clutch Alfa Romeo 159 2010 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: ensure that the handbrake is up, fully press the clutch pedal, without pressing the accelerator, put
the gear lever neutral, fit the electronic key into the ignition device to stop limit, briefly press the START/STOPbut-
ton.
Diesel engines:ensure that the handbrake is up, fully press the clutch pedal, without pressing the accelerator, put
the gear lever neutral, fit the electronic key down into the ignition device until it stops. The instrument panel warning
light
mwill turn on, wait for the warning light mto turn off. The hotter the engine is, the quicker this will happen,
briefly press the START/STOPbutton as soon as the warning light
mturns on.
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.
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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
button START/STOP without
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. 15
ENGINE STARTING
See paragraph “Engine starting” in sec-
tion “Correct use of the car”.
START/STOP BUTTON
fig. 15
Button START/STOP, set on the
dashboard, controls car electric systems
and engine starting/stopping.
Button START/STOPis fitted with
knurled ring and led. When the led and
the instrument panel are on, the engine
can be started.
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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
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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
button RES.
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.
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;
❒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
to O;
❒turning the engine off or removing
the electronic key from the ignition
device;
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111
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Performance of the
VDC system, in terms
of active safety should not in-
duce the driver to take point-
less and unnecessary risks.
The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to
the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility an traffic. Road
safety is always the driver’s
responsibility.
WARNING
During the use of the
space-saver spare
wheel for versions/markets,
(where provided), the VDC
system carries on working.
However, you must remind
that the space-saver spare
wheel has dimensions smaller
than the standard tyre and
therefore its grip is reduced as
to the other car tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of
the VDC system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system and it is provided to facilitate
starting on slopes:
❒uphill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed, gearbox to neutral or
engaged gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed and reverse gear en-
gaged.
At pickup the VDC system control unit
will keep brake force on wheels until
reaching the torque suitable for starting,
or in any case for about 1 second in or-
der to pass easily from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal.
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151
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒ Fully press the clutch pedal, without
pressing the accelerator;
❒Put the gear lever neutral;
❒Fit the electronic key into the ignition
device to stop limit;
❒Briefly press the START/STOPbut-
ton.
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Fully press the clutch pedal, without
pressing the accelerator;
❒Put the gear lever neutral;
❒fit the electronic key down into the
ignition device until it stops. The in-
strument panel warning light
m
will turn on;
❒Wait for the warning light mto
turn off. The hotter the engine is, the
quicker this will happen;
❒Briefly press the START/STOPbut-
ton as soon as the warning light
m
turns on. Waiting for too long means
making spark plugs heating useless. The starter automatically operates until
the engine starts.
With engine off and electronic key in-
serted in the ignition device, it is possible
to operate the automatic ignition briefly
pressing the START/STOPbutton and
keeping the clutch pedal pressed.
IMPORTANTIt is possible to start the
engine keeping pressed only the brake
pedal. In that case, automatic start is not
enabled. Then press the START/STOP
button and release it as soon as the en-
gine starts.
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152
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The starter automatically operates until
the engine starts.
With engine off and electronic key in-
serted in the ignition device, it is possi-
ble to operate the automatic ignition
briefly pressing the START/STOPbut-
ton and keeping the clutch pedal
pressed.
In the event of cold weather, we rec-
ommend to wait for warning light
m
turn off before operating the starter.
IMPORTANTIt is possible to start the
engine keeping pressed only the brake
pedal. In that case, automatic start is not
enabled. Then press the START/STOP
button and release it as soon as the en-
gine starts.IMPORTANT
If at start-up the engine turns off, restart
it by pressing the clutch or brake pedal
and then press button START/STOP.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not insist but contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
With car started the electronic key is
locked into the ignition device and it can
be removed only after switching the en-
gine off. With car running and key
locked into the ignition device, forced
key removal could damage the ignition
device.Start-up failures, if any, are indicated by
the turning on of the warning light
Y
on the instrument panel (on certain ver-
sions a dedicated message is displayed).
