2006 Alfa Romeo 156 warning light

2
MUST BE READ!REFUELLING
Petrol engines:only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) no less than 95.
Diesel engines:only refuel with diesel fuel conforming to the European specification EN590.
K
ENGINE START-UP
Petrol engines with mechanical transmission:make sure the handbrake is pulled; put the gear lever into neutral;
press the clutch pedal down to the floor without touching the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AV Vand release it as
soon as the engine starts.
Petrol engines with Selespeed transmission or Q-System:keep the brake pedal fully depressed; turn the igni-
tion key to AV Vand release it as soon as the engine has started; the transmission sets to neutral automatically (the display
shows position N).
Diesel engines:Turn the ignition key to MARand wait for the
Y
and
m
warning lights to go off; turn the ignition
key to AV Vand release it as soon as the engine starts.
PARKING OVER FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
While functioning normally, the catalytic converter reaches high temperatures. For this reason do not park the car over in-
flammable material, grass, dry leaves, pine needles, etc.: fire hazard.


GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR8
To insert the metallic insert in the key grip,
press the button (E-fig. 3) to release the
insert and turn it in the direction of the ar-
row until it clicks.
To open/close the doors by remote con-
trol, press button (B). On cars fitted with
electronic alarm system, pressing button (B)
also turns the electronic alarm.
WARNINGCertain radio devices outside
the car (e.g. mobile phones, HAM radio sys-
tems) could disturb the remote control fre-
quency. In this case the remote control could
malfunction.
OPENING THE BOOTThe boot can be opened by remote control
from outside pressing button (C-fig. 3),
also when the electronic alarm (where fit-
ted) is on.
In this case the alarm system switches off
the boot volumetric protection and control
sensor, the system gives two “beeps” (with
the exceptions of versions for certain mar-
kets) and the direction indicators light up for
about three seconds.
Closing the boot again, the control func-
tions are restored, the system gives two
“beeps” (with the exceptions of versions for
certain markets) and the direction indicators
light up for about three seconds. The metallic insert (A) of the key oper-
ates:
– the ignition switch
– the driver's door lock and, optional for
versions/markets where applicable, the pas-
senger's door lock
– passenger’s Air bag deactivation.
To move the metallic insert out of the key
grip, press button (E).
When button (E) is
pressed, take the utmost
care to prevent the metal insert
from causing injury or damage
when it comes out. Button (E) must
only be pressed when the key is
away from the body, in particular
the eyes, and from objects that
could be spoilt (e.g. clothes). Never
leave the key unattended to pre-
vent anyone, especially children,
from holding it and pressing button
(E) inadvertently.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR9
OPERATION
(fig. 4)
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOPposition, the Alfa Romeo CODE sys-
tem deactivates the functions of the engine
electronic control unit.
Each time the engine is started, turning the
key to the MARposition, the control unit
of the Alfa Romeo CODE system sends a
recognition code to the engine control unit
to deactivate the inhibition of the functions.
The recognition code, which is crypted and
variable between over 4 billion combina-
tions, is only sent if the system control unit
has recognised the code sent to it by the
key, which contains an electronic transmit-
ter, through an aerial in the ignition switch.This condition is indicated by a brief flash
of the warning light (A) on the check panel.
If the code has not been recognised cor-
rectly, the warning light (A) stays on to-
gether with the warning light (B).
In this case, you are recommended to re-
turn the key to the STOPposition and then
back to MAR; if the inhibition persists, try
again possibly with the other key provided
with the car. If it is still impossible to start
the car carry out the emergency starting pro-
cedure described in section “In an emer-
gency” and turn to an Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Service.
WARNINGEvery electronic key has its
own code, which must be memorised by the
system control unit. To memorise new keys,
up to a maximum of eight, apply solely to
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services taking with
you all the keys in your possession, the
CODE card, a personal identity document
and the car’s possession documents.
fig. 4
A0B0599m
The codes of the keys not
provided during the new
memorising procedure are
erased from the memory. This is to
ensure that any lost or stolen keys
can no longer be used to start the
car.
WARNINGThe Alfa Romeo CODE
Y
warning light comes on when travelling with
the ignition key on MAR:
1)If the warning lamp lights up while the
car is moving, it means that the system is
running a self-diagnosis (e.g. due to a volt-
age drop). The first time you stop you can
test the system as follows: switch the en-
gine off by turning the ignition key to
STOP; then turn the key back to MAR:
the warning lamp will light up and should
go out in the space of about one second. If
the warning lamp fails to go out, leave the
key at STOPfor more than 30 seconds and
repeat the procedure described previously.
If the problem persists, contact your Alfa
Romeo Authorized Service.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR10
2)If the warning lamp flashes it means
that the car is not protected by the immo-
biliser. Contact your Alfa Romeo Authorized
Service immediately and get them to store
the codes of all the keys in the memory.
CHANGING THE BATTERY
OF THE KEY WITH REMOTE
CONTROLIf when pressing button (Bor C-fig. 5)
the control is rejected or is not performed,
the battery should be replaced by a new one
of the same type to be found c/o normal
retailers. On versions fitted with electronic
alarm, the need to replace the remote con-
trol battery is indicated by the coming on,
with fixed light, of the deterrent led set on
the dashboard near the central air vent. If after 2 seconds with
the key in the MAR posi-
tion, the warning light turn
on again flashing, this means that
the code of the keys has not been
memorised, thus the car is not pro-
tected by the Alfa Romeo CODE
system against attempted theft. In
this case, contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorized Service to have the key
codes memorised.
Dead batteries are harm-
ful for the environment.
