
We really know your car because we invented, designed and built it: we really know every single detail.
At Alfa Romeo Service authorised workshopsyou can find technicians directly trained by us,
offering quality and professionalism for all service operations.
Alfa Romeo workshops are always close to you for the regular servicing operations, season checks
and practical recommendations by our experts.
With Alfa Romeo Genuine Parts you keep the reliability, comfort and performance features
of your new car unchanged in time: that's why you bought it for.
Always ask for Genuine Parts for the components used on our cars; we recommend them because
they come from our steady commitment in research and development of highly innovative technologies.
For all these reasons: rely on Genuine Parts, because they are the only ones
designed by Alfa Romeo for your car.
SAFETY:
BRAKING SYSTEMENVIRONMENT: PARTICULATE FILTERS,
CLIMATE CONTROL MAINTENANCECOMFORT: SUSPENSION
AND WINDSCREEN WIPERS PERFORMANCE: SPARK PLUGS,
INJECTORS AND BATTERIESLINEACCESSORI
ROOF RACK BARS, WHEEL RIMS
WHY CHOOSING
GENUINE PARTS
Cop Alfa Giulietta GB:Alfa 159 cop. LUM GB 11-01-2012 16:41 Pagina 2

VERY IMPORTANTREFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with
octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the
European Standard EN228.
Diesel engines: refuel only with diesel fuel conforming to
the European specification EN590. The use of other products
or mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and
consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage
caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is engaged,
set the gear lever to neutral, fully depress the clutch without
depressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AVV
and release it as soon as the engine has started.
Diesel engines: turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for
the warning lights
and
to go out; then turn the
ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has
started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during
operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous
diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help
protect the environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If after having purchased the car you decide to add
accessories requiring electricity (with the risk of gradually
draining the battery), contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services. They can calculate the overall electric requirement
and check that the car's electric system can support the
required load.
CODE card(for versions/markets, where provided)
Keep it in a safe place, not in the car. We recommend that
you always carry the electronic code provided on the CODE
card with you, in case you need to perform an emergency
start.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it
maintains its performance and its safety features, its
environmental friendliness and low running costs for a long
time to come.
THE OWNER MANUAL CONTAINS…
...important information, advice and warnings for correct use,
driving safety and maintenance of your car over time.
Particular attention should be paid to information marked
with the following symbols:
(personal safety)
(environmental protection)
(car integrity).

SPEEDOMETER (SPEED INDICATOR)This shows the speed of the car.REV COUNTERThis indicates the engine rpm.FUEL LEVEL GAUGEThis shows the amount of fuel left in the tank.
0 - tank empty.
1 - tank full
The warning light in the gauge lights up when there are only 8 to 10
litres of fuel remaining in the tank; in the event of this happening,
refuel at the earliest opportunity.ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGEThis gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. The
warning light in the gauge lights up to indicate an increase in coolant
temperature; in the event of this happening, switch off the engine
and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.WARNING LIGHTS ON PANELGeneral warnings
The warning lights switch on together with a dedicated message
and/or acoustic signal where appropriate.These indications are concise and precautionary and, as such, must
not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information
contained in this Owner Handbook, which you are recommended to
read carefully in all cases.
Always refer to the information in this section in the event of a failure
indication.
Low brake fluid level (red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) comes on when the level
of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to leaks in the circuit.
The display will show the dedicated message.Handbrake on (red)Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the
handbrake is engaged. If the car is moving the buzzer will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on when the vehicle is in
motion, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
6
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

EBD failure
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red) and
(amber)
warning lights with the engine on, indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels
may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply.
Drive with extreme caution straight to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system checked.
The display will show the dedicated message.
ABS FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up when the system
is inefficient. Under these circumstances the braking system will work
as normal without the extra performance offered by the ABS system.
Drive with caution and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Brake pad wear (amber)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the
front and rear brake pads are worn. In this situation, replace as soon
as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.Airbag failure (red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a failure in the airbag
system.
The display will show the dedicated message.
If, when the key is turned to MAR, the
warning
light does not come on or if it stays on with the vehicle
in motion (together with the message on the display)
there could be a failure in the restraint systems; under these
circumstances the airbags or pretensioners may not be triggered
in the event of an accident or, more rarely, they could be
triggered accidentally. Before proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system checked immediately.
7GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

