GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
When the maximum demisting/defrost-
ing function is on, the only manual opera-
tions possible are manual adjustment of the
fan and switching rearscreen heating off.
Pressing one of the following buttons:
(10)
-
, (7)
v
, (11)
MONO
, (14)
AUTO
or (12)
√
the system switches off
the maximum demisting/defrosting func-
tion, resuming the system operating condi-
tions prior to turning it on, in addition to
activating the last function required, if any.
WING MIRROR AND
REARSCREEN DEFROSTING/
DEMISTING BUTTON
(
(fig. 114)
Pressing button (9)
(
, turns on demist-
ing/defrosting of the rearscreen and, if pre-
sent, the wing mirror coils.
The activation of this function is shown
by the turning on of the led on the button.
This function is timed and switches off au-
tomatically after 20 minutes, or pressing the
button again; the function is also switched
off when the engine is stopped and will not
be switched on again the next time the en-
gine is started.WARNING Rear heated window man-
ual on/off control prevails over automatic
activation decided by the climate control sys-
tem control unit.
fig. 114
A0B0075m
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
163
fig. 146
A0B0259m
Courtesy light (fig. 146)
(where required)
Lowering the passenger’s sun visor, the
courtesy light on the roof lining can be seen.
This light makes it possible to use the cour-
tesy mirror under conditions with dim light.
On Sportwagon versions there is also a
courtesy light under the driver’s sun visor.
Use switch (A) to turn it on and off, with
the ignition key at MAR.Rear roof light (fig. 147)
(except versions with sunroof)
In correspondence with each rear door
there is a light which turns on automatically
when a door is opened.
They are timed and work in the same way
as described for the front roof light.
They can be turned on and off by hand
pressing the transparent cover (A) on the
circular impression.Centre rear roof lamp (fig. 148)
(only versions with sunroof)
On the roof lamp there is a switch with
three positions.
When the switch (A) is in the central po-
sition (0) the roof lamp turns on automat-
ically when a door is opened.
Lighting up is timed and it works as de-
scribed for the front roof lamp.
Moving the switch to the right (position 1)
the roof lamp stays off all the time.
Moving the switch to the left (position 2)
the roof lamp stays on all the time.
WARNINGBefore leaving the car make
sure that the switch (A) is in the central po-
sition (0), so that the lamp goes out when
the doors are closed.
fig. 147
A0B0258m
fig. 148
A0B0257m
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
166
ACCESSORIES
PURCHASED
BY THE OWNERIf, after purchasing your car, you want to
install electric accessories that require per-
manent power supply (burglar alarm, voice
function, radionavigator with satellite bur-
glar alarm, etc.) or other accessories that af-
fect the vehicle’s electric load, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services, whose qualified
staff is able to recommend the most suitable
equipment of the Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo,
and also assess the electric absorption of the
same, checking if the vehicle can withstand
the required load or if a battery of greater
power must be used.
TELEPHONE
PROVISION(on request for versions/
markets where applicable)
On request for versions/markets where
applicable, the car may be fitted with a pro-
vision for the installation of a cellular tele-
phone.
This provision comprises:
– sound system two-function aerial + cel-
lular phone;
– supply and connection cables with spe-
cific connector for voice kit connection.
The voice kit must be pur-
chased separately by the
customer, since it has to be
compatible with the customer’s
own cellular phone.
For the installation of the
cellular phone and connec-
tion to the provision in the
car, contact only Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services; this will guar-
antee first-rate results with no
possibility of any inconvenience
that may compromise the safety of
the vehicle.
fig. 154
A0B0252m
SUN VISORSThey can be adjusted frontally and later-
ally.
On the back of the visors there is a cour-
tesy mirror with sliding cover (A-fig. 154),
lit by the lamp (B).
The passenger’s sun visor bears also the
symbol for correct use of children’s seats in
cars equipped with passenger’s airbag. For
further information, see the descriptions
given in paragraph “Passenger’s front
airbag” in this chapter.
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
192
SAFE DRIVINGIn designing your Alfa 156, Alfa
Romeo has worked thoroughly to achieve a
vehicle able to offer top levels of safety to
its passengers. However, the behaviour of
the driver is still a decisive factor for road
safety.
Below you will find a few simple rules for
travelling safely under different conditions.
You are certainly familiar with many of them
but it is still helpful to read them all care-
fully.BEFORE DRIVING OFF– Make sure the lights and headlights are
working properly.
– Adjust the seat, steering wheel and
rearview mirrors, in order to obtain a correct
position for driving.
– Adjust the seat back upright and keep
your head as close as possible to the head
restraint.– Carefully adjust the headrests so that
the head and not the neck rests on them.
Check that nothing (mats, etc.) can get un-
der the foot pedals.
– Make sure that any child restraint sys-
tem (seats, cradles, etc.) are correctly fas-
tened on the rear seat.
– Place any objects in the boot with care
to prevent abrupt braking from throwing
them forwards.
– Avoid heavy meals before a journey. A
light meal will help to keep reflexes ready.
Above all avoid alcohol.
Routinely remember to check:
– tyre pressure and conditions;
– engine oil level;
– engine coolant level and system condi-
tions;
– brake fluid level;
– power steering oil level;
– windscreen washer fluid level.
WHEN TRAVELLING– The first rule for safe driving is care.
– Care also means being able to predict
the actions of other road users.
– Strictly respect the traffic regulations in
all countries, especially the speed limits.
– Ensure that both yourself and your pas-
sengers are wearing their seat belts, that
children are carried with the appropriate
seats and that any animals are in appropri-
ate compartments.
– Long distances should be trackled in
good health.
Driving under the influence
of drugs and/or some
medicines is highly dangerous for
oneself and for others.
WARNING
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
239
69
69
69
69
71
71
69
71
69
69
69
69
72
69
69
69
69
69
69
71 10
11
13
5
4
5
3
7
15
13
15
9
1
4
12
2
15
12
12
10
SERVICES FUSE AMPERES FIGUREWindscreen wiper, windscreen washer/Rearscreen wiper/Rain sensor (optional)HornsGSM Box for Connect/Navigator-electronic warning systemFront power windowsLeft rear power windowRight rear power windowDoor locking system - Boot lightBoot electric openingRearscreen heatingWing mirror adjustmentWing mirror defrostingCigar lighter/Odour sensorHeadlamp washerHeadlamp aiming deviceInstrument clusterMain-beam headlamp warning lightRearscreen heating warning lightSound system/Diagnosis socketElectronic alarm system Supplementary electrical socket in the boot (Sportwagon versions)20A
20A
10A
30A
20A
20A
20A
30A
30A
10A
30A
15A
20A
10A
10A
10A
30A
10A
10A
20A
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
327
Bulbs
– general instructions ............... 218
– replacement .......................... 217
– types of bulbs ................. 218-219Car lifting
– with arm hoist ....................... 245
– with jack .............................. 245
– with workshop hoist .............. 245
Car maintenance..................... 248
Carrying children safely ................ 35
Catalytic converter ....................... 188
Ceiling lights................................ 162
– centre rear roof lamp .............. 163
– courtesy light......................... 163
– front roof light ....................... 162
– rear roof light ........................ 163
Centre rear roof lamp.................... 163
– bulb replacement ................... 231
Changing battery of key
with remote control ................... 10
Changing bulbs
– general instructions ............... 218
– replacement .......................... 217
– types of bulbs ................. 218-219
Changing wheels.......................... 209
– general instructions ................ 207Charging the battery .............. 242-268
Checking levels ............................ 254
– brake and clutch fluid ............. 263
– engine coolant....................... 261
– engine oil ............................. 257
– power steering oil .................. 261
– Q-system automatic
gearbox oil............................ 260
– Selespeed gearbox oil ............ 259
– windscreen/rearscreen/
headlamp washing fluid .......... 264
Child safety device .............. 19-35-279
Children (carrying safely) ............. 35
– child’s seats .................... 35-38
– presetting for installing the
Isofix type child restraint system 39
Cigar lighter ............................... 164
Cleaning and maintenance
– car exterior ........................... 274
– car interior ............................ 277
– engine compartment ............. 276
– fabric seats .......................... 277
– leather seats ........................ 277
– plastic parts........................... 277
– windows ............................... 276
Climate control system.................. 108
– air vents................... 108-109-110– controls ................................ 118
Climate control system, automatic
two-zone ................................. 114
Clock .......................... 57-58-59-60-61
Clutch
– checking fluid level
and topping up ...................... 263
CO
2emissions ............................. 324
CODE card................................... 7
Compact spare wheel ................... 294
– technical data ........................ 312
Controls ...................................... 135
Correct use of the car............ 189
Courtesy light .............................. 163
– bulb replacement ................... 232
Cruise control
(constant speed adjustment) ...... 53
Current socket (boot) ................... 285
D
ashboard ................ 57-58-59-60-61
– brighting adjustment............... 63
Dashboard lighting dimming .......... 136
Demisting-defrosting
– door mirrors .................... 25-133
– rearscreen....................... 26-133
– windscreen and front
side windows ........................ 132
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
328
Diesel filter ................................. 265
Dimensions ........................... 315-316
Dipped beam headlights
– aiming for left-hand/
right-hand driving ................... 178
– changing bulbs ..................... 224
– switching on ......................... 48
Direction indicators
– changing front bulbs ............... 223
– changing rear bulbs ................ 228
– changing side bulbs ................ 227
– switching on ......................... 49
Door mirrors.......................... 25-26
Doors
– centralized locking ................. 19
– child safety lock............... 20-279
– opening/closing
from inside ..................... 19-278
– opening/closing
from outside ................... 18-278
– remote control ....................... 7
– remote locking/unlocking ...... 16
Economy and environment-friendly
driving ..................................... 197
Electronic alarm system................. 11
– automatic engagement ........... 14
– cutting out the siren .............. 15
– description ............................ 11
– interrupting the alarm ............. 14
– ministerial homologation ........ 16
– request for additional
emote controls....................... 12
– switching off ........................ 13
– switching on ......................... 12
– volumetric protection ............. 15
– when the alarm is triggered ..... 14
Electronic control units ................. 270
Emergency starting ................ 191-205
– starting by inertia .................. 207
– starting with an auxiliary
battery ................................. 242
Engine
– identification codes................. 301
– marking ............................... 299
– specifications ......................... 302
Engine compartment
– bonnet ................................. 172
– cleaning................................ 276Engine coolant
– checking level and topping up .. 261
– temperature gauge
and warning light ................... 62
Engine lock system
(Alfa Romeo CODE) ................... 6
Engine oil
– checking level and topping up .. 257
– consumption ......................... 258
Environment
– economy and environment-
friendly driving....................... 197
– emission reducing devices . 187-188
– protecting emission
reducing devices .................... 198
– reducing running costs
and environment pollution ....... 195
– use of non-toxic materials........ 187
EOBD system............................... 182
First-aid kit ................................ 247
Fix&Go (quick tyre repair kit) ........ 212
Flashing main beam headlights ..... 49
Fluids and lubricants .................... 320
Front foglights
– adjustment............................ 177
– changing bulbs ..................... 225
– switching on.......................... 136