In this case contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
If the engine will not start after pressing
button START/STOP, repeat the
start-up procedure by pressing the oth-
er pedal (clutch or brake).
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153
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Start-up failures
The system can recognise start-up fail-
ures.
In the event of failure, the electronic key
can be removed from the ignition device to
enable the driver to carry out the follow-
ing operations:
❒turn the instrument panel off by
pressing button START/STOPor
removing the electronic key from the
ignition device;
❒start the engine again by pressing the
clutch/brake pedal and button
START/STOP.
IMPORTANT In the event of engine
locking while the car is running, due to
safety reasons it will not be possible to
take the electronic key out of the igni-
tion device. To remove it, press button
START/STOPwith brake pedal (or
clutch pedal) released and car stopped.
HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS
JUST STARTED
(petrol and diesel engines)
Proceed as follows:
❒Drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not acceler-
ate abruptly;
❒Do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres. Wait until the
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.
IMPORTANTAfter a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
With car stopped press button START/
STOP. When the engine is off it will be
possible to remove the electronic key
from the ignition device.
In an emergency, and
for safety reasons the
engine can be turned off when
the car is running by pressing
repeatedly (3 times within
2 seconds) or by keeping
pressed button START/STOP
for a few seconds. In this case
the steering lock cannot be en-
gaged.
WARNING
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154
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANTTurning the car off will
deactivate the electronic safety systems
and turn off the external lights.
IMPORTANTIn the event of engine
locking while the car is running, due to
safety reasons it will not be possible to
take the electronic key out of the igni-
tion device. To remove it, turn the in-
strument panel on and off by pressing
button START/STOPwith brake ped-
al (and clutch pedal) released and car
stopped. REMOVING THE ELECTRONIC
KEY FROM THE IGNITION
DEVICE IN AN EMERGENCY
In the event of a failure at engine switch-
ing off system or at electronic key un-
locking system proceed as follows:
❒press the unlocking button to remove
the metal insert (see paragraph
“Electronic key” in section “Dash-
board and controls”);
❒fit the metal insert B-fig. 1of the
electronic key into the slot A;
❒remove the electronic key from the
ignition device.
A quick burst on the ac-
celerator before turning
off the engine serves
absolutely no practical purpose,
it wastes fuel and is damaging
especially to turbocharged en-
gines.
IMPORTANTOnly fit the metal insert
Bof the electronic key into slot A-fig.1.
IMPORTANTStop the car before
emergency removal of the key, since re-
moving the key with the engine running
will turn both the engine and the in-
strument panel off and the steering lock
will not be engaged.
A0E0043mfig. 1
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156
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANT The car can only be put
into reverse gear when it has stopped
moving completely. With the engine run-
ning, before engaging the reverse, wait
at least 3 seconds with the clutch ped-
al fully down to prevent damage and
grating of the gears.
A0E0151mfig. 4
To change gears prop-
erly you must push the
clutch pedal fully down. It is
therefore essential that there
is nothing under the pedals:
make sure mats are lying flat
and do not get in the way of
the pedals.
WARNING
Do not drive with your
hand resting on the gear
lever as the force ex-
erted, even if slight, could lead
over time to premature wear on
the gearbox internal compo-
nents. The clutch pedal must be
used for gear shift only. Never
drive with the foot resting,
even if slightly, on the clutch
pedal. For versions/markets
where applicable the clutch ped-
al control electronics can inter-
vene interpreting the wrong dri-
ve style as a fault.
USING THE
GEARBOX
The car can be fitted with 6-gear or
5-gear manual gearbox (1.8 140 HP
version). Gear positions are shown on
the gearshift lever knob.
Always press down the clutch pedal
when shifting gears. To engage the 6
th
gear, move the gearshift lever pressing
slightly rightwards to prevent engaging
the 4
th gear accidentally.
To engage reverse R from neutral, raise
ringA-fig. 3or A-fig. 4 under the
knob and at the same time move the
gearshift lever leftwards and then for-
ward. After engaging reverse release the
ring. To shift from reverse to another
gear it is not necessary to raise the ring.
A0E0397mfig. 3
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