2008 Alfa Romeo 166 Owner handbook (in English)

When the cap (B) is
screwed off the reser-
voir ensure that the
electrical connections are not dis-
connected. Make sure that the
highly corrosive brake fluid
does not drip onto the paint-
work. If it does, wash it off
immediately with water.
IMPORTANT Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services for maintenance and re-
pair operations.Oil consumption is very
low; if topping up again
is needed shortly after-
wards, have the system checked
for possible leaks by Alfa Romeo
Authorized services.
CHECKING AND TOPPING UP
THE BRAKE AND CLUTCH
FLUID
(fig. 11)
Check that the fluid level in the reservoir
is at maximum. Top up with the brake flu-
id specified in the table “Fluids and lubri-
cants” (see section “Technical Specifica-
tions ").
NOTEClean accurately the tank cap A
and the surrounding surface. When open-
ing the cap take the utmost care to pre-
vent impurities entering the tank. When
topping up, always use a funnel with
built-in filter with mesh equal to or lower
than 0.12 mm. On JTD 20V Multijet versions insert the
tube on the cap and refit the cover fasten-
ing with the three screws.
Do not allow power
steering fluid to touch hot
engine parts: it is inflammable.
WARNING
A0D0102m
fig. 11
216
IMPORTANTFor this operation it is
however recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
From time to time check the instrument
panel warning light by pressing cover (B)
of the reservoir (A) (with the ignition
key at MAR) the instrument warning
panel light
xshould come on.

217
CHECKING AND TOPPING UP
THE WINDSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHER FLUID
(fig. 12-13)
Access to the windscreen/headlight
washer fluid reservoir, remove the cover
(A-fig. 12) after turning the pins (B).
Then remove the cap (C-fig. 13) and
pour the fluid in the tank until the level
can be seen through the filler neck.
Then close the filler with the cap and re-
fit the cover fastening with the two pins.To avoid damaging the
pump motor do not use
the windscreen washers
when the reservoir is empty.
A0D0104mA0D0103m
fig. 12 fig. 13
Symbolπon the con-
tainer indicates synthetic
type brake fluid distinguishing it
from the mineral kind. Using min-
eral type fluids damages the spe-
cial rubber braking system gaskets
beyond repair.
WARNING
Brake and clutch fluid is
poisonous and corrosive.
In the event of contact wash the
parts concerned immediately with
neutral soap and water, then rinse
thoroughly. See a doctor at once if
the fluid is swallowed.
WARNING
Some commercial addi-
tives for windscreen
washers are inflammable. The en-
gine compartment contains hot com-
ponents which could set it on fire.
WARNING

218
Any attempt to clean
the air cleaner may
cause serious engine
damage.
If they are not carried
out correctly and with
the due precautions, the
operations involving cleaner re-
placement described herein may
compromise the safety of the
car. This operation should be car-
ried out by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is connected to the tem-
perature and air flow sensors which send
the electrical signals needed for correct
operation of the injection and ignition sys-
tem to the control unit.
It must therefore always be in perfect
conditions to ensure correct operation of
the engine, low consumption and exhaust
emission levels.When the car is habitu-
ally driven in dusty ar-
eas, the cleaner should
be changed at shorter intervals
than those given in the Pro-
grammed Maintenance Schedule.
IMPORTANT When topping up use
the special detergents available in the
shops ensuring that they contain antis-
cale and antifreeze properties.
If in doubt contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services who will be able to recom-
mend the most suitable products.
Do not travel with the
windscreen washer
reservoir empty: the action of the
windscreen washer is fundamental
for improving vision.
WARNING

219
DUST/POLLEN FILTER
The filter mechanically/electrostatically
filters the air provided that the windows
are shut.
The dust/pollen filter should be checked
over once a year by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Service station preferably at the be-
ginning of the summer.
If the vehicle is habitually driven in
cities, motorways or on dusty roads the
system should be checked over more of-
ten than specified in the Programmed
Maintenance Schedule.
IMPORTANT If the filter is not re-
placed the efficiency of the climate con-
trol system may be seriously compro-
mised.
DIESEL FILTER
DRAINING CONDENSATION
WATER
BATTERY
The battery is housed on the left-hand
side of the boot, protected by a cover.
On versions without navigation system
and without CD player, access to the bat-
tery is gained by slackening the knob
(A-fig. 14) and removing the battery
cover.
On versions with navigation system and
/or CD player, access to the battery is
gained by slackening the knobs (A-fig.
15) and removing the cover (B). Water in the supply cir-
cuit can seriously dam-
age the whole injection
system and cause malfunctions
to engine operation. Should the
warning lamp c, contact as
soon as possible the Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service for drainage
operations.
fig. 14
341PGSm

220
Serious damage may be
caused to the vehicle if
electrical accessories
are incorrectly installed. If, after
purchasing your vehicle, you
wish to install accessories (theft
alarm, voice feature, satellite ra-
dio-navigator with antitheft
function, etc.) contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services
whose qualified personnel in ad-
dition to being able to recom-
mend the most suitable devices
from Lineaccessori will determine
whether it will be necessary to
install a more powerful battery.
If the car is to remain
stationary for a long
time in very cold weath-
er, remove the battery and take it
to a warm place, otherwise it
might freeze.
The battery adopted is of the “Limited
Maintenance” type and under normal
conditions of use will not require topping
up.
The level of the electrolyte solution
must however be between the MIN and
MAX reference marks when the vehicle is
stationary on a level surface (fig. 16).
If the level is low, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.The batteries contain
substances which are
extremely harmful to
the environment. Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services should be
contacted when equipped to dis-
pose of the batteries respecting
both the environment and legal
requirements.
3101CAm
fig. 16
A0D0107m
fig. 15

221
CHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANT The description of the
battery charging procedure is described
only for informative purposes. This opera-
tion should be carried out by Authorized
Alfa Romeo Services.
Charging should be slow at a low amp
rating for about 24 hours. Charging for a
longer time may damage the battery.
Charge the battery as follows:
– If the car is fitted with an alarm sys-
tem, turn off the alarm with the remote
control and deactivate the system turning
the emergency key to “OFF” (see “Elec-
tronic alarm” in the chapter “Getting to
know your car”).– Disconnect the terminals of the elec-
tric system from the battery poles.
– Connect the charger cables to the bat-
tery.
– Turn on the charger.
– After charging turn off the charger be-
fore disconnecting it from the battery.
– Re-connect the terminals to the bat-
tery poles correctly.
– Turn the ignition key to MARand
leave it in this position for 30 seconds to
1 minute, then turn to STOPfor about 5
to 10 seconds, after which the engine
can be started.
– Remember to reactivate the alarm
system (if present) turning the emer-
gency switch to “ON”.
The wrong electric and
electronic accessory in-
stallation may cause se-
vere vehicle damages.When doing any work on
the battery or near it, al-
ways wear special protective gog-
gles.
Working with the fluid
level too low damages
the battery irreparably, even
breaking the body and completely
leaking the acid contained.
WARNING
WARNING

222
– Before doing any work on the electric
system, disconnect the battery negative
terminal.
If after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which need a
permanent electrical supply (alarm,
hands-free phone, radio-navigator with
satellite anti-theft function, etc.) contact
Authorised Alfa Romeo Services whose
qualified personnel, in addition to sug-
gesting the most suitable devices from
Lineaccessori will be able to evaluate the
total electrical absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is able
to support the load required or whether a
battery with higher capacity is necessary.
In fact, these devices continue to absorb
current with the ignition key off (car
parked, engine off) and may gradually
drain the battery. IMPORTANT A battery kept at below
50% of its capacity is damaged by sul-
phation, the capacity is reduced and start-
ing is difficult, there is also more possibili-
ty of freezing (this can occur at –10°C).
In the event of a prolonged stop, refer to
“Vehicle inactivity”.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid quickly draining the battery
and to preserve its operating conditions
over the course of time, carefully follow
the instructions below.
– The terminals must always be tight-
ened.
– As far as possible avoid keeping ser-
vices on for a long time with the engine
stopped (radio, hazard warning lights,
parking lights, etc.).
– When leaving the vehicle parked in a
garage, make sure that the doors, bon-
net, boot and interior lids are properly
shut to prevent lights from staying on.
The fluid contained in the
battery is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the
skin or eyes. The battery should be
charged in a ventilated place away
from naked flames or possible
sources of sparks: danger of ex-
plosion and fire.
WARNING
Never attempt to charge
a frozen battery before
thawing it, the danger of explosion
exists. If it has frozen, always
check that the inside elements are
not broken (risk of short circuit)
and that the body is not cracked,
with the risk of acid coming out
which is poisonous and corrosive.
WARNING

223
– If electrical welding is to be carried
out on the body of the vehicle the elec-
tronic control units must be disconnected
or removed if the work involves the pro-
duction of high temperatures.The total absorption of these accessories
(standard and installed later) must be
0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as shown
in the table below:
BatteryMaximum permissible loadless absorption
100 Ah 60 mA
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption activated by the
user, such as bottle warmers, vacuum
cleaners, cellular telephone, mini refriger-
ator, etc. accelerate the battery drainage
process if they are powered with the en-
gine not running.
IMPORTANT It should also be noted
that improper branches on connectors of
the electric wiring for installing additional
equipment is dangerous, particularly if
safety devices are involved.
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNITS
With normal use of the vehicle no par-
ticular precautions need to be taken.
If interventions are to be carried out on
the electrical system or emergency start-
ing the following must be heeded:
– Always switch off the engine before
disconnecting the battery from the electri-
cal system.
– If battery charging is necessary dis-
connect it from the electric system.
– When starting in an emergency only
an auxiliary battery must be used and not
a battery charger.
– Check that the polarity is correct and
that the connections between the battery
and the electrical system are sound.
– Before connecting or disconnecting
the terminals of the electronic units en-
sure that the ignition key is not in the
MARposition.
– Do not check for current in the cables
by short-circuiting the ends.
If additional systems are
to be installed on the ve-
hicle the danger of incorrectly tak-
ing branches from the electrical
wires cannot be emphasized too
strongly especially if devices es-
sential to the safety of the vehi-
cle and its occupants are involved
(ignition, injection, ABS ...). The in-
correct installation of radio sys-
tems, electronic theft alarms, ra-
diotelephones etc. can interfere
with the electronic control units and
compromises the warranty cover.
For these interventions we re-com-
mend that you contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.The loadless
absorption of all the accessories in-
stalled in the after market must
not exceed 20 mA (reading with
the vehicle stationary).
WARNING