2005 Alfa Romeo 156 light

CAR MAINTENANCE
269
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERYTo avoid quickly draining the battery and
to preserve its operating conditions over the
course of time, carefully follow the instruc-
tions below:
– The terminals must always be tightened.
– As far as possible, avoid keeping ser-
vices on for a long time with the engine
stopped (radio, hazard lights, parking lights,
etc.).
– When leaving the car parked in a
garage, make sure that the doors, bonnet,
boot and interior lids are properly shut to
prevent lights from staying on.
– Before doing any work on the electric
system, disconnect the battery negative ter-
minal.– If after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which need a
permanent electrical supply (alarm, hands-
free phone, radio-navigator with satellite an-
ti-theft function, etc.) contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services whose qualified per-
sonnel, in addition to suggesting the most
suitable devices from Lineaccessori Alfa
Romeo will be able to evaluate the total
electrical absorption, checking whether the
car’s electric system is able to support the
load required or whether a battery with high-
er capacity is necessary. In fact, these de-
vices continue to absorb current with the
ignition key off (car parked, engine off) and
may gradually drain the battery.
REPLACING THE BATTERYIf required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine spare part having the same specifica-
tions. If a battery with different specifica-
tions is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Programmed Maintenance Schedule in
this section will no longer be valid. Refer
to the instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer.

CAR MAINTENANCE
274
HEADLIGHT WASHERS(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean fig. 28.
If it is necessary to direct the jet, contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorized Service.
BODYWORKPROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTSThe main causes of corrosion are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or
hot humid climates)
– seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand and mud and gravel raised by oth-
er vehicles.
On your Alfa 156, Alfa Romeo has
implemented the best manufacturing tech-
nologies to effectively protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
These include:
– Painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to corrosion
and abrasion.
– Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corrosion.
– Spraying the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheel arches and other parts with
highly protective wax products.
SPRAY JETS Make sure that the windscreen and head-
light (where applicable) washer jets deliv-
er a jet of fluid which is adequate and cor-
rectly directed.
If the spray devices are not working check
that the supply circuit is not blocked. If nec-
essary unblock the nozzles using a needle.
fig. 28
A0B0581m

CAR MAINTENANCE
275
RECOMMENDATIONS
TO PRESERVE THE BODYWORKPaint
The paintwork does not only serve an aes-
thetic purpose but also protects the under-
lying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touch-
ing up carried out immediately to avoid the
formation of rust.
Only original products should be used for
touching up paint (see “Bodywork paint
identification label” in the “Technical spec-
ifications” chapter).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the con-
ditions and environment of use. For exam-
ple, in highly polluted areas, or if the roads
are sprayed with salt, it is wise to wash the
car more frequently.
Detersives pollute water.
The car should therefore be
washed in areas equipped
for the collection and purification
of the liquid used in the washing
process.
To correctly wash the car:
1)Remove the aerial from the roof to pre-
vent damage to it if the car is washed in
an automatic system.
2)Spray the body with a low pressure
jet of water.
3)Pass a sponge moistened with a light
detergent solution, rinsing the sponge fre-
quently.
4)Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with the
less visible parts like door surrounds, bonnet
and around the headlights where water may
stagnate. The car should not be taken to a
closed area immediately, but left in the open
so that residual water can evaporate. – Spraying of plastic parts, with a pro-
tective function, in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner wheel arch linings,
edges, etc.
– Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of moisture
from triggering rust inside.
VEHICLE EXTERIOR AND
UNDERBODY WARRANTYThe Alfa 156is guaranteed against
perforation due to rust of any original ele-
ment of the structure or body. For the gen-
eral terms of this warranty, refer to the War-
ranty Booklet.

CAR MAINTENANCE
277
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTSFor routine cleaning of interior plastic parts
use a soft cloth moistened with water and
neutral soap. Remove grease or persisting
stains using appropriate solvent-free prod-
ucts designed to preserve appearance and
colour of plastic components.
IMPORTANTNever use spirit or petro-
leum to clean the instrument panel or oth-
er plastic parts.
INTERIOR FITTINGSPeriodically check that water is not trapped
under the mats (due to water dripping off
shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which could cause
oxidisation of the sheet metal.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS – Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to
remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
– Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral deter-
gent. CLEANING LEATHER SEATS– Remove dried on dirt with a lightly
moistened chamois leather or cloth with-
out pressing too hard.
– Remove liquid or grease stains with a
dry absorbent cloth without rubbing. Then
wipe with a soft cloth or chamois leather
with water and neutral soap. If the stain per-
sists, use specific products, carefully follow-
ing the instructions for use
WARNINGNever use spirit or alcohol-
based products.
Never use inflammable
products like fuel oil ether
or rectified petrol for cleaning in-
side the car. The electrostatic dis-
charges generated when rubbing to
clean may cause fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in
the car. There is the risk
they might explode. Aerosol cans
must never be exposed to a tem-
perature above 50°C. The temper-
ature inside the car might go well
beyond that figure when exposed
to the sun’s rays.
WARNING

