2005 Alfa Romeo 159 wheel

71
SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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“FOLLOW ME HOME”
DEVICE
This function allows the illumination of
the space in front of the car for a pre-
set period of time.
Activation
Pull the stalk towards the steering wheel
within 2 minutes from when the engine
is turned off.
At each single movement of the stalk,
the staying on of the lights is extended
by 30 seconds up to a maximum of 3.5
minutes; then the lights are switched off
automatically.
Each time the stalk is operated, the
3
warning light turns on together with the
message on the display (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
Deactivation
Keep the stalk pulled towards the steer-
ing wheel for more than 2 seconds.
AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS
SENSOR (daylight sensor)
(where provided)
It detects the changes of the external
light intensity of the car according to the
light sensitivity set: the greater the sen-
sitivity is, the smaller the amount of ex-
ternal light necessary to control the
switching-on of the external headlights
will be.
On certain versions, the daylight sen-
sor sensitivity can be adjusted through
the “Setup Menu” of the display (see
section “Reconfigurable multifunction
display” in this section).
Activation
Turn the knurled ring A-fig. 51to
2A:
in this way, the automatic activation of
the side/taillights and dipped beam
headlights is simultaneously enabled ac-
cording to outside brightness.
With lights switched on automatically
and in the presence of a switching off
control by the sensor, the main beams
will be switched off first and a few sec-
onds after also the sidelights.Deactivation
As a result of the sensor control, the
dipped beam headlights will switch off
and, after a few seconds, sidelights will
switch off too. The sensor is not able
to detect the fog presence, under this
condition lights shall therefore be
switched on manually.
Failure warnings
On certain versions headlight sensor fail-
ure is shown by the instrument panel
warning light
1, whereas on other ver-
sions a dedicated message is shown on
the display (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).

74
SAFETY
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Turning the knurled ringA-fig. 54it
is possible to increase the sensitivity of
the rain sensor, obtaining a quicker
change from stationary (no wiping)
when the windscreen is dry, to first con-
tinuous speed (continuous, slow). A fur-
ther stroke will confirm operation.
Operating the windscreen washer with
the rain sensor activated (stalk at posi-
tion1-fig. 54) the normal washing
cycle is performed at the end of which
the rain sensor resumes its normal au-
tomatic function.
Removing the electronic key from the
ignition device, the rain sensor is deac-
tivated and the next time the engine is
started it will not be reactivated even if
the stalk has remained in position 1-
fig. 54. In this case to activate the rain
sensor, simply move the stalk to 0or2
and then back to 1.
When the rain sensor is reactivated in
this way, the wiper performs one stroke,
even if the windscreen is dry, to indicate
that reactivation has occurred. “Smart washing” function
Pulling the lever towards the steering
wheel (unstable position) operates the
windscreen washer.
Keeping the stalk pulled with just one
movement it is possible to operate the
washer jet and the wiper at the same
time; the wiper actually comes into op-
eration automatically when the stalk is
pulled for more than half a second.
The wiper stops working 3 strokes after
releasing the stalk; a further stroke af-
ter about 6 seconds will complete the
wiping operation.
RAIN SENSOR
(where provided)
The rain sensor A-fig. 55, located be-
hind the driving mirror, is an electronic de-
vice combined with the windscreen wiper
which has the purpose of automatically
adjusting the number of wipes to intensi-
ty of the rain. All the other functions con-
trolled by the right-hand stalk remain un-
changed.
The rain sensor is activated automati-
cally moving the right-hand stalk to po-
sition1-fig. 54and it has a range of
adjustment that gradually varies be-
tween wiper stationary (no wiping)
when the windscreen is dry, to wiper
at second speed (continuous, medium
wiping) with heavy rain.
A0E0227mfig. 55

83
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INTERIOR FITTINGS
CENTRAL ARMREST
The central armrest is located between
the front seats. Inside the armrest are
housed an oddment compartment and
an air-conditioned food box (where pro-
vided) (see next paragraphs).
On certain versions the central armrest
can be adjusted forward or backward by
operating the cover B-fig. 64.
Oddment compartment
To open the oddment compartment,
press button A-fig. 64and raise the
coverB.
A0E0141mfig. 65
Pay attention not to
spill the drinks: the food
box bottom however is
provided with a hole to drain
spilled liquids, if any.
REAR ARMREST
(where provided)
To use the central armrest A-fig. 66
lower it as shown in the figure.
A0E0139mfig. 66
A0E0039mfig. 64
Air-conditioned food box
(where provided)
Access to the food box is gained from
the oddment compartment by lifting tab
A-fig. 65. Turn wheel Bto adjust the
air flow inside the food box.
IMPORTANTFunction of the food
box is to keep the temperature of the
drinks placed inside it; drinks shall be
warmed or cooled as required before be-
ing put inside the food box.

