check oil Alfa Romeo 166 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

55
IMPORTANTSThe triggering of air
bags releases a small amount of powder.
This powder is not harmful and does not
indicate a start of fire; also the surfaces
of the deployed bag and the car interior
may be covered with dusty residue: this
may irritate the skin and eyes. In the
event of exposure, wash with neutral
soap and water.
The air bag system has a validity of 14
years as concerns the pyrotechnic charge
and 10 years as concerns the coil contact.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as
this date approaches.IMPORTANTIf an accident has trig-
gered the air bag, Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services must be contacted to have the de-
vices activated replaced and to have the
whole system checked.
All operations involving checking, repair-
ing and replacing components concerning
the Air bag must be carried out by Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
If the car is to be demolished, Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services should be contacted be-
forehand to have the system deactivated.
If the car changes ownership, the new
owner must be informed of the instructions
for use and of the above warnings and be
given this “Owner’s Manual”.
IMPORTANTThe triggering of the pre-
tensioners, front air bags and side bags is
decided by the electronic control unit in a
differentiated manner depending on the
type of crash. The failure to trigger one or
more of them does not necessarily indicate
a system malfunction.GENERAL WARNINGS
Never lean head, arms
and elbows out of the
window.
WARNING
If the ¬warning light
does not turn on when
turning the ignition key to MAR or
if it stays on when travelling, this
could indicate a failure in safety re-
taining systems; under this condi-
tion air bags or pretensioners could
not trigger in the event of collision
or, in a restricted number of cases,
they could trigger accidentally.
Stop the car and contact a Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services to
have the system checked.
WARNING
Do not cover back rest of
front seats with trims or
covers there are not set for the
use of side bags.
WARNING

71
D - Rev counter
The danger zone (red) indicates exces-
sively high engine revs. Do not drive for
long periods with the pointer in this area.
With the engine at idle speed, the rev
counter may indicate a gradual or sudden
speed increase depending on the cases;
this is normal as it occurs in the normal
operation, for example when the climate
control compressor is engaged or the fan.
In particular a slow change in speed helps
preserve the battery charge.
IMPORTANT Depending on the ver-
sions/markets of the car, the rev counter
may have danger sectors (red) of differ-
ent size and with different top of scale
values.
IMPORTANT The electronic ignition
control system gradually shuts off the
flow of fuel when the engine is “over-
revving” resulting in a gradual loss of en-
gine power. Moving the ignition key to MARthe
following warning lights and displays turn
on and go out after approx. 6 seconds:
1- Light failure
2- Low brake fluid and/or handbrake
engaged
3- Front brake pad wear
4- Low engine oil level
5- Fuel reserve
6- Maximum engine coolant fluid tem-
perature
7- Mileage recorder displayAny faults are signalled by the turning
on of the corresponding warning light for
approx. 15 seconds after the end of the
check.
2) Doors and boot open warning.
With the ignition key at MAR, if a led
of the car symbol (10) lights up, the cor-
responding door or the boot has not been
shut properly.
To repeat the check, with the ignition
key in the MARposition and the engine
off, press the button (A-fig. 84).
A0D0026m
fig. 84

74
If the warning light
comes on when the ve-
hicle is in movement,
switch the engine off immediate-
ly and contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.v
Low engine oil level
This warning light stays on for approx.
15 seconds, after the check, when the
engine oil level is low.
With the ignition key at MAR, pressing
the check button, the warning light turns
on but must go out after approx. 6 sec-
onds.
The oil level is checked only pressing
the check button with the engine
stopped. If the engine is started during
the check, the check procedure is inter-
rupted.k
If the warning light
stays on after the
check, do not try to get
peak performance out of the en-
gine and top up the oil as soon
as possible.k
Insufficient oil pressure
This warning light should be out when
the engine is running.
When the ignition key is turned to the
MARposition the warning light comes
on and should go out as soon as the en-
gine is started. vLow battery charge
This warning light should be out when the
engine is running (a slight delay is permitted
when the engine is running at idle speed).
If the warning light comes on, Alfa
Romeo Authorized services should be con-
tacted immediately.
When the ignition key is moved to the
MARposition the warning light comes
on and should go out as soon as the en-
gine is started.w

