2007 Alfa Romeo 166 light

116
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 turning on of the>
warning light with the
engine running normally indicates
an ABS system fault. In this case
the braking system preserves its
effectiveness, without however
making use of the antilock device.
Under these circumstances, the EBD
system may fail to give top perfor-
mance. In this case, too, you are
recommended to contact Author-
ized Alfa Romeo Services immedi-
ately driving in such a way as to
avoid abrupt braking, to have the
system checked.
WARNING
If the xlow brake fluid
level warning light comes
on, stop the car immediately and
contact the nearest Authorized Al-
fa Romeo Services. Indeed, any
leak of fluid from the hydraulic
system compromises the effective-
ness of both the conventional
brake system and the system with
antilock system.
WARNING

120
TURNING ON THE ASR
FUNCTION
The ASR function turns on automatically
each time the engine is started.
When travelling it is possible to switch the
system off and on again pressing the switch
(A-fig. 144) on the centre console.
The warning light (B-fig. 144) on the
switch turns on to indicate that the sys-
tem is off.If the function is turned off while travel-
ling, it will turn on again automatically
the next time the engine is started.
IMPORTANTWhen driving on snow,
with snow chains fitted, if may be helpful
to switch off the ASR function: in these
conditions in fact, skidding of the driving
wheels when moving off helps to obtain
better traction.
CUTTING IN OF THE VDC
SYSTEM
The cutting in of the VDC system is indi-
cated by the flashing of the warning light
(A-fig. 145) on the instrument cluster,
to inform the driver that the car is in criti-
cal conditions of stability and grip.
664PGSm
fig. 145
A0D0035m
fig. 144

121
VDC AND ASR SYSTEM
FAILURE WARNINGS
In the event of failures the VDC and ASR
systems switch off automatically and the
warning light (A-fig. 145) on the in-
strument cluster turn on glowing steadily.The table below summarises the indica-
tions given by the warning lights in the d-
ifferent operating conditions.In the event of a failure to the VDC or
ASR systems, the car behaves like the
version not equipped with these systems:
at all events, you are recommended to
contact Authorised Alfa Romeo Services
as soon as possible.
Conditions of use System ASR warning VDC warning light ABS warning light EBD warning light
or fault status light on button on cluster on cluster on cluster
Engine starting Lamp On for about On for about On for about On for about
(turning key to MAR) check 4 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds
Driving inASR on ASR enabled Off Off Off Off
NormalVDC enabled
Conditions ASR off ASR disabled On Off Off Off
Manually VDC enabled
Driving inASR on ASR active Off Flashing Off Off
ConditionsVDC active
that might
ASR off ASR disabled On Flashing Off Off
cause skidding
Manually VDC active
ASR system fault ASR disabled On On Off Off
Fault VDC VDC disabled Off On Off Off
Fault VDC/ASR VDC/ASR disabled On On Off Off
Fault ABS ABS/VDC/ASR disabled On On On Off
Fault EBD ABS/VDC/ASR/EBD disabled On On On On

127
AUTOMATIC FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH
The car is equipped with a safety switch
which is triggered in the event of a crash
to interrupt the flow of fuel and stopping
the engine as a consequence. This also
prevents fuel leaks due to fuel lines
breaking.If no leaks or damages to electric de-
vices (e.g.: headlights) are found and the
car can be restarted, reactivate the fuel
cut-off switch. Follow the instructions giv-
en below.
If, after an accident, you
can smell petrol or see
that the fuel feed system is leak-
ing, do not reset the switches to
avoid the risk of fire.
WARNING
After the crash, remember to turn the ig-
nition key to STOPto prevent the bat-
tery running down.

128
RESETTING THE FUEL CUT-OFF
SWITCH
381PGSm
fig. 153
Anyway, door opening
from the outside depends
on their conditions after the acci-
dent: if a door is distorted it might
be impossible to open it even if it
is unlocked. In this case try to open
the other car doors.
WARNING
Before resetting the fuel
cut-off switch, carefully
check for any fuel leaks or dam-
ages to the car electric devices
(e.g.: headlights).
WARNING
To reactivate the automatic fuel cut-off
switch, press button (fig. 153) under
the driver's seat.DOOR UNLOCKING IN CASE
OF ACCIDENT
In case of accident with activation of the
inertial switch as a consequence, door
locks are automatically unlocked to let
rescuers reach the passenger compart-
ment from the outside.

