parking 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.

Failure warnings
System failure is indicated by the turn-
ing on of warning light
*(where pro-
vided) on the instrument panel (on cer-
tain versions together with the dedicat-
ed message on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
IMPORTANTThe Hill Holder system
is not a parking brake. Never get out
of the car without engaging the hand-
brake, switching the engine off and en-
gaging the first gear.
ASR SYSTEM
(AntiSlip Regulation)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system, it controls car drive and cuts in
automatically every time one or both dri-
ving wheels slip.
According to slipping conditions, two dif-
ferent control systems are activated:
❒ if slipping involves both driving
wheels, the ASR function intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in auto-
matically braking the wheel that is
slipping. This time elapsing without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by
releasing gradually the brake force.
At releasing, the typical brake disen-
gagement noise indicating that the car
is going to move will be heard.
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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
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MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS

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LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
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INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
If a failure is indicated, stop the car, turn
the engine off and then clean the sen-
sors. Make sure to be far from possible
ultrasound sources (e.g.: truck pneu-
matic brakes or pneumatic hammers).
If failure cause has been eliminated the
system will resume regular operation
and warning
tand the corresponding
warning message will turn off.
If the warning light stays on, contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services to have
the system inspected, although the sys-
tem keeps on working. If the failure de-
tected does not impair system operation,
the system keeps on working and fail-
ure is stored in order to be then detect-
ed by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
at next inspection.
GENERAL WARNINGS
When parking, take the utmost care to
obstacles that may be set above or un-
der the sensors. Objects set close to the
car front or rear part, under certain cir-
cumstances are not detected and could
therefore cause damages to the car or
be damaged.
Indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposited on
the sensors or by ultrasound systems
(e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes or pneu-
matic hammers) set nearby the car.
TOWING TRAILERS
Rear sensors are reactivated automati-
cally when removing the trailer cable
plug.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
The system control unit checks every
system component each time the key is
fitted into the ignition device. Sensors
and relevant electrical connections are
then constantly monitored during sys-
tem operation.
Sensor failure is indicated by turning on
of warning light
t(where provided)
on the instrument panel (on certain ver-
sions together with the message on the
display) (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
Rear sensors operation
is deactivated automat-
ically when the trailer
electric cable plug is fitted into
the car tow hook socket.

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DEVICES
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LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
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EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
To release the handbrake proceed as fol-
lows:
❒Slightly lift the handbrake Aand
press release button B;
❒Keep button Bpressed and lower the
lever. Warning light
xon the in-
strument panel will turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever A-fig. 2 is locat-
ed between the two front seats. Pull the
handbrake lever Aupwards, until the
car cannot be moved.
With electronic key fitted into the igni-
tion device, the instrument panel warn-
ing light
xwill come on.
IMPORTANT The car shall stop after
a few clicks of the handbrake lever. If
this is not the case, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the hand-
brake adjusted.
A0E0030mfig. 2
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒Stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
❒Engage a gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the car is faced uphill or
reverse if it is faced downhill) and
leave the wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope. Do
not leave the electronic key in the igni-
tion switch to prevent draining the bat-
tery.
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the electronic key
from the ignition device when
leaving the car and take it out
with you.
WARNING

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MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
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INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
W W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ON ..................... 167
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................. 167
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED ................................. 167
AIR BAG FAILURE................................................ 168
PASSANGER’S FRONT AIR BAGS DEACTIVATED ........ 169
ENGINE COOLANT HIGH TEMPERATURE.................. 169
ENGINE OIL HIGH TEMPERATURE .......................... 170
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/
EXHAUST OIL..................................................... 170
LOW BATTERY CHARGE ....................................... 170
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING ............................... 171
BONNET OPEN ................................................... 171
BOOT OPEN....................................................... 171
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE....................................... 171
CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
STEERING LOCK INHIBITION................................. 172
ALARM FAILURE/BREAK-IN ATTEMPT
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT RECOGNIZED ...................... 172
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD............ 173
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUGS/
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUG FAILURE ....................... 173
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER ............................. 174
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHED ON ................. 174
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE......................................... 175
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE......................................... 175VDC SYSTEM .................................................... 175
HILL HOLDER FAILURE ........................................ 176
ASR SYSTEM (WHEEL ANTISKID SYSTEM) ............. 176
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE .................................. 176
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE ....................................... 177
REAR FOGLIGHTS ............................................... 177
FRONT FOG LIGHTS ............................................ 177
SIDE/TAILLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME .................. 177
DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS.................................. 177
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS .................................... 177
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ........................ 177
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ...................... 177
LIGHT SENSOR FAILURE........................................ 178
RAIN SENSOR FAILURE......................................... 178
PARKING SENSORS FAILURE ................................ 178
FUEL RESERVE – LIMITED CRUISING RANGE .......... 178
CRUISE CONTROL .............................................. 178
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED .................. 178
ANTIPINCH SYSTEM FAILURE ............................... 179
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID LOW LEVEL ............. 179
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED ..................................... 179
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM FAILURE ................................... 179
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE ...................................... 179
LOW INFLATION PRESSURE ................................. 180
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR SPEED ............. 180

