Alfa Romeo 166 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

150
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Brief and frequent cold starts do not al-
low the engine to reach the optimum op-
erating temperature. This leads to a sig-
nificant increase in consumption (from
+15% up to +30% in the urban cycle)
and in the emission of pollutants.
Traffic situations and road
conditions
Rather high consumption levels are
linked with heavy traffic situations, for ex-
ample in slow-moving queues with the
frequent use of low gears or in big towns
with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
roads adversely affect consumption lev-
els.
Halts in the traffic
During prolonged halts (e.g. level cross-
ings) it is advisable to switch the engine
off.
PROTECTING EMISSION
REDUCING DEVICES
The correct operation of the anti-pollu-
tion devices not only guarantees respect
for the environment but also has a great
influence on vehicle performance.
These devices should be kept in good
condition to permit economical and eco-
logical use of your vehicle.
The programmed Maintenance Schedule
should be carefully followed.
For petrol engines, only unleaded fuel
should be used.
If starting is difficult,
do not insist with pro-
longed attempts. Do not
push, tow or coast start the ve-
hicle: these may all damage the
catalysts. Top speed
Fuel consumption increases considerably
with the speed of the car: it is helpful to
observe that passing from 90 to 120
km/h consumption increases by + 30%.
Also maintain the most uniform possible
speed, avoiding superfluous braking and
accelerating which cost fuel while increas-
ing emission levels. You are therefore ad-
vised to adopt a “smooth” driving style.
trying to anticipate manoeuvres to avoid
imminent danger and respect safety dis-
tances to avoid having to slow down
abruptly.
Acceleration
Violent accelerating bringing the engine
to high rpm has a considerable adverse
effect on consumption and emission lev-
els; it is wise to accelerate gradually with-
out exceeding the maximum permissible
torque.

151
Use an auxiliary battery to start the ve-
hicle in an emergency.
If the engine is not “running smoothly”
when the vehicle is travelling, reduce the
request for performance to a minimum
and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices as soon as possible.
When the fuel reserve warning light
comes on fill up as soon as possible. A
low fuel level may cause an irregular sup-
ply to the engine with inevitable increase
of the exhaust gas temperature.
When travelling downhill for long
stretches slightly rev the engine every
now and again. This action will extend
the life of the catalyzer.
Never run the engine, even as a test,
with one or more spark plugs disconnect-
ed.
During normal operation
the catalytic converter
reaches high temperatures. Do not
therefore park the vehicle over in-
flammable materials (grass, dry
leaves, pine needles etc.): fire haz-
ard. Do not install other heat
shields and do not remove the ex-
isting ones on the catalyst and on
the exhaust pipe.
Do not spray anything on the cat-
alyst, lambda sensor and exhaust
pipe.
WARNING
The failure to follow
these rules may cause a
fire hazard.
WARNING

152 TOWING TRAILERS
GENERALITIES
The vehicle can be used to tow trailers
after a suitable tow hook has been fitted.
Alfa Romeo retails a tow hook which ful-
fils the safety and legal requirements.
This tow hook should be fitted by Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services which will en-
sure a better result and avoid problems
arising which may jeopardise the body-
work warranty cover.The trailer’s braking system must be
separate from the vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem.
The vehicle-trailer match must conform
to the specifications of the road-traffic
laws.
Towing weight refers to the overall
weight of a fully loaded trailer including
all accessories and personal belongings.
To avoid sanctions the overall weight of a
fully loaded trailer should be checked to
ensure that it does not exceed the limits
given in the log book.
The vertical loading on the ball hook
should not in any case exceed the limits
specified in the “Technical specifications”
section.When hooking up a caravan or trailer
check that the maximum towable
weights (given in the log book) and the
maximum load permitted on the vehicle’s
tow hook (given on the label applied to
the structure of the trailer), are above or
equal to the overall weight and loading
on the towing eye.
WARNINGS AND
SUGGESTIONS
Some indications concerning driving
with a trailer are given below:
– Install the specific rear-view mirrors
as specified by law.
– Remember that when towing a trailer
steep inclines are harder to climb.
– When travelling down hill engage a
low gear rather than constantly using the
brake.
– Drive within the permitted speed lim-
its for vehicles with trailers. In any case
the maximum speed should never exceed
100 km/h.
The ABS system with
which the car is fitted
does not control the trailer brak-
ing system. Particular care is
therefore necessary on slippery
surfaces.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the hydraulic
braking system of the vehicle be
tampered with to control the
brakes of the trailer.
WARNING

