phone Alfa Romeo 159 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

Any queries concerning servicing should be forwarded to the showroom from which the car was purchased, the sub-
sidiary company or to our branch offices or any point of the Alfa Romeo Network.
Warranty Booklet
The Warranty Booklet is delivered together with every new car and contains the regulations tied to the services giv-
en by Alfa Romeo Services and to the warranty conditions.
Correctly carrying out the scheduled services specified by the manufacturer is the best way to maintain the perfor-
mance, safety characteristics and low running costs of your car. It is also necessary to maintain warranty cover.
“Service” guide
This contains the Alfa Romeo Authorized Services. The services can be recognized by the presence of the Alfa Romeo
badge and logo.
The Alfa Romeo organization in Italy can be found in the telephone book under the letter “A” Alfa Romeo.
Not all the models described in this booklet are available in all countries. Only some of the fittings described in this
booklet are fitted as standard to the car. The list of available accessories should be requested from the Alfa Romeo
Dealers.
001-045 Alfa 159 GB 4-06-2008 9:38 Pagina 4

12
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARIMPORTANT 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. 7is 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.
A0E0022mfig. 7
Never leave the elec-
tronic key unattended
to prevent anyone, especially
children, from holding it and
pressing button B-fig. 7 inad-
vertently.
WARNING
001-045 Alfa 159 GB 4-06-2008 9:38 Pagina 12

