handbrake Alfa Romeo 159 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

MUST BE READ!
REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95.
Diesel engines: only refuel with diesel fuel conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of
other products or mixtures may irreparably damage the engine with invalidation of the warranty due to the
damage caused.
K
ENGINE STARTING
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition switch to the stop limit; fully depress the clutch or the brake pedal without pressing the accelerator; press
buttonSTART/STOPand release it as soon as the engine has started.
Diesel engines
:make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fit the electronic key in-
to the ignition switch to the stop limit; wait for the
Yandmwarning lights to go off; fully depress the clutch or or
the brake pedal without pressing the accelerator; press buttonSTART/STOPand release it as soon as the engine has
started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
While working, the catalyst develops a very high temperature. Do not park the car over grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or any other inflammable materials: risk of fire.

RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
A system for continuously monitoring emission system components to ensure greater environmental protec-
tion is fitted in your car.

19
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IGNITION DEVICE
The ignition device is located on the
dashboard and it consists of the follow-
ing:
❒electronic key reading device A-fig.
15(set near the steering wheel);
❒buttonSTART/STOP(set under the
electronic key reading device).
IMPORTANTTo prevent running
down the battery do not leave the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device when
the engine is off.
HOW TO CUT OFF
THE ALARM SYSTEM
To deactivate the alarm system com-
pletely (for instance during prolonged
inactivity of the car) simply lock the car
by rotating the metal insert (provided
inside the electronic key) into the dri-
ver’s door lock.
MINISTERIAL
HOMOLOGATION
In keeping with the laws in force in each
country on the subject of radio fre-
quency, for markets in which the trans-
mitter needs to be marked the certifi-
cation number is given on the compo-
nent. For certain versions/markets, the
code may also be marked on the trans-
mitter and/or on the receiver.
A0E0219mfig. 15
If the ignition device is
tampered with (for ex-
ample during an attempted
break-in) have it checked over
by Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices before travelling again.
WARNING
When leaving the car
always remove the
electronic key from the ignition
device to prevent any passen-
ger in the car from inadver-
tently activating the controls.
Remember to engage the
handbrake and if the car is fac-
ing uphill, first gear and if the
car is facing downhill, reverse.
Never leave children unat-
tended in the car.
WARNING

85
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
To open the lid B, switch A-fig. 73
(accessible from the boot) shall be set
in vertical position (horizontal position
Á= compartment locked).
A0E0148mfig. 73
A0E0147mfig. 72
GLOVE COMPARTMENT
To open the glove compartment use lever
A-fig. 74. When the glove compart-
ment is opened, the internal courtesy light
turns on. Leaving inadvertently open the
glove compartment, this light will turn off
automatically after a few minutes. The
folding top is also provided with a recess
for a pen or a pencil.
A0E0149mfig. 74
Do not travel with the
glove compartment open;
it could harm the passen-
ger in the event of an accident.
CIGAR LIGHTER
Front cigar lighter
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
It is located on the central console, near
the handbrake lever. To use the cigar
lighter, raise cover A-fig. 75as shown
by the arrow.
A0E0031mfig. 75

87
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
GLASS/CAN HOLDER
fig. 80
It is located on the central console, near
the handbrake lever. To use it lift cover
A-fig. 75.
EYEGLASSES HOLDER
(where provided)
It is located near the front ceiling light.
To use it, press lid A-fig. 81.
ASHTRAY
(optional for versions/
markets where applicable)
Front ashtray
It is located on the central console, near
the handbrake lever.
To use the cigar lighter, raise cover A-
fig. 78 and open lid B.
Front ashtray is removable: to remove
it, pull it upwards.
IMPORTANT Do not use the ashtray
as paper bin: it could set on fire on con-
tact with cigarette stubs.
A0E0153mfig. 79A0E0101mfig. 80
A0E0156mfig. 81
A0E0140mfig. 78
Rear ashtray
It is located on the central console, be-
tween front seats. To use the ashtray,
lift lid A-fig. 79as shown by the ar-
row.
Rear ashtray is removable: to remove it,
press on the central part and pull it up-
wards.
IMPORTANTDo not use the ashtray
as paper bin: it could set on fire on con-
tact with cigarette stubs.