77
Faulty ABS anti
wheel-locking
This warning light comes on when the
system is inefficient. In this case normal
braking is ensured without though, mak-
ing use of the ABS system. Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services should however be
contacted as soon as possible.
When the ignition key is turned to
MARthe warning light comes on but
must go out after approx. 4 seconds.>
Presence of water
in the fuel oil filter
(JTD 20V Multijet versions)
When the ignition key is turned to the
MARposition the warning light should
come on and must go out after approx. 4
seconds.
The warning light switches on fixed
when driving, to indicate the presence of
water in the fuel oil filter.
In case the indicator light switches on,
even if just for a few seconds, we recom-
mend to contact an Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Service as soon as possible in order
to purge the water from the fuel oil filter
and avoid severe damages to the injec-
tion pump and to the fuel oil supply cir-
cuit as well as the engine irregular opera-
tion.
c
Glowplugs
(JTD 20V Multijet versions)
The warning light comes on
when the ignition key is turned to MAR
position. When the glowplugs have
reached the established temperature the
warning light will go out. Start the en-
gine as soon as the warning light has
gone out.
For versions/markets where applica-
ble, the warning light flashes for approx.
30 seconds after starting the engine
meaning that there is a fault to the glow
plug warning system, in which case,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
With a high ambient temperature the
warning light may turn on imperceptibly.
m
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking device
(EDB). 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 ex-
tremely carefully to the nearest
Authorized Alfa Romeo workshop
to have the system checked.
WARNING

103
Routinely check that the
side water drain holes
(C-fig. 130) are clear.
SUNROOF
(optional for versions/markets where
applicable)
The sunroof can only be operated when
the ignition key is in theMARposition.When the sunroof is opened a small
spoiler (B-fig. 129) rises which diverts
the flow of air.
Do not open the sunroof
when snow or ice are
on the roof as this may
damage it.
SLIDING
FORWARDS/BACKWARDS
(fig. 128-129-130)
Press part (1) of the button (A-
fig. 128) to open the roof; press part
(2) of the button to close it.
When the button is released the sunroof
will stop in that position.
377PGSm
fig. 129
348PGSm
fig. 128
Improper use of the sun-
roof can be dangerous.
Before and while operating it al-
ways make sure that the passen-
gers are not exposed to the risk of
harm caused either directly by the
sunroof in motion or by personal
items drawn or knocked by it.
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle
the ignition key should be
removed to avoid accidents in-
volving the sunroof which could be
inadvertently operated by any pas-
sengers remaining in the vehicle.
WARNING

137
– Check the operation of the horn.
– Check the operation and degree of
wear of the windscreen wipers.
– Check the operation of the external
lights and if necessary, clean the light
units.
– Above all when driving at night,
check the alignment of headlight beams
before starting off.
– Check that no oil or other liquid is
leaking out under the car.
– Ensure that luggage is stowed away
correctly.
– Ensure that, in addition to yourself,
all passengers have fastened their seat
belts.
– Ensure that the handbrake is re-
leased and that the warning lights on the
instrument panel do not indicate a mal-
function. To avoid accidental movements
of the car, disengage the handbrake
keeping the brake pedal pressed.
The following should also be noted:
– Long distances should be tackled
when in good health and should where
possible be programmed, especially when
the roads are busy.– A light meal containing easily assimil-
able foods will help keep reflexes ready
and aid concentration for a safe journey.– Use the direction indicators when
changing direction.
– Switch on the external lights at sun-
set.
– Keep a safe distance from the vehicle
in front. A “safe” distance will vary ac-
cording to the speed of the vehicle,
weather conditions and road-traffic condi-
tions.
– Never drive with one hand resting on
the gear lever. The involuntary movement
of the gear lever which this causes, even
if slight, will cause avoidable wear to the
internal elements of the gearbox.
– Never drive with the gearbox in neu-
tral.
– Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal as this habit leads to
rapid wearing of the clutch.
– Do not drive for long periods without
a break. During a break get out of the ve-
hicle and move around a bit to shake off
drowsiness.
– Ensure that the air in the vehicle is
changed constantly using the many possi-
bilities offered by the heating-ventilation
and climate control system.
WHEN TRAVELLING
– Driving with care also means being
able to predict the actions of other road
users, respecting the speed limits and oc-
cupying the near-side lane on motorways.
Driving under the influ-
ence of alcohol, drugs
and/or some medicines is highly
dangerous.
Never drive when drunk or under
the effect of drugs or medicines.
WARNING