ALFA 156 SPORTWAGON
282
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENTThe boot lid can be opened from outside
the vehicle (pressing the button on the key)
and from inside the vehicle.
WARNINGIf the tailgate is not shut
properly, this will be shown by the corre-
sponding warning light
´
and warning mes-
sage on the Infocenter display.
OPENING FROM INSIDE (fig. 13)
To open the tailgate from inside the pas-
senger compartment pull the lever (A) at
the side of the driver’s seat.fig. 13
A0B0042m
Lifting the tailgate is facilitated by the ac-
tion of the gas springs.
The gas springs are cali-
brated to ensure correct
lifting of the tailgate with
the weights foreseen by the man-
ufacturer. The addition of objects
(spoiler, etc.) may adversely affect
correct operation and safety in use
of the tailgate.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 14)
The boot can be opened by remote control
pressing the button (C) on the key, also
when the electronic alarm (where fitted) is
engaged.
In this case the alarm system switches off
volumetric protection and the tailgate con-
trol sensor. The system also sounds two
beeps and the direction indicators light up
for three seconds (with the exception of ver-
sions for certain markets).
Closing the boot again the control functions
are restored, the system sounds two beeps
and the direction indicators light up for three
seconds (with the exception of versions for
certain markets).
fig. 14
A0B9000m
Only use the tailgate open-
ing lever with the car sta-
tionary.
WARNING

ALFA 156 SPORTWAGON
294
IN THE EVENT
OF A PUNCTUREWARNINGIf the car is equipped with
“Fix&Go kit for tyre quick repair”, see the
instructions contained in the “In emergency”
chapter.fig. 47
A0B0127m
TOOL AND SPARE WHEEL
HOUSING
(for versions/markets where
required)
(fig. 47)
The tools and spare wheels are housed in
the boot floor, under the mat. To gain
access to them, raise or remove the boot
mat using the handle (A-fig. 47).
To take the container with the tools (B)
slacken the handle (C).
The spare wheel (D) can be taken after
removing the container with the tools.
IF AN EXTERIOR
LIGHT GOES OUTWARNINGBefore changing a bulb, read
the warnings and precautions given in the
chapter “In an emergency”.REVERSING LIGHTS AND REAR
FOG GUARDSTo change the bulbs (Type B, 21W):
– Open the tailgate.
– Remove the cover (Aor B-fig. 48) in
correspondence with the light concerned,
withdrawing it at the side.fig. 48
A0B0128m

ALFA 156 SPORTWAGON
295
– Remove the bulb holder unit (D-
fig. 49) pressing on the retainer tabs (E-
fig. 49).
– Remove and replace the bulb con-
cerned (spherical with bayonet coupling)
pressing lightly and turning counterclock-
wise (fig. 50):
(F) reversing light bulb
(G) rear fog guard bulbfig. 49
A0B0129m
fig. 51
A0B0131m
fig. 50
A0B0130m
– Reinsert the bulb holder unit fitting it cor-
rectly between the retainer tabs (E-fig. 49)
– Refit the lid (Aor B-fig. 48) inserting
it from outside until it fits in.
DIRECTION INDICATORS AND
SIDE/STOP LIGHTSTo replace the bulbs (Type B, 21W direc-
tion indicators, 5/21W side/stop lights):
– Open the tailgate.
– Slacken the two fastening nuts (A-
fig. 51) and remove the protective cover
(B-fig. 51).

ALFA 156 SPORTWAGON
296
fig. 55
A0B0135m
– Remove the bulb holder unit (A-
fig. 52) pressing on the retainer tab (B-
fig. 52).
– Remove and replace the bulb con-
cerned (spherical with bayonet coupling)
pressing lightly and turning counterclock-
wise (fig. 56):
(C) side light/stop light
(D) direction indicator.
– Reinsert the bulb holder unit fitting the
retainer tabs correctly (B-fig. 52).
– Refit the protective cover (B-fig. 51)
fastening with nuts (A-fig. 51).– Refit the bulb holder (C-fig. 55) turn-
ing clockwise.
– Refit the complete unit (B-fig. 54)
firstly inserting the catches and then press-
ing in correspondence with the stopper (A-
fig. 54).fig. 52
A0B0132m
NUMBER PLATE LIGHTSTo replace the bulbs (Type A, 5W):
– Remove the number plate light unit us-
ing a flat-tipped screwdriver protected by a
soft cloth on the catch (A-fig. 54).
– Remove the unit (B-fig. 54).
– Remove the bulb holder (C-fig. 55)
turning clockwise and replace the bulb
(D-fig. 55) which snaps on.
fig. 54
A0B0134m
fig. 53
A0B0133m