2008 Alfa Romeo 166 handbrake

3 VERY IMPORTANT!
FUEL CAPACITY
Petrol engines:only use unleaded petrol with no less than 95 R.O.N.
Diesel engines:only refuel with diesel fuel conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of other products
or mixtures may irreparably damage the engine with invalidation of the warranty due to the damage caused.
K
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines:engage the handbrake; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fully depress the clutch without pressing the accel-
erator, then turn the ignition key to AV Vand release it as soon as the engine has started.
JTD engines:engage the handbrake; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fully depress the clutch without pressing the ac-
celerator; turn the ignition key to MARand wait for the
mwarning light to go off, then turn the ignition key to AV V
and release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
While working, the catalyst develops a very high temperature. Do not park the car over grass, dry leaves, pine needles or
any other inflammable materials: risk of fire.


27
IMPORTANTNever leave the key in
this position when the engine is station-
ary.
–AV V: starting the engine.
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start return the ignition key to the STOP
position and repeat the sequence.
The ignition block is fitted with a safety
device preventing it from being moved to
theAVV position when the engine is al-
ready running.If the ignition device is
tampered with (for ex-
ample during an at-
tempted break-in) have it checked
over by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services, before travelling again.
STEERING LOCK
Engaging lock:
– move the key to the STOPposition
and remove the key lightly turning the
steering wheel to facilitate the locking ac-
tion.
Releasing the lock:
– turn the key to the MARposition
and gently rock the steering wheel in
both directions.
When leaving the vehicle
always remove the key
from the ignition to prevent any
passenger in the car from inadver-
tently activating the controls.
Never leave children unattended in
a car. Remember to engage the
handbrake and if the vehicle is fac-
ing uphill, first gear and if the ve-
hicle is facing downhill, reverse.
WARNING
Never remove the key
with the car on the
move. The steering wheel would
lock automatically the first time
the steering wheel is turned. This
also occurs if the car is towed.
WARNING
It is absolutely forbidden
to carry out whatever af-
ter-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g.: installation of
anti-theft Device) that could badly
affect performance and safety,
cause the lapse of warranty and
also result in non-compliance of the
car with homologation require-
ments.
WARNING

71
D - Rev counter
The danger zone (red) indicates exces-
sively high engine revs. Do not drive for
long periods with the pointer in this area.
With the engine at idle speed, the rev
counter may indicate a gradual or sudden
speed increase depending on the cases;
this is normal as it occurs in the normal
operation, for example when the climate
control compressor is engaged or the fan.
In particular a slow change in speed helps
preserve the battery charge.
IMPORTANT Depending on the ver-
sions/markets of the car, the rev counter
may have danger sectors (red) of differ-
ent size and with different top of scale
values.
IMPORTANT The electronic ignition
control system gradually shuts off the
flow of fuel when the engine is “over-
revving” resulting in a gradual loss of en-
gine power. Moving the ignition key to MARthe
following warning lights and displays turn
on and go out after approx. 6 seconds:
1- Light failure
2- Low brake fluid and/or handbrake
engaged
3- Front brake pad wear
4- Low engine oil level
5- Fuel reserve
6- Maximum engine coolant fluid tem-
perature
7- Mileage recorder displayAny faults are signalled by the turning
on of the corresponding warning light for
approx. 15 seconds after the end of the
check.
2) Doors and boot open warning.
With the ignition key at MAR, if a led
of the car symbol (10) lights up, the cor-
responding door or the boot has not been
shut properly.
To repeat the check, with the ignition
key in the MARposition and the engine
off, press the button (A-fig. 84).
A0D0026m
fig. 84

73
G - The warning lights
IMPORTANT The presence of the
warning lights may vary depending on
the type of engine and trim level.
Insufficient brake fluid
and/or handbrake on
This warning light stays on for about 15
seconds, after the end of the check,
when the level of the brake fluid falls be-
low the minimum, possibly due to a leak-
age in the system and when the hand-
brake is engaged.
When the ignition key is turned to
MARthe warning light comes on but
must go out after approx. 6 seconds.
x
Air bag malfunction
When the ignition key is turned to the
MARposition the warning light will
come on and should go out as after
about. 4 seconds.
This warning light will come on perma-
nently when an anomaly affecting the Air
bag system is detected.¬
If the ¬warning light
does not turn on when
turning the ignition key to MAR or
if it stays on when travelling, this
could indicate a failure in safety re-
taining systems; under this condi-
tion air bags or pretensioners could
not trigger in the event of collision
or, in a restricted number of cases,
they could trigger accidentally.
Stop the car and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services to
have the system checked immedi-
ately.
WARNING
If the warning light
comes on while driving
check if the handbrake is not en-
gaged. If the warning lights stays
on with the handbrake not engaged,
stop immediately and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.x
WARNING

95
GEARSHIFT LEVER (fig. 101)
When changing gear always fully de-
press the clutch pedal. Before engaging
reverse gear (R) wait for the car to be
stationary.
To engage reverse gear (R) it is neces-
sary to wait for the car to be stationary,
then raise the ring under the grip (A)
(with the fingers of the same hand hold-
ing the lever). After engaging reverse
gear, release the ring. It is not necessary
to raise the ring on the lever when shift-
ing from reverse to another gear.
fig. 101
A0D0031m
HAND BRAKE (fig. 102)
The hand brake is located between the
two front seats.
To operate the brake when the vehicle
is stationary pull the lever upwards until
the required braking action is obtained.
When the ignition key is in the MAR
position the
xwarning light will come
on on the instrument panel.To release the hand brake:
– Slightly lift the lever (A) and press
the button (B).
– holding the button down lower the
lever: the
xwarning light on the instru-
ment panel will go out.
To prevent the car from moving acciden-
tally, keep the brake pedal pressed when
engaging the handbrake.
The wheels should be
locked after a few clicks
of the hand brake lever.
if this does not occur contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized services to
have the hand brake adjusted.
fig. 102
372PGSm

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