fuel 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.

7
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
A0E0056mfig. 1
1.Adjustable swivel side air vents - 2.Front side window demisting/defrosting vents - 3.External lights control lever - 4.In-
strument panel - 5.Driver’s air bag and horn -6.Windscreen wiper control lever - 7.Upper central vent - 8.Adjustable swiv-
el centre air vents - 9.Fuel level gauge/engine coolant temperature gauge/engine oil temperature gauge (petrol versions)
or turbocharger pressure gauge (diesel versions) - 10.Passenger’s air bag - 11.Passenger’s knees air bag (where provid-
ed) - 12.Glove box - 13.Sound system (where provided) - 14.Heating/ventilation/climate controls - 15.Engine
START/STOPbutton - 16.Ignition device - 17.Driver’s knees air bag - 18.Sound system controls on the steering
wheel (where provided) - 19.Cruise Control lever (where provided) - 20.Bonnet opening lever - 21.Dashboard fusebox
lid - 22.Switches for external lights, trip meter reset and headlamp aiming device.

ButtonËshall be used for central open-
ing of doors and fuel cap with alarm de-
activation (where provided).
Button
`shall be used to open the
tailgate.
When unlocking the doors by pressing
button
Ë, if by 2.5 minutes no door or
the boot is opened, the system will au-
tomatically lock the car again.
ELECTRONIC KEY fig. 7
The car is delivered with two copies of
the key with remote control.
The electronic key operates the ignition
switch.
Button
Áshall be used for central lock-
ing of doors, tailgate and fuel cap with
alarm activation (where provided).
ELECTRONIC KEY
CODE CARD
The CODE card fig. 6delivered with the
keys, contains the mechanical codeA
and the electronic one B.
The code numbers on the CODE card
must be kept in a safe place, not in the
car.
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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
A0E0023mfig. 6
If the car changes own-
er, the new owner must
be given the electronic
key and the CODE card.
A0E0021mfig. 7

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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The main functions that can be activated with the electronic key or with the emergency metals insert are the following:
(*) On certain versions it is possible to set the option “Unlocking front door only” through the “Setup Menu” (see paragraph “Reconfigurable multifunction
display” in this section). In this case pressing button
Áand turning the metal insert of the electronic key counter-clockwise will unlock the driver’s door
only. To unlock all the doors, press twice button
Ëwithin 1 second or turn twice the metal insert of the electronic key counter-clockwise.
IMPORTANTWindow and sunroof opening operations are a consequence of a door unlocking control. Window and sunroof closing operations are a con-
sequence of a door locking control.
Electronic
key
Emergency
metal
insert
Direction
indicators
flashing
Led on
driver’s door
Doors,
tailgate
and fuel cap
unlocking
Brief press on
button
Ë(*)
Electronic key
rotation
clockwise (*)
2 flashings
Deterrence
led offDoors,
tailgate
and fuel cap
locking
Brief press on
buttonÁ
Electronic key
rotation
counter-clockwise
1 flashing
Turning on fixed
for 3 seconds,
followed by
deterrence led
flashingWindow
and sunroof
opening
(where
provided)
Prolonged
pressing
(over 2 seconds)
on button
Ë
Electronic key
rotation
for over
2 seconds
clockwise
2 flashings
Deterrence led offWindow
and sunroof
closing
(where
provided)
–
Electronic key
rotation
for over
2 seconds
counter-clockwise
1 flashing
Turning on fixed
for about
3 seconds,
followed by
deterrence led
flashingSafe lock
(where
provided)
Double pressing
(within 1 second)
on button
Á
Double electronic
key rotation
within 1
second
counter-clockwise
3 flashings
Double
flashing,
followed by
deterrence led
flashingTailgate
opening
Brief press on
button
`
–
2 flashings
–

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

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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

Consumption
If the distance unit set is km (see pre-
vious paragraph) the display will enable
to set the fuel consumption unit (l/100
km, km/l or mpg).
If the distance unit set is “mi” (see pre-
vious paragraph) fuel consumption will
be displayed “mpg”.
In this case the option “Cons.Unit” of the
“Setup Menu” can be selected but it is
locked on “mpg”.
To set the required unit proceed as fol-
lows:
❒briefly press button MENU: “km/l”
or “l/100 km” (according to previ-
ous setting) will show on the display;
❒press button +or–to select the re-
quired language;
❒briefly press button MENUto go
back to the menu screen or press the
button for long to go back to the stan-
dard screen.Temperature
This function enables to set the tem-
perature unit (°C or °F).
To set the required unit proceed as fol-
lows:
❒briefly press button MENU: °C or °F
(according to previous setting) will
show on the display;
❒press button +or–to select the re-
quired language;
❒briefly press button MENUto go
back to the menu screen or press the
button for long to go back to the stan-
dard screen. Units
With this function it is possible to set the
units for distance covered (km or mi),
fuel consumption (l/100 km, km/l or
mpg) and temperature (°C or °F).
Distance
To set the required unit proceed as fol-
lows:
❒briefly press button MENU: “km” or
“mi” (according to previous setting)
will show on the display;
❒press button +or–to select the re-
quired language;
❒briefly press button MENUto go
back to the menu screen or press the
button for long to go back to the stan-
dard screen.
38
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR

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.

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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
In the following table are summarised the causes that make front/rear ceiling lights turn on/off and their turning on/off
mode:
Cause
Opening one of the front/rear doors
Closing all the doors
Removing the electronic key from the ignition device
Locking the doors
Unlocking the doors
Cutting in of the fuel cut-off switch
Front and rear ceiling lights turning on/off mode
Central front light and rear light turning on for a few minutes.
This timed operation will be reactivated each time a door is opened.
With electronic key removed from ignition device: ceiling lights
will stay on for other 10 seconds. This timed operation
is stopped when refitting the electronic key into the ignition
device
Starting the engine: front central and rear courtesy lights will
turn off
Front central and rear courtesy lights turning on for about
10 seconds
Front central and rear courtesy lights turning off
Front central and rear courtesy lights turning on for about
10 seconds
Front central and rear courtesy lights turning on for a few
minutes. Reactivating the fuel cut-off switch will turn off the
ceiling lights
In all the cases tabulated above, front and rear ceiling lights turning on/off is gradual, for 2 seconds.