2007 Alfa Romeo 166 brake light

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.

140
– During cold weather even apparently
dry roads may be covered with occasion-
al patches of ice. Pay great attention
therefore when driving on roads which
are in the shade, or where rocks or trees
line the road and on which ice may per-
sist.
IMPORTANT To avoid damaging
tyres do not drive on bare patches of as-
phalt with snow chains fitted to the vehi-
cle. In extreme cases proceed slowly and
remove the chains as soon as possible.
When driving on snow with snow chains
fitted, it might be helpful to turn off the
ASR function of the VDC system (if pre-
sent): in fact, in these conditions, skid-
ding of the driving wheels when moving
off makes it possible to obtain higher
traction.
BRAKES
An efficient braking system is vital to
the safety of the vehicle and its passen-
gers.
To use the brakes correctly and to im-
prove their efficiency and limit wear the
following recommendations should be fol-
lowed:– Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal.
– Ensure that the brake pedal is not
blocked by the mat or other objects.
– Check the efficiency of the braking
system especially before long journeys.
– Check the handbrake and brake fluid
minimum level warning light
xon the
instrument panel. if the
xwarning light
comes on and stays on when the vehicle
is travelling check that the handbrake is
not engaged. If it is not, stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the
brake fluid. If the level is low the anom-
aly affecting the circuit should be rectified
immediately. If the
dwarning light
comes on when the brake pedal is
pressed, this means that the front brake
pads have reached the minimum permit-
ted thickness. Have them replaced as
soon as possible by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
– The brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it
absorbs humidity). To prevent the onset
of braking anomalies it should therefore
be replaced every two years regardless of
the kilometres travelled.
SERVO BRAKE
The vehicle is equipped with a servo-
braking system (active only when the en-
gine is running). When the engine is sta-
tionary a greater effort is required to de-
press the brake pedal in order to obtain
the same braking effect.
ANTI WHEEL-LOCK SYSTEM
(ABS)
The vehicle is equipped with an ABS sys-
tem with electronic braking device (EBD),
the following should be heeded:
– A slight pulsing may be felt on the
brake pedal caused by the intervention of
the ABS system.
– The performance of the system, in
terms of active safety, should not induce
the driver to take unnecessary and unjus-
tified risks.
– The conduct of the driver must always
reflect weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
– Deceleration always depends on the
degree of grip between the tyres and the
road surface. Obviously road holding is

141
greatly reduced when there is ice or snow
on the road. Under these conditions the
stopping distance is increased despite the
use of the ABS system.VDC SYSTEM (VEHICLE
DYNAMICS CONTROL):
The VDC is an electronic vehicle stability
control system which, acting on the torque
and braking the wheels in a differentiated
manner, helps to bring the car back to the
correct course in the event of loss of grip.
When the sensors detect the conditions
that would lead to skidding, the VDC sys-
tem intervenes on the engine and on the
brakes producing a stabilising torque.
BRAKE ASSIST (Brake assist in
an emergency)
This system, that cannot be cut out, rec-
ognizes emergency braking on the
ground of the brake pedal operation
speed and allows to speed up the braking
action.
On versions fitted with VDC system, Brake
Assist is deactivated in the event of VDC
system failure (indicated by the switching
on of the relevant warning light).
The ABS system does not
dispense the driver from
driving carefully, especially when
the road is icy, snowed over or
wet.
WARNING
The car is fitted with an
electronic braking device
(EBD). if the
>andxwarning
lights turn on at the same time, this
means that there is an EBD system
fault; in this case violent braking
may be accompanied by early rear
wheel locking, with the possibility
of skidding. Drive the car extremely
carefully to the nearest Authorized
Alfa Romeo workshop to have the
system checked.
WARNING
The turning on of only
the
>warning light
with the engine running normally
indicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Authorized Alfa Romeo
workshop, driving in such a way
as to avoid sharp braking, to have
the system checked over.
WARNING
The system performance
levels, in terms of active
safety, should not induce the dri-
ver to run pointless and unjustified
risks. Driving conduct should al-
ways be suited to the conditions of
the road surface, vision and traf-
fic. The responsibility for road
safety is always and anyway the
vehicle driver’s concern.
WARNING