They must be disposed of
in special containers as specified by
current regulations. Avoid expo-
sure to naked flames and high tem-
peratures. Keep out of reach of
children.
fig. 5
A0B9000m
WARNINGThe system is protected by
a 10 A fuse housed in the fuse-holder set
under the dashboard (see paragraph “If a
fuse or relay blows” in the chapter “In an
emergency”).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR14
AUTOMATIC ENGAGEMENT
OF THE ALARM (optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
If the alarm has not been engaged with
the remote control it will come on auto-
matically after an established time of 30
seconds from the moment that the ignition
key has been turned to the STOPor
PARKpositions and a door or the boot has
been opened and then closed again. This
condition is shown by the intermittent illu-
mination of the led in the car and by the sig-
nalling described previously.
To deactivate the alarm press the button
on the remote control.
The alarm is also automatically engaged
when the doors are closed using the key.
When the alarm is engaged automatically
the doors are not locked.
WHEN THE ALARM
IS TRIGGEREDWhen the alarm is engaged it will sound
when:
– one of the doors, the bonnet or the tail-
gate is opened;
– the battery is disconnected or the elec-
tric cables are cut, or the emergency key ca-
bles are cut;
– intrusion into the passenger compart-
ment, e.g. window being broken (volumetric
protection);
– attempt to start the engine (key at
MAR);
– abnormal car raising/sloping (for ver-
sions/markets where applicable).
Depending on the markets, the triggering
of the alarm will activate the siren and the
hazard warning lights (for about 26 sec-
onds). The methods of operation and the
number of cycles may vary depending on
the versions/markets.
However a maximum number of cycles is
foreseen.
Once the alarm cycle has come to an end,
the system will return to its normal moni-
toring state.
INTERRUPTING THE ALARMTo interrupt the alarm press the button on
the remote control or, if the remote control
battery is down, get into the car, insert the
key into the ignition switch and turn the key
to MAR.
WARNINGIf it is necessary for the ve-
hicle to lie inactive for long periods (over 3
weeks), close the vehicle using the key to
deactivate the alarm.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR17
IGNITION DEVICE THE SWITCH
(fig. 12)
The key can be moved to one of four po-
sitions:
– STOP: engine switched off, key can be
removed, engine lock engaged, steering lock
engaged, all services excluded apart from
those powered directly (e.g. hazard warn-
ing lights).
– MAR: drive position. The engine lock
is deactivated and all electrical devices are
powered.
WARNINGNever leave the key in this
position when the engine is stationary.– AV V: unstable position for starting the
engine.
WARNINGIf the engine does not start,
return the ignition key to the STOPposi-
tion and repeat the sequence.
The ignition block is fitted with a safety de-
vice preventing it from being moved to the
AV Vposition when the engine is already
running.
– PARK: engine switched off, key can
be removed, engine lock engaged, steer-
ing lock engaged, sidelights automatically
switched on.
WARNINGTo turn the key to the
PARKposition, button (A) located on the
switch should be pressed first.If the ignition device is
tampered with (for exam-
ple during an attempted
break-in) have it checked over by
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services,
before travelling again.
fig. 12
A0B0610m
When leaving the car al-
ways remove the key from
the ignition to prevent any pas-
senger in the car from inadver-
tently activating the controls.
Never leave children unattended in
the car. Remember to engage the
handbrake and if the car is facing
uphill, first gear and if the car is
facing downhill, reverse.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR18
STEERING LOCKEngaging lock:
– move the ignition key to the STOPor
PARKposition and remove the key lightly
turning the steering wheel to facilitate the
locking action.
Releasing the lock:
– turn the key to the MARposition and
gently rock the steering wheel.
DOORS
– To close the door, turn the key in the op-
posite direction.
Rear doors
– To open the door, only with the inner
knob (A-fig. 14) raised, pull the open-
ing handle (A-fig. 15).
– To close, press the button (A-fig. 14)
also with the door open, then close the door.
OPENING/CLOSING FROM
OUTSIDEFront doors
– To open the driver's door turn the key
clockwise and to open the passengers' door,
optional for versions/markets where ap-
plicable, turn the key anti-clockwise, then
remove the key and press the button (A-
fig. 13).fig. 13
A0B0023m
fig. 14
A0B0369m
Never remove the key
with the car on the move.
The steering wheel would lock au-
tomatically the first time the steer-
ing wheel is turned. This also oc-
curs if the car is towed.
WARNING
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out whatever after-
market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifi-
cations (e.g.: installation of anti-
theft Device) that could badly affect
performance and safety, cause the
lapse of warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the car with ho-
mologation requirements.
WARNING
Before opening a door, en-
sure that this can be done
safely.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR19
OPENING/CLOSING
FROM INSIDEFront doors
– To open the door pull the handle (A-
fig. 16) regardless of the position of knob
(B).
– To close the door pull the flap. To pre-
vent the door from being opened from out-
side press knob (B).Rear doors fig. 15
A0B0025m
fig. 16
A0B0024m
fig. 17
A0B0026m
– To open the door pull handle (A-
fig. 17).
– To close the door press the knob (B)
even when the flap is open, and then close
the flap.
If the boot is not properly shut, the warn-
ing light ´will come on on the instrument
panel or (where applicable) on the Info-
center display (together with relevant mes-
sage).
CENTRALIZED LOCKINGThis permits centralized locking of all
doors, both front and rear.
To operate the centralized locking device
the doors must be perfectly closed otherwise
the system will not work.
For versions/markets, where applicable,
central locking depends on the complete
closing of all the doors and of the boot.
– From outside:when the doors are
closed, insert and turn the key in the lock of
one of the two front doors.
– From inside:when the doors are
closed, press one of the knobs (B-fig. 16)
located on the front doors, engage/release
the centralized locking system.
The rear doors can only be
opened if the child safety
lock has been released.
WARNING