2007 Alfa Romeo 156 check engine light

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR59
A.Speedometer (mileage recorder) - B. Odometer with double counter (total and partial) display -C. Check panel - D.Rev counter -
E.Fuel level gauge with reserve warning light - F.Clock - G.Engine coolant temperature gauge with maximum temperature warning light -
H.Warning lights - L.Q-System gearbox display (where fitted).fig. 82 - 2.5 V6 24V versions
A0B0696m
t
Warning light fitted
only on Q-System
gearbox versions

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR60
A.Speedometer (mileage recorder) - B. Odometer with double counter (total and partial) display -C. Check panel - D.Rev counter - E.
Fuel level gauge with reserve warning light - F.Clock - G.Engine coolant temperature gauge with maximum temperature warning light - H.
Warning lights.fig. 83 - JTD versions (equipped with VDC system)
A0B0586m
´
- Warning light fitted
for versions/markets
where applicable

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR61
A0B0597m
fig. 83a - JTD versions
A.Speedometer (mileage recorder) - B. Odometer with double counter (total and partial) display -C. Check panel - D.Rev counter - E.
Fuel level gauge with reserve warning light - F.Clock - G.Engine coolant temperature gauge with maximum temperature warning light - H.
Warning lights.
´
- Warning light fitted
for versions/markets
where applicable

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR68
If the display shows an anomaly message, see paragraph
“Warning lights and indications” in this chapter.
INITIAL CHECK
By turning the ignition key to the MARposition, the Infocenter display will show the message CHECK ACTIVE: this indicates the start of the
diagnosis phase for all the electronic systems available on the vehicle; this phase lasts a few seconds (in diesel versions only, the Infocenter
display is able to provide the engine oil level indication too, see following paragraph “Engine oil level check”). If, during this phase, no anom-
aly is found and after the engine has been started, the display will show the message CHECK OK.
Standard screen display
JTD versions only
If no
failures
are
present
Is the
engine
started?
YES
NO
or
continues on next page

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR94
Warning light Message
on display
ç
HIGH ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATUREWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light comes on but must go out after a
few seconds.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on (together with the message + symbol
shown on the display) when the engine is overheated.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
– Normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch the engine off and check if the water
level inside the tank is not below the reference mark MIN.
In this case, wait a few minutes to let the engine cool down, then open the cap slowlyand care-
fully, fill with coolant, making sure its level is between reference marks MINand MAXon the
tank. Moreover, perform a visual check for any fluid leakage. If the warning light comes on again
the next time the engine is started, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
– Car heavy duty(e.g. towing a trailer uphill or car fully loaded): slow down and, if the
warning light stays on, stop the car. Pause for 2 or 3 minutes, keeping the engine on and slightly
accelerated to facilitate better coolant circulation, then switch the engine off.
Check correct fluid level, as described above.
WARNINGIn case of highly demanding use of the car, you are recommended to keep the en-
gine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it off.
When the engine is very hot, do not remove the tank cap: danger of
burns.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR96
<
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENEDThe warning light on the check panel will turn on for some seconds when, with the ignition key at
MAR, the driver’s seat belt is not fastened properly.
Warning lightMessage
on displayv
LOW OIL PRESSUREWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel comes on but
must go out as soon as the engine is started.
w
LOW BATTERY CHARGEWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel comes on, but must
go out as soon as the engine is started (a slight delay is permitted when the engine is running at
idle). It if stays on, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services immediately.
If the warning light
v
comes on when travelling (together with
the message + symbol shown on the display), switch the engine off im-
mediately and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR98
Warning lightMessage
on displayU
ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM (EOBD) FAILUREIn normal conditions, turning the ignition key to MAR, the dial warning light turns on but it should
go off when the engine has started. The initial turning on indicates that the warning light is work-
ing properly.
If the warning light stays on or turns on (together with the message + symbol shown on the dis-
play) when travelling:
glowing steadily- indicates a fault in the supply/ignition/injection system which could cause
high exhaust emissions, possible lack of performance, poor handling and high consumption levels.
In these conditions, it is possible to continue driving without however demanding heavy effort or
high speeds. Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause damage. Contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorized Service as soon as possible.
The warning light turns off if the fault disappears, but it is still stored by the system;
flashing- indicates that the catalyst could be damaged (see paragraph on “EOBD system” in this
chapter).
If the warning light flashes, it is necessary to release the accelerator pedal to lower the speed un-
til the warning light stops flashing; continue travelling at moderate speed trying to avoid driving
conditions that could cause the warning light to flash again. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vice as soon as possible.
If, when turning the ignition key to MAR, the warning light
U
does
not switch on or if it turns on glowing steadily or flashing when trav-
elling, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Service as soon as possible. The
operation of the warning light
U
can be checked by traffic agents by proper
equipment, therefore comply with the regulations in force in the country where
you are driving.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR99
Warning light Message
on displayY
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEMWhen the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light on the check panel should flash only
once and then go out. If the warning light stays on with the key at MAR, this indicates a possible
failure: see “Alfa Romeo CODE System”.
WARNINGThe turning on at the same time of
U
and
Y
warning lights indicates a failure of
the Alfa Romeo CODE System.
If with the engine running, the
Y
warning light flashes, this means that the car is not protected
by the engine inhibitor device (see “Alfa Romeo CODE system” in this chapter). Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have all the keys memorised.
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROADWhen the outside temperature is below or equal to 3° C, in order to warn the driver on the pres-
ence of ice on the road, message + symbol are displayed accompanied by the related buzz.
The buzz lasts about 2 seconds while the message is displayed for about 10 seconds. After this
period, only the symbol is displayed until the temperature does not go over 6° C or until the en-
gine stops.
If during travelling, after the presence of ice on the road has been signalled, should temperature
rise over 6° C the symbol will go off and should temperature fall again to 3° C, a new message +
symbol will be displayed accompanied by the buzz.