153
Apart from the electrical branches taken
off for the obligatory signalling devices,
the vehicle’s electrical system can only be
connected to the supply cable for an elec-
tric brake and to the cable for internal
light, though not above 15W, in the trailer.
The electric brake must be directly sup-
plied by the battery through a cable with
a cross-section of over 2.5 mm
2.
INSTALLING TOW HOOK
(fig. 3)
The chart shows the attachment points
for fixing the tow hook to the body.
These points must not be changed irre-
spective of the shape and size of the
hook. For mechanical connection the fol-
lowing must be used:
– “ISO 50” 2nd category ball hook
(CUNA Table NC 138-40)
– 2nd category ball eyelet model “CU-
NA 502” (CUNA Table NC 438-40)
The tow hook structure must be fas-
tened in the points shown by the symbol
Øwith a total of 12 M10 screws.
The inner plate (1) should be at least 4
mm thick.
The side plates (2) should be at least 5
mm thick.
The fastening points (3) must be fitted
with a spacer with a 25 mm diameter
and 6 mm thickness.IMPORTANTIt is compulsory to fas-
ten a label of suitable size and material
(clearly visible) at the height of the hook
ball with the wording:
MAX. LOAD ON BALL 60 kg.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The attachment for the trailer wiring
connections are to be applied to the tow
hook support in the most suitable posi-
tion.
For the electrical connections a 13 pole,
12V connection must be used.
For vehicle-trailer electrical connections
contact Authorized Alfa Romeo Services.Do not connect any
trailer services (fan,
fridge, etc.) to the vehi-
cle’s electrical system.
After assembly, the fas-
tening screw holes
should be sealed to prevent the in-
filtration of exhaust gas.
WARNING

155 VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle is to be left inactive for
long periods the following precautions
should be noted:
– House the vehicle under a cover in a
dry and possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Release the handbrake.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by
applying silicon wax.
– Cover the rubber windscreen wiper
blades with talcum powder and raise
them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Cover the vehicle with a cloth or per-
forated plastic cover. Do not use compact
plastic covers which prevent the humidity
on the surface of the vehicle from evapo-
rating.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5
bars above normal. If possible rest the
tyres on wooden planks and periodically
check the pressure.– Switch off the alarm system (if fit-
ted) with the remote control, then deacti-
vate it with the emergency key.
– Disconnect the terminals from the
battery poles (negative pole first) and
check the battery charge. When the vehi-
cle is in storage, this check should be car-
ried out once a month. If the no-load volt-
age is less than 12.5V, recharge the bat-
tery.
REMOVING FROM STORAGE
Before using your vehicle after a long
period of inactivity the following opera-
tions should first be carried out:
– Do not dust the outside of the vehi-
cle.
– Visually check that there are no
leaks (oil, brake and clutch fluid, engine
coolant etc.).
– Replace the engine oil and filter.
– Check:
Gearbox-differential oil level
Brake-clutch fluid level
Level of engine coolant fluid.– Check the air cleaner and replace if
necessary.
– Check tyre pressure and ensure that
they are not damaged, cracked or cut. If
they are they must be replaced.
– Check the state of the drive belts in
the engine bay.
– Connect the cables of the battery af-
ter checking that the charge is adequate.
– Re-activate the alarm system, if fit-
ted, using the emergency key.
– With the gear lever in neutral start
the engine and allow the engine to run
for a few seconds whilst repeatedly
pumping the clutch pedal.

