2005 Alfa Romeo 156 trailer

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR94
Warning light Message
on display
ç
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATUREWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light comes on but must go out after a
few seconds.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on (together with the message + symbol
shown on the display) when the engine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
– Normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch the engine off and check if the water
level inside the tank is not below the reference mark MIN.
In this case, wait a few minutes to let the engine cool down, then open the cap slowlyand care-
fully, fill with coolant, making sure its level is between reference marks MINand MAXon the
tank. Moreover, perform a visual check for any fluid leakage. If the warning light comes on again
the next time the engine is started, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
– Car heavy duty(e.g. towing a trailer uphill or car fully loaded): slow down and, if the
warning light stays on, stop the car. Pause for 2 or 3 minutes, keeping the engine on and slightly
accelerated to facilitate better coolant circulation, then switch the engine off.
Check correct fluid level, as described above.
WARNINGIn case of highly demanding use of the car, you are recommended to keep the en-
gine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it off.
When the engine is very hot, do not remove the tank cap: danger of
burns.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
106
l
DIRECTION INDICATORS IF A TRAILER IS TOWEDThe warning light on the dial comes on when the direction indicator control lever is moved up or
down, or when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
Warning light Message
on display1
MAIN-BEAM HEADLIGHTSThe warning light comes on when these lights are turned on.
3Ü
SIDELIGHTS AND DIPPED-BEAM HEADLIGHTSThe warning light on the dial comes on when the sidelights or dipped-beam headlights are
switched on.CONSTANT SPEED ADJUSTMENT (CRUISE CONTROL)
(where applicable)The warning light on the check panel turns on, with the knurled ring of the cruise control in the
ON position, when the device starts to intervene on the engine.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
196
Tyres
Tyres should be checked at least every four
4 weeks: if the pressure is too low, fuel con-
sumption increases as the resistance to the
rolling movement of the tyre is higher. In
this state, tyre wear is increased
and vehicle handling suffers which will af-
fect safety.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage stowed
in the boot. The weight of the vehicle (es-
pecially when driving in town) and its trim
greatly affects consumption and stability.
Luggage/ski rack
Remove luggage or ski racks from the roof
of the vehicle as soon as they are no longer
needed. These accessories reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and will
increase consumption. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer where
possible.Electrical devices
Use the electric devices for the necessary
time only. The heated rear window, supple-
mentary lights, windscreen wipers, heating
system blower require large amounts of en-
ergy and, increasing the request for power
also increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% when driving in built-up areas).
Air conditioner
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside the
vehicle permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific use
on the vehicle, may reduce the aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and increase con-
sumption.
STYLE OF DRIVINGStarting
Do not warm the engine when the vehicle
is stationary or at high or low revs: in this
way the engine will warm up gradually in-
creasing consumption and emissions. You
should drive off slowly straight away avoid-
ing high revs so that the engine will warm
up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving the engine when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the en-
gine and avoid doubling the clutch as these
actions have no purpose on modern vehicles
and serve only to increase consumption and
pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the traffic and road conditions
allow it, shift to a higher gear. Using a lower
gear to liven up acceleration greatly in-
creases consumption. In the same way, im-
proper use of the higher gears will increase
consumption, emissions and wear and tear
on the engine.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
199
TOWING TRAILERSWARNINGS AND
SUGGESTIONS For towing caravans or trailers the vehi-
cle must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system. Installa-
tion should be carried out by specialised per-
sonnel who release a special document for
circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by law. Remember
that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, the braking spaces increase
and overtaking takes longer depending on
the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the vehi-
cle tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual vehicle loading capacity. To make sure the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the log
book) account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and per-
sonal belongings.
Drive within the permitted speed limits for
vehicles with trailers. In any case the maxi-
mum speed should never exceed 100 km/h.
INSTALLING THE TOW HOOKThe towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel according
to the following instructions and any addi-
tional and/or integrative information sup-
plied by the Manufacturer of the device.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations with reference to 94/20/EC Di-
rective and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the ve-
hicle on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fas-
tened to the towing device.
The ABS system with
which the car may be fitted
does not control the trailer braking
system. Particular care is therefore
necessary on slippery surfaces.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the vehicle brake
system be altered to control the
trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
of the vehicle’s hydraulic system.
WARNING

