165
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
W W
A A
R R
N N
I I
N N
G G
L L
I I
G G
H H
T T
S S
A A
N N
D D
M M
E E
S S
S S
A A
G G
E E
S S
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ON .................... 166
BRAKE PAD WEAR ............................................. 167
SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED................................. 167
AIR BAG FAILURE............................................... 168
PASSANGER’S FRONT AIR BAGS DEACTIVATED ........ 168
ENGINE COOLANT HIGH TEMPERATURE ................. 169
ENGINE OIL HIGH TEMPERATURE.......................... 169
MINIMUM ENGINE OIL LEVEL .............................. 170
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE/EXHAUST OIL ........... 170
LOW BATTERY CHARGE....................................... 170
INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING .............................. 171
BONNET OPEN.................................................. 171
BOOT OPEN..................................................... 171
INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE...................................... 171
CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAILURE/
STEERING LOCK INHIBITION ................................ 172
ALARM FAILURE/BREAK-IN ATTEMPT
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT RECOGNIZED ...................... 172
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF ICE ON THE ROAD ........... 173
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUGS/
PRE-HEATING GLOW PLUG FAILURE....................... 173
WATER IN DIESEL FUEL FILTER ............................. 174
INERTIAL FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCHED ON ................ 174
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................ 175
EBD SYSTEM FAILURE ........................................ 175VDC SYSTEM ................................................... 175
HILL HOLDER FAILURE ....................................... 176
ASR SYSTEM (WHEEL ANTISKID SYSTEM) ............ 176
EXTERNAL LIGHTS FAILURE ................................. 176
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE ...................................... 177
REAR FOGLIGHTS.............................................. 177
FRONT FOG LIGHTS........................................... 177
SIDE/TAILLIGHTS/FOLLOW ME HOME.................. 177
DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS ................................. 177
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS ................................... 177
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ........................ 177
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR ...................... 177
LIGHT SENSOR FAILURE....................................... 178
RAIN SENSOR FAILURE........................................ 178
PARKING SENSORS FAILURE................................ 178
FUEL RESERVE – LIMITED CRUISING RANGE .......... 178
CRUISE CONTROL ............................................. 178
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER CLOGGED .................. 178
ANTIPINCH SYSTEM FAILURE............................... 179
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID LOW LEVEL ............. 179
SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDED ..................................... 179
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM FAILURE................................... 179
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE...................................... 179
LOW INFLATION PRESSURE................................. 180
TYRE PRESSURE UNSUITABLE FOR SPEED ............ 180
165-180 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:09 Pagina 165
178
SAFETY
DEVICES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
FUEL RESERVE –
LIMITED CRUISING
RANGE (amber)
The warning light on the fuel level
gauge turns on when about 10 litres fuel are
left in the tank. On certain versions. the dis-
play will show a warning message when the
cruising range is less than 50 km (or 31 mi).
If warning light Kstarts
flashing when travelling
contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
CRUISE CONTROL
(green)
(for versions/markets, where
provided)
The warning light turns on (on certain ver-
sions a dedicated message is displayed)
when turning the the knurled ring of the
Cruise Control to
Ü.
LIGHT SENSOR
FAILURE (amber)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The warning light (or as an alternative, on
certain versions, a symbol and a message
are displayed) turns on to indicate a failure
at the light sensor.
PARKING SENSOR
FAILURE (amber)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The warning light (or as an alternative, on
certain versions, a symbol and a message
are displayed) turns on to indicate a failure
at parking sensors.
RAIN SENSOR
FAILURE (amber)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The warning light (where provided) turns on
(on certain versions a message is displayed)
when the rain sensor is failing.
1
u
t
K
Ü
CLEANING DPF
(PARTICULATE FILTER)
IN PROGRESS (only
Diesel versions with
DPF - amber)
When the electronic key is inserted into
the starting device
, the warning light switch-
es on but it must switch off after a few sec-
onds. The warning light comes on constantly
to notify the driver that the DPF system
h
needs to eliminate captured pollutants (par-
ticulate) by the regeneration process. The
warning light does not come on during every
DPF regeneration, but only when driving con-
ditions require notification of the driver. To
switch the warning light off, the car must
stay in motion until regeneration has been
completed. The process normally takes
about 15 minutes. The optimum conditions
to end the process are achieved by keep-
ing the car in motion up to 60 km/h with
an engine speed higher than 2,000 rpm.
This light coming on is not a car defect and
therefore the car does not need to go to the
workshop. A specific message will appear
on the display when the warning light comes
on (for versions/markets, where provided).
Always drive at a speed
appropriate to the traffic
conditions, the weather and
speed limits. The engine may be
turned off while the DPF light is
on; however, repeated interrup-
tion of the regeneration process
may result in premature exhaus-
tion of engine oil. For this reason
it is always advisable to wait for
the light to go off before turning
off the engine, following the in-
structions appearing above. It is
not advisable to complete DPF re-
generation with the vehicle sta-
tionary.
WARNING
165-180 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:09 Pagina 178
216
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
USERS FUSE AMPERE FIGURE
Fuel pump supply F21 20 60
Sound system/radionavigation system power/Blue&Me F23 15 60
Supply + key for relay coils of engine compartment control unit/
dashboard control unit/Body Computer F31 7.5 56
Driver’s door branch point/passenger’s door branch point/
ignition device F32 15 56
Rear left window control/boot node F33 20 56
Rear right window control/boot node F34 20 56
Water in diesel fuel filter sensor/flow meter/Brake light switch/
central console control panel/Cruise Control/AQS sensor F35 7.5 56
Supply of boot node/locks actuators F36 20 56
Positive under key for stop lights/third stop/instrument/
lights direction F37 7.5 56
Boot opening F38 15 56
Supply + battery for air conditioner, ceiling lights, volumetric alarm,
EOBD system diagnostic socket F39 10 56
181-222 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:10 Pagina 216
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
223-248 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:11 Pagina 224
35 70 105 140 175
●●●●●
●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●●
●●
●●
●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●●●●
●●
●●●●●
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
223-248 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:11 Pagina 227
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.
223-248 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 14:11 Pagina 233
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Pagine_ITA.indd418-05-200511:54:19
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Pagine_ITA.indd118-05-200511:53:40
319-328 Alfa 159 GB 3-12-2009 15:53 Pagina 327