brake Alfa Romeo 159 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

MUST BE READ!
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95.
Diesel engines: only refuel with diesel fuel conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of
other products or mixtures may irreparably damage the engine with invalidation of the warranty due to the
damage caused.
K
ENGINE STARTING
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition switch to the stop limit; fully depress the clutch or the brake pedal without pressing the accelerator; press
buttonSTART/STOPand release it as soon as the engine has started.
Diesel engines
:make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition switch to the stop limit; wait for the
Yandmwarning lights to go off; fully depress the clutch or or
the brake pedal without pressing the accelerator; press buttonSTART/STOPand release it as soon as the engine has
started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
While working, the catalyst develops a very high temperature. Do not park the car over grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or any other inflammable materials: risk of fire.

RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
A system for continuously monitoring emission system components to ensure greater environmental protec-
tion is fitted in your car.

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.

MESSAGES DISPLAYED
AT STARTING
After the engine oil level, the display will
show for a few seconds a message in-
dicating the procedure to follow to start
the engine (PRESS PEDAL AND
START: press brake or clutch pedal and
then press button START/STOPto
start the engine).Once on, the NIGHT PANfunction
can be deactivated as follows:❒by long press on button +(also with
external lights off);
❒removing the electronic key from the
ignition device.
When this function is off the display
shows “NIGHT PAN OFF”.
Messages “NIGHT PAN ON” or
“NIGHT PAN OFF” stay on the dis-
play for a few seconds, then they will
go off. To stop displaying before time,
briefly press button MENU.
ILLUMINATION OF REV
COUNTER/INSTRUMENTS
(NIGHT PAN)
This function enables to turn on/off
(ON/OFF) the lights of the rev
counter and instruments.
This function can be activated (only with
electronic key fitted into ignition device,
external lights on, and speedometer
built-in sensor in poor outside light set-
ting), by pressing for long button –.
When this function is on, the display will
show “NIGHT PAN ON”.
29
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS

76
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CRUISE CONTROL
(where provided)
GENERAL
The speed regulator (CRUISE CON-
TROL), with electronic control, makes
it possible to drive the car at the required
speed, without pressing the accelerator
pedal. This reduces driving fatigue dur-
ing long journeys (specially on high-
ways) because the speed memorised is
automatically maintained.
IMPORTANTThe Cruise Control must
be activated at speeds of between 45
and 180 k.p.h., in fourth, fifth and sixth
gears.
A0E0095mfig. 57
DEVICE ENGAGEMENT
Turn knurled ring A-fig. 57toÜ.
The device cannot be engaged in first
speed or reverse. It is recommended to
engage it in 4th or higher speeds. Trav-
elling downhill with the device engaged,
the car speed may increase more than
the memorised one.
When the device is activated the in-
strument panel warning light
Üturns
on (on certain versions together with a
message on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
TO MEMORISE SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❒turn the knurled ring A-fig. 57to
Üand press the accelerator pedal to
the required speed;
❒push the stalk upwards (+) or down-
wards (–), then release it: car speed
is memorised and it is therefore pos-
sible to release the accelerator ped-
al.
In the case of need (when overtaking
for instance) acceleration is possible sim-
ply pressing the accelerator pedal: re-
leasing the accelerator pedal, the car will
return to the speed memorised previ-
ously.
TO RESET THE MEMORISED
SPEED
If the device has been disengaged for
example pressing the brake or clutch
pedal, the memorised speed can be re-
set as follows:
❒accelerate gradually until reaching a
speed approaching the one memo-
rised;

77
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
❒pressing the brake pedal, pressing the
clutch pedal (in these cases the last
stored speed will stay memorised, to
resume it press button RES);
❒pressing the accelerator pedal; in this
case the system is disengaged only
temporarily; device operation will be
resumed automatically when releas-
ing the pedal;
❒with car speed below the preset lim-
it (in these cases the last stored
speed will stay memorised, to resume
it press button RES);
Automatic Cruise Control
deactivation
The Cruise Control is temporarily deac-
tivated when the ABS or VDC systems
come into operation (above a max. pre-
set time): in this case the last set speed
will stay memorised, to recall it press
buttonRES.
In the event of Cruise Control or engine
control system failure, the device is de-
activated until removing the electronic
key from the ignition device. In this
event contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
❒engage the gear selected at the time
of speed memorising (4th or 5th
gear);
❒press the RESbutton (set at stalk
end).
TO INCREASE THE
MEMORISED SPEED
The speed memorised can be increased
in two ways:
❒pressing the accelerator and then
memorising the new speed reached;
or
❒moving the stalk upwards (+).
Each operation of the stalk will corre-
spond to a slight increase in speed
(about 1.5 km/h), while keeping the
stalk upwards will correspond to a con-
tinuous speed increase.
TO REDUCE MEMORISED
SPEED
The speed memorised can be increased
in two ways:
❒disengaging the device and then
memorising the new speed;
or
❒moving the stalk downwards (–) un-
til reaching the new speed which will
be memorised automatically.
Each operation of the stalk will corre-
spond to a slight decrease in speed
(about 1.5 km/h), while keeping the
stalk downwards will correspond to a
continuous speed decrease.
DEVICE DISENGAGEMENT
The device is disengaged in one of the
following cases:
❒turning the knurled ring A-fig. 57
toO;
❒turning the engine off or removing
the electronic key from the ignition
device;

85
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
To open the lid B, switch A-fig. 73
(accessible from the boot) shall be set
in vertical position (horizontal position
Á= compartment locked).
A0E0148mfig. 73
A0E0147mfig. 72
GLOVE COMPARTMENT
To open the glove compartment use lever
A-fig. 74. When the glove compart-
ment is opened, the internal courtesy light
turns on. Leaving inadvertently open the
glove compartment, this light will turn off
automatically after a few minutes. The
folding top is also provided with a recess
for a pen or a pencil.
A0E0149mfig. 74
Do not travel with the
glove compartment open;
it could harm the passen-
ger in the event of an accident.
CIGAR LIGHTER
Front cigar lighter
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
It is located on the central console, near
the handbrake lever. To use the cigar
lighter, raise cover A-fig. 75as shown
by the arrow.
A0E0031mfig. 75

87
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
GLASS/CAN HOLDER
fig. 80
It is located on the central console, near
the handbrake lever. To use it lift cover
A-fig. 75.
EYEGLASSES HOLDER
(where provided)
It is located near the front ceiling light.
To use it, press lid A-fig. 81.
ASHTRAY
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
Front ashtray
It is located on the central console, near
the handbrake lever.
To use the cigar lighter, raise cover A-
fig. 78 and open lid B.
Front ashtray is removable: to remove
it, pull it upwards.
IMPORTANT Do not use the ashtray
as paper bin: it could set on fire on con-
tact with cigarette stubs.
A0E0153mfig. 79A0E0101mfig. 80
A0E0156mfig. 81
A0E0140mfig. 78
Rear ashtray
It is located on the central console, be-
tween front seats. To use the ashtray,
lift lid A-fig. 79as shown by the ar-
row.
Rear ashtray is removable: to remove it,
press on the central part and pull it up-
wards.
IMPORTANTDo not use the ashtray
as paper bin: it could set on fire on con-
tact with cigarette stubs.

PROGRAMMING
IMPORTANTWhile programming the
system, check for the absence of peo-
ple, animals or objects within the ma-
noeuvre space of main doors or gates to
prevent the risk of injuries or damages.
IMPORTANTPull up the handbrake
and fit the key into the ignition device.
Do not start the engine.Proceed as follows:
1) press and keep pressed the outer but-
tons (AandC): 20 seconds after led D
will start flashing. Release both buttons;
NOTEThis operation clears the stan-
dard codes programmed by the manu-
facturer. It will not be necessary to re-
peat this operation the next time you
program the buttons.
2) press and keep pressed the required
HomeLink button AorBorC. Do not
release the button until completing op-
eration4;
3) when the HomeLink led Dstarts
flashing slowly (about 20 seconds af-
ter) bring the portable remote control
(keeping the button to program
pressed) as close as possible to the
HomeLink.
89
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
HOMELINK
(where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The HomeLink fixed-system installed on
your car enables to control up to three
different devices for opening/closing
garage doors or gates, or for turning
on/off lighting system and for activat-
ing/deactivating alarm systems installed
at home and/or office.
A0E0311mfig. 86

Proceed as follows:
❒find the set-up button on the upper
side of the garage door/gate motor.
Colour and position may vary ac-
cording to the manufacturer (consult
the motor handbook);
❒press the motor set-up button (this
action will usually turn up the "set-
up" pilot light). After operation 2,
start to perform operation 3 within
30 seconds;
❒press the programmed button (Aor
BorC) and release it. Press again
the programmed button and then re-
lease it to end the operation. Certain
motors could require to repeat once
again the operation for concluding
the setting.
Now the motor should be up to recog-
nise the signal transmitted by HomeLink
and therefore to open/close the garage
door or the gate.
RE-PROGRAMMING ONE
SINGLE BUTTON
It is possible to programme another orig-
inal portable remote control on one
HomeLink button already programmed.
Previous programming will be cancelled.
IMPORTANTWhile programming the
system, check for the absence of peo-
ple, animals or objects within the ma-
noeuvre space of main doors or gates to
prevent the risk of injuries or damages.
IMPORTANTPull up the handbrake
and fit the key into the ignition device.
Do not start the engine.
Proceed as follows:
1) press and keep pressed the required
HomeLink button AorBorC. Do not
release the button until completing op-
eration3;
2) when the HomeLink led Dstarts
flashing slowly (about 20 seconds af-
ter) bring the portable remote control
(keeping the button to program
pressed) as close as possible to the
HomeLink. HomeLink can only work if the pro-
grammed alternate code is synchronised
with the system of the device (garage
door, gate, etc.).
IMPORTANTWhile synchronising the
system, check for the absence of peo-
ple, animals or objects within the ma-
noeuvre space of main doors or gates to
prevent the risk of injuries or damages.
IMPORTANTThe car shall be within
the range of the motor. Pull up the hand-
brake and fit the key into the ignition
device. Do not start the engine.
91
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS