CLIMATE CONTROL
(fast cooling)
IMPORTANTThe compressor √can
be enabled only if the ventilation is en-
abled.
Proceed as follows:
❒turn knob Acompletely leftwards;
❒turn knob Cto top speed;
❒turn knob BtoO;
❒press buttons √andv(buttons
leds on).
How to keep the required
cooling
Proceed as follows:
❒turn air recirculation off (if on).
❒turn knob Ato the required temper-
ature;
❒turn the knurled ring Cto the required
fan speed.
LOOKING AFTER THE
SYSTEM
During the winter, the climate control
system
√must be turned on at least
once a month for about ten minutes.
Before summer, have the system
checked at Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
RECIRCULATION
To turn this function on press button
v: the button led will turn on.
This function is particularly useful when
the outside air is heavily polluted (in a
traffic jam, tunnel, etc.) However, it is
better not to use it for long periods, es-
pecially if there are several people in the
car to prevent window misting up.
Do not use the air recirculation function
on rainy/cold days as it would consid-
erably increase the possibility of the win-
dows misting inside.
IMPORTANTThe inside air recircula-
tion system makes it possible to reach
the required (“heating” or “cooling”)
conditions faster.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.

62
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
LO (LOW) function
(highest cooling power)
It is switched on by setting a tempera-
ture lower than 16°C on the display;
this setting is shown on the display. This
function can be switched on when you
wish to cool the passenger compartment
as quickly as possible, by taking the
greatest advantage from the system po-
tential.
The function cuts off air heating, switch-
es on both internal air recirculation (to
prevent hot air from entering the com-
partment) and the climate control com-
pressor, brings air distribution to
¯/˙
and the fan speed is controlled auto-
matically by the system. With the function switched on, howev-
er, all the manual settings can be made.
To switch the function off, you only need
to turn the ring of knob B/E/Pof the
temperature set to a value higher than
16°C; the opposite display and the rear
display (where provided) will show
16°C.
Pressing button AUTO, the display will
show a temperature of 16°C and re-
turns to an operating condition with au-
tomatic temperature adjustment. This function should not be ac-
tivated when the engine is cold,
to prevent air not warm enough
from entering the passenger
compartment.
With the function switched on, howev-
er, all the manual settings can be made.
To switch the function off, you only need
to turn the ring of knob (BorE/P) of
the temperature set to a value lower
than 32°C; the opposite display and the
rear display (where provided) will show
32°C.
Pressing button AUTO, the display will
show a temperature of 32°C and re-
turns to an operating condition with au-
tomatic temperature adjustment.

66
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
AIR DISTRIBUTION
SELECTION
Front seat Two-zone/
Three-zone configuration
Pressing buttons (front controls)
N/O/˙you can manually choose
one of the 7 possible modes for air dis-
tribution inside the compartment:
˙Flow of air to the dashboard centre
and side outlets (passenger’s body).
O˙Splitting of the air flow between
the vents to the lower part of the
passenger compartment (warmest
air) and the dashboard centre and
side outlets and the rear outlet
(coolest air).
OAir flow towards the front and rear
lower part of the passenger com-
partment. This type of distribution al-
lows heating of the passenger com-
partment in the shortest time by
proper setting of the temperature.
NSplitting of the air flow between
Owindscreen and front side window
demisting/defrosting vents and the
lower part of the passenger com-
partment. This type of air distribu-
tion allows satisfactory heating of
the passenger compartment while
preventing possible misting of the
windows.
NAir flow to the windscreen and front
side window vents to demist or de-
frost them.
N˙Splitting of the air flow between
the central/side dashboard vents,
rear vents and windscreen and
side window defrosting/demisting
vents. This type of air distribution
allows satisfactory ventilation of
the passenger compartment while
preventing possible misting of the
windows. With compressor off, the system will
check whether outside temperature is
higher or lower/same as the set one:
❒if outside temperature is lower than
the set one, the system will operate
regularly also with compressor off;
❒if outside temperature is higher than
the set one, the system will not be
able to keep the required condition,
the set temperature values will then
start to flash on the display.
Temperature detection (compressor off
and outside temperature higher than set
temperature) is activated each time the
electronic key is fitted into the ignition
device.
Operation of the cli-
mate control compres-
sor is necessary for cooling
and dehumidifying the air; it is
advisable to keep this function
always on, to prevent window
misting problems.
WARNING

68
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
POLLEN FILTER/ ACTIVATED
CARBON POLLEN FILTER
According to versions, the car can be fit-
ted with pollen filter or activated carbon
pollen filter (where provided). The filter
has the specific capability of admitting to
the passenger compartment purified air,
free from particles such as dust, pollen,
etc. The filtering action takes place un-
der all air inlet conditions and it is clear-
ly most effective with the windows shut.
Have the conditions of the filter checked
by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services at
least once a year, preferably at the on-
set of summer. If the car is used main-
ly in polluted or dusty areas it should be
checked and if necessary replaced at
shorter intervals than specified in the
Service Schedule (see section “Car
Maintenance”). AQS function (Air Quality
System) (where provided)
The AQS function turns on automatical-
ly air recirculation when it detects the
presence of polluted air (e.g. in queues
and tunnels).
IMPORTANTWith AQS function on,
after a preset time with recirculation on,
the compressor will enable outside air
inlet (for about 1 minute) to change air
inside the passenger compartment, re-
gardless of outside air pollution level.
IMPORTANTThe AQS function is dis-
abled when the outside temperature is
cold to prevent window misting up. To
reactivate this function, press button
v. Led “A” on button vwill
turn on to indicate that the function is
on.
Failure to replace the fil-
ter may considerably re-
duce the effectiveness of
the climate control system up to
blocking the air flow from the
outlets and vents.
In certain weather con-
ditions (e.g. outside
temperature around
0°C) and with automatic air re-
circulation control on, mist may
form on the windows. In this
case press button vto
switch off recirculation and if
necessary press button + to in-
crease the flow of air to the
windscreen.
With the outside tem-
perature below -1°C the
climate control compres-
sor is unable to work. It is
therefore inadvisable to use the
inside air recirculation function
with low outside temperature
as windows may mist over
quickly.

