2006 Alfa Romeo 156 sensor

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
101
Warning light Message
on display
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHThe message + symbol are shown on the display when the fuel cut-off switch comes into operation.ENGINE OIL SENSOR FAILURE (JTD versions)The message + symbol are shown on the display when there is a failure in the engine oil level
sensor. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible to have the fault eliminated.
If, after the message has been displayed, you can smell fuel or notice
leaks from the supply system, do not re-engage the switch to avoid
the risk of fire.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
115
For more detailed information on the sys-
tem and how to make the best use of it,
read the instructions given in the following
pages.The coolant used for the
climate control system is
R134a which meets cur-
rent regulations and does not harm
the environment in the event of ac-
cidental spillage.
Absolutely avoid the use of other
fluids which are incompatible with
the system components.fig. 100
A0B0382m
GENERALThe car is equipped with a two-zone cli-
mate control system, controlled by an elec-
tronic control unit which makes it possible
to separately adjust the air temperature on
the driver’s side and on the passenger’s side.
To obtain optimum temperature control in
the two areas of the passenger compart-
ment, the system has an outside sensor, a
passenger compartment sensor and a two-
zone sun ray sensor.
On some versions, the system is integrated
with an incipient misting sensor installed be-
hind the internal rearview mirror, which is
able to “monitor” a predefined area of the
windscreen inner surface which can auto-
matically act on the system to prevent or re-
duce misting, through a series of operations
such as: opening air recirculation, enabling
compressor, air flow to the windscreen, fan
speed sufficient for demisting; and, in case
of heavy misting, enabling the
MAX
-DEF
function.
The climate control com-
pressor cannot work when
the outside temperature is less
than 2°C. Therefore, it is recom-
mended that the internal air recir-
culation function
v
is not used
when the outside temperature is
low, as the windows could mist
over rapidly.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
116
The anti-pollution sensor
is placed in the air flow in
front of the combined par-
ticle activated carbon filter and,
therefore, must be protected
against possible compressed air
jets produced by cleaning equip-
ment. Moreover, the water col-
lected from the windscreen wipers
should not come into contact with
the sensor: otherwise, the internal
air recirculation function could be
disabled for long periods.
WARNINGThe demisting procedure is
enabled every time the ignition key is turned
to MAR, or pressing the
AUTO
button.
When this procedure is working it can be
turned off pressing one of the following but-
tons: compressor, air recirculation, air dis-
tribution, air flow. This operation inhibits the
incipient misting sensor signal until the AUTO
button is pressed again or the next time the
ignition key is turned to MAR.
On certain versions, the system is inte-
grated by an anti-pollution sensor that is able
to switch on the inside air recirculation func-
tion automatically, to reduce the unpleasant
smell of polluted air when driving in urban
areas, queues, tunnels, and when the wind-
screen wash/wiper is operated (with the
typical smell of spirits).WARNINGThe function of the anti-pol-
lution sensor is subordinate to safety con-
ditions; therefore disabling the climate con-
trol compressor or at an outside temperature
below 4°C, the sensor is disabled. In any
case, the sensor can be re-enabled press-
ing the recirculation button
v
until taking
it to the automatic mode. To ensure correct opera-
tion of the incipient misting
sensor, stickers (e.g. road
licence holder) must not be applied
in the “control” area between the
sensor and the windscreen. For this
very reason, both the sensor and
the windscreen must always be
kept clean, to avoid accumulation
of dirt or other substances.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
118
CONTROLS
(fig. 101)
1- Inside temperature adjustment knob
(driver’s side)
2- Inside temperature set display (driver’s
side)
3- Knob for adjusting the fan speed and
switching the system off
4- Fan speed set, air distribution and sys-
tem off display (OFF
)
5- Inside temperature set display (pas-
senger’s side)
6- Inside temperature adjustment knob
(passenger’s side)
7- Inside air recirculation on/off button
v
(manual/automatic)
8- Air distribution selection button
9- Rearscreen heating and wing mirror de-
frosting on/off button
(
10- Maximum defrosting/demisting
on/off button for windscreen and front side
windows, rearscreen heating and wing mir-
ror coils (function
MAX
-DEF
- -
)
11- Button for aligning the temperature
set on the passenger’s side with that on the
driver’s side
MONO
12- Climate control compressor on/off
enable button
√
13- Inside air temperature sensor
14- Button for selecting the system au-
tomatic mode
AUTO
fig. 101
A0B0056m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
129
fig. 111
A0B0072m
INSIDE AIR RECIRCULATION
ON/OFF BUTTON
v
(fig. 111)
Inside air recirculation is controlled ac-
cording to three operating logics:
– automatic control, indicated by the turn-
ing on of the right led on the button;
– forced switching on (inside air recircu-
lation always on), indicated by the turning
on of the left led on the button (and by the
right led going off at the same time);
– forced switching off (inside air recircu-
lation always off, with air inlet from the out-
side), indicated by the turning off of both
leds.
These operating conditions are obtained
by pressing in sequence the inside air recir-
culation button (7)
v
.
