2008 Alfa Romeo 166 engine

138
PARKING
When the vehicle is parked, proceed as
follows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if parking the car
uphill or reverse if parking the car on a s-
loping road. On cars with automatic gear-
box set the gear lever to P.
– Turn the front wheels so that the vehi-
cle will immediately come to a halt if the
handbrake slips.
NIGHT DRIVING
Night driving involves a greater degree
of concentration, both physical and ner-
vous. Some suggestions concerning night
driving follow:
– Drive with particular care, reducing
speed if necessary especially on unlit
roads.
– Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front than during the day as it
is more difficult to judge the speed of a
vehicle when only the lights can be seen.
– If you become drowsy stop the car
and rest. continuing the journey when
sleepy is dangerous for yourself and for
others.
–Ensure that the headlights are correct-
ly aligned: if they are too low visibility is
reduced and if they are too high they
may cause disturbance to other users.
– use the main-beam outside built-up
areas and only when you are certain that
other drivers are not disturbed by their
use.
– When meeting vehicles coming in the
opposite direction, switch off the main-
beam and drive with the dipped-beam
headlights on.
– Keep the headlights and light units
clean at all times. – Do not coast the vehicle down hill
with the engine switched off as this elimi-
nates the engine braking effect thus re-
quiring a greater effort on the brake ped-
al, on the power steering and consider-
ably more effort on the steering wheel.
– If it is necessary to stop the vehicle
following a malfunction, park off the
road, switch on the hazard warning lights
and set up the warning triangle to alert
other road users of the presence of your
vehicle. At all times comply with the cur-
rent road traffic regulations.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when
the engine is not running.Ensure that both yourself
and your passengers are
wearing their seat belts. Travelling
without seat belts greatly in-
creases the risks of serious injury
or even death in the event of an
accident.
WARNING
Never leave children un-
attended in the vehicle.
Always remove the key from the
ignition when leaving the vehicle
and take it with you.
WARNING

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

142
POWER STEERING
The hydraulic power steering is only ac-
tive when the engine is running. If the en-
gine is switched off greater effort will be
required to turn the wheel.
As the steering system is a mechanical
organ which is closely tied to driving
safety, the vehicle should be stopped and
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services contacted
if an anomaly is detected.
IMPORTANT Keep the steering wheel
turned at the end of its stroke, in both di-
rections, only for the strictly indispensable
time.
WINDOWS
Do not apply stickers or similar adhe-
sives to the windows as these may dis-
tract the driver and block his vision. The VDC system turns on automatically
when the car is started and cannot be
switched off. It is however possible to cut
off operation of the ASR system pressing
the corresponding button on the centre
console.
ASR FUNCTION (ANTISLIP
REGULATION): GENERAL
The ASR system integrates the VDC sys-
tem controlling the vehicle drive and com-
ing into operation automatically each
time one or both driving wheels skid.When changing the
wiper blades follow the
instructions contained in
the package which is available as
a spare part and read the indica-
tions given in the “Car mainte-
nance “ chapter of this booklet.
WINDSCREEN WIPER BLADES
The windscreen wiper blades should be
checked periodically. Dirty or worn blades
greatly reduce visibility. The windscreen
and windows should be cleaned regularly
and grease, dirt and tar removed. In this
way the life of blades will be extended
considerably.The VDC system helps
the driver to keep control
of the car in the event of loss of
tyre grip.
The forces induced by the VDC sys-
tem to control the lack of stability
of the car always and anyway de-
pend on the grip between the tyre
and the road surface.
WARNING
Before operating the windscreen wipers,
remove snow or ice from the windscreen
and check that the wiper blade is not
frozen to the windscreen. Use an an-
tifreeze product if necessary.
Do not operate the windscreen wipers
on dry glass.