PROGRAMMING
IMPORTANTWhile programming the
system, check for the absence of peo-
ple, animals or objects within the ma-
noeuvre space of main doors or gates to
prevent the risk of injuries or damages.
IMPORTANTPull up the handbrake
and fit the key into the ignition device.
Do not start the engine.Proceed as follows:
1) press and keep pressed the outer but-
tons (AandC): 20 seconds after led D
will start flashing. Release both buttons;
NOTEThis operation clears the stan-
dard codes programmed by the manu-
facturer. It will not be necessary to re-
peat this operation the next time you
program the buttons.
2) press and keep pressed the required
HomeLink button AorBorC. Do not
release the button until completing op-
eration4;
3) when the HomeLink led Dstarts
flashing slowly (about 20 seconds af-
ter) bring the portable remote control
(keeping the button to program
pressed) as close as possible to the
HomeLink.
89
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
HOMELINK
(where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The HomeLink fixed-system installed on
your car enables to control up to three
different devices for opening/closing
garage doors or gates, or for turning
on/off lighting system and for activat-
ing/deactivating alarm systems installed
at home and/or office.
A0E0311mfig. 86

Proceed as follows:
❒find the set-up button on the upper
side of the garage door/gate motor.
Colour and position may vary ac-
cording to the manufacturer (consult
the motor handbook);
❒press the motor set-up button (this
action will usually turn up the "set-
up" pilot light). After operation 2,
start to perform operation 3 within
30 seconds;
❒press the programmed button (Aor
BorC) and release it. Press again
the programmed button and then re-
lease it to end the operation. Certain
motors could require to repeat once
again the operation for concluding
the setting.
Now the motor should be up to recog-
nise the signal transmitted by HomeLink
and therefore to open/close the garage
door or the gate.
RE-PROGRAMMING ONE
SINGLE BUTTON
It is possible to programme another orig-
inal portable remote control on one
HomeLink button already programmed.
Previous programming will be cancelled.
IMPORTANTWhile programming the
system, check for the absence of peo-
ple, animals or objects within the ma-
noeuvre space of main doors or gates to
prevent the risk of injuries or damages.
IMPORTANTPull up the handbrake
and fit the key into the ignition device.
Do not start the engine.
Proceed as follows:
1) press and keep pressed the required
HomeLink button AorBorC. Do not
release the button until completing op-
eration3;
2) when the HomeLink led Dstarts
flashing slowly (about 20 seconds af-
ter) bring the portable remote control
(keeping the button to program
pressed) as close as possible to the
HomeLink. HomeLink can only work if the pro-
grammed alternate code is synchronised
with the system of the device (garage
door, gate, etc.).
IMPORTANTWhile synchronising the
system, check for the absence of peo-
ple, animals or objects within the ma-
noeuvre space of main doors or gates to
prevent the risk of injuries or damages.
IMPORTANTThe car shall be within
the range of the motor. Pull up the hand-
brake and fit the key into the ignition
device. Do not start the engine.
91
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS

152
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒ Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Put the gear lever neutral;
❒Fit the electronic key into the ignition
device to stop limit;
❒Press the clutch (or brake) pedal down
to the floor without pressing the ac-
celerator;
❒Press button START/STOPand re-
lease it as soon as the engine starts.
We recommend that
during the initial period
you do not drive to full
car performance (e.g.: excessive
acceleration, long journeys at
top speed, sharp braking, etc.).
Running the engine in
confined areas is ex-
tremely dangerous. The engine
consumes oxygen and pro-
duces carbon monoxide which
is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
WARNING
When the engine is
switched off never leave
the electronic key into the
ignition device to prevent point-
less current absorption from
draining the batter.STARTING PROCEDURE FOR
DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒Ensure that the handbrake is up;
❒Put the gear lever neutral;
❒fit the electronic key down into the
ignition device until it stops. The in-
strument panel warning light
m
will turn on;
❒Wait for the warning light mto
turn off. The hotter the engine is, the
quicker this will happen;
❒Press the clutch (or brake) pedal
down to the floor without pressing the
accelerator;
❒Press button START/STOPas soon
as warning light
mgoes out. If you
wait too long you will lose the ben-
efit of the work done by the glow
plugs. Release the button as soon as
the engine starts.
ENGINE STARTING
The car is fitted with an electronic engine
immobilising system. If the engine fails
to start, see paragraph “Alfa Romeo
CODE system” in section “Dashboard
and controls”.
IMPORTANTTampering with the ig-
nition device can cause unrequired steer-
ing lock.
IMPORTANT Fit completely the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device until
it locks into place.
IMPORTANT Never take the elec-
tronic key out of the ignition device while
the car is moving unless you have to car-
ry out an emergency removal (see para-
graph “Removing the electronic key from
the ignition device in an emergency”),
this ensures that the steering column lock
is deactivated while the car is moving
(e.g.: towing the car).