IN AN EMERGENCY
207
STARTING BY INERTIA
IN THE EVENT OF A
PUNCTUREWARNINGIf the car is equipped with
“Fix&Go kit for tyre quick repair”, see the
instructions contained in the following
chapter.GENERAL INSTRUCTIONSWheel changing and correct use of the jack
and compact spare wheel call for some pre-
cautions as mentioned below. Never push, tow or coast
start the vehicle. This could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalyst damaging it irreversibly.
Remember that the engine
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
is started, therefore, much greater
effort than usual is needed on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
Signal the presence of the
stationary vehicle accord-
ing to the current regulations: haz-
ard warning lights, reflecting tri-
angle, etc.
Any passengers should leave the
car and wait for the wheel to be
changed out of harm of the traffic.
If parked on a slope or uneven road
surfaces, place wedges or other
suitable devices under the wheels
to prevent the car from rolling.
Never start the engine when the
car is raised on the jack.
When towing a trailer, always
remove the trailer before lifting
the car.
WARNING

CAR MAINTENANCE
252
WARNING
Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy condi-
tions:
– trailer or caravan towing
– dusty roads
– short distances (less than 7-8 km) re-
peated and with external temperatures be-
low zero.
– frequently idling engines or long distance
low speed driving (e.g. taxis or door-to-door
deliveries) or in case of a long term inac-
tivity.
Replace engine oil more frequently than
required on
SERVICE SCHEDULE
.WARNING
Fuel oil filter
The variety of the degree of purity of the
fuel oil in commerce may make it necessary
to change the fuel oil filter more frequently
than stated in the Scheduled Maintenance
Programme. If the engine is “sobbing” it
is a sign that the filter needs changing.WARNING
Air cleaner
Using the car on dusty roads, change the
air cleaner more frequently than stated in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
For any doubts about the intervals be-
tween engine oil and air cleaner changes
in relation to how the car is used, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
333
Tailgate
– closing ..................... 171-283
– opening from inside .. 135-170-282
– opening with remote
control ..................... 8-170-282
Technical specifications.......... 299
Telephone (provision) .................. 166
– cellular telephone................... 166
– radio transmitters ................... 166
Third stop light ...................... 230-297
Tools .......................................... 294
Tow hook ............................ 199-201
Tow rings .................................... 243
Towing the car....................... 160-244
Towing trailers ............................. 199
Transmission
– technical data ........................ 304
Tyres
– changing............................... 209
– correct reading....................... 311
– FIX&GO
(kit for quick tyre repairing)..... 212
– in the event of a puncture . 207-294
– inflation pressure .................. 307
– snow chains ......................... 202
– tools and compact spare
wheel housing ....................... 294– types of tyres
and rims ............................... 306
– winter tyres........................... 202
U
nderbody protection.................. 274
Useful accessories ........................ 204
V
DC system .............................. 179
– ASR function ......................... 181
Vehicle inactivity ......................... 203
– removing from storage ........... 204
Volumetric protection .................... 15
W
arning lights and indications .... 92
Washing the car
– body .................................... 275
– engine compartment .............. 276
– interiors (cleaning) ................. 277
Weights................................ 317-318
Wheel rims ........................... 306-312
– correct rim reading ................. 312
Wheels and tyres
– FIX&GO (quick tyre repair kit) .. 212
– geometry.............................. 313
– replacement ......................... 209
– snow chains ......................... 202
– tyres and rims ...................... 306
– tyre inflation pressure ....... 271-310Window winders .......................... 28
Windows
– cleaning................................ 276
Windscreen washer
– checking fluid level
and topping up ...................... 264
– “intelligent washing” function . 51
– operation ............................. 50
– spray jets .............................. 274
Windscreen wiper
– blade replacement ................. 273
– rain sensor ........................... 51
– operation .............................. 50
– spray jets .............................. 274
Winter
– snow chains .......................... 202
– winter tyres .......................... 202
X
enon lights
– replacing dipped-beam
headlamps ............................ 221
– replacing direction indicators .... 223
– replacing main beam
headlamps ............................ 222
– replacing sidelights ................. 223