service Alfa Romeo 166 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

112
AIMING LOW BEAM
HEADLAMPS FOR
LEFT/RIGHT CIRCULATION
(only for versions with gas discharge
headlamps)
On cars fitted with gas discharge head-
lamps (xenon bulbs)(optional for ver-
sions/markets where applicable) with
high lighting power, when passing from a
country with right circulation to one with
left circulation or vice versa it is necessary
to change the aiming of the low beams,
to optimise lighting of the edge of the
road and avoid glaring vehicles met.
IMPORTANT Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services to have low beam head-
lamps correctly adjusted.
BEAM AIMING
(excluding versions with gas discharge
headlights)
The adjustment of the headlights is vital
to your safety and comfort and to that of
other road users.
The adjustment of the headlights is also
governed by precise regulations.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
to have the headlights correctly adjusted.
When returning to the
country of origin, re-
member to change the low beam
aiming again.
WARNING
To have the position
checked and if neces-
sary adjusted, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT
FOGLIGHTS
(fig. 143)
To adjust the height of the beam of the
front foglight adjust screw (A).
fig. 143
A0D0034m

113
EOBD SYSTEM
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable
)
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis of
the components of the car correlated with
emissions.
This system continuously monitors the
components of the vehicle related to e-
missions; it also indicates, when the
Uwarning light comes on on the instrument
panel, that the components in question
are in poor condition.
IMPORTANTAfter the problem has
been resolved, to completely check the
system, the Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vice Station must carry out tests on a test
bench and, if necessary, road tests that
could be long.If, when the ignition key
is turned to MAR, the
Uwarning light does
not come on or if, when driving, it
lights up and emits a fixed light
or a flashing one, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorized Service Station
as soon as possible. Warning
light
Uoperation can be checked
by means of special equipment
by traffic agents. Always comply
with the traffic regulations in
force in the country where you
are travelling.
The objective is the following:
– to keep under control the efficiency of
the system;
– to warn when a fault causes emission
levels to increase;
– to indicate the need to replace the
deteriorated components.
The system also has a diagnostic con-
nector that can be interfaced with appro-
priate tools, which makes it possible to
read the error codes stored in the control
unit, together with a series of specific pa-
rameters for engine operation and diag-
nosis. This check can also be carried out
by the traffic police.

115
Braking on corners always requires the
utmost caution, even with the help of the
ABS.
The most important piece of advice
however, is the following:WARNINGCars fitted with ABS must
only be fitted with wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of the type and brand ap-
proved by the Manufacturer.
The braking system is completed by the
EBD (Electronic Brake Distributor) which
distributes the braking action through the
ABS control unit and sensors.
Following these instructions you will be
in a condition to obtain peak braking per-
formance at all times.
If the ABS cuts in, it
means that the grip limit
between the tyres and the road
surface has been reached: it is nec-
essary to slow down and adapt
driving to the grip available.
WARNING
In the event of a system
fault, with lighting up of
the
>warning light, have the ve-
hicle checked immediately by Au-
thorized Alfa Romeo Services, driv-
ing slowly to be able to regain full
system performance.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in and
you feel the pedal pulse,
do not reduce the pressure, but
keep the brake pedal firmly
pressed with no fear; this way you
will stop in the shortest space pos-
sible, compatibly with the condi-
tions of the road surface.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic brake distrib-
utor (EBD). If the
>andxwarn-
ing lights come on at the same time
when the engine is running, there
is an EBD system fault; in this case,
violent braking may lock the rear
wheels too early, with the possibil-
ity of skidding. Drive extremely
carefully to the nearest Authorized
Alfa Romeo Services to have the
system checked over.
WARNING

116
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 turning on of the>
warning light with the
engine running normally indicates
an ABS system fault. In this case
the braking system preserves its
effectiveness, without however
making use of the antilock device.
Under these circumstances, the EBD
system may fail to give top perfor-
mance. In this case, too, you are
recommended to contact Author-
ized Alfa Romeo Services immedi-
ately driving in such a way as to
avoid abrupt braking, to have the
system checked.
WARNING
If the xlow brake fluid
level warning light comes
on, stop the car immediately and
contact the nearest Authorized Al-
fa Romeo Services. Indeed, any
leak of fluid from the hydraulic
system compromises the effective-
ness of both the conventional
brake system and the system with
antilock system.
WARNING