The failure of the
warning light is indicated by the
flashing, for more than the normal 4 seconds, of the
front passenger airbag deactivated warning light
.
In addition, the airbag system automatically disables the airbags
on the passenger’s side (front airbag and side bags for
versions/markets, where provided). In this case, the
warning
light may not indicate a fault in the restraint systems. Before
proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to have the
system checked immediately.
Passenger side airbag/side
bags deactivated (amber)
The
warning light switches on when the front passenger side airbag
and side bag are disabled.
With front passenger airbag on, when the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the
warning light switches on constantly for several seconds,
flashes for another few seconds and then should switch off.A failure of the
warning light is indicated by the
warning light switching on. In addition, the airbag
system automatically disables the airbags on the
passenger's side (front and side bags where provided). Before
proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to have the
system checked immediately.
Seat belts not fastened (red)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light remains on steadily with the car at stationary and
the driver's seat belt not correctly fastened.
The warning light will flash and a buzzer will sound if the vehicle is in
motion and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if you wish to permanently
deactivate the SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system buzzer. The system can
be reactivated using the Set-up Menu.Low battery charge (red)(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on
but should switch off as soon as the engine is started (with the engine
idling, a brief delay is acceptable).
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if the warning light (or
symbol on the display) remains on or flashes.
8
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒use of the car 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.
If the warning light switches on, the deteriorated
engine oil must be changed as soon as possible, and
never more than 500 km from the first time that the
warning light switches on. Failure to observe the above may
result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the
warranty. Remember that the operation of this warning light is
not related to the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never
top up with oil when the warning light starts flashing.Engine coolant overheating
(red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated.
The display will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on when driving, proceed as follows:
❒normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and
check that the water level in the reservoir is not below the MIN
mark. In this case, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool
down, then slowly and carefully open the cap, top up with coolant
and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX reference
on the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. If the
warning light comes on again at the next engine start-up, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.❒If the car is used under demanding conditions (e.g. towing trailers
uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the light stays on, stop
the car. Stand for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to promote a better circulation of coolant. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct liquid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the car, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it
off.
Doors not closed correctly
(red)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up when one or
more doors or the tailgate are not closed correctly. An acoustic signal
is activated with the doors open and the car moving.
On some versions the warning light (or symbol on the display) also
lights up when the bonnet is not closed correctly.EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
Under normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON,
the warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the
engine is started.
10GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

If the warning light remains on or comes on whilst driving, it means
that the injection system is not working properly; in particular, if the
warning light comes on constantly, this indicates a malfunction in the
supply/ignition system that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a
possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel
consumption.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling at moderate speed
without demanding excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of
the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
The warning light goes out after the fault disappears, but the
notification is stored in the system.
NOTE (valid only for petrol engines)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter
may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on intermittently, release the accelerator
pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning light stops
flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid
driving conditions that may cause further flashing and contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible
if the
warning light does not light up or if, while
travelling, the warning light comes on either constantly or
flashing (in combination with a message on the display on some
versions). The operation of warning light
may be checked by the
traffic police using specific devices. Follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
ESC system (amber)(for versions/markets, where provided)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light (or the symbol on the display) does not switch off,
or if it remains lit when driving, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the intervention of
the ESC system.
ASR failureTurning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light (or the symbol on the display) does not switch off,
or if it remains lit when driving, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
The warning light flashes while driving to indicate the intervention of
the ASR system.Hill Holder failureThis warning light comes on, on some versions together with the
symbol and a message in the display, in the event of a fault with
the Hill Holder system.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
11GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒press "
"or"
" to select the information you wish to see
on the main page of the display;
❒briefly press the SET/button to go back to the menu screen or
hold the button down to go back to the standard screen without
saving.
When the key is turned to MAR-ON and the initial check stage is over,
the display will show the information selected via the “First page”
menu function.
See radio (audio information
display)This function is used to display radio information.
❒Radio: selected radio station frequency or RDS message, automatic
tuning activation or AutoSTore;
❒Audio CD, MP3 CDs: track number;
❒CD Changer: CD number and track number;
To show the sound system information on the display (On) or clear it
(Off), proceed as follows:
❒briefly press the SET/
button, the display will show "On" or
"Off" flashing depending on the previous setting;
❒press the "
"or"
" button to select;
❒briefly press the SET/
button to go back to the menu screen or
hold the button down to go back to the standard screen without
saving.
Autoclose (Automatic door lock
operation with car running)When activated (On), this function locks the doors automatically when
the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h.Proceed as follows to activate or deactivate this function:
❒press the SET/
button briefly to display a submenu;
❒press the SET/button briefly to make the display flash "On" or
"Off" according to what was previously set;
❒press the ""or"
" button to select;
❒press the SET/
button briefly to return to the submenu screen or
hold the button down to return to the main menu screen without
saving;
❒hold the SET/button down again to return to the standard
screen or to the main menu according to where you are in the menu.
Unit of measurement (Setting the
unit of measurement)With this function it is possible to set the units through three submenus:
"Distances", "Consumption" and "Temperature".
To set the desired measurement unit, proceed as follows:
❒briefly press the SET/
button to display the three sub-menus;
❒press the "
"or"
" button to navigate through the three
submenus;
❒once the submenu to be modified has been selected, briefly press the
SET/
button;
❒if the submenu “Distance” is entered: by briefly pressing SET/
the display shows "km" or "mi" depending on the previous setting;
❒press the "
"or"
" button to select;
❒when you select “Consumption”, pressing SET/
button makes
km/l, l/100km or mpg appear on the display depending on the
previous setting;
25GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX