2008 Alfa Romeo 159 ESP

119
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
The acoustic alarm will stop immediately
as distance raises. The acoustic alarm is
constant if the distance measured by
central sensors is unvaried, whereas if
this situation takes place for side sen-
sors the acoustic alarm is muted after
about 3 seconds to prevent sound indi-
cations when performing manoeuvres
near walls.
SENSORS
Obstacles are detected by 4 sensors lo-
cated in the front bumper (where pro-
vided)fig. 105and 4 sensors located
in the rear bumperfig. 106.
Parking manoeuvres
however are always
under the driver’s responsibil-
ity that shall always check the
absence of people (specially
children) or animals in the ma-
noeuvre space. This system is
just a help for the driver but
she/he shall never reduce at-
tention during dangerous ma-
noeuvres even if performed at
low speed.
WARNING
A0E0231mfig. 105
A0E0232mfig. 106
BUZZER
The presence of any obstacle and its dis-
tance from the car is indicated by the
buzzers installed inside the passenger
compartment:
❒on versions with 4 rear sensors, the
rear buzzer will indicate the presence
of rear obstacles;
❒on versions with 8 sensors (4 front
sensors and 4 rear sensors) obstacles
are indicated by rear and front
buzzers. This feature gives the dri-
ver the direction (front/rear) of the
obstacle.

121
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
If a failure is indicated, stop the car, turn
the engine off and then clean the sen-
sors. Make sure to be far from possible
ultrasound sources (e.g.: truck pneu-
matic brakes or pneumatic hammers).
If failure cause has been eliminated the
system will resume regular operation
and warning
tand the corresponding
warning message will turn off.
If the warning light stays on, contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services to have
the system inspected, although the sys-
tem keeps on working. If the failure de-
tected does not impair system operation,
the system keeps on working and fail-
ure is stored in order to be then detect-
ed by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
at next inspection.
GENERAL WARNINGS
When parking, take the utmost care to
obstacles that may be set above or un-
der the sensors. Objects set close to the
car front or rear part, under certain cir-
cumstances are not detected and could
therefore cause damages to the car or
be damaged.
Indications sent by the sensors can be
altered by dirt, snow or ice deposited on
the sensors or by ultrasound systems
(e.g.: truck pneumatic brakes or pneu-
matic hammers) set nearby the car.
TOWING TRAILERS
Rear sensors are reactivated automati-
cally when removing the trailer cable
plug.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
The system control unit checks every
system component each time the key is
fitted into the ignition device. Sensors
and relevant electrical connections are
then constantly monitored during sys-
tem operation.
Sensor failure is indicated by turning on
of warning light
t(where provided)
on the instrument panel (on certain ver-
sions together with the message on the
display) (see section “Warning lights
and messages”).
Rear sensors operation
is deactivated automat-
ically when the trailer
electric cable plug is fitted into
the car tow hook socket.

154
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANTAfter a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
IMPORTANTTurning the car off will
deactivate the electronic safety systems
and turn off the external lights.IMPORTANTIn the event of engine
locking while the car is running, due to
safety reasons it will not be possible to
take the electronic key out of the igni-
tion device. To remove it, turn the in-
strument panel on and off by pressing
buttonSTART/STOPwith brake ped-
al (and clutch pedal) released and car
stopped.
REMOVING THE ELECTRONIC
KEY FROM THE IGNITION
DEVICE IN AN EMERGENCY
In the event of a failure at engine switch-
ing off system or at electronic key un-
locking system proceed as follows:
❒press the unlocking button to remove
the metal insert (see paragraph
“Electronic key” in section “Dash-
board and controls”);
STOPPING THE ENGINE
With car stopped press button START/
STOP. When the engine is off it will be
possible to remove the electronic key
from the ignition device.
A quick burst on the ac-
celerator before turning
off the engine serves
absolutely no practical purpose,
it wastes fuel and is damaging
especially to turbocharged en-
gines.❒fit the metal insert B-fig. 1of the
electronic key into the slot A;
❒remove the electronic key from the
ignition device.
IMPORTANTOnly fit the metal insert
Bof the electronic key into slot A-fig.1.
IMPORTANTStop the car before
emergency removal of the key, since re-
moving the key with the engine running
will turn both the engine and the in-
strument panel off and the steering lock
will not be engaged.
A0E0043mfig. 1In an emergency, and
for safety reasons the
engine can be turned off when
the car is running by pressing
repeatedly (3 times within
2 seconds) or by keeping
pressed button START/STOP
for a few seconds. In this case
the steering lock cannot be en-
gaged.
WARNING

157
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading
to higher consumption. When the tem-
perature outside the car 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 aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and
increase consumption. Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the
car (especially when driving in town)
and its trim greatly affects consumption
and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof as soon as they are no
longer used. These accessories lower air
penetration and adversely affect con-
sumption levels. When needing to car-
ry particularly voluminous objects, prefer-
ably use a trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window,
additional headlights, windscreen wipers
and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing
the requirement of current increases fu-
el consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of
your car down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Service sched-
ule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, con-
sumption levels increase as resistance
to rolling is higher.