153
Apart from the electrical branches taken
off for the obligatory signalling devices,
the vehicle’s electrical system can only be
connected to the supply cable for an elec-
tric brake and to the cable for internal
light, though not above 15W, in the trailer.
The electric brake must be directly sup-
plied by the battery through a cable with
a cross-section of over 2.5 mm
2.
INSTALLING TOW HOOK
(fig. 3)
The chart shows the attachment points
for fixing the tow hook to the body.
These points must not be changed irre-
spective of the shape and size of the
hook. For mechanical connection the fol-
lowing must be used:
– “ISO 50” 2nd category ball hook
(CUNA Table NC 138-40)
– 2nd category ball eyelet model “CU-
NA 502” (CUNA Table NC 438-40)
The tow hook structure must be fas-
tened in the points shown by the symbol
Øwith a total of 12 M10 screws.
The inner plate (1) should be at least 4
mm thick.
The side plates (2) should be at least 5
mm thick.
The fastening points (3) must be fitted
with a spacer with a 25 mm diameter
and 6 mm thickness.IMPORTANTIt is compulsory to fas-
ten a label of suitable size and material
(clearly visible) at the height of the hook
ball with the wording:
MAX. LOAD ON BALL 60 kg.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The attachment for the trailer wiring
connections are to be applied to the tow
hook support in the most suitable posi-
tion.
For the electrical connections a 13 pole,
12V connection must be used.
For vehicle-trailer electrical connections
contact Authorized Alfa Romeo Services.Do not connect any
trailer services (fan,
fridge, etc.) to the vehi-
cle’s electrical system.
After assembly, the fas-
tening screw holes
should be sealed to prevent the in-
filtration of exhaust gas.
WARNING

154
592PGS
fig. 3Sphere
2 M10 x 1.25 nuts
at load
Vehicle
centre line
Rear wheel axis

155 VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle is to be left inactive for
long periods the following precautions
should be noted:
– House the vehicle under a cover in a
dry and possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Release the handbrake.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by
applying silicon wax.
– Cover the rubber windscreen wiper
blades with talcum powder and raise
them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Cover the vehicle with a cloth or per-
forated plastic cover. Do not use compact
plastic covers which prevent the humidity
on the surface of the vehicle from evapo-
rating.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5
bars above normal. If possible rest the
tyres on wooden planks and periodically
check the pressure.– Switch off the alarm system (if fit-
ted) with the remote control, then deacti-
vate it with the emergency key.
– Disconnect the terminals from the
battery poles (negative pole first) and
check the battery charge. When the vehi-
cle is in storage, this check should be car-
ried out once a month. If the no-load volt-
age is less than 12.5V, recharge the bat-
tery.
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
Before using your vehicle after a long
period of inactivity the following opera-
tions should first be carried out:
– Do not dust the outside of the vehi-
cle.
– Visually check that there are no
leaks (oil, brake and clutch fluid, engine
coolant etc.).
– Replace the engine oil and filter.
– Check:
Gearbox-differential oil level
Brake-clutch fluid level
Level of engine coolant fluid.– Check the air cleaner and replace if
necessary.
– Check tyre pressure and ensure that
they are not damaged, cracked or cut. If
they are they must be replaced.
– Check the state of the drive belts in
the engine bay.
– Connect the cables of the battery af-
ter checking that the charge is adequate.
– Re-activate the alarm system, if fit-
ted, using the emergency key.
– With the gear lever in neutral start
the engine and allow the engine to run
for a few seconds whilst repeatedly
pumping the clutch pedal.

156
– Check that the various devices (head-
lights, direction indicators etc.) are working
correctly.
IMPORTANT In order to perform
these operations correctly refer to the rel-
ative subjects in the chapter “Car mainte-
nance”.
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 simi-
lar devices inside the passenger compart-
ment (without separate aerial) may
cause electronic systems equipping the
car to malfunction. This could compromise
safety in addition to constituting a poten-
tial hazard for the passengers.
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 man-
ufacturer's specifications.
INSTALLATION
OF ELECTRIC/
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electric/electronic devices installed after
buying the car or in aftermarket shall
bear the and marking:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorizes the installa-
tion of transceivers provided that installa-
tion is carried out at a specialized shop,
workmanlike performed and in compli-
ance with manufacturer's specifications.
IMPORTANTInstallation of devices
resulting in modifications of car character-
istics may cause driving license seizing 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 responsibili-
ty for damages caused by the installation
of non-genuine accessories or not recom-
mended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and installed
not in compliance with the specified re-
quirements.
This operation must be
performed in the open.
The exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide which are highly toxic
and lethal.
WARNING