103
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In this event, to adjust the headlight
slant use control A-fig. 100set on the
button control panel near the steering
wheel.
If the car is fitted with bixenon head-
lights, headlight aiming is electronic and
therefore control Ais not present.Control has four positions corresponding
to the loads given below:
❒position0: one or two passenger on
front seats and kerb weight (includ-
ing full fuel tank, tools and acces-
sories);
❒position1: five passengers;
❒position2: five passengers and boot
fully loaded (about 50 kg);
❒position3: driver plus 300 kg load
completely stored into the boot.
IMPORTANT Check headlight slant
each time the transported load changes.
FRONT FOG LIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
to have the headlights correctly adjusted.
A0E0226mfig. 100
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are adjust-
ed for circulation in the country in which
the car is marketed. In countries with
opposite circulation, to avoid glaring on-
coming vehicles, proceed as follows:
❒remove headlight cover (see para-
graph “Dipped beam headlights” in
section “In an emergency”);
❒move lever A-fig. 101aside;
A0E0050mfig. 101

104
SAFETY
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ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with ABS braking sys-
tem, which prevents the wheels from
locking when braking, makes the most
of road grip and gives the best control
when emergency braking under difficult
road conditions.
System is completed by EBD (Electron-
ic Braking Force Distribution), which dis-
tributes the braking action between front
and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To have the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, it is
necessary a setting period of about 500
km: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
brakes.
ABS SYSTEM
INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has
come into action because the brake ped-
al pulsates slightly and the system gets
noisier: it means that the car speed
should be altered to fit the type of road
surface.
If the ABS system cuts in, it is a sign that
the grip between tyre and the road sur-
face has reached the limit: you must
slow down to match the speed to the
road grip available.
If the ABS system cuts
in, it is a sign that the
grip between tyre and the
road surface has reached the
limit: you must slow down to
match the speed to the road
grip available.
WARNING
The ABS exploits the
tyre-road grip at the
best, but it cannot improve it;
you should therefore take
every care when driving on
slippery surfaces without tak-
ing unnecessary risks.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in,
and you feel the brake
pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot, but keep it pressed;
in doing so you will stop in the
shortest amount of space pos-
sible under the current road
conditions.
WARNING

105
SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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EBD failure
EBD failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning lights
>+xon the in-
strument panel (on certain versions to-
gether with the dedicated message on
the display) (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
In this case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with the
possibility of skidding. Drive extremely
carefully to the closest Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the system
checked.
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking
assistance)
The system, which cannot be cut out,
recognizes emergency braking (on the
ground of the brake pedal operation
speed) and considerably increases the
pressure in the brake circuit.
Brake Assist is deactivated on the ver-
sions equipped with VDC system in the
event of VDC system failure, indicated
by the turning on of warning light
áon
the instrument panel (on certain ver-
sions together with a message on the
display).
FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS
ABS failure
ABS failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light
>on the instru-
ment panel (on certain versions together
with the dedicated message on the dis-
play) (see section “Warning lights and
messages”). In this case the braking
system is still efficient, though without
the aid of the ABS system.
Drive carefully to the closest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system
checked.

107
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Performance of the
VDC system, in terms
of active safety should not in-
duce the driver to take point-
less and unnecessary risks.
The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to
the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility an traffic. Road
safety is always the driver’s
responsibility.
WARNING
During the use of the
space-saver spare
wheel (where provided), the
VDC system carries on work-
ing. However, you must re-
mind that the space-saver
spare wheel has dimensions
smaller than the standard tyre
and therefore its grip is re-
duced as to the other car tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of
the VDC system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(where provided)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system and it is provided to facilitate
starting on slopes:
❒uphill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed, gearbox to neutral or
engaged gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed and reverse gear en-
gaged.
At pickup the VDC system control unit
will keep brake force on wheels until
reaching the torque suitable for starting,
or in any case for about 1 second in or-
der to pass easily from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal.

Failure warnings
System failure is indicated by the turn-
ing on of warning light
*(where pro-
vided) on the instrument panel (on cer-
tain versions together with the dedicat-
ed message on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
IMPORTANTThe Hill Holder system
is not a parking brake. Never get out
of the car without engaging the hand-
brake, switching the engine off and en-
gaging the first gear.
ASR SYSTEM
(AntiSlip Regulation)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system, it controls car drive and cuts in
automatically every time one or both dri-
ving wheels slip.
According to slipping conditions, two dif-
ferent control systems are activated:
❒ if slipping involves both driving
wheels, the ASR function intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in auto-
matically braking the wheel that is
slipping. This time elapsing without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by
releasing gradually the brake force.
At releasing, the typical brake disen-
gagement noise indicating that the car
is going to move will be heard.
108
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS