🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

156

Production Years Covered:

1997-2006

Chassis Codes:

932 (Saloon), 932 (Sportwagon)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact executive car (also known as small family car or European C-segment)

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Volvo S40/V40, Volkswagen Passat

Design Philosophy:

Known for its distinctive Italian styling (designed by Pininfarina), front-wheel-drive platform (with optional Q4 all-wheel-drive), sophisticated multilink front suspension, and engaging driving dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical, HVAC, Bodywork, Drivetrain, Emissions, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (digital format, effectively unlimited content access)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Languages:

Italian, English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech

Format:

Digital Download (Software/PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder Head, Cylinder Block, Camshaft, Crankshaft, Piston, Connecting Rod, Oil Pump, Valve Train, Timing System (Belts/Chains), Cooling System, Exhaust System, Fuel System, Emission Control Systems

Engine Management:

ECU, Ignition System, Fuel Injection, Knock Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor, Throttle Body Assembly, SFI System

Transmission Manual:

Manual Transaxle Assembly, Clutch System (Master Cylinder, Release Cylinder, Clutch Pedal, Clutch Unit), Input Shaft, Output Shaft, Shift & Select Lever Shaft, Manual Transaxle Oil

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic Transaxle Assembly, Torque Converter Clutch, Transmission Valve Body, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Transmission Control Cable, Automatic Transaxle Fluid

Suspension Front:

Front Suspension System, Front Suspension Arm, Front Stabilizer Bar, Front Shock Absorber, Front Wheel Alignment

Suspension Rear:

Rear Suspension System, Rear Coil Spring, Rear Shock Absorber Assembly, Rear Axle Beam, Rear Axle Hub, Rear Wheel Alignment

Steering:

Steering System, Steering Column, Power Steering, Power Steering Link Assembly, Steering Sensor

Brakes:

Brake System, Brake Booster, Brake Master Cylinder, Brake Fluid, Brake Pedal, Brake Actuator, Front Brake, Rear Brake, Parking Brake, Parking Brake Lever, Parking Brake Cable

Wheels Tires:

Wheel and Tire System, Tire & Wheel, Front Axle Hub, Rear Axle Hub

Electrical Charging:

Charging System, Generator Assembly

Electrical Starting:

Starting System, Starter Assembly, Starter Switch, Starter Switch

Electrical Ignition:

Ignition System

Electrical Lighting:

Lighting System, Headlamp Assembly, Headlamp Dimmer Switch Assembly, Rear Combination Lamp Assembly, Center Stop Lamp Assembly, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assembly, License Plate Lamp Assembly

Electrical Instruments:

Combination Meter, Instrument Panel

Electrical Windows Mirrors:

Power Window Control System, Power Mirror Control System

Electrical Audio Visual:

Audio & Visual System, Radio Receiver Assembly, Amplifier Antenna Assembly, Antenna Cord Sub-Assy, Rear Speaker Assembly

Electrical Wiring:

Wiring Diagrams, Wire Harness Repair, Spiral Cable Sub-Assy

Comfort Convenience:

Heater & Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning System, Air Conditioning Blower Assembly, Air Conditioning Amplifier Assembly, Air Conditioner Refrigerant, Heater Radiator Assembly, Heater Or Boost Ventilator Control

Safety Restraint:

Supplemental Restraint System, Air Bag Sensor Front, Air Bag Sensor Rear, Side Air Bag Sensor Assy, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Passenger Air Bag Assy, Curtain Shield Air Bag Assy, Center Air Bag Sensor Assy, Seat Belt Warning System, Seat Belt, Front Seat Belt, Rear Seat Belt

Body Exterior:

Body Repair, Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, Hood, Fender Panel Mudguard, Side Mudguard, Back Door, Back Door Garnish, Back Door Glass, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Roof Headlining, Roof Antenna Pole Sub-Assy, Front Door, Rear Door, Quarter Window Assy, Windshield Glass

Body Interior:

Instrument Panel, Center Cluster Module Switch, Seat, Floor Shift Assy, Parking Brake Lever, Horn Button Assy

Wiper Washer:

Wiper And Washer System, Wiper Rubber, Washer Nozzle, Rear Wiper Rubber, Rear Wiper Motor Assy, Windshield Wiper Motor Assy, Windshield Wiper Switch Assy

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Component testing, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, circuit analysis, fault finding procedures

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), component inspections, lubrication

Repair Replacement:

Engine component overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component replacement, body panel repair and replacement, interior component repair

Installation:

Component installation, accessory installation

Specifications Adjustments:

Torque specifications, valve clearance adjustments, wheel alignment procedures, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Depth:

Professional-level diagnostic and repair procedures, detailed component descriptions, exploded views, schematic diagrams, extensive troubleshooting guides, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Software/executable or PDF documents, compatible with multiple operating systems.

Visual Clarity:

High-resolution diagrams and text, allowing for clear reproduction if printed.

Delivery Method:

Instant Download (No physical product)

Digital Content:

Comprehensive, detailed technical information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

A wide range of petrol and diesel engines, including Twin Spark (2.0L 4-cylinder), V6 (2.5L, 3.0L), and JTD (common rail direct injection) diesel engines.

Power Output Range:

Typically ranging from approximately 105 hp (diesel) to 240 hp (3.0L V6 Petrol).

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI/JTD) for diesel.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Gearbox:

Typically 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmissions.

Automatic Gearbox:

Optional 4-speed 'Sportronic' automatic transmission and later 6-speed 'Q-System' semi-automatic.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with optional Q4 all-wheel drive (AWD) system available on select models (e.g., 3.0 V6).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4480 mm (Saloon), 4410 mm (Sportwagon)

Width:

Approx. 1760 mm

Height:

Approx. 1420 mm (Saloon), 1460 mm (Sportwagon)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and configuration, typically 1350 - 1550 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Score:

4-star Euro NCAP rating for early models, later models improved.

Active Safety:

ABS with EBD, Traction Control System (TCS), optional Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on some models.

Passive Safety:

Front airbags, side airbags, optional curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, active headrests.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted Clarion or Blaupunkt audio systems, often with CD player. Higher trims may have Bose sound systems.

Electronic Systems:

ABS, TCS, optional VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control).

Optional Features:

Early navigation systems, Bluetooth hands-free kits (later models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on engine and oil used. Refer to specific engine guidelines in the manual.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for Twin Spark and V6 engines. Intervals vary, but generally around 36,000 miles (60,000 km) or 5 years. JTD diesels use a timing chain or belt with longer intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A3/B3/B4. Viscosity grades commonly 10W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40 depending on climate and engine. Refer to manual for precise specifications.

Coolant Type:

Paraflu UP (blue) or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Problems:

Electrical gremlins (especially earlier models), wear on suspension components (wishbones), Twin Spark engine issues (coil packs, spark plug wear), rust in certain areas, potential issues with the electronic systems (e.g., ABS sensors).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Alfa Romeo, an Italian automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1910, known for its sporty heritage and passion for design.

Generations:

The Alfa Romeo 156 was a pivotal model for the brand, replacing the Alfa Romeo 155. It introduced a new platform and design language. It was later succeeded by the Alfa Romeo 159.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Italy.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

Winner of the 'European Car of the Year' award in 1998.

Design Awards:

Widely acclaimed for its styling, often cited as one of the best-looking cars of its era.