157
The following pages give indications necessary in the event of an
emergency.
The subjects dealt with take into account numerous minor prob-
lems which the driver may have to face and indicate the type of
intervention to be carried out. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices for the more serious problems.
The following pages should therefore, be read through carefully
so that, if an emergency arises, you know where to search for the
relevant information.IN THE EVENT OF A PUNCTURE .............................................................page 158
IF ONE OF THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS GOES OUT
............................................165
IF ONE OF THE INTERNAL LIGHTS GOES OUT
.............................................181
IN THE EVENT OF A BURNT FUSE OR RELAY
...............................................186
IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT BATTERY
..................................................................194
IF THE VEHICLE OR ANOTHER VEHICLE IS TO BE TOWED
.......................196
IF THE VEHICLE IS TO BE LIFTED
.....................................................................197
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
......................................................................198
IN AN EMERGENCY

158IN THE EVENT
OF A PUNCTURE
Wheel changing and cor-
rect use of the jack and
spare wheel call for some precau-
tions as mentioned below.
Signal the presence of the station-
ary vehicle according to current
regulations: hazard warning lights,
reflecting triangle, etc.
Any passengers should leave the
car, specially if the vehicle is heav-
ily laden, and wait for the wheel
to be changed out of harm of the
traffic.
If parked on a slope or rough road,
place wedges or other suitable de-
vices under the wheels to prevent
the car from rolling. Do not grease
the threads of bolts before in-
stalling them; they might slip out.
WARNING
The spare wheel is specific
to your model of car: do
not use it on another model or use
the spare wheel of other models on
your car. On cars fitted with tyres
215/55 R16 (*), 225/45 R17,
235/40 R18 and spare wheel with
tyre 215/55 R16 (*), since the
spare wheel is different from the
standard wheels, observe the in-
structions for use given below:
– The spare wheel should only be
used in an emergency.
– Use of the spare wheel should
be kept to a minimum. Do not
drive at speeds of over 80 km/h.
– The car will handle differently
when the spare wheel is fitted.
Avoid sudden acceleration or brak-
ing, sharp corners and fast bends.
– Check at regular intervals that
spare wheel pressure is equal to
2.7 bar (2.7 kg/cm
2).
– Two or more spare wheels
should never be used together.
Have the wheel changed repaired
and refitted as soon as possible.
WARNING
On cars fitted with tyres
215/55 R16 (*), 225/
45 R17, 235/40 R18 and spare
wheel with tyre 215/55 R16 (*),
do not apply the wheel cap on the
spare wheel. The spare wheel has
an orange sticker with the main
cautions about use of the wheel it-
self and instructions for use.
The sticker must absolutely never
be removed or covered.
The sticker contains the following
instructions in four languages:
– WARNING! Only for temporary
use 80 km/h max!
– Replace with standard service
wheel as soon as possible.
– Do not cover these instructions.
The vehicle may fall if the jack is
not positioned correctly.
WARNING
(*) Tyre 205/55 R16 for versions/mar-
kets where applicable.

159
Do not use the jack for
higher capacities than
stated on its label.
Absolutely never tam-
per with the inflation
valve. Do not insert
tools of any kind be-
tween the rim and the tyre.Routinely check that the
pressure of tyres and s-
pare wheel is as speci-
fied in the “Technical specifica-
tions” chapter. Raise the car only
laterally. The car must absolutely
never be raised placing the plate
of the workshop lift arm under
the aluminium crossmember of
the rear suspension.CHANGING A WHEEL
Please be informed that:
– The jack mass is 2.100 kg.
– The jack requires no adjustment.
– The jack cannot be repaired, in the
event of breakage it must be replaced by
another original one.
– No tools other than its operating
crank can be fitted to the jackTo change a wheel proceed as follows:
– Stop the car in such a position that it
is not dangerous for the traffic where it is
possible to change the wheel safely.
Where possible, park on a level, compact
surface.
– Engage the handbrake
– Engage 1st gear or reverse. For cars
with automatic gearbox set the lever to
positionP.
– Open the boot.
– Fold forward the boot mat (A-
fig. 1).
– Slacken the ring nut (A-fig. 2) and
remove the spare wheel.
– Take the tool bag (A-fig. 3) and
bring it near to the wheel to be changed.
The jack only serves for
changing wheels on the
car with which it is provided or on
cars of the same model. It must not
be used for other purposes such as
for instance raising cars of other
models. In no case should it be used
for repairs under the vehicle.
WARNING
P4C00057564PGSm
fig. 1