service interval Alfa Romeo 159 2010 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) (for versions/markets,
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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128
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Since this filter physically traps particu-
lates, it shall be cleaned (reclaimed) at
regular intervals by burning carbon par-
ticles. Reclaiming procedure is controlled
automatically by the engine control unit
according to the filter conditions and the
conditions of use of the car. During re-
claiming the following phenomena could
take place: idling slight increase, fan ac-
tivation, slight smoke increase, high ex-
haust temperatures. These situations
shall not be considered as faults and they
do not affect car performance and envi-
ronment. DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER
(DPF) (where required)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a me-
chanical filter, integral with the exhaust
system, that physically traps particulate
present in the exhaust gases of Diesel
engines.
The diesel particular filter has been
adopted to eliminate almost totally par-
ticulates in compliance with current /
future law regulations.
During normal use of the car, the engine
control unit records a set of data (e.g.:
travel time, type of route, temperatures,
etc.) and it will then calculate how much
particulates has been trapped by the fil-
ter.
During normal service
the diesel particulate
filter (DPF) (where required)
reaches high temperatures.
Do not therefore park the car
over inflammable materials
(grass, dry leaves, pine nee-
dles, etc.): fire hazard.
WARNING
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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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170
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
LIGHT STAYS ON:
LOW ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE (red)
FLASHING LIGHT:
EXHAUSTED ENGINE
OIL
(only Diesel versions
with DPF - red)
When the electronic key is inserted into
the starting device,
the warning light switch-
es on and should go out as soon as the en-
gine is started.
1. Low engine oil pressare
The warning light turns on and stays on con-
stantly (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided) along with the message on the dis-
play when the system detects that engine
oil pressure is low.– use of the vehicle for short drives, in which
the engine does not have time to reach its
regular operating temperature
– repeated interruption of the regeneration
process, signalled by the DPF warning light
coming on.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
The warning light (where pro-
vided) turns on, but it should go
off as soon as the engine has started (with
the engine running at idle speed a brief de-
lay in going out is allowed).
If the warning light (or as an alternative, on
certain versions, a symbol and a message
are displayed) stays on glowing steadily or
flashing contact immediately Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.w
v
If the warning light vturns on when the vehicle
is travelling (on certain versions
together with the message on the
display) stop the engine immedi-
ately and contact a Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
WARNING
2. Exhausted engine oil
(only Diesel versions with DPF)
The warning light will flash and a specific mes-
sage will appear on the display (for ver-
sions/markets, where provided). The warn-
ing light may flash in the following ways, de-
pending on the version:
– for 1 minute every two hours;
– for 3 minute cycles with the warning light
off for intervals of 5 seconds until oil is
changed.
After the initial warning, each time the engine
is started up, the warning light will continue
to flash in the above mentioned modes, un-
til the oil is changed. A specific message will
appear on the display (for versions/markets,
where provided) in addition to the warning
light. If the warning light flashes, this does
not mean that the car is defective but sim-
ply informs the driver that it is now necessary
to change the oil as a result of regular vehi-
cle use.
Note that engine oil is exhausted faster un-
der the following circumstances:
– use of the vehicle prevalently for city driving,
requiring more frequent regeneration of DPF
MINIMUM ENGINE
OIL LEVEL (RED)
When the electronic key is in-
serted into the starting device the
display will show the engine oil level for
a few seconds.
On some versions the display will show
a message and a symbol if the engine oil
level is too low. In this case, top up the
engine oil to the correct level (see “Check-
ing fluid levels” in “Car maintenance”
chapter).k
Exhausted engine oil
should be replaced as soon
as possible after the warning light
comes on, never more than 500
km after the warning light first
comes on. Failure to change the oil
within the first 500 km may result
in severe damage to the engine
and will result in forfeiture of the
warranty. Remember that when
the warning light flashes, it does
not mean that the level of engine
oil is low, so if the light flashes you
must not top up.
WARNING
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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).
IMPORTANTThe actual engine oil and
filter change frequency depends on the
conditions of use of the car and is si-
gnalled by means of a warning light or
message (where provided) on the in-
strument panel.
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.
CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
224
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BRAKE FLUID fig. 17
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. 17
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.
CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
236
Brake fluid is poisonous
and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts involved im-
mediately with neutral soap
and water, then rinse thor-
oughly. Call the doctor imme-
diately if the fluid is swal-
lowed.
WARNING
Symbol πon the con-
tainer indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid, distinguish-
ing it from the mineral kind.
Using mineral fluids irre-
versibly damages the special
braking system rubber seals.
WARNING
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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.
If the car is left inactive
for long periods at cold,
remove the battery and store
it in a warm place to prevent
freezing.
WARNING
When working on the
battery or near it, al-
ways wear the proper gog-
gles.
WARNING
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.CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
238
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