Alfa Romeo 166 Booklet page 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) – Versions with mechanical transmis-
sion: set the gearshift lever to neutral and
fully depress the clutch without pressing
the accelerator.
– Versions with automatic electronic
transmission (Sportronic): make sure that
the gearshift lever is at P and keep the
brake pedal fully depressed without press-
ing the accelerator.
3) Turn the ignition key to the MAR
position. the warning light on the in-
m
strument cluster will turn on.
4) Wait for the warning light to go
m
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 warning light goes off.
m
Waiting too long would make the glow
plug heating work pointless.
For versions/markets
where applicable the
warning light
flashes for about 30 seconds
after starting the
meaning that there is a fault to
the glow plug warming system,
in which case, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
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
the STOP position 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
m without accelerating abruptly.
– Do not drive at full performance for
engine
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.
135