83
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
INTERIOR FITTINGS
CENTRAL ARMREST
The central armrest is located between
the front seats. Inside the armrest are
housed an oddment compartment and
an air-conditioned food box (where pro-
vided) (see next paragraphs).
On certain versions the central armrest
can be adjusted forward or backward by
operating the cover B-fig. 64.
Oddment compartment
To open the oddment compartment,
press button A-fig. 64and raise the
coverB.
A0E0141mfig. 65
Pay attention not to
spill the drinks: the food
box bottom however is
provided with a hole to drain
spilled liquids, if any.
REAR ARMREST
(where provided)
To use the central armrest A-fig. 66
lower it as shown in the figure.
A0E0139mfig. 66
A0E0039mfig. 64
Air-conditioned food box
(where provided)
Access to the food box is gained from
the oddment compartment by lifting tab
A-fig. 65. Turn wheel Bto adjust the
air flow inside the food box.
IMPORTANTFunction of the food
box is to keep the temperature of the
drinks placed inside it; drinks shall be
warmed or cooled as required before be-
ing put inside the food box.

123
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
If after repairing a punctured tyre with
the Fix&Go automatic kit and restoring
the initial conditions the flat tyre warn-
ing light continues to stay on, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Tyre pressure could change according to
outside temperature. For this reason the
T.P.M.S. system could temporarily indi-
cate low tyre pressure. In this event
check pressure with cold tyres and re-
store proper inflation values if required. If the car is fitted with T.P.M.S. system,
when changing a tyre, change also the
rubber seal of the valve and the fas-
tening ring of the sensor. Contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
Strong radio-frequency disturbances
could inhibit proper TPMS system oper-
ation. This condition is indicated by a
dedicated massage on the display. This
indication will go off automatically as
soon as the radio-frequency disturbance
ceases.If the car is fitted with T.P.M.S. system,
tyre and/or rim removal and refitting
operations involve special precautions;
to prevent damages or wrong sensor re-
fitting, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services to have tyre and/or rim
changed.

157
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
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.

168
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
AIR BAG FAILURE
(red)
Fitting the key into the ignition
device the warning light turns on, but
it should go off after few seconds.
The warning light stays on glowing
steadily (on certain versions together
with the message on the display) to in-
dicate a failure in the air bag system.
¬
If the ¬warning light
does not turn on when
fitting the key into the ignition
device, or if stays on when
travelling (on certain versions
together with the message on
the display), this could indicate
a failure in safety retaining sys-
tem; under this condition air
bags or pretensioners could not
trigger in the event of collision
or, in a restricted number of
cases, they could trigger acci-
dentally. Before restarting con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
WARNING
The buzzer can be muted temporarily by
the following procedure:
❒fasten the front seat belts;
❒fit the electronic key into the ignition de-
vice;
❒wait for over 20 seconds but less than
1 minute and then unfasten one of the
front seat belts.
This procedure will stand valid till next en-
gine switching off.
For permanent deactivation, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services. The S.B.R.
system can only be reset through the set-
up menu (see paragraph “Reconfigurable
multifunction display“ in section “Dash-
board and controls”).
Failure of the ¬warn-
ing light is indicated by
the flashing for more than the
normal 4 seconds of the pas-
senger's front air bag deacti-
vated warning light
F. In ad-
dition, the air bag system will
deactivate automatically the
passenger's front air bag (front
and side where provided). In
this event warning light
¬
could not indicate failure in
safety systems. Before restart-
ing contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services immediately to
have the system checked.
WARNING

169
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
PASSENGER’S
FRONT AIR BAGS
DEACTIVATED
(amber)
The warning light (set on the front ceil-
ing light panel) turns on when passen-
ger’s front air bags, passenger’s knees
air bag (where provided) and passen-
ger’s front side bag are deactivated
through the relevant key switch (for ver-
sions/markets where applicable).
With passenger's air bags active, when
fitting the electronic key into the ignition
device the warning light will turn on for
about 4 seconds, will flash for the next
4 seconds and then it will turn off.
F
–Car heavy duty(e.g.: towing trail-
er uphill or fully laden car): decrease
speed, if the warning light stays on, stop
the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes leaving
the engine on and slightly accelerated to
further activate the circulation of the
coolant fluid, then switch the engine off.
IMPORTANTUnder severe use of the
car, keep the engine on and slightly ac-
celerated for few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
Warning light Ffailure
is indicated by warning
light
¬. In addition, the air bag
system will deactivate auto-
matically the passenger's front
air bag (front and side). Before
restarting contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services immedi-
ately to have the system
checked.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLANT
HIGH TEMPERATURE
(red)
Fitting the key into the ignition device,
the warning light (set on engine coolant
gauge) turns on but it shall go off after
a few seconds.
The warning light turns on (on certain
versions a dedicated message is dis-
played) to indicate engine overheating.
If the warning light comes on, proceed
as follows:
–Normal driving conditions: stop
the car, switch off the engine and check
whether the water level in the reservoir
is not below the MINmarl. Otherwise
wait for few seconds to allow engine
cooling, then open slowly and carefully
the cap, top up coolant and check
whether its level is falling between MIN
andMAXmarks in the reservoir. Check
visually any leak. If when restarting the
warning light comes on again, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
u
With engine hot, do not
remove the cap: risk of
burnt.
WARNING