2007 Alfa Romeo 159 technical specifications

109
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
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CORRECT USE
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EBD failure
EBD failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning lights
>+xon the in-
strument panel (on certain versions to-
gether with the dedicated message on
the display) (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
In this case with sharp braking the rear
wheels might lock too early, with the
possibility of skidding. Drive extremely
carefully to the closest Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the system
checked.
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking
assistance)
The system, which cannot be cut out,
recognizes emergency braking (on the
ground of the brake pedal operation
speed) and considerably increases the
pressure in the brake circuit.
Brake Assist is deactivated on the ver-
sions equipped with VDC system in the
event of VDC system failure, indicated
by the turning on of warning light
áon
the instrument panel (on certain ver-
sions together with a message on the
display).
FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS
ABS failure
ABS failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light
>on the instru-
ment panel (on certain versions together
with the dedicated message on the dis-
play) (see section “Warning lights and
messages”). In this case the braking
system is still efficient, though without
the aid of the ABS system.
Drive carefully to the closest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system
checked.

110
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VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics
Control)
(where provided)
The VDC system is an electronic system
controlling the car stability in the event
of tyre grip loss.
The VDC system is therefore particular-
ly useful when grip conditions of the
road surfaces changes.
VDC SYSTEM
INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the
warning light
áon the instrument pan-
el, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
TURNING THE VDC SYSTEM
ON/OFF
The VDC system is automatically acti-
vated when the engine is started. When
travelling, to turn the VDC off press the
ASR/ VDC button on the central console
fig. 103for 2 seconds. Turning off the
VDC will also turn off the ASR. Both func-
tions can be reactivated by pressing the
ASR/VDC button.
VDC system deactivation is indicated
by the instrument panel warning light
á(on certain versions a symbol is dis-
played) and by the circular led around
the ASR/VDC button.
If the VDC has been turned off when
travelling, at next engine start-up it will
turn on again automatically.
FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS
In the event of failure, the VDC system
is automatically disconnected and the
warning light
ácomes on with fixed
light on the instrument panel (on cer-
tain versions together with a message
on the display) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”). In this case con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible.
A0E0026mfig. 103

111
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
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INDEX
CORRECT USE
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DASHBOARD
AND
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Performance of the
VDC system, in terms
of active safety should not in-
duce the driver to take point-
less and unnecessary risks.
The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to
the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility an traffic. Road
safety is always the driver’s
responsibility.
WARNING
During the use of the
space-saver spare
wheel (where provided), the
VDC system carries on work-
ing. However, you must re-
mind that the space-saver
spare wheel has dimensions
smaller than the standard tyre
and therefore its grip is re-
duced as to the other car tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of
the VDC system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(where provided)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system and it is provided to facilitate
starting on slopes:
❒uphill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed, gearbox to neutral or
engaged gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed and reverse gear en-
gaged.
At pickup the VDC system control unit
will keep brake force on wheels until
reaching the torque suitable for starting,
or in any case for about 1 second in or-
der to pass easily from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal.

Failure warnings
System failure is indicated by the turn-
ing on of warning light
*(where pro-
vided) on the instrument panel (on cer-
tain versions together with the dedicat-
ed message on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
IMPORTANTThe Hill Holder system
is not a parking brake. Never get out
of the car without engaging the hand-
brake, switching the engine off and en-
gaging the first gear.
ASR SYSTEM
(AntiSlip Regulation)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system, it controls car drive and cuts in
automatically every time one or both dri-
ving wheels slip.
According to slipping conditions, two dif-
ferent control systems are activated:
❒ if slipping involves both driving
wheels, the ASR function intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in auto-
matically braking the wheel that is
slipping. This time elapsing without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by
releasing gradually the brake force.
At releasing, the typical brake disen-
gagement noise indicating that the car
is going to move will be heard.
112
SAFETY
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113
SAFETY
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LIGHTS AND
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CORRECT USE
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DASHBOARD
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The performance of the
system, in terms of ac-
tive safety should not induce
the driver to take pointless
and unnecessary risks. The
style of driving must in any
case always be adapted to the
conditions of the road surface,
visibility an traffic. Road safe-
ty is always the driver’s re-
sponsibility.
WARNINGThe action of the ASR is particularly help-
ful in the following circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or ex-
cessive acceleration;
❒ too much power transmitted to the
wheels also in relation to the condi-
tions of the road surface;
❒ acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces;
❒in the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning).Switching the ASR system
on/off
ASR turns on automatically when turn-
ing the instrument panel on.
When travelling the ASR can be
switched off by pressing briefly the
ASR/VDC button on the central console.
When the ASR is switched off this is
shown by the lighting up of the
ASR/VDC button led (on versions fitted
with “Reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play” symbol Vwill also be dis-
played).
If the ASR is switched off when travel-
ling, it will turn on again automatically
the next time the engine is started.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
slipping of the driving wheels when mov-
ing off makes it possible to obtain bet-
ter drive.

Failure warnings
In the event of malfunctioning, the ASR
system is automatically disconnected
and on versions fitted with “Reconfig-
urable multifunction display” symbol
Vis displayed. In this case contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible.
114
SAFETY
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MSR system (engine braking
torque control)
It is an integral part of the ASR system
that in case of sudden gear shifting, cuts
in providing torque to the engine thus
preventing excessive driving wheel dri-
ve that, specially in poor grip conditions,
can lead to loss of stability.
For correct operation of
the ASR system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in normal conditions of
use, at the proper inflation
pressure values and, above all,
of type, brand and size speci-
fied (see paragraph “Wheels”
in section “Technical Specifica-
tions”).
WARNING

115
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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CAR
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TECHNICAL
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DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
115
EOBD SYSTEM
(optional for
versions/markets
where applicable)
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis
of the components of the car correlat-
ed with emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
warning light
Uon the instrument pan-
el (on certain versions together with the
message on the display) (see section
“Warning lights and messages”), when
these conditions are no longer in peak
conditions.
If when fitting the key
into the ignition device,
the warning light
U
does not turn on or if, while
travelling it turns on glowing
steadily or flashing, contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services
as soon as possible. Warning
light
Uoperation can be
checked by means of special
equipment by traffic agents. Al-
ways comply with the traffic
regulations in force in the coun-
try where you are travelling.
The objective is:
❒ to keep system efficiency under con-
trol;
❒ to warn when a fault causes emission
levels to increase;
❒to warn of the need to replace dete-
riorated components.
The system also has a diagnostic con-
nector that can be interfaced with ap-
propriate tools, which makes it possible
to read the error codes stored in the con-
trol unit, together with a series of spe-
cific parameters for engine operation
and diagnosis. This check can also be
carried out by the traffic police.
IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the in-
convenience, to check the system com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
are obliged to run a bench test and, if
necessary, road tests which may also
call for a long journey.

116
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Sound system presetting includes:
❒sound system power cables;
❒front and rear speakers cables;
❒aerial power cable;
❒sound system compartment;
❒aerial on car roof.
The sound system shall be installed in
the proper space occupied by the odd-
ment compartment that shall be re-
moved by pressing the two retaining
tabs set in the oddment compartment:
here you will find the power cables.
SOUND SYSTEM
PRESETTING
(where provided)
When the sound system has not been
requested the car is provided with two
oddment compartments on the instru-
ment panel.
If you decide to install
the sound system after
buying the car, contact
first Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services that will give you use-
ful advice about installation and
how to safeguard the battery.
Excessive loadless absorption
damages the battery and the
battery warranty can be inval-
idated.