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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
ADDITIONAL HEATER(JTD engines) (for versions/
markets where applicable)
The car is equipped with an additional
heater (not programmable) which supports
the engine during cold or winter weather
to quickly reach a comfortable temperature
inside the passenger compartment.
The heater operates with the engine run-
ning when the outside temperature is below
20°C and the engine has not yet reached
normal operating temperature.
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS(fig. 116)
They are switched on by pressing button
(A), regardless of the position of the igni-
tion key.
When the hazard warning lights are
switched on, the switch itself begins to flash
together with the direction indicator warn-
ing lights and the emergency indicator on
the instrument panel. This functions is
switched off by pressing the button again.
CONTROLSTAILGATE OPENING
(fig. 115)
To open the boot pull the lever (A) at the
side of the driver’s seat.
fig. 115
A0B0042m
fig. 116
A0B0036m
Do not operate the boot re-
lease lever with the car on
the move.
WARNING
Use of the hazard warning
lights is ruled by the High-
way Code of the country in which
the car is used. Observe regula-
tions.
WARNING
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
169
fig. 158
A0B0247m
EMERGENCY OPERATIONIf the electrical control device does not
work, the sunroof can be opened manually
as follows:
– apply leverage to the points indicated
by the arrows and remove the plate with
switch (D-fig. 159);
– use the outfit screwdriver or the special
wrench (B-fig. 160) supplied for the ver-
sions / market where provided, and located
in the object holder drawer, push on and turn
the sunroof control bushing (C-fig. 160)
clockwise to open it and anti-clockwise to
close it. WARNINGAt the end of the operation,
before removing the screwdriver or the
wrench, it is necessary to turn it by half a
turn in the direction opposite to that used,
until a click is felt.
LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENTThe boot lid can be opened from outside
the vehicle (pressing the button on the key)
and from inside the vehicle.
WARNINGIf the boot is not properly
shut, the warning light
´
will come on on
the instrument panel or (where applicable)
on the Infocenter display (together with rel-
evant message).
fig. 159
A0B0246m
fig. 160
A0B0245m
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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
Page 173 of 357
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
171
CLOSING THE BOOTTo close the boot, lower it and press down
above the locking mechanism until it is
heard to click into place.
BOOT LIGHTING
(fig. 163)
Opening the boot, the light (A) in the up-
per part of the boot turns on automatically.
The light goes out closing the boot or af-
ter a few minutes (about 15) if the boot is
left open. In this case, to turn it on again
close the boot, then open it again.
fig. 163
A0B0000m
fig. 165
A0B0243m
fig. 164
A0B0242m
SECURING THE LOAD(fig. 164-165)
The load carried may be blocked with
straps hooked to the special rings in the boot
corners.
The rings also serve to secure the luggage
retaining net (available upon request, for
versions/markets where applicable) c/o
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
172
BONNETThe lever used to open the bonnet is lo-
cated under the left end of the dashboard.
To open:
– Pull the lever (A-fig. 166) until the
bonnet clicks open.
CAUTIONS FOR CARRYING
LUGGAGETravelling at night with a load in the boot
it is necessary to adjust the height of the low
beam headlights (see next paragraph
“Headlights” in this chapter). For correct use
of the aiming device, also make sure that
the load does not exceed the values given
in the same paragraph.
fig. 166
A0B0049m
Do not load the luggage
compartment above the
permitted maximum (see “Tech-
nical specifications”). Also make
sure that the objects contained in
the boot are well secured to pre-
vent them from being thrown for-
ward causing harm to the passen-
gers in the event of sharp braking.
WARNING
A heavy load that has not
been secured may cause
serious harm to passengers in the
event of an accident.
WARNING
When wanting to carry a
spare can of petrol, this
must be done in compliance with
the law, only using a certified can,
appropriately fastened to the load
restraint eyelets. Even so, the risk
of fire is increased.
WARNING
Only with the car sta-
tionary.
WARNING
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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
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CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
196
Tyres
Tyres should be checked at least every four
4 weeks: if the pressure is too low, fuel con-
sumption increases as the resistance to the
rolling movement of the tyre is higher. In
this state, tyre wear is increased
and vehicle handling suffers which will af-
fect safety.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage stowed
in the boot. The weight of the vehicle (es-
pecially when driving in town) and its trim
greatly affects consumption and stability.
Luggage/ski rack
Remove luggage or ski racks from the roof
of the vehicle as soon as they are no longer
needed. These accessories reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and will
increase consumption. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer where
possible.Electrical devices
Use the electric devices for the necessary
time only. The heated rear window, supple-
mentary lights, windscreen wipers, heating
system blower require large amounts of en-
ergy and, increasing the request for power
also increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% when driving in built-up areas).
Air conditioner
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside the
vehicle permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific use
on the vehicle, may reduce the aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and increase con-
sumption.
STYLE OF DRIVINGStarting
Do not warm the engine when the vehicle
is stationary or at high or low revs: in this
way the engine will warm up gradually in-
creasing consumption and emissions. You
should drive off slowly straight away avoid-
ing high revs so that the engine will warm
up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving the engine when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the en-
gine and avoid doubling the clutch as these
actions have no purpose on modern vehicles
and serve only to increase consumption and
pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the traffic and road conditions
allow it, shift to a higher gear. Using a lower
gear to liven up acceleration greatly in-
creases consumption. In the same way, im-
proper use of the higher gears will increase
consumption, emissions and wear and tear
on the engine.
Page 211 of 357

IN AN EMERGENCY
209
CHANGING A WHEEL(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
You are informed that:
– The jack mass is 2,100 kg.
– The jack requires no adjustment.
– The jack cannot be repaired, in the event
of breakage it must be replaced by anoth-
er original one.
– No tools other than its operating crank
can be fitted to the jack.
To change the wheel proceed as follows:
– Stop the car in such a position that it is
not dangerous for the traffic, where it is pos-
sible to change the wheel safely. Where pos-
sible, park on a level, compact surface.– Stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake.
– Engage first gear or reverse.
– Lift the boot carpet and hook it as shown
in (fig. 1a).
– Loosen the clamping device (handle)
(A-fig. 2).
fig. 2
A0B0234m
fig. 1a
A0B0577m
Snow chains cannot be fit-
ted to the compact spare
wheel, so, if a front wheel is punc-
tured and chains need to be used,
the front axle should be fitted with
normal wheels and the spare
wheel fitted to the rear. In this
way, as two normal tyres are fit-
ted to the front of the vehicle,
snow chains can be mounted,
thereby overcoming an emergency.
Absolutely never tamper with the
inflation valve.
Do not insert tools of any kind be-
tween the rim and the tyre.
Routinely check that the pressure
of the tyres and of the compact
spare wheel is as specified in the
“Technical specifications” chapter.
WARNING