2006 Alfa Romeo 166 length

25
IMPORTANTIf the car is to remain i-
nactive for a prolonged length of time
(over three weeks) and security condi-
tions permitting, it is advisable to operate
central locking turning the key in the door
lock to avoid engaging the alarm and
draining the battery.VOLUMETRIC PROTECTION
To guarantee correct operation, all the
windows and the sunroof (optional for
versions/markets where applicable)
should be closed. This function can be ex-
cluded (for example when leaving ani-
mals on-board the vehicle) by performing
the following operations in quick succes-
sion: when the ignition key is at the
MARposition, move the key to the
STOPposition and then return the key
to the MARand then once again to the
STOPposition. Remove the ignition key.
The led in the vehicle will come on for
about 2 seconds to confirm that the func-
tion has been excluded.
To restore volumetric protection move
the ignition key to the MARposition
and hold it in this position for more than
30 seconds.
If requiring to activate an electric control
operated by the ignition key at MAR
(e.g. electric windows) with the volumet-
ric protection deactivated, turn the igni-
tion key to MAR, operate the control
and return the key to STOPwithin a
maximum time of 30 seconds. This way
volumetric protection is not restored.
CUTTING OUT OPERATION OF
THE SIREN
(optional for versions/markets where
applicable)
When requiring to dispense with the
siren acoustic signalling in the alarm con-
dition, simply keep the remote control
button (A-fig. 13) pressed for 4 sec-
onds when engaging the system.
This condition is shown by a series of 5
beeps in quick succession after the nor-
mal acoustic/visual signals when the sys-
tem is operated.
The next time the system is activated,
normal operation of the siren is restored
automatically.
fig. 13
1014PGSm

60
RIGHT-HAND LEVER (fig. 72)
The right-hand lever is used to operate
the windscreen wiper and the windscreen
washer.
The control used to activate the wind-
screen washer also activates the head-
light washers (optional for versions/mar-
kets where applicable). “Follow me home” device
(fig. 71)
This function allows the illumination of the
space in front of the car for the length of
time set, and is activated with the ignition
key at STOPor removed, pulling the left-
hand lever towards the steering wheel.This function is activated pulling the lever
within 2 minutes from when the engine is
turned off. At each single movement of the
lever, the staying on of the dipped beams
and sidelights is extended by 30 seconds up
to a maximum of 3.5 minutes; the lights
switch off automatically after the time set.
Each time the lever is operated, the
1
warning light on the cluster turns on.
This function can be interrupted by keep-
ing the lever pulled towards the steering
wheel for more than 2 seconds.
fig. 72
A0D0015m
A0D0018m
fig. 71

86
Air recirculation on/off
button
Pressing this button engages/disen-
gages recirculation of the air admitted to
the passenger compartment.
IMPORTANT Depending on how the
system is working (heating or cooling the
passenger compartment) the recirculation
function makes it possible to reach the re-
quired conditions faster. It is however in-
advisable to use this function on
rainy/cold days as it would considerably
increase the possibility of misting the win-
dows, especially if the conditioner is off.
It is advisable to use this function when
the vehicle is stationary in a queue or tun-
nel to prevent polluted air from entering
the passenger compartment. Prolonged
use of this function should however be
avoided, especially if there are several
persons aboard.Windscreen and front side
windows demisting/
defrosting button
Pressing this button the climate control
automatically activates the necessary
functions (quantity, distribution, tempera-
ture of the air admitted to the passenger
compartment) to quicken demisting/de-
frosting of the windscreen and front side
windows. Rearscreen heating, door mirror
heating and the resistances at the base of
the windscreen (in the wiper blade park-
ing area) are also automatically engaged
(for a determinate length of time) where
applicable.Rearscreen demisting/
defrosting on/off button
Pressing this button engages demist-
ing/defrosting of the rearscreen, door
mirrors and (optional for versions/mar-
kets where applicable) the resistances at
the base of the windscreen (in the wiper
blade parking area).
IMPORTANT Do not stick stickers on
the inside of the rearscreen over the heat-
ing filaments to prevent damage that
might adversely affect the system.

89
IMPORTANT In this condition (recir-
culation on and compressor off), remem-
ber that the windows may steam up very
quickly.
Pressing the button the climate
control automatically activates the func-
tions required to quicken demisting/de-
frosting of the windscreen and side win-
dows. Rearscreen heating and door mirror
heating are also automatically engaged
(for a determinate length of time).
Pressing the button engages
rearscreen heating and door mirror heat-
ing for a determinate length of time.Manually setting one of the climate con-
trol functions, the others continue to be
controlled automatically; in particular the
air temperature is always controlled auto-
matically to reach the required “equiva-
lent temperature” in the passenger com-
partment.
IMPORTANT When working in the
FULL AUTOcondition, the system can
automatically engage recirculation or de-
activate the compressor to cool/heat the
passenger compartment faster or
demist/defrost the windscreen and side
windows.IMPORTANT When the engine is
turned off the system memorises the cli-
mate control operating condition, which
will be automatically resumed when the
engine is started again.