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CORRECT USE
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DASHBOARD
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CONTROLS
TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS
1.8 - 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 3.2 JTS - 2.4 JTDM
1.9 JTDM8v - 1.9 JTDM16v
Service brakes:
– front Disc, self-ventilating Disc, self-ventilating
– rear Disc Disc, self-ventilating
Parking brake Controlled by hand lever, it works on rear brakes
IMPORTANT Water, ice and antifreeze salt on roads may deposit on the brake discs thus reducing braking efficiency at first braking.
1.8 - 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 3.2 JTS - 1.9 JTDM8V- 1.9 JTDM16v - 2.4 JTDM
Type Rack and pinion with hydraulic power steering
Turning radius
(between pavements) 11.1
BRAKES
STEERING
1.8 - 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 3.2 JTS - 1.9 JTDM8V- 1.9 JTDM16v - 2.4 JTDM
Front High quadrilateral system
Rear Multi-link system
SUSPENSIONS

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CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
INDEX
Fuel cut-off and power supply
switches ................................ 81
Fuel feed ................................ 255
Fuel filler cap ........................... 126
Fuses (replacement) .......... 209-291
Gearbox (use) ........................ 156
Glass/can holder ...................... 87
Glove compartment .................. 85
Glove compartment light
– bulb replacement ................ 207
Handbrake .............................. 155
Hazard lights ........................... 72
Head restraints .................. 48-49
Headlight washer
– control ............................... 73
– fluid level ........................... 232
Headlights ............................... 65
– adjusting headlight beam ..... 106
– headlight adjustment abroad 107
– headlight aiming device ....... 106
– front fog light adjustment ..... 107
Hill Holder system .................... 111
Homelink ................................ 89
Identification data .................... 250
If an exterior light burns out 196-286
If an interior light burns out . 205-289
Ignition device ......................... 19
In an emergency................. 181
Inactivity of the car ................... 164Inertial fuel cut-off switch .......... 80
Installation of electric/
electronic devices ................... 117
Instrument panel ...................... 7-8
Instruments ............................. 21
Interior fittings ......................... 83
Interiors .................................. 247
Isofix universal
(child's seat) .................. 140-285
Jacking the car ........................ 220
Labels
– identification data ............... 250
– bodywork paint .................. 251
Level checks ............................ 230
Main beam headlights
– bulb replacement ................ 199
– control ............................... 70
Manual climate control system ... 55
MSR system ............................ 114
Multifunction display ................. 25
Number plate light ................... 204
Oddments compartments .......... 88
Paint ...................................... 246
Parking ................................... 155
Parking lights
– control ............................... 72 Electronic key .......................... 12
Engine
– identification code ............... 252
– marking ............................. 251
– technical data ..................... 253
Engine oil
– consumption ...................... 232
– level check ......................... 231
– specifications ...................... 266
Engine starting ......................... 152
Environment protection ............. 127
EOBD system ........................... 115
External lights .......................... 70
Eyeglasses holder ..................... 87
Fix&Go automatic (device) ....... 190
Flashing the headlights ............. 70
Fluid level checks ..................... 230
Fluids and lubricants ................. 267
Follow me home (device) ......... 71
Front air bags .......................... 141
Front ceiling lights
– bulb replacement ................ 205
– control ............................... 78
Front fog lights
– bulb replacement ................ 201
– control ............................... 72
Fuel
– consumption ...................... 269
– fuel cut-off switch ................ 81
– fuel gauge ......................... 22

294
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
CAR
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
INDEX
Roof rack/ski rack ............. 106-284
Rubber hoses ........................... 243
Safe lock device ....................... 14
Safety devices.................... 129
S.B.R. system .......................... 131
Seat belts ............................... 130
Seats ...................................... 45
Side/taillights
– bulb replacement ......... 200-203
– control ............................... 70
Ski tunnel ............................... 84
Smart washing ........................ 74
Snow chains ............................ 163
Sound system (presetting) ........ 116
Steering .................................. 256
Steering lock ........................... 21
Steering wheel (adjustment) ..... 49
Sun curtains ............................ 88
Sun visors ............................... 88
Sunroof .................................. 93
Suspensions ............................ 256
Symbols ................................. 10
Technical Specifications...... 249
Third brake light ....................... 204
Top speeds .............................. 263
Towing the car ......................... 221
Towing trailers
– installing the tow hook ........ 159
T.P.M.S. system ........................ 122
Transmission ............................ 255
Tyres– changing ........................... 183
– inflation pressures ............... 260
– snow tyres ......................... 162
– standard tyres .................... 259
– understanding tyre marking .. 257
VDC system ............................ 110
Warning lights and
messages.......................... 165
Weights .................................. 264
Wheel geometry ...................... 260
Wheel rims
– understanding rim marking ... 258
Wheels
– changing ........................... 183
– technical data ..................... 257
Wheels and tyres ..................... 241
Windows (cleaning) ................. 247
Windscreen washer
– control ............................... 75
– fluid level ........................... 232
Windscreen wiper
– blades ............................... 243
– control ............................... 73
– nozzle ............................... 244 Parking sensors ........................ 118
Performance ............................ 263
Power windows ....................... 99
Pretensioners ........................... 132
Protecting the environment ........ 127
Puddle light
– bulb replacement ................ 208
Quick tyre repair kit
Fix&Go automatic .................. 190
Radio frequency remote control:
ministerial certifications ........... 271
Radio transmitters
and cellular telephones ............ 117
Rain sensor ............................. 74
Rear ceiling lights
– bulb replacement ................ 205
– control ............................... 80
Rear fog lights
– bulb replacement ................ 202
– control ............................... 72
Rearview mirrors ...................... 50
Reconfigurable multifunction
display .................................. 30
Rev counter ............................. 21
Reverse light
– bulb replacement ................ 202
Right hand drive version.. 292
Rims
– understanding rim marking ... 258