ESP Alfa Romeo 166 2007 Owner handbook (in English)

141
greatly reduced when there is ice or snow
on the road. Under these conditions the
stopping distance is increased despite the
use of the ABS system.VDC SYSTEM (VEHICLE
DYNAMICS CONTROL):
The VDC is an electronic vehicle stability
control system which, acting on the torque
and braking the wheels in a differentiated
manner, helps to bring the car back to the
correct course in the event of loss of grip.
When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC sys-
tem intervenes on the engine and on the
brakes producing a stabilising torque.
BRAKE ASSIST (Brake assist in
an emergency)
This system, that cannot be cut out, rec-
ognizes emergency braking on the
ground of the brake pedal operation
speed and allows to speed up the braking
action.
On versions fitted with VDC system, Brake
Assist is deactivated in the event of VDC
system failure (indicated by the switching
on of the relevant warning light).
The ABS system does not
dispense the driver from
driving carefully, especially when
the road is icy, snowed over or
wet.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking device
(EBD). if the
>andxwarning
lights turn on at the same time, this
means that there is an EBD system
fault; in this case violent braking
may be accompanied by early rear
wheel locking, with the possibility
of skidding. Drive the car extremely
carefully to the nearest Authorized
Alfa Romeo workshop to have the
system checked.
WARNING
The turning on of only
the
>warning light
with the engine running normally
indicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Authorized Alfa Romeo
workshop, driving in such a way
as to avoid sharp braking, to have
the system checked over.
WARNING
The system performance
levels, in terms of active
safety, should not induce the dri-
ver to run pointless and unjustified
risks. Driving conduct should al-
ways be suited to the conditions of
the road surface, vision and traf-
fic. The responsibility for road
safety is always and anyway the
vehicle driver’s concern.
WARNING

142
POWER STEERING
The hydraulic power steering is only ac-
tive when the engine is running. If the en-
gine is switched off greater effort will be
required to turn the wheel.
As the steering system is a mechanical
organ which is closely tied to driving
safety, the vehicle should be stopped and
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services contacted
if an anomaly is detected.
IMPORTANT Keep the steering wheel
turned at the end of its stroke, in both di-
rections, only for the strictly indispensable
time.
WINDOWS
Do not apply stickers or similar adhe-
sives to the windows as these may dis-
tract the driver and block his vision. The VDC system turns on automatically
when the car is started and cannot be
switched off. It is however possible to cut
off operation of the ASR system pressing
the corresponding button on the centre
console.
ASR FUNCTION (ANTISLIP
REGULATION): GENERAL
The ASR system integrates the VDC sys-
tem controlling the vehicle drive and com-
ing into operation automatically each
time one or both driving wheels skid.When changing the
wiper blades follow the
instructions contained in
the package which is available as
a spare part and read the indica-
tions given in the “Car mainte-
nance “ chapter of this booklet.
WINDSCREEN WIPER BLADES
The windscreen wiper blades should be
checked periodically. Dirty or worn blades
greatly reduce visibility. The windscreen
and windows should be cleaned regularly
and grease, dirt and tar removed. In this
way the life of blades will be extended
considerably.The VDC system helps
the driver to keep control
of the car in the event of loss of
tyre grip.
The forces induced by the VDC sys-
tem to control the lack of stability
of the car always and anyway de-
pend on the grip between the tyre
and the road surface.
WARNING
Before operating the windscreen wipers,
remove snow or ice from the windscreen
and check that the wiper blade is not
frozen to the windscreen. Use an an-
tifreeze product if necessary.
Do not operate the windscreen wipers
on dry glass.

144
– Two or more spare wheels should never
be used together. Have the wheel changed
repaired and refitted as soon as possible.
Rims
The bolts should be tightened to a
torque of 86 Nm (8.8 kgm).
Tyres
The tyres installed on the vehicle are of
the tubeless type and do not have an in-
ner tube. To obtain the greatest degree of
comfort, safety and length of life of the
tyres, the following recommendations
should be observed.
– With new tyres do not drive at full
speed until the first 100 km have been
reached.
– Before entering a tight bend, even if
the vehicle permits it, reduce speed.
– Avoid sharp acceleration and unneces-
sary braking.
– Do not travel for long periods at sus-
tained high speed especially on rough
roads.– Have the wheels balanced and the
front and rear axles set correctly.
– Avoid hitting the side walls of the
tyres, for example when parking.
– Never tamper with the valve on the
tyre.
– Do not insert anything between the
rim and the tyre.
– If the rim is bent, have it replaced.
– In the event of an abnormal drop in
the tyre pressure replace the wheel and
have it checked.
– When balancing the wheels use the
counterweights which are specifically de-
signed for tubeless tyres. To balance light
alloy rims only Alfa Romeo original
weights should be used.
– The tyre pressure, including that of
the spare wheel must reflect the indica-
tions given in the “Technical specifica-
tions” of this manual.
– Have the tyres checked periodically to
ensure that they are not damaged in any
way.– Second-hand tyres of unknown origin
or over 6 years old must only be used in
emergencies and with great care.
– Inner tubes must not be fitted to
tubeless tyres.
– Avoid parking the vehicle on the edge
of a step or other irregularities in the road
surface.
– Have the tyre tread checked periodi-
cally and replace when the legal mini-
mum is reached.
IMPORTANT Some types of tyres are
fitted with wear indicators. As soon as
these wear indicators appear on the tyre
tread, the tyres must be replaced.
Periodically check that the tyres are not
showing signs of irregular tread wear. If
they are, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services who will eliminate the cause of
irregular wear.
Tread wear increases the danger of
aquaplaning on wet surfaces.

149
Useless loads
Do not overload the boot (especially in
town), as this will heavily affect fuel con-
sumption and stability of the vehicle.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or ski rack imme-
diately after use. These accessories lower
air drag and adversely affect consumption
levels. For particularly bulky loads the use
of a trailer is preferable.
Electric services
Use electric devices only for the neces-
sary time. Rearscreen heating, additional
headlights, wipers and the heater fan
consume a considerable amount of ener-
gy, increasing the need for current highers
fuel consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).Climate control system
The climate control system is a further
load that weighs considerably on the en-
gine inducing higher consumption levels
(on average up to +20%). Outside tem-
perature permitting, preferably use the air
vents.
Spoilers
The use of spoilers that have not been
certified by Alfa Romeo can adversely af-
fect air drag and fuel consumption.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine stationary at i-
dle speed or high speed: in these condi-
tions the engine warms much more slow-
ly, increasing consumption and emissions.
It is therefore advisable to move off im-
mediately and slowly, avoiding high
speeds. This will warm up the engine
more quickly.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid revving the engine when waiting
at traffic lights and before switching the
engine off. This, like revving before
changing gear, serves absolutely no pur-
pose on modern cars and increases con-
sumption and emission levels.
Gearshifting
As soon as the road and traffic condi-
tions permit it, engage a higher gear. The
use of a low gear to obtain lively acceler-
ating increases fuel consumption.
In the same way, incorrect use of a gear
increases consumption, emission and en-
gine wear.

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.

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

165
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
– When a light is not working check
that the corresponding fuse is intact be-
fore replacing the bulb.
– For the location of fuses, refer to the
paragraph “In the event of a burnt fuse”
in this chapter.
– Before changing a bulb check the
contacts for oxidation.
– Burnt bulbs must be replaced with
others of the same type and power.
– Always check the height of the head-
light beam after changing a bulb to en-
sure they are safe.
TYPES OF BULBS (fig. 23)
Various types of bulbs are fitted to your
vehicle.
A. All glass bulbs
These are pressure-fitted. Pull to re-
move.
B. Bayonet type bulbs
Press the bulb, turn counter-clockwise to
remove this type of bulb from its holder
C. Tubular bulbs
Free them from their contacts to re-
move.
D. Halogen bulbs
To remove free it from the clip on its
seating.IF ONE OF THE
EXTERNAL LIGHTS
GOES OUT
Alterations or repairs to
the electric system not
carried out correctly and without
taking into account the specifica-
tions of the system may cause
malfunctioning and the risk of fire.
WARNING
3045CAm
3054CAm
fig. 23 IMPORTANTThe headlight inner sur-
face might be slightly misted: this should
not be considered irregular but a natural
phenomenon due to low temperature and
the air humidity level. Misting will disap-
pear as soon as the headlights are turned
on. Drops inside the headlight mean wa-
ter infiltration: contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.

169
High beam headlamp signaller
To replace the bulb (Type D – H1,
55W):
– Remove the engine compartment cov-
er after turning the fastening pins.
– Turn counter-clockwise and remove
the direction indicator bulb holder (A-
fig. 29), without disconnecting the con-
nector to widen the working space.
– Remove the rubber cap (B) by
pulling the tab (C).– Disconnect the snap-fitted connector
(D- fig. 30) and release clip (E).
– Remove the bulb (F- fig. 31).– Fit new bulb in the headlight reflector
making the notches coincide with the cor-
responding grooves.
– Lock the bulb with the clip.
– Fit the connector to the bulb.
– Fit the rubber cap.
– Fit the direction indicator bulb holder
and lock it by turning it clockwise.
– Refit the engine compartment cover
and secure it by turning the fastening
pins.
A0D0059m
fig. 29
A0D0060m
fig. 30
A0D0061m
fig. 31

173
High beam headlights
To replace the bulb (Type D – H7,
55W):
– Remove the engine compartment cov-
er after turning the fastening pins.
– Turn counter-clockwise and remove
the direction indicator bulb holder (A-
fig. 42) without disconnecting the con-
nector to widen the working space.
– Remove the rubber cap (B) by
pulling the tab (C).– Disconnect the snap-fitted connector
(D- fig. 43) and release the clip (E).
– Remove the bulb (F- fig. 44).– Fit the new bulb in the headlight re-
flector making the notches coincide with
the corresponding grooves.
– Lock the bulb with the clip.
– Fit the connector to the bulb.
– Fit the rubber cap.
– Fit the direction indicator bulb holder
and lock it by turning it clockwise.
– Refit the engine compartment cover
and secure it by turning the fastening
pins.
A0D0075m
fig. 42
A0D0076m
fig. 43
A0D0077m
fig. 44

176
– Fit the new bulb in the headlight re-
flector making the notches coincide with
the corresponding grooves.
– Lock the bulb with the clip.
– Fit the connector to the bulb.
– Refit the cover and lock it by turning
it clockwise.
– Refit the light unit connector.IMPORTANT The screw (E- fig.
50) serves to adjust the beam of the
foglights.
To adjust the front fog-
lights contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
The efficiency of the
lights will be decreased
and may inconvenience other road
users if the light units are not cor-
rectly adjusted. If in doubt contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
have them checked and adjusted if
necessary.
WARNING
A0D0083m
fig. 51
A0D0084m
fig. 52