133
Reading this chapter and following the advice, recommendations
and specification given in it will make it possible for you to get the
best from your vehicle in terms of safety, performance, reliability
and length of life.
This chapter mostly deals with procedures of a general nature.
However, in some cases, it may deal with exclusive and particular
operations.
Pay close attention therefore to the information given as this will
allow you to exploit your vehicle to the full.STARTING THE ENGINE............................................................................page 134
SAFE DRIVING
.........................................................................................................136
WINTER TYRES
........................................................................................................147
SNOW CHAINS
........................................................................................................147
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY DRIVING
.................................148
TOWING TRAILERS
................................................................................................152
VEHICLE INACTIVITY
..............................................................................................155
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
...................................156
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
..............................156
GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR CAR

139
DRIVING UNDER ADVERSE
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Rain and fog can be extremely danger-
ous if the style of driving is not adapted
to suit these conditions. Some sugges-
tions are given below:
– if the road is wet, the friction be-
tween wheel and asphalt is greatly re-
duced thus increasing the stopping dis-
tance and decreasing road holding when
cornering.
Reduce speed and keep further back
from the vehicle in front.
– Heavy rain and fog reduce visibility.
Headlights should be switched on as the
road traffic laws and common sense dic-
tate, above all to render yourself visible
to others.
– Do not drive over puddles or flooded
roads at high speed as the aquaplaning
phenomenon may cause you to loose
control over the vehicle.
– If visibility is already reduced prevent
it from worsening by ensuring that the
windows do not steam up. Use the heat-
ing-ventilation controls as indicated in the
chapter “Know your vehicle”.– Check the condition of the windscreen
wiper blades.
– If fog is very thick avoid travelling
where possible. If travelling cannot be
avoided drive with extreme care and
moderate your speed. Avoid overtaking.
– If the vehicle is forced to stop owing
to a malfunction or zero visibility condi-
tions, pull off the road, switch on the haz-
ard warning lights and if possible, the
dipped-beam headlights.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Mountain driving requires a greater de-
gree of concentration. Some practical
hints follow:
– Before driving off check the level of
fluids (engine oil, brakes, coolant) and
the state of the tyres.
– When travelling down hill use the en-
gine braking by engaging lower gears to
prevent the brakes from overheating.
– Never coast downhill with the engine
off or in neutral and especially not with
the ignition key removed.
– Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
cutting corners.– Remember that overtaking uphill is
slower and therefore requires a greater
length of clear road. If you are being
overtaken on a hill move over to enable
the other vehicle to pass in safety.
WINTER DRIVING
If the temperature falls below 0°C or in
the presence of snow or ice the following
recommendations should be followed:
– Before driving off check that the
windscreen wipers are not frozen to the
windscreen.
– Remove the snow from the air intake
(grille) at the base of the windscreen.
– Do not stop long on deep snow with
the engine running: the snow might di-
vert the exhaust gas carbon monoxide in-
to the passenger compartment.
– Ensure that brakes and tyres are in
perfect working order.
–Ensure that the detergent liquid locat-
ed in the windscreen/headlight washers
has been topped up with anti-freeze and
anti-scale additives.
– Use engine braking where possible
and avoid abrupt braking.

144
– Two or more spare wheels should never
be used together. Have the wheel changed
repaired and refitted as soon as possible.
Rims
The bolts should be tightened to a
torque of 86 Nm (8.8 kgm).
Tyres
The tyres installed on the vehicle are of
the tubeless type and do not have an in-
ner tube. To obtain the greatest degree of
comfort, safety and length of life of the
tyres, the following recommendations
should be observed.
– With new tyres do not drive at full
speed until the first 100 km have been
reached.
– Before entering a tight bend, even if
the vehicle permits it, reduce speed.
– Avoid sharp acceleration and unneces-
sary braking.
– Do not travel for long periods at sus-
tained high speed especially on rough
roads.– Have the wheels balanced and the
front and rear axles set correctly.
– Avoid hitting the side walls of the
tyres, for example when parking.
– Never tamper with the valve on the
tyre.
– Do not insert anything between the
rim and the tyre.
– If the rim is bent, have it replaced.
– In the event of an abnormal drop in
the tyre pressure replace the wheel and
have it checked.
– When balancing the wheels use the
counterweights which are specifically de-
signed for tubeless tyres. To balance light
alloy rims only Alfa Romeo original
weights should be used.
– The tyre pressure, including that of
the spare wheel must reflect the indica-
tions given in the “Technical specifica-
tions” of this manual.
– Have the tyres checked periodically to
ensure that they are not damaged in any
way.– Second-hand tyres of unknown origin
or over 6 years old must only be used in
emergencies and with great care.
– Inner tubes must not be fitted to
tubeless tyres.
– Avoid parking the vehicle on the edge
of a step or other irregularities in the road
surface.
– Have the tyre tread checked periodi-
cally and replace when the legal mini-
mum is reached.
IMPORTANT Some types of tyres are
fitted with wear indicators. As soon as
these wear indicators appear on the tyre
tread, the tyres must be replaced.
Periodically check that the tyres are not
showing signs of irregular tread wear. If
they are, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services who will eliminate the cause of
irregular wear.
Tread wear increases the danger of
aquaplaning on wet surfaces.