service interval Alfa Romeo 159 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

ENGINE OIL LEVEL
INDICATION
Fitting the electronic key into the igni-
tion device, the display will show for a
few seconds the engine oil level. At this
stage, to clear this indication and to go
to next screen, press button MENU.
Low oil level will be indicated by a ded-
icated warning message on the display.
IMPORTANT Check the proper en-
gine oil level on the dipstick (see para-
graph “Checking levels” in section “Car
maintenance”).
IMPORTANTProper engine oil level
shall be checked with the car on level
ground.
IMPORTANT To read the correct oil
level after fitting the electronic key, wait
for about 2 seconds before starting the
engine.
IMPORTANT Engine oil level could in-
crease after a long stop. Scheduled servicing
IMPORTANTThe Service schedule in-
cludes car maintenance every 35,000
km (or 21,000 mi); this is shown au-
tomatically, with the electronic key in-
to the ignition device starting from
2,000 km (or 1,240 mi) from this
deadline and it will be displayed in km
or miles according to the unit set. When
a scheduled service interval (“coupon”)
is near to come, fitting the electronic key
into the ignition device will display a
message followed by the number of
km/mi to go before car servicing. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
carry out any service operation provid-
ed by the Service schedule or by the An-
nual inspection plan, and to reset the
display.
28
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Distance unit (UNIT)
With this function it is possible to set the
required distance unit (km or mi).
To set the distance unit, proceed as fol-
lows:
❒press button MENUuntil selecting
UNIT: the display will show UNIT
and “km” or “mi”;
❒press again button MENU: “km”
(or “mi”) will flash;
❒press buttons +/–to set the re-
quired distance unit.
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68
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
POLLEN FILTER/ ACTIVATED
CARBON POLLEN FILTER
According to versions, the car can be fit-
ted with pollen filter or activated carbon
pollen filter (where provided). The filter
has the specific capability of admitting to
the passenger compartment purified air,
free from particles such as dust, pollen,
etc. The filtering action takes place un-
der all air inlet conditions and it is clear-
ly most effective with the windows shut.
Have the conditions of the filter checked
by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services at
least once a year, preferably at the on-
set of summer.
If the car is used mainly in polluted or
dusty areas it should be checked and if
necessary replaced at shorter intervals
than specified in the Service Schedule
(see section “Car Maintenance”). AQS function (Air Quality
System) (where provided)
The AQS function turns on automatical-
ly air recirculation when it detects the
presence of polluted air (e.g. in queues
and tunnels).
IMPORTANTWith AQS function on,
after a preset time with recirculation on,
the compressor will enable outside air
inlet (for about 1 minute) to change air
inside the passenger compartment, re-
gardless of outside air pollution level.
IMPORTANTThe AQS function is dis-
abled when the outside temperature is
cold to prevent window misting up. To
reactivate this function, press button
v. Led “A” on button vwill
turn on to indicate that the function is
on.
Failure to replace the fil-
ter may considerably re-
duce the effectiveness of
the climate control system up to
blocking the air flow from the
outlets and vents.
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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
The car may be equipped with a Tyre
Pressure Monitoring System, which in-
dicates to the driver the tyre pressure
status by two different indications:
“Check tyre pressures” and “Low tyre
pressures”. For a detailed description of
the two indications, see the “Warning
Lights and Messages” section. This sys-
tem consists of a radio-frequency sen-
sor, installed on each wheel (on the rim
inside the tyre) that sends pressure in-
formation to the control unit.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Failure indications will not be stored and
therefore will not be displayed when
turning the engine off and on again. If
failure persists, the control unit will send
warning indications to the instrument
panel only after a few seconds when the
car is moving.
TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM -
T.P.M.S. (where provided)
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
The T.P.M.S. does not
exempt the driver from
checking tyre pressure, includ-
ing the space-saver spare
wheel (where provided) at
regular intervals.
WARNING
Tyre pressure should be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary
for whatever reason to check pressure
with hot tyres, do not reduce pressure
although it is higher than the prescribed
value but repeat the check when tyres
are cold (see section “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”).
T.P.M.S. cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g.: tyre burst). In this
event, brake the car cautiously and
avoid sudden steering.
The T.P.M.S. system requires special
equipment. Consult Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services to know what type of ac-
cessories are compatible with the sys-
tem (wheels, wheel caps, etc.). Using
other accessories could cause system
malfunctioning. Due to inflation valve
special characteristics, use only tyre re-
pair sealants approved by Alfa Romeo;
other sealants could cause system mal-
functioning.
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157
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading
to higher consumption. When the tem-
perature outside the car permits it, use
the air vents where possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific
use on the vehicle, may reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and
increase consumption. Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
car (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affects consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof as soon as they are no
longer used. These accessories lower air
penetration and adversely affect con-
sumption levels. When needing to car-
ry particularly voluminous objects, prefer-
ably use a trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window,
additional headlights, windscreen wipers
and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing
the requirement of current increases fu-
el consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of
your car down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service sched-
ule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, con-
sumption levels increase as resistance
to rolling is higher.
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224
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct maintenance is essential for en-
suring long car life under the best condi-
tions.
This is why Alfa Romeo has programmed
a series of checks and maintenance op-
erations every 35,000 km (or 21,000
mi).
IMPORTANTAt 2,000 km from the
scheduled service, the display will show
a dedicated message.
It is however important to remember that
scheduled servicing does not completely
cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before 35,000 km (or
21,000 mi) service coupon and later, be-
tween one coupon and another, ordinary
care is still required such as for example
routine check and topping up the level of
fluids, tyre pressure check, etc...IMPORTANTThe Programmed Main-
tenance coupons are specified by the
Manufacturer. The failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the warranty.
Scheduled Servicing is performed by all
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services, at pre-
established times.
If during whatever service operation, in
addition to the ones programmed, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out only
with the explicit agreement of the Cus-
tomer.IMPORTANTYou are advised to con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services in
the event of any minor operating faults,
without waiting for the next service
coupon.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one service coupon
and the other must be reduced.
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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Do not allow the pow-
er steering fluid to
touch the hot parts of the en-
gine: it is inflammable.
WARNING
BRAKE FLUID fig. 15
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum. Top up with the brake
fluid specified in the table “Fluids and
lubricants” (see section “Technical Spec-
ifications ").
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When
opening the cap take the utmost care to
prevent impurities entering the tank.
When topping up, always use a funnel
with built-in filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 0.12 mm.
A0E0016mfig. 15
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
From time to time, check the instrument
panel warning light
x: pressing on cap
A(with key fitted into the ignition de-
vice) the warning light shall turn on.
IMPORTANTBrake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the Service schedule.
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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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