CLEARING THE
PROGRAMMED BUTTONS
You are recommended to clear the
HomeLink programming before selling
the car.
Programming is cleared on all the three
buttons at the same time.
Proceed as follows:
❒press and keep pressed the outer
buttons (AandC): 20 seconds af-
ter led Dwill start flashing.
❒Release both buttons.
TECHNICAL DATA FOR THE
ASSISTANCE SERVICE
If after following the previous instruc-
tions you are still unable to set the
HomeLink system, contact the Assis-
tance Service (HomeLink toll free num-
ber 00800046635465) and commu-
nicate the following data:
❒make and model of your car, in-
cluding the date of manufacture and
the country where you bought it;
❒make, model, date of manufacture
and operating frequency of the orig-
inal portable remote control (if
known).
IMPORTANTCertain phone carriers
do not permit the use of the toll-free
number. It is therefore required to dial
the alternative pay-number, +49 6838
907-277 (dialling this number will start
an international call). The distance required between the
portable remote control and the Home-
Link depends on the system to be pro-
grammed (type of frequency of main
door, gate or other system).
IfDdoes not start to flash quickly try
again changing the distance between
HomeLink and portable remote control
(move them away slightly). If 20 sec-
onds later the led is still flashing slow-
ing, repeat the operation changing again
the distance between Homelink and re-
mote control.
3) the HomeLink led Dwill start blink-
ing, first slowly and then quickly. When
it starts flashing quickly, release both
buttons (HomeLink and portable remote
control).
In this way the system previously pro-
grammed on HomeLink is cleared and
the new system is ready for use. This
operation has no effect on the other two
HomeLink buttons.
92
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
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117
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND
CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Mobile phones and other radio trans-
ceiver equipment (e.g.: HAM radio sys-
tems and the like) shall not be used in-
side the car unless a separate aerial is
mounted.
IMPORTANTThe use of mobile
phones, HAM radio systems or other
similar devices inside the passenger
compartment (without separate aerial)
may cause electronic systems equipping
the car to malfunction. This could com-
promise safety in addition to constitut-
ing a potential hazard for the passen-
gers.
In addition, transmission and reception
of these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the car body.
As concerns the use of mobile phones
(GSM, GPRS, UMTS) with homologa-
tion , keep strictly to the mobile
phone manufacturer’s specifications.
INSTALLATION OF
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed af-
ter buying the car or in aftermarket shall
bear the and marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installa-
tion of transceivers provided that instal-
lation is carried out at a specialized
shop, workmanlike performed and in
compliance with manufacturer’s speci-
fications.
IMPORTANTInstallation of devices
resulting in modifications of car charac-
teristics may cause driving license seiz-
ing by traffic agents and also the lapse
of the warranty as concerns defects due
to the abovementioned modification or
traceable back to it directly or indirectly.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. declines all responsibil-
ity for damages caused by the installa-
tion of non-genuine accessories or not
recommended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and
installed not in compliance with the spec-
ified requirements.
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142
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
Do not apply stickers
or other objects to the
steering wheel or to the air
bag cover on the passenger’s
side or on the side roof lining.
Never put objects (e.g. mobile
phones) on the dashboard on
passenger side since they
could interfere with proper
passenger air bag inflation and
also cause serious injury.
WARNING
FRONT AIR BAGS
The car is fitted with front multistage air
bags (“Smart bags”) for the driver and
the passenger and with knees air bag
for the driver and for the passenger
(where provided).
“SMART BAG” SYSTEM
(FRONT MULTISTAGE AIR
BAGS)
The front air bags (driver and passen-
ger) and knees air bags (driver and pas-
senger) have been designed to protect
the occupants in the event of head-on
crashes of medium-high severity, by plac-
ing cushions between the occupant and
the steering wheel or dashboard.
In case of crash, an electronic control
unit, when required, triggers the infla-
tion of the cushions that inflate, as a pro-
tection, between the body of the front
occupants and the structure that could
cause injuries. Immediately after, the
cushions deflate.
❒the air bag is not triggered as it offers
no additional protection compared with
the seat belts, consequently it would
be pointless. Therefore, failure to come
into action in the above circumstance
does not mean that the system is not
working properly. The front air bags (driver and passen-
ger) and knees air bags (driver and pas-
senger) are not a replacement of but
complementary to the use of belts,
which should always be worn, as spec-
ified by law in Europe and most non Eu-
ropean countries.
In case of crash, a person not wearing
the seat belt moves forward and may
come into contact with the cushion while
it is still inflating. Under this circum-
stance the protection offered by the air
bag is reduced.
Front air bags may not be activated in
the following situations:
❒front collisions against highly de-
formable objects not affecting the car
front surface (e.g. bumper collision
against guard rail, etc.);
❒in case of wedging under other ve-
hicles or protective barriers (for ex-
ample under a truck or guard rail);
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238
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Service schedule in this section will
no longer be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the car. If after buying
the car, you want to install elec-
tric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm,
free-hand phone kit, etc.) contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most
suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, check-
ing whether the car’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding
the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more
powerful battery.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have
the battery changed at Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services,
which is properly equipped for
disposing of used batteries re-
specting nature and the law.
The liquid in the bat-
tery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
eyes and skin. Do not bring
naked flames or possible
sources of sparks near to the
battery: risk of fire and ex-
plosion.
WARNING
Running the battery
with low fluid level can
damage the battery beyond
repair and could also cause its
explosion.
WARNING
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.
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309
SOUND SYSTEM
TRAFFIC INFO function
(traffic information)
Certain stations in the FM band (FM1, FM2
and FMT) are enabled to also broadcast in-
formation about traffic conditions. In this
case the display shows “TP”.
To turn the TA (traffic information) function
on/off, briefly press button MENU, select
“TRAFFIC INFO” and then ON/OFF.
IMPORTANT If the TA function (traffic infor-
mation) is on, with CD, CD Changer (if in-
stalled), Telephone or Mute/Pause active:
automatic station tuning will start.
With the TA function it is possible:
❒to search only RDS stations that transmit
in the FM band, enabled to broadcast traf-
fic information;
❒to receive traffic information although CD
player or CD Changer are being used;
❒to receive traffic information at a prede-
fined minimum volume even with the ra-
dio volume off.IMPORTANT In certain countries radio sta-
tions exist which, even if the TP function is
on (the display shows “TP”), do not trans-
mit traffic information.
If the radio is working in the AM band, when
TA is activated, it passes to the FM1 band
on the last station heard.
The volume with which the traffic bulletin
is transmitted varies depending on the lis-
tening volume:
❒listening volume below 20: traffic bulletin
volume = 20 (fixed value);
❒listening volume above 20: traffic bulletin
volume = listening volume +1.
If the volume is changed during a traffic bul-
letin the value is not shown on the display
and the new value is kept only for the bul-
letin in progress.
When receiving traffic information the dis-
play will show message “TRAFFIC INFOR-
MATION”.
The TA function is interrupted by pressing
any sound system button. AF SWITCHING function
(alternative frequency search)
Within the RDS system the radio can work
in two different modes:
❒“AF ON”: alternative frequency search on
(the display shows “AF”);
❒“AF OFF”: alternative frequency search
off.
With “AF ON”, the radio is automatically
tuned to the station with the strongest sig-
nal that is broadcasting the same pro-
gramme. During the journey it will thus be
possible to continue listening to the station
chosen without having to change the fre-
quency when changing area.
Of course, the station being listened to must
be receivable in the area the car is crossing.
To turn the AF function on/off press button
MENU, select “AF SWITCHING” and then
ON/OFF. If the AF function has been turned
on the display shows “AF”.
If the radio is working in the AM band, when
the AF function is activated, it passes to the
FM1 band on the last station selected.
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Rims
– understanding rim marking ... 258
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 ......................... 293
Steering................................. 256
Steering lock ........................... 21
Steering wheel (adjustment) ..... 49
Sun curtains ............................ 88
Sun visors ............................... 88
Sunroof.................................. 93
Suspensions............................ 256
Symbols................................. 9
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 ....................... 122Transmission ........................... 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 lights
– control .............................. 72
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.. 297
321
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
INDEX
319-328 Alfa 159 GB 4-06-2008 9:48 Pagina 321