134
In addition to the notes
and specifications given
below we recommend
that, during the initial period, y-
ou do not drive to full vehicle
performance (for example exces-
sive acceleration, long journeys
at top speed, hard braking etc.).
STARTING
THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT The car is fitted with an
electronic engine lock device. if the en-
gine fails to start see “The Alfa Romeo
CODE system”.The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
device which obliges the driver to return
the ignition key to the STOPposition be-
fore repeating the starting operation if
the engine does not start immediately.
Similarly, when the engine is running,
the device prevents the key being moved
fromMARto the AVV position.
PROCEDURE FOR PETROL
ENGINES
With cold engine:
1) Engage the handbrake.
2) Ensure that the systems and electri-
cal devices, especially if they absorb high
quantities of energy (e.g. heated rear
windscreen), are switched off.
3) Set the gearshift lever to neutral and
fully depress the clutch without pressing
the accelerator.
4) Turn the ignition key to the AVV posi-
tion releasing it as soon as the engine starts.
Never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position
when the engine is
switched off.
5) If the engine does not start immedi-
ately, return the key to the STOPposi-
tion and repeat the operation
With hot engine:
1) Engage the handbrake.
2) Ensure that the systems and electri-
cal devices, especially if they absorb high
quantities of energy (e.g. heated rear
windscreen), are switched off.
3) Set the gearshift lever to neutral and
fully depress the clutch without pressing
the accelerator.
4) Turn the ignition key to the AVV posi-
tion releasing it as soon as the engine starts.
5) If the engine does not start immedi-
ately, return the key to the STOPposition
and repeat the procedure, slightly pressing
the accelerator pedal without pumping it.
Running the engine in
confined areas is ex-
tremely dangerous. The engine
consumes oxygen and produces
carbon monoxide which is a highly
toxic and lethal gas.
WARNING

135
IMPORTANT If it is difficult to start the
engine do not insist with extended attempts
which may damage the catalyzer but con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL
VERSIONS
1) Engage the handbrake.
2) Set the gearshift lever to neutral and
fully depress the clutch without pressing
the accelerator.
3) Turn the ignition key to the MAR
position. the
mwarning light on the in-
strument cluster will turn on.
4) Wait for the
mwarning light to go
off, which will depend on how warm the
engine is. If the engine is very warm the
turning on of the warning light may be so
fast as to go by unobserved.
5) Turn the ignition key to AVV as
soon as the
mwarning light goes off.
Waiting too long would make the glow
plug heating work pointless.IMPORTANT The electric devices that
absorb much energy (air conditioner,
rearscreen heating, etc.) are disengaged
automatically during engine starting.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, move the ignition key back to
theSTOPposition before repeating s-
tarting.
If starting is difficult (with the Alfa
Romeo CODE system efficient), do not in-
sist with prolonged attempts.
Only use an auxiliary battery if it is not-
ed that the cause is due to low charge of
vehicle’s battery. Never use a battery
charger to start the engine (see ”If the
battery is flat” in the chapter “In an e-
mergency”).
WARMING THE ENGINE
– Drive off slowly, at medium revs
without accelerating abruptly.
– Do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres of the journey. Wait
until the engine coolant temperature is
between 50 and 60°C.
SWITCHING OFF
– Release the accelerator pedal and
wait until the engine reaches idle speed.
– Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and switch off the engine.
IMPORTANT After a hard journey, it
is advisable to allow the engine to “get
its breath back” before switching off, run-
ning it at idle speed to allow the tempera-
ture in the engine compartment to cool
down. For versions/markets
where applicable the
warning light m flashes
for about 30 seconds after start-
ing the engine meaning that
there is a fault to the glow plug
warming system, in which case,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.

137
– Check the operation of the horn.
– Check the operation and degree of
wear of the windscreen wipers.
– Check the operation of the external
lights and if necessary, clean the light
units.
– Above all when driving at night,
check the alignment of headlight beams
before starting off.
– Check that no oil or other liquid is
leaking out under the car.
– Ensure that luggage is stowed away
correctly.
– Ensure that, in addition to yourself,
all passengers have fastened their seat
belts.
– Ensure that the handbrake is re-
leased and that the warning lights on the
instrument panel do not indicate a mal-
function. To avoid accidental movements
of the car, disengage the handbrake
keeping the brake pedal pressed.
The following should also be noted:
– Long distances should be tackled
when in good health and should where
possible be programmed, especially when
the roads are busy.– A light meal containing easily assimil-
able foods will help keep reflexes ready
and aid concentration for a safe journey.– Use the direction indicators when
changing direction.
– Switch on the external lights at sun-
set.
– Keep a safe distance from the vehicle
in front. A “safe” distance will vary ac-
cording to the speed of the vehicle,
weather conditions and road-traffic condi-
tions.
– Never drive with one hand resting on
the gear lever. The involuntary movement
of the gear lever which this causes, even
if slight, will cause avoidable wear to the
internal elements of the gearbox.
– Never drive with the gearbox in neu-
tral.
– Do not drive with your foot resting on
the clutch pedal as this habit leads to
rapid wearing of the clutch.
– Do not drive for long periods without
a break. During a break get out of the ve-
hicle and move around a bit to shake off
drowsiness.
– Ensure that the air in the vehicle is
changed constantly using the many possi-
bilities offered by the heating-ventilation
and climate control system.
WHEN TRAVELLING
– Driving with care also means being
able to predict the actions of other road
users, respecting the speed limits and oc-
cupying the near-side lane on motorways.
Driving under the influ-
ence of alcohol, drugs
and/or some medicines is highly
dangerous.
Never drive when drunk or under
the effect of drugs or medicines.
WARNING