2008 Alfa Romeo 166 Owner handbook (in English)

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.

129
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The design and construction of the vehi-
cle have not only been developed with
the traditional aspects of performance
and safety in mind but also take into ac-
count the increasingly pressing problems
tied to protecting the environment.
The choice of materials, techniques and
particular devices are the result of work
which has made it possible to drastically
reduce the harmful effects on the environ-
ment and guarantee respect for the sever-
est international norms.
USE OF NON-TOXIC
MATERIALS
None of the components of the vehicle
contain asbestos. The padding and the cli-
mate control system do not contain CFCs
which are held to be responsible for the
destruction of the ozone layer.
The colouring agents and the corrosion
inhibitors used on the nuts, screws and
bolts do not contain cadmium or chrome
which could pollute the atmosphere or
water tables.
EMISSION REDUCING DEVICES
(Petrol engines)
Catalysts
The exhaust system is fitted with a sys-
tem of catalysts formed of precious metal
alloys housed in a stainless steel contain-
er which withstand high operating tem-
peratures.
The catalysts convert unburned hydro-
carbons, carbon monoxide and nitric ox-
ides in the exhaust gas (even in minimal
quantity, thanks to the electronic ignition
and injection systems) into non polluting
compounds.

130
Lambda sensors
The lambda sensors detect the oxygen
content in the exhaust gas.
The signals transmitted by the Lambda
sensors are used by the electronic control
unit of the injection-ignition system to ad-
just the air-fuel mixture.Anti-evaporation system
(only petrol versions)
As it is impossible, even when the en-
gine is switched off, to prevent the forma-
tion of fuel vapours, a system has been
devised which traps them in a special car-
bon container.
During operation of the engine these
vapours are withdrawn and sent to com-
bustion.
Due to the high temper-
ature reached while the
catalysts are working, it is advis-
able not to park the car over in-
flammable material (paper, fuel
oils, grass, dry leaves, etc.).
WARNING

131
EMISSION REDUCING DEVICES
(diesel engines)
Oxidising catalytic converter
Converts the polluting substance in the
exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, un-
burnt hydrocarbons and particulate), thus
reducing the fumes and smell that are
typical of diesel engines.
The catalytic converter consists of a
stainless steel case that houses a ceramic
honeycomb coated with noble metal used
as a catalyst.Exhaust gas recirculation system
(E.G.R.)
This system recycles, i.e. re-uses, a
varying percentage of the exhaust gases
depending on engine operating condi-
tions.
It is used, when necessary, to control ni-
tric oxides.

133
Reading this chapter and following the advice, recommendations
and specification given in it will make it possible for you to get the
best from your vehicle in terms of safety, performance, reliability
and length of life.
This chapter mostly deals with procedures of a general nature.
However, in some cases, it may deal with exclusive and particular
operations.
Pay close attention therefore to the information given as this will
allow you to exploit your vehicle to the full.STARTING THE ENGINE............................................................................page 134
SAFE DRIVING
.........................................................................................................136
WINTER TYRES
........................................................................................................147
SNOW CHAINS
........................................................................................................147
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY DRIVING
.................................148
TOWING TRAILERS
................................................................................................152
VEHICLE INACTIVITY
..............................................................................................155
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
...................................156
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
..............................156
GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR CAR

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.