battery Alfa Romeo 159 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

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).

13
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANT Never expose the elec-
tronic key to direct sunlight: risk of dam-
ages.
IMPORTANTRemote control fre-
quency may be disturbed by radio trans-
missions outside the car (e.g. mobile
phones, hams, etc…). In this event re-
mote control may be failing.
The electronic key fig. 8is fitted with
a metal insert A, that can be extracted
by pressing button B.
The metal insert operates the following:
❒central door locking/unlocking
through the driver's door lock (with
run-down car battery only the driver's
door will open);
❒windows opening/closing;
❒switch (where provided) for deacti-
vating the passenger’s air bag and
knees air bag (where provided);
❒safe-lock device (where provided);
❒emergency unlocking of electronic
key from ignition switch.Replacing the battery of the
electronic key
If when pressing button
Ë,Á, or `,
control given is refused or failing, the
battery should be replaced with an
equivalent one that can be purchased at
common stores.
To be sure that the battery is to be re-
placed, try again to press buttons
Ë,
Á, or `with another electronic key.
When closing the tailgate again, pro-
tection sensors are restored and direc-
tion indicators will flash once.
A0E0022mfig. 8
Never leave the elec-
tronic key unattended
to prevent anyone, especially
children, from holding it and
pressing button B-fig. 8 inad-
vertently.
WARNING
A0E0021mfig. 9

To change the battery fig. 10proceed
as follows:
❒take out the metal insert Aby press-
ing button B;
❒remove the snap-fitted case B-
fig. 11(red) by levering with the
metal insert Aof the electronic key
in the point shown in the figure;
❒remove the battery D-fig. 10from
the case taking note of the bias (in
the figure the positive pole is facing
downwards);
❒put the new battery into the case
with the correct bias;
❒put the case down into its seat and
refit the metal insert.
14
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
A0E0035mfig. 10A0E0242mfig. 11
Used batteries are
harmful to the environ-
ment. They should be
disposed of as specified by law
in the special containers pro-
vided, or take them to Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services
which will deal with their dis-
posal.
IMPORTANTNever touch the electric
contacts of the key and prevent fluid or
dust infiltration inside it.
SAFE LOCK DEVICE
(where provided)
This safety system inhibits the operation
of the car door handles.
The safe lock device represents top pro-
tection against break in attempts. Acti-
vate it each time you park the car.
Once the safe lock de-
vice has been actuated,
doors cannot be opened from
inside the car in any way
whatsoever. For this reason,
make sure there are no per-
sons left inside the car.
WARNING

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

42
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Values displayed
Average consumption
Represents the indicative average of con-
sumptions from the beginning of the
new mission.
Current consumption
This value shows instant fuel consump-
tion (this value is updated second by
second). If parking the car with engine
on, the display will show “- - - -”.
Average speed
This value shows the car average speed
as a function of the overall time elapsed
since the start of the new mission.
Travel time
This value shows the time elapsed since
the start of the new mission (driving
time).
Range
This value shows the distance in km (or
mi) that the car can still cover before
needing fuel, assuming that driving con-
ditions are kept unvaried.The display will show “- - - -“ in the fol-
lowing cases:
❒value lower than 50 km (30mi);
❒car left parked with engine running
for long.
IMPORTANTThe variation of the au-
tonomy value can be influenced by dif-
ferent factors: driving style (see what is
described in paragraph “Driving style”
in the chapter “Correct use of the car”),
type of route (highways, urban, moun-
tain, etc…), use conditions of the car
(load transported, tire pressure, etc…).
What was described previously must be
taken in consideration when planning
a trip.
Travel Distance
This value shows the distance covered
from the start of the new mission.
Each time the battery is connected and
each time a new mission is started (re-
set), the display will show “0.0”. The “Trip A” displays the figures relating
to:
❒Average consumption
❒Current consumption
❒Average speed
❒Travel time
❒Range
❒Travel Distance
“Trip B” displays information concern-
ing:
❒Travel Distance B
❒Average consumption B
❒Average speed B
❒Travel time B.

43
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARButtonTRIPshall also be used to reset
the “Trip A” and “Trip B” functions to
start a new mission:
❒short push: to display the different
values;
❒long push: to reset and then start
a new mission.
To scroll the Trip Computer options,
briefly press buttons
-and..
IMPORTANT“Trip A” reset will also
reset the “Trip B” function, whereas
“Trip B” reset will only reset the infor-
mation associated with this function. New mission (reset)
Reset can be:
❒“manual” reset is performed by the
driver by pressing button TRIP;
❒“automatic” reset is performed when
the trip distance reaches 9999.9 km
(or mi), when travel time reaches
99.59 (99 hours and 59 minutes)
or after disconnecting and then re-
connecting the battery.
TRIP BUTTON
ButtonTRIP fig. 28, set on the right
steering column stalk shall be used (with
electronic key into ignition device) to en-
ter the “Trip A” and “Trip B” function.
To scroll the values of each option use
buttons set aside the stalk.
A0E0076mfig. 28
Every Trip computer screen displays two
options of the active Trip (Trip A or Trip
B); one option is displayed at the top of
the screen, the other one at the bottom
(seefig. 29).
In the same screen it is not possible to
have displayed at the same time the
same option at the top and at the bot-
tom of the screen.
A0E0052mfig. 29