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Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered sta-
bilised after the first 5000 - 6000 km.
IMPORTANTThe oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANTDo not add oil with
specifications other than that already
in the engine. Topping up engine oil
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler
neckB, until reaching the MAXmark.
Oil level shall never exceed the MAX
mark.
IMPORTANT If a routine check re-
veals that the oil level is above the
MAXmark, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the correct lev-
el restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
turning it off before you check the level.
When the engine is hot,
take care when work-
ing inside the engine compart-
ment to avoid burns. Remem-
ber that when the engine is
hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Used engine oil and fil-
ter contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the oil
and filter changed.
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
POWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 11-12
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum level: this operation shall
be carried out with the car on level sur-
face, engine not running and cold.
Check that the fluid level is at the MAX
mark on the reservoir or at the top mark
(maximum level) shown on the dipstick
under the reservoir cap.
A0E0027mfig. 11 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 2.4 JTDMversions
A0E0234mfig. 12 3.2 JTS -
1.9 JTDM8V- 1.9 JTDM16Vversions
If the fluid level in the reservoir is below
the specified level, top up as follows:
❒start the engine and wait until the flu-
id level in the reservoir has stabilized;
❒with the engine started, turn repeat-
edly the steering wheel fully right-
wards and leftwards;
❒top up until reaching the MAXmark
then refit the cap.IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Do not allow the pow-
er steering fluid to
touch the hot parts of the en-
gine: it is inflammable.
WARNING
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CAR
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BRAKE FLUID fig. 13
Unscrew cap Aand check that the flu-
id level in the reservoir is at maximum.
Fluid level in the reservoir shall not ex-
ceed the MAXmark.
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to always con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
A0E0016mfig. 13
Make sure that the high-
ly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the
paintwork. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.From time to time, check the instrument
panel warning light
x: pressing on cap
A(with key fitted into the ignition de-
vice) the warning light shall turn on.
IMPORTANTBrake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should
be replaced at more frequent intervals
than specified in the Service schedule.
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BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited mainte-
nance” type: under normal conditions
of use the electrolyte does not need top-
ping up with distilled water.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
The battery charge may be checked sat-
isfactorily through the indicatorA-fig.
14and acting according to the colour
the indicator shows.
Refer to the table below.
A0E0127mfig. 14
Bright white colourTop up electrolyte Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
Dark colour withoutLow charge level Charge the battery
green area in the centre(advisable to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services)
Dark colour withElectrolyte level and charge No action
green area in the centresufficient
IMPORTANTThe charge in the bat-
tery should be checked at the start of
winter to limit the risk of electrolyte
freezing. This check should be carried
out more frequently if the car is used
mainly for short trips, or if it is fitted with
accessories that permanently absorb
electricity also with the ignition key re-
moved, especially in the case of after
market accessories.
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CAR
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REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Service schedule in this section will
no longer be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the car. If after buying
the car, you want to install elec-
tric accessories which require per-
manent electric supply (alarm,
free-hand phone kit, etc.) contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel, in ad-
dition to suggesting the most
suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, check-
ing whether the car’s electric sys-
tem is capable of withstanding
the load required, or whether it
should be integrated with a more
powerful battery.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have
the battery changed at Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services,
which is properly equipped for
disposing of used batteries re-
specting nature and the law.
The liquid in the bat-
tery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with
eyes and skin. Do not bring
naked flames or possible
sources of sparks near to the
battery: risk of fire and ex-
plosion.
WARNING
Running the battery
with low fluid level can
damage the battery beyond
repair and could also cause its
explosion.
WARNING
After connecting/dis-
connecting the battery,
wait for 3 minutes at
least before fitting the electronic
key into the ignition device in
order to allow the climate con-
trol system control unit to reset
the positions of the electric ac-
tuators that adjust air temper-
ature and distribution.
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SPRAY NOZZLES
If the jet of fluid is missing, firstly check
that there is fluid in the reservoir: see
“Checking fluid levels” in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged, if necessary use a needle.
Fluid jets shall be directed at about 1/3
height from the window upper edge.
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
Regularly check that the spray jets are
intact and clean.
The headlight washers are automatical-
ly switched on when the windscreen
washer is operated and the dipped
beams are on.
Changing the windscreen
wiper blades fig. 16
How to remove the blade:
– raise the windscreen wiper arm A;
– turn the blade Bby 90° around pin
C, on the final section of the arm;
– remove the blade from the pin C.
How to refit the new blade:
– fit pin Cinto the hole in the middle
of the blade B;
– refit the arm with the blade on the
windscreen.
A0E0080mfig. 16
Page 274 of 299
❒position the new arm correctly, ful-
ly tighten the nut Band then lower
the cover A.
SPRAY NOZZLE
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly
check that there is fluid in the reservoir
(see "Checking fluid levels" in section
"Car maintenance").
Then check that the nozzle holes A-
fig. 3are not clogged, if necessary use
a needle to clean them.
REARSCREEN WIPER
OPERATION
Pulling the stalk towards the steering
wheel (unstable position), operates the
rearscreen washer jet and continuous op-
eration of the rearscreen wiper. Opera-
tion ends when the stalk is released.
Turning the knurled ring A-fig. 1from
positionON/OFFto
&operates the
rearscreen wiper intermittently.
CHANGING THE
REARSCREEN WIPER BLADE
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the cover A-fig. 2, slacken
the nut Band remove the arm C;
272
ALFA 159 SPORTWAGON
A0E0264mfig. 1
A0E0267mfig. 2
A0E0268mfig. 3
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INDEX
– recharging .......................... 219
– replacing ............................ 238
– useful advice for lengthening
the life .............................. 239
Bodywork (cleaning) ................ 245
Bonnet ................................... 105
Boot ....................................... 101
– light replacement ................ 208
Brakes .................................... 256
Bulb (replacement) .................. 196
– general instructions ............. 196
– types of bulbs ..................... 197
Capacities ............................... 266
Car inactivity ............................ 164
Car maintenance................. 223
– periodical checks ................. 227
– use of the car under heavy
conditions .......................... 227
– service Schedule ................. 225
– scheduled service ................ 224Carrying children safely ............. 135
– child restraint systems ......... 138
– passenger’s seat compliance . 138
– presetting for mounting the
“Universal Isofix” child restraint
system ....................... 140-281
Ceiling lights
– front ................................. 78
– rear .................................. 80
Checking fluid levels ................. 228
Child lock device ...................... 97
Cigar lighter ............................. 85
Climate control system .............. 53
– automatic two-/three-zone .. 58
– manual .............................. 55
CO
2emissions ......................... 270
CODE card ............................... 11
Containing running costs ........... 157
Controls .................................. 81
Correct use of the car........ 151 ABS system ............................ 108
Accessories purchased
by the owner ......................... 117
Additional heater ...................... 69
Air/pollen filter ........................ 236
Air vents ................................. 54
Alarm ..................................... 17
Alfa Romeo CODE system .......... 9
Alfa 159 Sportwagon....... 271
Armrest
– central ............................... 82
– rear ............................ 83-84
Ashtray ................................... 86
ASR system ............................. 112
At the filling station .................. 125
Automatic headlight sensor ........ 71
Automatic two/three-zone climate
control system ....................... 58
Battery
– checking the charge ............ 237
– jump starting ...................... 182
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