121
VDC AND ASR SYSTEM
FAILURE WARNINGS
In the event of failures the VDC and ASR
systems switch off automatically and the
warning light (A-fig. 145) on the in-
strument cluster turn on glowing steadily.The table below summarises the indica-
tions given by the warning lights in the d-
ifferent operating conditions.In the event of a failure to the VDC or
ASR systems, the car behaves like the
version not equipped with these systems:
at all events, you are recommended to
contact Authorised Alfa Romeo Services
as soon as possible.
Conditions of use System ASR warning VDC warning light ABS warning light EBD warning light
or fault status light on button on cluster on cluster on cluster
Engine starting Lamp On for about On for about On for about On for about
(turning key to MAR) check 4 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds
Driving inASR on ASR enabled Off Off Off Off
NormalVDC enabled
Conditions ASR off ASR disabled On Off Off Off
Manually VDC enabled
Driving inASR on ASR active Off Flashing Off Off
ConditionsVDC active
that might
ASR off ASR disabled On Flashing Off Off
cause skidding
Manually VDC active
ASR system fault ASR disabled On On Off Off
Fault VDC VDC disabled Off On Off Off
Fault VDC/ASR VDC/ASR disabled On On Off Off
Fault ABS ABS/VDC/ASR disabled On On On Off
Fault EBD ABS/VDC/ASR/EBD disabled On On On On

135
IMPORTANT If it is difficult to start the
engine do not insist with extended attempts
which may damage the catalyzer but con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
1) Engage the handbrake.
2) Set the gearshift lever to neutral and
fully depress the clutch without pressing
the accelerator.
3) Turn the ignition key to the MAR
position. the
mwarning light on the in-
strument cluster will turn on.
4) Wait for the
mwarning light to go
off, which will depend on how warm the
engine is. If the engine is very warm the
turning on of the warning light may be so
fast as to go by unobserved.
5) Turn the ignition key to AVV as
soon as the
mwarning light goes off.
Waiting too long would make the glow
plug heating work pointless.IMPORTANT The electric devices that
absorb much energy (air conditioner,
rearscreen heating, etc.) are disengaged
automatically during engine starting.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, move the ignition key back to
theSTOPposition before repeating s-
tarting.
If starting is difficult (with the Alfa
Romeo CODE system efficient), do not in-
sist with prolonged attempts.
Only use an auxiliary battery if it is not-
ed that the cause is due to low charge of
vehicle’s battery. Never use a battery
charger to start the engine (see ”If the
battery is flat” in the chapter “In an e-
mergency”).
WARMING THE ENGINE
– Drive off slowly, at medium revs
without accelerating abruptly.
– Do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres of the journey. Wait
until the engine coolant temperature is
between 50 and 60°C.
SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and
wait until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and switch off the engine.
IMPORTANT After a hard journey, it
is advisable to allow the engine to “get
its breath back” before switching off, run-
ning it at idle speed to allow the tempera-
ture in the engine compartment to cool
down. For versions/markets
where applicable the
warning light m flashes
for about 30 seconds after start-
ing the engine meaning that
there is a fault to the glow plug
warming system, in which case,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.

140
– During cold weather even apparently
dry roads may be covered with occasion-
al patches of ice. Pay great attention
therefore when driving on roads which
are in the shade, or where rocks or trees
line the road and on which ice may per-
sist.
IMPORTANT To avoid damaging
tyres do not drive on bare patches of as-
phalt with snow chains fitted to the vehi-
cle. In extreme cases proceed slowly and
remove the chains as soon as possible.
When driving on snow with snow chains
fitted, it might be helpful to turn off the
ASR function of the VDC system (if pre-
sent): in fact, in these conditions, skid-
ding of the driving wheels when moving
off makes it possible to obtain higher
traction.
BRAKES
An efficient braking system is vital to
the safety of the vehicle and its passen-
gers.
To use the brakes correctly and to im-
prove their efficiency and limit wear the
following recommendations should be fol-
lowed:– Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal.
– Ensure that the brake pedal is not
blocked by the mat or other objects.
– Check the efficiency of the braking
system especially before long journeys.
– Check the handbrake and brake fluid
minimum level warning light
xon the
instrument panel. if the
xwarning light
comes on and stays on when the vehicle
is travelling check that the handbrake is
not engaged. If it is not, stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the
brake fluid. If the level is low the anom-
aly affecting the circuit should be rectified
immediately. If the
dwarning light
comes on when the brake pedal is
pressed, this means that the front brake
pads have reached the minimum permit-
ted thickness. Have them replaced as
soon as possible by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
– The brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it
absorbs humidity). To prevent the onset
of braking anomalies it should therefore
be replaced every two years regardless of
the kilometres travelled.
SERVO BRAKE
The vehicle is equipped with a servo-
braking system (active only when the en-
gine is running). When the engine is sta-
tionary a greater effort is required to de-
press the brake pedal in order to obtain
the same braking effect.
ANTI WHEEL-LOCK SYSTEM
(ABS)
The vehicle is equipped with an ABS sys-
tem with electronic braking device (EBD),
the following should be heeded:
– A slight pulsing may be felt on the
brake pedal caused by the intervention of
the ABS system.
– The performance of the system, in
terms of active safety, should not induce
the driver to take unnecessary and unjus-
tified risks.
– The conduct of the driver must always
reflect weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
– Deceleration always depends on the
degree of grip between the tyres and the
road surface. Obviously road holding is

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.

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.