155
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
To release the handbrake proceed as fol-
lows:
❒Slightly lift the handbrake Aand
press release button B;
❒Keep button Bpressed and lower the
lever. Warning light
xon the in-
strument panel will turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the car from
moving accidentally.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever A-fig. 2 is locat-
ed between the two front seats. Pull the
handbrake lever Aupwards, until the
car cannot be moved.
With electronic key fitted into the igni-
tion device, the instrument panel warn-
ing light
xwill come on.
IMPORTANT The car shall stop after
a few clicks of the handbrake lever. If
this is not the case, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the hand-
brake adjusted.
A0E0030mfig. 2
PARKING THE CAR
Proceed as follows:
❒Stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
❒Engage a gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the car is faced uphill or
reverse if it is faced downhill) and
leave the wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope. Do
not leave the electronic key in the igni-
tion switch to prevent draining the bat-
tery.
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the electronic key
from the ignition device when
leaving the car and take it out
with you.
WARNING

164
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒ park the car in covered, dry and if
possible well-ventilated premises;
❒ engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged;
❒disconnect battery negative terminal
and check the battery charge. This
check is to be repeated every three
months when the car is left inactive.
Recharge if the optical(where pro-
vided) indicator shows a dark colour
without the central green area (see
paragraph “Battery” in “Car main-
tenance” section);
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds read-
ily available;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber
windscreen and rear window wiper
blades and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perfo-
rated plastic sheet. Do not use sheets
of non-perforated plastic as they do
not allow moisture on the car body
to evaporate;
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the
normal specified pressure and check
it at intervals;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery
from the electric system, check its
charge every month and recharge it
if the optical indicator shows a dark
colour without the central green area;
❒ do not drain the engine cooling sys-
tem.
IMPORTANTIf the car is fitted with
alarm system, switch off the alarm with
the remote control.

165
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
W W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ON ..................... 167
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................. 167
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED ................................. 167
AIR BAG FAILURE................................................ 168
PASSANGER’S FRONT AIR BAGS DEACTIVATED ........ 169
ENGINE COOLANT HIGH TEMPERATURE.................. 169
ENGINE OIL HIGH TEMPERATURE .......................... 170
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/
EXHAUST OIL..................................................... 170
LOW BATTERY CHARGE ....................................... 170
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING ............................... 171
BONNET OPEN ................................................... 171
BOOT OPEN....................................................... 171
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE....................................... 171
CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
STEERING LOCK INHIBITION................................. 172
ALARM FAILURE/BREAK-IN ATTEMPT
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT RECOGNIZED ...................... 172
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD............ 173
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUGS/
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUG FAILURE ....................... 173
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER ............................. 174
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHED ON ................. 174
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE......................................... 175
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE......................................... 175VDC SYSTEM .................................................... 175
HILL HOLDER FAILURE ........................................ 176
ASR SYSTEM (WHEEL ANTISKID SYSTEM) ............. 176
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE .................................. 176
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE ....................................... 177
REAR FOGLIGHTS ............................................... 177
FRONT FOG LIGHTS ............................................ 177
SIDE/TAILLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME .................. 177
DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS.................................. 177
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS .................................... 177
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ........................ 177
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ...................... 177
LIGHT SENSOR FAILURE........................................ 178
RAIN SENSOR FAILURE......................................... 178
PARKING SENSORS FAILURE ................................ 178
FUEL RESERVE – LIMITED CRUISING RANGE .......... 178
CRUISE CONTROL .............................................. 178
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED .................. 178
ANTIPINCH SYSTEM FAILURE ............................... 179
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID LOW LEVEL ............. 179
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED ..................................... 179
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM FAILURE ................................... 179
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE ...................................... 179
LOW INFLATION PRESSURE ................................. 180
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR SPEED ............. 180