service Alfa Romeo 166 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

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.

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.

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

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.

164
– Put jack and tools back in the bag
and stow it in the boot
Do not grease the threads
of bolts before installing
them; they might slip out.
The bolts should be tightened to a
torque of 86 Nm (8.8 kgm).
You are advised to have the wheel
bolt tightening checked by Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible.
Indeed, insufficient tightening may
cause the wheel bolts to slacken
with the obvious dangerous con-
sequences. Excessive tightening
can strain the bolts.
WARNING
A0D0053m
fig. 19
A0D0052m
fig. 22
612PGSm
fig. 18
A0D0140m
fig. 17
A0D0142m
fig. 21
A0D0141m
fig. 20

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.

166
BULBS TYPE W
LOW BEAM/HIGH BEAM (GAS DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS) D (D1) 35
HIGH BEAM HEADLAMP SIGNALLER
(GAS DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS) D (H1) 55
LOW BEAM (HALOGEN BULB HEADLIGHTS) D (H7) 55
HIGH BEAM (HALOGEN BULB HEADLIGHTS) D (H7) 55
FRONT SIDELIGHT B (H6W) 6
FOG LAMPS D (H3) 55
FRONT DIRECTION INDICATORS (COLOURED BULB) B (PY21W) 21
SIDE DIRECTION INDICATORS A (5W Amber) 5
REAR DIRECTION INDICATOR non-replaceable LEDs
STOP/SIDE LIGHT B (21/5W) 21/5
REVERSING LIGHT B (P21W) 21
REAR FOG GUARD B (P21W) 21
ADDITIONAL STOP LIGHT (3rd STOP) A (W2.3W) 2.3
REAR SIDE LIGHT (ON BOOT LID) B (R5W) 5
FRONT ROOF LIGHTS B (10W Halogen) 10
BOOT LIGHT C (10W) 10
GLOVEBOX AND DOOR LIGHTS A (W5W) 5
SUN VISOR LIGHT C (C5W) 5
NUMBER PLATE LIGHT A (W5W) 5
REAR ROOF LIGHTS B (HT5W Halogen) 5
Halogen bulbs must be
handled touching only
the metallic part. If the
transparent bulb is touched with
the fingers its lighting intensity
is reduced and the life of the bulb
may be compromised. If touched
accidentally, rub the bulb with a
cloth moistened with methylated
spirits and allow to dry.
Where possible the
bulbs should be re-
placed by Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services. The correct
operation and positioning of the
external lights are vital to the
safety of the vehicle and its pas-
sengers and the subject of specif-
ic laws.
Halogen bulbs contain
pressurised gas, in the
case of breakage they may burst.
WARNING

167
FRONT LIGHT UNITS - GAS
DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS
(optional for versions/markets where
applicable)
The front light units with gas discharge
headlights contain low beam/high beam
(gas discharge), high beam headlamp
signaller (halogen), sidelight and direc-
tion indicator bulbs.
The bulbs are arranged inside the light
unit as follows (fig. 24-25):
A.Direction indicator
B.High beam headlamp signaller and
sidelight
C.Gas discharge low beam/high beam.Low beams/high beams
Xenon bulbs are very longlasting and
failure is highly unlikely.
The following paragraph describes how
to replace xenon bulbs correctly.
Any work on the front
light units should be car-
ried out with the light switch at
position 0 (lights off) and with the
ignition key removed from the
switch: danger of electric dis-
charge.
WARNING
If necessary, have the
system checked and if
necessary repaired only by Autho-
rized Alfa Romeo Services.
WARNING
A0D0064m
fig. 24
A0D0065m
fig. 25

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