2005 Alfa Romeo 159 clutch

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.
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.

IMPORTANTIf when fitting the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device, the
warning light
Yon the instrument pan-
el comes on (on certain versions to-
gether with a message on the display),
check whether the electronic key is the
proper one and then try to refit it into
the ignition device. If the problem per-
sists contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices.
TURNING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL OFF
With engine off and clutch and brake
pedals released, press button START/
STOPor remove the electronic key
from the ignition device.
A few seconds after the instrument pan-
el display will turn off gradually.
IMPORTANTContact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services if the instrument pan-
el fails to turn off.
TURNING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL ON
Proceed as follows:
❒fit the electronic key into the ignition
device;
❒if the electronic key is fitted yet, press
buttonSTART/STOPwithout
pressing the clutch or brake pedal.
To safeguard the battery, when leaving
the car with the instrument panel on,
electric and electronic devices will be de-
activated after approx. 1 hour.
IMPORTANTFit completely the elec-
tronic key into the ignition device until
it locks into place.
IMPORTANTContact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services if the instrument pan-
el fails to turn on.
20
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
A0E0028mfig. 15
ENGINE STARTING
See paragraph “Engine starting” in sec-
tion “Correct use of the car”.
START/STOP BUTTON
fig. 15
ButtonSTART/STOP, set on the
dashboard, controls car electric systems
and engine starting/stopping.
ButtonSTART/STOPis fitted with
knurled ring and led. When the led and
the instrument panel are on, the engine
can be started.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL
INDICATION
Fitting the electronic key into the igni-
tion device, the display will show for a
few seconds the engine oil level. At this
stage, to clear this indication and to go
to next screen, press button MENU.
Low/excessive oil level will be indicat-
ed by a dedicated warning message on
the display.
IMPORTANT Check the proper en-
gine oil level on the dipstick (see para-
graph “Checking levels” in section “Car
maintenance”).
IMPORTANTProper engine oil level
shall be checked with the car on level
ground.
IMPORTANT To read the correct oil
level after fitting the electronic key, wait
for about 2 seconds before starting the
engine.
MESSAGES DISPLAYED
AT STARTING
After the engine oil level, the display will
show for a few seconds a message in-
dicating the procedure to follow to start
the engine (PRESS PEDAL AND
START: press brake or clutch pedal and
then press button START/STOPto
start the engine). Scheduled servicing
IMPORTANTThe Service schedule in-
cludes car maintenance every 30,000
km (or 18,000 mi); this is shown au-
tomatically, with the electronic key in-
to the ignition device starting from
2,000 km (or 1,240 mi) from this
deadline and it will be displayed in km
or miles according to the unit set. When
a scheduled service interval (“coupon”)
is near to come, fitting the electronic key
into the ignition device will display a
message followed by the number of
km/mi to go before car servicing. Con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
carry out any service operation provid-
ed by the Service schedule or by the An-
nual inspection plan, and to reset the
display.
28
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS

76
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CRUISE CONTROL
(where provided)
GENERAL
The speed regulator (CRUISE CON-
TROL), with electronic control, makes
it possible to drive the car at the required
speed, without pressing the accelerator
pedal. This reduces driving fatigue dur-
ing long journeys (specially on high-
ways) because the speed memorised is
automatically maintained.
IMPORTANTThe device can only be
engaged at speeds between 30 and
190 km/h.
A0E0095mfig. 57
DEVICE ENGAGEMENT
Turn knurled ring A-fig. 57toÜ.
The device cannot be engaged in first
speed or reverse. It is recommended to
engage it in 4th or higher speeds. Trav-
elling downhill with the device engaged,
the car speed may increase more than
the memorised one.
When the device is activated the in-
strument panel warning light
Üturns
on (on certain versions together with a
message on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
TO MEMORISE SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❒turn the knurled ring A-fig. 57to
Üand press the accelerator pedal to
the required speed;
❒push the stalk upwards (+) or down-
wards (–), then release it: car speed
is memorised and it is therefore pos-
sible to release the accelerator ped-
al.
In the case of need (when overtaking
for instance) acceleration is possible sim-
ply pressing the accelerator pedal: re-
leasing the accelerator pedal, the car will
return to the speed memorised previ-
ously.
TO RESET THE MEMORISED
SPEED
If the device has been disengaged for
example pressing the brake or clutch
pedal, the memorised speed can be re-
set as follows:
❒accelerate gradually until reaching a
speed approaching the one memo-
rised;