183
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
IF A TYRE
IS PUNCTURED
For versions/markets where applicable,
the car can be equipped with the “Quick
tyre repair kit Fix&Go automatic“. Op-
erations required to change a wheel are
described in the following chapter.
As an alternative to the kit “Fix & Go
automatic”, the car can be provided (up-
on request) with space-saver spare
wheel or standard size spare wheel;
wheel changing and correct use of the
jack and space-saver spare wheel call for
some precautions as listed below.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine (by push-
ing, towing, or coasting downhill) as this
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
exhaust system and damage it beyond
repair.
Remember that the
brake booster and the
power steering system are not
operating until the engine is
started, a greater effort will
therefore be required to press
the brake pedal or turn the
steering wheel.
WARNING
Alert other drivers that
the car is stationary in
compliance with local regula-
tions: hazard warning lights,
warning triangle etc. Any pas-
sengers on board should leave
the car, especially if it is heav-
ily laden. Passengers should
stay away from oncoming
traffic while the wheel is be-
ing changed on. If the wheel is
being changed on a steep or
badly surfaced road, place the
wedges or other suitable ma-
terial under the wheel to stop
the car. Never start the engine
when the car is jacked up. If
you were towing a trailer, un-
couple the trailer before jack-
ing the car.
WARNING

193
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
❒after reaching the tyre pressure spec-
ified in paragraph “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”, start
driving immediately;
❒if after 5 minutes it is still impossi-
ble to reach at least 1.5 bar, disen-
gage compressor from valve and cur-
rent outlet, then move the car forth
for approx. 10 metres in order to dis-
tribute the sealing fluid inside the tyre
evenly, then repeat the inflation op-
eration;
❒If after this operation it is still im-
possible after 5 minutes to reach at
least 1.8 bar, do start driving since
the tyre is excessively damaged and
the quick tyre repair kit cannot guar-
antee suitable sealing, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services;
❒make sure the compressor switch A-
fig. 19is set to 0(off), start the
engine and fit plug A-fig. 20into
the outlet/cigar lighter on the front
console and then turn on the com-
pressor by setting switch A-fig. 19
toI(on);
❒Inflate the tyre to the pressure speci-
fied in paragraph “Wheels” in section
“Technical Specifications”. Check tyre
pressure on gauge B-fig. 19 with
compressor off to obtain precise read-
ing;
A0E0213mfig. 19A0E0217mfig. 20Apply the sticker in a
visible position for the
driver to indicate that the tyre
has been treated with the
quick tyre repair kit. Drive
carefully especially when cor-
nering and do not exceed 80
km/h. Avoid heavy braking
and accelerating.
WARNING

196
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
❒When a light is not working, check
that the corresponding fuse is intact
before changing a bulb. For the lo-
cation of fuses, refer to the paragraph
“If a fuse blows” in this section;
❒ Before changing a bulb check the con-
tacts for oxidation;
❒ Burnt bulbs must be replaced by oth-
ers of the same type and power;
❒Always check the height of the head-
light beam after changing a bulb.
IMPORTANTThe headlight inner sur-
face may be lightly misted over: this is
not a fault but a natural fact due to low
temperature and the level of air humid-
ity. It will disappear as soon the head-
lights are turned on. The presence of
drops inside the headlights means wa-
ter infiltration, therefore contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
WHEN NEEDING TO CHANGE A BULB
Modifications or re-
pairs to the electrical
system (electronic control
units) carried out incorrectly
and without bearing the fea-
tures of the system in mind
can cause malfunctions with
the risk of fire.
WARNING
Due to high voltage,
the bulb of (Bixenon)
gas-discharge headlights must
only be replaced by experts:
danger of death! Contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
WARNING
Halogen bulbs contain
pressurised gas which,
if broken, may cause small
fragments of glass to be pro-
jected outwards.
WARNING
Halogen bulbs must be
handled touching only
the metallic part. If the trans-
parent bulb is touched with the
fingers, its lighting intensity is
reduced and life of the bulb
may be compromised. If
touched accidentally, rub the
bulb with a cloth moistened
with alcohol and allow to dry.
WARNING

210
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
FUSE LOCATION
Fuses are grouped into four fuse boxes
to be found respectively on the dash-
board, on the battery positive pole, near
the battery and inside the boot (right-
hand side).
Fuse box on the dashboard
To gain access to the fuses in the fuse
box on the dashboard, loosen the fas-
tening screw A-fig. 55and remove
the cover B.
A0E0157mfig. 55
A0E0124mfig. 56