change wheel Alfa Romeo 166 2007 Owner handbook (in English)

14 ALFA ROMEO I.C.S.
SYSTEM
CONTROLS ON STEERING
WHEEL
(fig. 2)
(on request for versions/markets
where applicable)
The main audio functions (AUDIO) of
the Alfa Romeo I.C.S. system are repeat-
ed on the steering wheel, which facili-
tates control.A- Mute button
B- Volume highering button
C- Volume lowering button
D- Multifunction key:
– Radio: call preset stations (1 to 6)
– CD player: select next track
E- Multifunction key:
– Radio: call preset stations (6 to 1)
– CD player: select previous track
F- Radio frequency range select button
(FM-A, FM-B, FM-AS, MW, LW) and avail-
able audio sources (Radio – Cassette
player –CD player).Mute key (A)
To turn the Mute function on, briefly
press button (A): the volume will lower
gradually.
To turn the Mute function off, briefly
press button (A) again. The volume will
higher gradually returning to the previous-
ly set value.
The Mute function is also turned off
pressing one of the volume adjustment
keys (B) or (C): in this event volume is
directly changed.
When the Mute function is on, all the
other functions can be used and if traffic
information is received the message ig-
nores the Mute function.
A0D0004m
fig. 2

58
Sidelights
The sidelights are switched on by turn-
ing the knurled ring (A) from Oto
6.
The
3warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on at the same
time.
Dipped-beam headlights
These are switched on by turning the
knurled ring (A) from
6to2.
Parking lights
When the pointer of the switch (A) cor-
responds with the
Fsymbol, the side
lights stay on regardless of the position of
the ignition key.
If moving the left-hand lever (fig. 67)
downward, only the left-hand side park-
ing lights switch on, while moving the
lever upward, only the right-hand side
parking lights switch on.Main-beam headlights (fig. 68)
When the knurled ring in the
2posi-
tion the headlights can be changed form
dipped-beam to main-beam by pushing
the lever towards the dashboard (stable
position).
The
1warning light will come on the
instrument panel.
To return from main-beam to dipped-
beam, once again pull the lever towards
the steering wheel and then release.
LEFT LEVER (fig. 67)
The left lever operates the high beam
lights and the direction indicators.
fig. 67
A0D0014m
A0D0017m
fig. 68

59
Flashing(fig. 69)
The headlights are flashed by pulling the
lever towards the steering wheel (unsta-
ble position) regardless of the position of
the light switch.
The warning light
1on the instrument
panel will come on at the same time.
IMPORTANT Only the main beam
lights are flashed. To avoid penalties, fol-
low local regulations.Direction indicators (fig. 70)
Moving the lever to the stable position:
Up (A) - engages the right-hand direc-
tion indicators.
Down (B) - engages the left-hand direc-
tion indicators.One of the warning lights
Îo¥will
light up on the instrument panel at the
same time.
The lever returns to its home position
automatically and the indicators are
switched off when the steering wheel is
straightened.
IMPORTANT If you wish to signal a
rapid change of direction involving only a
minimum movement of the steering
wheel, the lever can be moved up or
down without it clicking (unstable posi-
tion). When released the lever will return
to its home position.
A0D0018m
fig. 69
A0D0016m
fig. 70

117
VDC AND ASR
SYSTEMS
(on request for versions/markets
where applicable)
VDC SYSTEM (VEHICLE
DYNAMICS CONTROL):
GENERAL
The VDC is an electronic vehicle stability
control system which, acting on the
torque and braking the wheels in a differ-
entiated manner, helps to bring the car
back to the correct course in the event of
loss of grip.
While travelling the car is subjected to
lateral and longitudinal forces that may
be controlled by the driver up to when
the tyres offer adequate road-holding;
when this falls below the minimum level,
the car starts to deviate from the course
required by the driver.Above all on rough surfaces (such as
cobbles, or due to the presence of water,
ice or soil), changes in speed (when ac-
celerating or braking) and/or course
(bends or the need to avoid obstacles)
can cause the tyres to lose grip.
When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC sys-
tem acts on the engine and brakes gener-
ating a stabilising torque.
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 safe-
ty is always and anyway the ve-
hicle driver’s concern.
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

The heart of the VDC system is a sensor
that originates from the field of aeronau-
tics, which detects rotations of the car
around its vertical axis. The centrifugal
forces generated when the car runs on a
bend are detected by a highly sensitive,
lateral acceleration sensor.
The stabilising action of the VDC system
is based on calculations made by the
system’s electronic control unit which
processes the signals received from the
steering wheel rotation, lateral accelera-
tion and individual wheel rotation sen-
sors. These signals allow the control unit
to recognise the manoeuvre the driver in-
tends to do when turning the steering
wheel.
118
VDC SYSTEM OPERATION
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.
The main components of the VDC sys-
tem are:
– an electronic control unit which
processes the signals received from the
various sensors and brings about the
most appropriate strategy;
– a sensor that detects the position of
the steering wheel;
– four sensors that detect the rotation
speed of each wheel;
– a sensor that detects rotation of the
car around the vertical axis;
– a sensor that detects lateral accelera-
tion (centrifugal force).The control unit processes the informa-
tion received from the sensors and is
therefore capable of detecting the posi-
tion of the car and comparing it with the
trajectory the driver would like to follow
instant by instant. In the event of a dis-
crepancy, the control unit chooses and
commands the most suitable action to
bring the car back to the required course
within a fraction of a second: braking one
or more wheels at a different braking
force and, if necessary it reduces the
power transmitted by the engine.
The corrective actions are changed and
controlled continuously until the car re-
turns to the required course.
The action of the VDC system consider-
ably increases the active safety of the ve-
hicle under many critical situations and it
is particularly useful also when the road
surface grip conditions change.