When inside air recirculation is controlled
automatically by the system, the right led
on the air recirculation button (7)
v
stays on all the time and the left led shows
the air recirculation condition:
ON= air recirculation operating;
OFF= air recirculation off.If inside air recirculation has been switched
on or off manually, the led on button (14)
AUTO
turns off.In automatic operation, inside air recircu-
lation is switched on automatically when the
anti-pollution sensor detects the presence of
polluted air, for instance in cities, queues,
tunnels, and when the windscreen
wash/wiper is operated (with the charac-
teristic smell of spirit).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
170
Lifting the boot lid is made easier by the
action of gas springs.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 162)
The luggage compartment can be opened
by remote control from outside pressing the
button (C), also when the electronic alarm
is on (where applicable).
In this case, the alarm system switches off
volumetric protection and the boot lid con-
trol sensor. The system also sounds two
beeps and the arrows light up for about
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 arrows light up for about three sec-
onds (with the exception of versions for cer-
tain markets). the gas springs are cali-
brated to guarantee correct
operation with loading
specified by the manufacturer. Ar-
bitrary additions to the boot lid
(spoiler, etc.) may affect its oper-
ation and safety.
OPENING FROM INSIDE (fig. 161)
To open the boot from inside the passen-
ger compartment, pull the lever (A), at the
side of the driver’s seat.fig. 161
A0B0042m
fig. 162
A0B0743m
Only use the boot opening
lever with the vehicle sta-
tionary.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
178
Braking on corners always requires the ut-
most caution, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important piece of advice, how-
ever, is the following:Following these instructions you will be
in a condition to obtain peak braking per-
formance at all times.
WARNINGCars fitted with ABS must
only be fitted with wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of the type and brand approved
by the Manufacturer.
The braking system is completed by the
electronic control braking distribution system
called EBD(Electronic Braking Force Dis-
tributor) which distributes the braking action
through the ABSsystem control unit and
sensors.
In the event of a system
fault, with lighting up of
the
>
warning light on the instru-
ment cluster (together with the
message + symbol shown by the
display), have the vehicle checked
immediately by Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services, driving slowly
to be able to regain full system
performance.
WARNING
When the ABS cuts in and
you feel the pedal pulse, do
not reduce the pressure, but keep
the brake pedal firmly pressed
with no fear; this way you will
stop in the shortest possible space,
compatibly with the conditions of
the road surface.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic brake distributor
(EBD). If the
>
and
x
warning
lights, where required, come on at
the same time (together with the
message + symbol shown by the
display) when the engine is run-
ning, there is an EBD system fault;
in this case, violent braking may
lock the rear wheels too early, with
the possibility of skidding. Drive
extremely carefully to the nearest
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to
have the system checked over.
WARNING
In order to be able to exploit as far as pos-
sible the possibility of the antilock system
in the case of need, it is wise to follow a few
pieces of advice:
The ABS exploits the avail-
able grip in full, but it can-
not increase it; therefore, caution
is required on slippery surfaces,
without running unnecessary risks.
WARNING
If the ABS cuts in, it means
that the grip limit between
the tyres and the road surface has
been reached: it is necessary to
slow down and adapt driving to
the grip available.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
179
If the
x
low brake fluid
warning light comes on (to-
gether with the message + symbol
shown by the display), stop the car
immediately and contact the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices. Indeed, any leak of fluid
from the hydraulic system com-
promises the effectiveness of both
the conventional brake system and
the system with antilock system.
WARNING
The turning on of the
>
warning light (together
with the message + symbol shown
by the display) with the engine
running normally indicates an ABS
system fault. In this case the brak-
ing system preserves its effec-
tiveness, without however making
use of the antilock device. Under
these circumstances, the EBD sys-
tem may fail to give top perfor-
mance. In this case, too, you are
recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services imme-
diately, driving in such a way as to
avoid abrupt braking, to have the
system checked.
WARNING
VDC AND ASR
SYSTEMS(where required)VDC SYSTEM (VEHICLE
DYNAMICS CONTROL):
GENERALThe VDC is an electronic vehicle stability
control system which, acting on the torque
and braking the wheels in a differentiated
manner, helps to bring the car back to the
correct course in the event of loss of grip.
While travelling the car is subjected to lat-
eral and longitudinal forces that may be
controlled by the driver up to when the
tyres offer adequate road-holding; when
this falls below the minimum level, the car
starts to deviate from the course required
by the driver.
Above all on rough surfaces (such as cob-
bles, or due to the presence of water, ice
or soil), changes in speed (when accelerat-
ing or braking) and/or course (bends or the
need to avoid obstacles) can cause the tyres
to lose grip.When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC system
acts on the engine and brakes generating
a stabilising torque.
The system performance
levels, in terms of active
safety, should not induce the dri-
ver to run pointless and unjustified
risks. Driving conduct should al-
ways be suited to the conditions of
the road surface, vision and traf-
fic. The responsibility for road
safety is always and anyway the
vehicle driver’s concern.
The VDC system helps the driver
to keep control of the car in the
event of loss of tyre grip.
The forces induced by the VDC sys-
tem to control the lack of stability
of the car always and anyway de-
pend on the grip between the tyre
and the road surface.
WARNING