170
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
LIGHT STAYS ON:
LOW ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE (red)
FLASHING LIGHT:
EXHAUSTED ENGINE
OIL
(only Diesel versions
with DPF - red)
When the electronic key is inserted into
the starting device,
the warning light switch-
es on and should go out as soon as the en-
gine is started.
1. Low engine oil pressare
The warning light turns on and stays on con-
stantly (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided) along with the message on the dis-
play when the system detects that engine
oil pressure is low.– use of the vehicle for short drives, in which
the engine does not have time to reach its
regular operating temperature
– repeated interruption of the regeneration
process, signalled by the DPF warning light
coming on.
LOW BATTERY
CHARGE (red)
The warning light (where pro-
vided) turns on, but it should go
off as soon as the engine has started (with
the engine running at idle speed a brief de-
lay in going out is allowed).
If the warning light (or as an alternative, on
certain versions, a symbol and a message
are displayed) stays on glowing steadily or
flashing contact immediately Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.w
v
If the warning light vturns on when the vehicle
is travelling (on certain versions
together with the message on the
display) stop the engine immedi-
ately and contact a Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
WARNING
2. Exhausted engine oil
(only Diesel versions with DPF)
The warning light will flash and a specific mes-
sage will appear on the display (for ver-
sions/markets, where provided). The warn-
ing light may flash in the following ways, de-
pending on the version:
– for 1 minute every two hours;
– for 3 minute cycles with the warning light
off for intervals of 5 seconds until oil is
changed.
After the initial warning, each time the engine
is started up, the warning light will continue
to flash in the above mentioned modes, un-
til the oil is changed. A specific message will
appear on the display (for versions/markets,
where provided) in addition to the warning
light. If the warning light flashes, this does
not mean that the car is defective but sim-
ply informs the driver that it is now necessary
to change the oil as a result of regular vehi-
cle use.
Note that engine oil is exhausted faster un-
der the following circumstances:
– use of the vehicle prevalently for city driving,
requiring more frequent regeneration of DPF
MINIMUM ENGINE
OIL LEVEL (RED)
When the electronic key is in-
serted into the starting device the
display will show the engine oil level for
a few seconds.
On some versions the display will show
a message and a symbol if the engine oil
level is too low. In this case, top up the
engine oil to the correct level (see “Check-
ing fluid levels” in “Car maintenance”
chapter).k
Exhausted engine oil
should be replaced as soon
as possible after the warning light
comes on, never more than 500
km after the warning light first
comes on. Failure to change the oil
within the first 500 km may result
in severe damage to the engine
and will result in forfeiture of the
warranty. Remember that when
the warning light flashes, it does
not mean that the level of engine
oil is low, so if the light flashes you
must not top up.
WARNING
165-180 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:09 Pagina 170
SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct maintenance is essential for en-
suring long car life under the best condi-
tions.
This is why Alfa Romeo has programmed
a series of checks and maintenance op-
erations every 35,000 km (or 21,000
mi).
IMPORTANTThe actual engine oil and
filter change frequency depends on the
conditions of use of the car and is si-
gnalled by means of a warning light or
message (where provided) on the in-
strument panel.
IMPORTANTAt 2,000 km from the
scheduled service, the display will show
a dedicated message. It is however important to remember that
scheduled servicing does not completely
cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before 35,000 km (or
21,000 mi) service coupon and later, be-
tween one coupon and another, ordinary
care is still required such as for example
routine check and topping up the level of
fluids, tyre pressure check, etc...
IMPORTANTThe Programmed Main-
tenance coupons are specified by the
Manufacturer. The failure to have them
carried out may invalidate the warranty.
Scheduled Servicing is performed by all
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services, at pre-
established times.
If during whatever service operation, in
addition to the ones programmed, the
need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out only
with the explicit agreement of the Cus-
tomer.IMPORTANTYou are advised to con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services in
the event of any minor operating faults,
without waiting for the next service
coupon.
If your car is used frequently for towing,
the interval between one service coupon
and the other must be reduced.
CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
224
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35 70 105 140 175
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Thousands of km
Check and adjust tappet clearance (1.9 JTDM8v version)
Check and adjust tappet clearance, if required (1.8 140 HP version)
Check exhaust emissions (petrol versions)
Check exhaust emissions/smoke (diesel versions)
Check engine control system operation (through diagnosis socket)
Replace accessory drive belt/s (except 1.8 140 HP version)
Replace accessory drive belt/s (1.8 140 HP version)
Replace timing belt (1.8 140 HP version) (*)
Replace timing belt (1750 TURBO BENZINA version) (*)
Replace timing belt (diesel versions) (*)
Change spark plugs (3.2 JTS and 2.2 JTS Selespeed versions)
Change spark plugs (1.8 140 HP and 1750 TURBO BENZINA versions)
Replace diesel fuel filter (diesel versions)
Change air cleaner cartridge
Change front transmission gear oil (3.2 JTS 4x4 versions)
Change engine oil and oil filter (1.8 140 HP versions) (or every 12 months)
Change engine oil and oil filter (1750 TURBO BENZINA versions) (**)
(or every 12 months)
Change engine oil and oil filter (3.2 JTS and 2.2 JTS Selespeed versions)
(or every 24 months) (***)
Change engine oil and oil filter (diesel versions with DPF) (**)
(or every 24 months)
Change engine oil and oil filter (diesel versions without DPF)
(or every 24 months)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Change pollen filter (or every 24 months)
(*) Regardless of the km covered, the timing belt shall be replaced every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates, driving in the city,
idling for a long time) or in any case every 5 years.
(**) The engine oil and the filter must be changed when the instrument panel warning light comes on (see “Warning lights and Messages” chapter)
and in all cases every 24 months.
If the car is mainly used for town driving or in particularly harsh climate conditions and has a low annual mileage, the engine oil and filter should
be changed every 12 months.
CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
226
223-248 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:11 Pagina 226
USE OF THE CAR
UNDER HEAVY
CONDITIONS
Should prevailing use of the car be un-
der one of the following specially heavy
conditions:
❒ trailer or caravan towing;
❒ dusty roads;
❒ short distances (less than 7-8 km)
and repeated with external temper-
atures below zero;
❒ frequently idling engines or long dis-
tance low speed driving (e.g.: door-
to-door deliveries) or in case of a long
term inactivity;
❒ urban routes;
carry out checks more frequently than
required on Service Schedule:
❒ check front disk brake pad conditions
and wear;
❒ check cleanness of bonnet and boot
locks and lever cleanness and lubri-
cation;
❒ sight inspect the conditions of: en-
gine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes),
rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes,
etc.);
❒ check battery charge and fluid level
(electrolyte);
❒ visual check on various drive belt con-
ditions;
❒ change engine oil and oil filter, if re-
quired;
❒ check and replace pollen filter, if re-
quired;
❒ check and replace air cleaner, if re-
quired.
PERIODICAL CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long jour-
neys, check and top up if required:
❒engine coolant fluid level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒ tyre pressure and conditions.
❒ check light system operation (head-
lights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❒ check windscreen wiper/washer op-
eration and windscreen/rear window
blade position/wear;
Every 3,000 km check and top up if re-
quired: engine oil level.
You are recommended to use
PETRONAS LUBRICANTSprod-
ucts, designed and produced specifical-
ly for Alfa Romeo cars (see table “Ca-
pacities” in section “Technical specifi-
cations”).
CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
227
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228
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
CHECKING
FLUID LEVELS
For refilling amounts refer to Technical
Specifications section.
1.Engine oil - 2. Battery
3.Brake fluid - 4.Windscreen washer
fluid - 5.Engine coolant -
6.Power steering fluid
fig. 2 - 1750 TURBO BENZINA version
2
4
1 6
53
A0E0854m
Never smoke while
working in the engine
compartment; gas and inflam-
mable vapours may be pre-
sent, with the risk of fire.
WARNING
When topping up take
care not to confuse the
various types of fluids:
they are all incompatible with
one another and could serious-
ly damage the car.
A0E0374mfig. 1 - 1.8 140 HP version
223-248 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:11 Pagina 228
ENGINE OIL
Fig. 7: 1.8 140 HP version
Fig. 8: 1750 TURBO BENZINA version
Fig. 8/a: 2.2 JTS Selespeed version
Fig. 9: 3.2 JTS version
Fig. 10: 1.9 JTD
M8V-
1.9 JTD
M16Vversions
Fig. 11: 2.0 JTD
Mversion
Fig. 12: 2.4 JTD
MversionChecking engine oil
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with
the car parked on level ground.