77
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
❒pressing the brake pedal, pressing the
clutch pedal (in these cases the last
stored speed will stay memorised, to
resume it press button RES);
❒pressing the accelerator pedal; in this
case the system is disengaged only
temporarily; device operation will be
resumed automatically when releas-
ing the pedal;
❒with car speed below the preset lim-
it (in these cases the last stored
speed will stay memorised, to resume
it press button RES);
Automatic Cruise Control
deactivation
The Cruise Control is temporarily deac-
tivated when the ABS or VDC systems
come into operation (above a max. pre-
set time): in this case the last set speed
will stay memorised, to recall it press
buttonRES.
In the event of Cruise Control or engine
control system failure, the device is de-
activated until removing the electronic
key from the ignition device. In this
event contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
❒engage the gear selected at the time
of speed memorising (4th or 5th
gear);
❒press the RESbutton (set at stalk
end).
TO INCREASE THE
MEMORISED SPEED
The speed memorised can be increased
in two ways:
❒pressing the accelerator and then
memorising the new speed reached;
or
❒moving the stalk upwards (+).
Each operation of the stalk will corre-
spond to a slight increase in speed
(about 1.5 km/h), while keeping the
stalk upwards will correspond to a con-
tinuous speed increase.
TO REDUCE MEMORISED
SPEED
The speed memorised can be increased
in two ways:
❒disengaging the device and then
memorising the new speed;
or
❒moving the stalk downwards (–) un-
til reaching the new speed which will
be memorised automatically.
Each operation of the stalk will corre-
spond to a slight decrease in speed
(about 1.5 km/h), while keeping the
stalk downwards will correspond to a
continuous speed decrease.
DEVICE DISENGAGEMENT
The device is disengaged in one of the
following cases:
❒turning the knurled ring A-fig. 57
toO;
❒turning the engine off or removing
the electronic key from the ignition
device;

107
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
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.

148
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;
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.❒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.
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 running unless you have to car-
ry out an emergency removal (see para-
graph “Removing the electronic key from
the ignition device in an emergency”).

149
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANT
If at start-up the engine turns off, restart
it by pressing the clutch or brake pedal
and then press button START/STOP.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not insist but contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
With car started the electronic key is
locked into the ignition device and it can
be removed only after switching the en-
gine off. With car running and key
locked into the ignition device, forced
key removal could damage the ignition
device.
Start-up failures, if any, are indicated by
the turning on of the warning light
Y
on the instrument panel (on certain ver-
sions a dedicated message is displayed).
In this case contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
If the engine will not start after pressing
buttonSTART/STOP, repeat the
start-up procedure by pressing the oth-
er pedal (clutch or brake). Start-up failures
The system can recognise start-up fail-
ures.
In the event of failure, the electronic key
can be removed from the ignition device to
enable the driver to carry out the follow-
ing operations:
❒turn the instrument panel off by
pressing button START/STOPor
removing the electronic key from the
ignition device;
❒start the engine again by pressing the
clutch/brake pedal and button
START/STOP.
IMPORTANT In the event of engine
locking while the car is running, due to
safety reasons it will not be possible to
take the electronic key out of the igni-
tion device. To remove it, press button
START/STOPwith brake pedal (or
clutch pedal) released and car stopped.
HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS
JUST STARTED
(petrol and diesel engines)
Proceed as follows:
❒Drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not acceler-
ate abruptly;
❒Do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres. Wait until the
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.