149
Useless loads
Do not overload the boot (especially in
town), as this will heavily affect fuel con-
sumption and stability of the vehicle.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or ski rack imme-
diately after use. These accessories lower
air drag and adversely affect consumption
levels. For particularly bulky loads the use
of a trailer is preferable.
Electric services
Use electric devices only for the neces-
sary time. Rearscreen heating, additional
headlights, wipers and the heater fan
consume a considerable amount of ener-
gy, increasing the need for current highers
fuel consumption (up to +25% in the ur-
ban cycle).Climate control system
The climate control system is a further
load that weighs considerably on the en-
gine inducing higher consumption levels
(on average up to +20%). Outside tem-
perature permitting, preferably use the air
vents.
Spoilers
The use of spoilers that have not been
certified by Alfa Romeo can adversely af-
fect air drag and fuel consumption.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine stationary at i-
dle speed or high speed: in these condi-
tions the engine warms much more slow-
ly, increasing consumption and emissions.
It is therefore advisable to move off im-
mediately and slowly, avoiding high
speeds. This will warm up the engine
more quickly.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid revving the engine when waiting
at traffic lights and before switching the
engine off. This, like revving before
changing gear, serves absolutely no pur-
pose on modern cars and increases con-
sumption and emission levels.
Gearshifting
As soon as the road and traffic condi-
tions permit it, engage a higher gear. The
use of a low gear to obtain lively acceler-
ating increases fuel consumption.
In the same way, incorrect use of a gear
increases consumption, emission and en-
gine wear.

150
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Brief and frequent cold starts do not al-
low the engine to reach the optimum op-
erating temperature. This leads to a sig-
nificant increase in consumption (from
+15% up to +30% in the urban cycle)
and in the emission of pollutants.
Traffic situations and road
conditions
Rather high consumption levels are
linked with heavy traffic situations, for ex-
ample in slow-moving queues with the
frequent use of low gears or in big towns
with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
roads adversely affect consumption lev-
els.
Halts in the traffic
During prolonged halts (e.g. level cross-
ings) it is advisable to switch the engine
off.
PROTECTING EMISSION
REDUCING DEVICES
The correct operation of the anti-pollu-
tion devices not only guarantees respect
for the environment but also has a great
influence on vehicle performance.
These devices should be kept in good
condition to permit economical and eco-
logical use of your vehicle.
The programmed Maintenance Schedule
should be carefully followed.
For petrol engines, only unleaded fuel
should be used.
If starting is difficult,
do not insist with pro-
longed attempts. Do not
push, tow or coast start the ve-
hicle: these may all damage the
catalysts. Top speed
Fuel consumption increases considerably
with the speed of the car: it is helpful to
observe that passing from 90 to 120
km/h consumption increases by + 30%.
Also maintain the most uniform possible
speed, avoiding superfluous braking and
accelerating which cost fuel while increas-
ing emission levels. You are therefore ad-
vised to adopt a “smooth” driving style.
trying to anticipate manoeuvres to avoid
imminent danger and respect safety dis-
tances to avoid having to slow down
abruptly.
Acceleration
Violent accelerating bringing the engine
to high rpm has a considerable adverse
effect on consumption and emission lev-
els; it is wise to accelerate gradually with-
out exceeding the maximum permissible
torque.

151
Use an auxiliary battery to start the ve-
hicle in an emergency.
If the engine is not “running smoothly”
when the vehicle is travelling, reduce the
request for performance to a minimum
and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Ser-
vices as soon as possible.
When the fuel reserve warning light
comes on fill up as soon as possible. A
low fuel level may cause an irregular sup-
ply to the engine with inevitable increase
of the exhaust gas temperature.
When travelling downhill for long
stretches slightly rev the engine every
now and again. This action will extend
the life of the catalyzer.
Never run the engine, even as a test,
with one or more spark plugs disconnect-
ed.
During normal operation
the catalytic converter
reaches high temperatures. Do not
therefore park the vehicle over in-
flammable materials (grass, dry
leaves, pine needles etc.): fire haz-
ard. Do not install other heat
shields and do not remove the ex-
isting ones on the catalyst and on
the exhaust pipe.
Do not spray anything on the cat-
alyst, lambda sensor and exhaust
pipe.
WARNING
The failure to follow
these rules may cause a
fire hazard.
WARNING