119
The action of the ASR system is particu-
larly helpful under the following condi-
tions:
– Skidding of the inner wheel on a
bend, due to the effect of the dynamic
changes of the load or over-accelerating.
– Excessive power transmitted to the
wheels, also in relation to the conditions
of the road surface.
– Acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
surfaces.
– In the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning).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.
Two different control systems are acti-
vated, depending on the skidding condi-
tions:
– If skidding concerns both driving
wheels, because it is caused by the exces-
sive power transmitted, the ASR system
cuts in reducing the power transmitted by
the engine.
– If skidding concerns only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in automati-
cally braking the skidding wheel, with an
effect similar to that of a self-locking dif-
ferential.
For the VDC, ASR and
ABS systems to work
correctly, the tyres must be of the
same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions and
above all of the specified type,
brand and size.
WARNING

143
WHEELS
The wheels (rims and tyres) installed in
the factory are those which are most suit-
ed to the characteristics of the vehicle
and guarantee the greatest degree of
safety and comfort under all normal dri-
ving conditions.
Before replacing the rims or tyres in-
stalled on your vehicle consult the table
indicating the permitted types given in
the “Technical specifications” chapter of
this manual or contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
The original rim-tyre match should be
followed when changing tyres.IMPORTANTS (when using a s-
pare wheel different from the
other wheels of the car)
– 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 acceler-
ation or braking, sharp corners and fast
bends.
– Check at regular intervals that spare
wheel pressure is equal to 2.7 bar (2.7
kg/cm
2).
SPARE WHEEL
Cars fitted with steel rims and tyres
215/55 R16 (*) have spare wheel iden-
tical with the standard wheels. Cars fitted
with aluminium alloy rims and tyres
215/55 R16 (*), 225/45 R17 and
235/40 R18 have the spare wheel with
steel rim and tyre 215/55 R16 (*).
(*) For versions/markets where applic-
able tyres 205/55 R16.
The jack should only be
used when changing a
wheel; Do not work under the ve-
hicle when this is only supported
using the jack.
WARNING
While the specified di-
mensions remain un-
changed, for travelling safety and
correct operation of the VDC, ASR
and ABS systems the tyres must
absolutely be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and above all of the
specified type and brand.
WARNING
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
instructions for use given below.
(*) For versions/markets where ap-
plicable tyres 205/55 R16.
WARNING

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.

145
To ensure uniform wear between the
tyres on the front axle and those on the
rear axle, the tyres should be switched
around every 10,000 - 15,000 km keep-
ing the tyres on the same side of the ve-
hicle to avoid inverting the direction of ro-
tation (fig. 1).Note for one way tyres: There
are arrows on the side of one-way tyres
indicating the direction of rotation. When
a wheel is changed (for example after a
puncture, the direction of the arrow on
the spare wheel might not coincide with
the direction of rotation of the wheel to
be changed. Even in these conditions the
tyre is still safe but you are advised to
have the tyre repaired and refitted as
soon as possible, because top perfor-
mance is obtained when all the wheels
turn in the direction of the arrow.Tyre pressure and wear
The correct tyre pressure will not only
ensure that your tyres last longer but will
also make your vehicle safer as they have
a direct influence over road holding.
The pressure of each tyre, including that
of the spare tyre should be checked regu-
larly and always before a long journey.
The tyres should be checked when cold
using a pressure gauge and inflated to
the pressure given in the chapter “Techni-
cal specifications”.
Incorrect tyre pressure causes tyre wear
(fig. 2):
Do not cross the tyres
over.
WARNING
3212CAm
fig. 2
A0D0037m
fig. 1

147
WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for
driving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of
the car most suited to the use the Cus-
tomer intends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of winter
tyres, follow the instructions given in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are
reduced considerably when the tread
depth is below 4 mm. In this case, they
should be replaced.
Due to the winter features, under nor-
mal conditions of use or on long motor-
way journeys, the performance of these
tyres is lower than that of normal tyres.
It is necessary therefore to limit their
use to the purposes for which they are
certified.WARNINGWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the vehi-
cle (increased by 5%), place a notice in
the passenger compartment, plainly in
the driver’s view which states the maxi-
mum permissible speed of the winter
tyres (as per CE Directive).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four
wheels (brand and profile) to ensure
higher driving safety when braking and
good handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations. Snow chains
should only be applied to the drive
wheels (front). The sport connotation of
the vehicle requires the use of specific
types of snow chain. Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services should first be contacted
before purchasing or using snow chains.
Check the tension of the chain after the
first few dozen metres have been driven.
IMPORTANTWhen driving on snow
with snow chains fitted, it might be
helpful to turn off the ASR function of
the VDC system (if present): in fact, in
these conditions, skidding of the driving
wheels when moving off makes it pos-
sible to obtain higher traction.