139
DRIVING UNDER ADVERSE
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Rain and fog can be extremely danger-
ous if the style of driving is not adapted
to suit these conditions. Some sugges-
tions are given below:
– if the road is wet, the friction be-
tween wheel and asphalt is greatly re-
duced thus increasing the stopping dis-
tance and decreasing road holding when
cornering.
Reduce speed and keep further back
from the vehicle in front.
– Heavy rain and fog reduce visibility.
Headlights should be switched on as the
road traffic laws and common sense dic-
tate, above all to render yourself visible
to others.
– Do not drive over puddles or flooded
roads at high speed as the aquaplaning
phenomenon may cause you to loose
control over the vehicle.
– If visibility is already reduced prevent
it from worsening by ensuring that the
windows do not steam up. Use the heat-
ing-ventilation controls as indicated in the
chapter “Know your vehicle”.– Check the condition of the windscreen
wiper blades.
– If fog is very thick avoid travelling
where possible. If travelling cannot be
avoided drive with extreme care and
moderate your speed. Avoid overtaking.
– If the vehicle is forced to stop owing
to a malfunction or zero visibility condi-
tions, pull off the road, switch on the haz-
ard warning lights and if possible, the
dipped-beam headlights.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Mountain driving requires a greater de-
gree of concentration. Some practical
hints follow:
– Before driving off check the level of
fluids (engine oil, brakes, coolant) and
the state of the tyres.
– When travelling down hill use the en-
gine braking by engaging lower gears to
prevent the brakes from overheating.
– Never coast downhill with the engine
off or in neutral and especially not with
the ignition key removed.
– Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
cutting corners.– Remember that overtaking uphill is
slower and therefore requires a greater
length of clear road. If you are being
overtaken on a hill move over to enable
the other vehicle to pass in safety.
WINTER DRIVING
If the temperature falls below 0°C or in
the presence of snow or ice the following
recommendations should be followed:
– Before driving off check that the
windscreen wipers are not frozen to the
windscreen.
– Remove the snow from the air intake
(grille) at the base of the windscreen.
– Do not stop long on deep snow with
the engine running: the snow might di-
vert the exhaust gas carbon monoxide in-
to the passenger compartment.
– Ensure that brakes and tyres are in
perfect working order.
–Ensure that the detergent liquid locat-
ed in the windscreen/headlight washers
has been topped up with anti-freeze and
anti-scale additives.
– Use engine braking where possible
and avoid abrupt braking.

148ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT-
FRIENDLY DRIVING
How you use and how you drive your
vehicle directly influence fuel consump-
tion and environmental impact.
By following a few simple guidelines
and without incising on the “liveliness”
of the vehicle, it is possible to avoid dam-
aging the environment and often, at the
same time, to limit fuel consumption.
The following helpful suggestions will al-
low you to save in running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
The conditions of the vehicle are an im-
portant factor which affects fuel consump-
tion as well as driving tranquillity and the
life of the car itself. For this reason, care
should be given to maintenance, having
the checks and adjustments given in the
scheduled maintenance programme car-
ried out (see ... spark plugs, idle speed,
air/fuel oil filter, timing).
Tyres
Check the tyre pressure at least every 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consump-
tion increases as resistance to rolling is
higher. It should also be underlined that in
these conditions, tyre wear increases re-
sulting in poor handling and lower safety. Drive at a moderate
speed when snow chains
have been fitted to the
wheels. Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements, and do not drive for
long stretches on snow-free roads,
otherwise you risk damaging the
tyres, suspension and steering.
Snow chains can be fit-
ted only on wheels with
6.5J x 16” rims and
215/55 R16 tyres or 7.5J x 17”
rims and 225/45 R17 tyres.
(*) Pour versions/marchè lorsqu’il
est prèvu pneus 205/55 R16.

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.

205
thousands of kilometres 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Change fuel filter (diesel versions)•••••••••
Change air cleaner cartridge (petrol versions)••••
Change air cleaner cartridge (diesel versions)•••••••••
Check and top up, if required, fluid levels (brakes/hydraulic clutch, power steering,
windscreen washer, battery, engine coolant, etc.)•••••••••
Replacement of timing gear drive belt (*) and Poly-V accessory drive belt•
Replacement of spark plugs (petrol versions)•
Check operation of engine control systems (through diagnostics socket)••••
Check manual gearbox and differential oil level (petrol versions)••
Change engine oil and oil filter •••••••••
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)•••
Check dust/pollen filter•••••••••
(*)Or every 4 years in harsh conditions (cold climates, stop and go city traffic).
Or every 5 years, regardless of the mileage.