191
System/Component Fuse no. Ampere Location
ABI control unit 13 10A fig. 86
ABI control unit – Central locking 19 20A fig. 93
ABI control unit – Front LH power window 18 20Afig. 93
ABI control unit – Front RH power window 3 20A fig. 93
ABI control unit – Rear LH power window 14 20Afig. 93
ABI control unit – Rear RH power window 17 20Afig. 93
ABS control unit 9 5A fig. 86
7 40A fig. 89
3 40A fig. 89
Additional heater (JTD versions) 17 20A fig. 89
13 10A fig. 93
Alarm system (control unit) 12 10A fig. 93
15 10A fig. 93
Alfa Romeo Code System 20 5A fig. 86
16 5A fig. 86
Cell phone (handset) 18 5A fig. 86
5 10A fig. 86
Central locking (ABI control unit) 19 20A fig. 93
Cigar lighter 7 20A fig. 86
Climate control fan 2 30A fig. 89
Climate control unit 19 5A fig. 86
External lights Fuse no. Ampere Location
Brake lights (switch) 9 5A fig. 861 15A fig. 86
Direction indicators 12 10A fig. 93
External lights (control) 5 10A fig. 86
Front fog lights 16 15A fig. 89
Headlights and headlight position
sensor (gas discharge headlights) 6 7.5A fig. 86
IGE control unit:
- brake light switch 1 15A fig. 86
- brake lights 9 5A fig. 86
- headlight spot 11 15A fig. 86
- left side lights 17 10A fig. 86
- rear light units 15 10A fig. 86
- right side lights 8 10A fig. 86
Left dipped beam headlight 12 15A fig. 89
Reversing lights (only versions with
manual gearbox) 13 10A fig. 86
Right dipped beam headlight 10 15A fig. 89
Internal lights Fuse no. Ampere Location
Dashboard light dimmer 5 10A fig. 86
Door mirror control light 15 10A fig. 93
Glovebox light 5 10A fig. 86
Seat warming control light 15 10A fig. 93
Sun visor lights 15 10A fig. 93

204
PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
thousands of kilometres
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure if required
Check light system operation (headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights, boot lights,
passenger compartment lights, glovebox lights, warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer operation, adjust nozzles if required
Check windscreen/rear window blade position/wear
Check front disk brake pad conditions and wear and wear indicator operation
Check rear disk brake pad conditions and wear
Sight inspect the conditions of: body external parts, underbody protection, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel - brakes), rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check cleanness of locks, bonnet and boot and lever cleanness and lubrication
Check condition of timing drive belt
Sight check for conditions of Poly-V accessory drive belt
Check and adjust handbrake lever stroke
Check engine exhaust emissions (petrol versions)
Check exhaust emissions/smoke (diesel versions)
Check antievaporation system (petrol versions)20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
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206 ANNUAL INSPECTION
PLAN
An annual inspection plan has
been established for cars that cov-
er less than 20,000 km a year
(e.g. 10,000 km). It consists of
the following:
– Checking the condition/wear of tyres,
and adjusting pressure (including the com-
pact spare wheel, where applicable).
– Checking the lighting system (head-
lights, turn indicators, hazard warning
lights, boot light, passenger compart-
ment, warning lights of instrument panel,
etc.).
– Checking the working order of the
windscreen wiper-washer and adjusting
the nozzles.
– Checking the positioning/wear of the
windscreen wipers.
– Checking the condition and wear of
the front brake pad.– Sight inspect the conditions of: en-
gine, gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes), rubber
parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.).
– Check for bonnet and boot lock clean-
ness, lever cleanness and lubrication.
– Check battery charge and fluid level
(electrolyte).
– Visually checking the condition of the
belts and various controls.
– Checking and topping up, if neces-
sary, the level of liquids (coolant, brake
fluid, windscreen washer fluid, battery
etc.).
– Change engine oil and oil filter, if re-
quired.
– Check and replace pollen filter, if re-
quired.
– Check and replace air cleaner, if re-
quired.
ADDITIONAL OPERATIONS
Every 1000 kmor before long jour-
neys check and if necessary top up:
– the engine coolant fluid level
– brake fluid/hydraulic clutch control
fluid level
– power steering fluid level
– windscreen washer and headlamp
washer fluid level
– tyre pressure and conditions.
– check light system operation (head-
lights, direction indicators, hazard lights,
etc.).
– check windscreen wiper/washer op-
eration and windscreen/rear window
blade position/wear.
Every 3000 kmcheck the level of
the engine oil and top up if necessary.
Every 5000 km(only for fuel oil en-
gines): drain the condensation water
from the filter. You are recommended to
use products of the FL Selenia, de-
signed and developed expressly for Alfa
Romeo cars (see the table “Fluids and lu-
bricants” in the Technical specifications”
chapter).