Remove the dipstick Aand clean it, put it
back in completely, remove it and check
that the level is within the MIN and
MAXmarks on the dipstick. The gap be-
tween the MINand MAX marks cor-
responds to about one litre of oil.
CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
232
A0E0856mfig. 8A0E0069mfig. 9
A0E0233mfig. 10
A0E0855mfig. 11A0E0400mfig. 7
A0E0202mfig. 12
A0E0018mfig. 8/a
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
INDEX
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
SAFETY
DEVICES
233
Engine oil consumption
Max engine oil consumption is usually
400 grams every 1000 km.
When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil con-
sumption can only be considered sta-
bilised after the first 5000 - 6000 km.
IMPORTANTThe oil consumption de-
pends on driving style and the conditions
under which the car is used.
IMPORTANTDo not add oil with
specifications other than that already
in the engine. Topping up engine oil
If the oil level is near or even below the
MINmark, add oil through the filler
neck B, until reaching the MAXmark.
Oil level shall never exceed the MAX
mark.
IMPORTANT If a routine check re-
veals that the oil level is above the
MAXmark, contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the correct lev-
el restored.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine turn over for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
turning it off before you check the level.
When the engine is hot,
take care when work-
ing inside the engine compart-
ment to avoid burns. Remem-
ber that when the engine is
hot, the fan may cut in: danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be
pulled by moving parts.
WARNING
Used engine oil and fil-
ter contain harmful sub-
stances for the environ-
ment. Contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services to have the oil
and filter changed.
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320
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
INDEX
– fuel gauge ......................... 22
Fuel cut-off and power supply
switches ............................... 81
Fuel feed ................................ 255
Fuel filler cap .......................... 126
Fuses (replacement) .......... 209-292
Gearbox (use) ........................ 156
Glass/can holder ..................... 87
Glove compartment .................. 85
Glove compartment light
– bulb replacement ................ 207
Handbrake ............................. 155
Hazard lights ........................... 72
Head restraints ................. 48-49
Headlight washer
– control .............................. 73
– fluid level .......................... 232
Headlights .............................. 65
– adjusting headlight beam ..... 106
– headlight adjustment abroad 107
– headlight aiming device ....... 106
– front fog light adjustment ..... 107
Hill Holder system .................... 111
Homelink ............................... 89
Identification data .................... 250
If an exterior light burns out .. 196-288
If an interior light burns out .. 205-290
Ignition device ......................... 19In an emergency................ 181
Inactivity of the car .................. 164
Inertial fuel cut-off switch .......... 80
Installation of electric/
electronic devices ................... 117
Instrument panel ..................... 7-8
Instruments ............................ 21
Interior fittings ......................... 83
Interiors ................................. 247
Isofix universal
(child's seat) ..................140-286
Jacking the car ........................ 220
Labels
– identification data ............... 250
– bodywork paint .................. 251
Level checks ........................... 230
Main beam headlights
– bulb replacement ................ 199
– control .............................. 70
Manual climate control system ... 55
MSR system ........................... 114
Multifunction display ................ 25
Number plate light .................. 204
Oddments compartments .......... 88
Paint ..................................... 246
Parking .................................. 155 Direction indicators
– bulb replacement 200-201-204
– control .............................. 70
Doors ..................................... 96
Electronic key .......................... 12
Engine
– identification code ............... 252
– marking ............................ 251
– technical data .................... 253
Engine oil
– consumption ...................... 232
– level check ........................ 231
– specifications ..................... 266
Engine starting ........................ 150
Environment protection ............. 127
EOBD system .......................... 115
External lights ......................... 70
Eyeglasses holder .................... 87
Fix&Go automatic (device) ....... 190
Flashing the headlights ............. 70
Fluid level checks ..................... 230
Fluids and lubricants ................. 267
Follow me home (device) ......... 71
Front ceiling lights
– bulb replacement ................ 205
– control .............................. 78
Front fog lights
– bulb replacement ................ 202
– control .............................. 72
Fuel
– consumption ...................... 269
– fuel cut-off switch ............... 81
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