🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

159

Chassis Codes:

939

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Alfa Romeo 159 was positioned as a premium mid-size executive car, known for its stylish Italian design, engaging driving dynamics, and range of efficient powertrains. This manual serves owners and independent workshops aiming to maintain or repair these vehicles outside of official dealership networks.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60/V60, offering a distinct blend of sportiness and luxury.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authentic, factory-level information, empowering owners to perform maintenance, understand system operations, and undertake repairs confidently, thereby saving on dealership costs and extending the vehicle's lifespan.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Model Years:

[Start Year] to [End Year]

Engine Coverage:

All engine types including JTS, MultiJet Diesel, and Twin Spark variants.

Transmission Coverage:

Manual and Automatic transmissions.

Body Style Coverage:

Sedan (Saloon), Sportwagon (Estate/Wagon), and potentially Q4 (AWD) variants.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typical ELearn manuals are several thousand pages).

Type:

Official Electronic Diagnostic and Repair Manual (ELearn)

Language:

English (as indicated by the description, though ELearn often supports multiple languages).

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF or a dedicated ELearn viewer application).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Drivetrain:

Engine mechanical and electrical systems, fuel systems (including injection), lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emission control, timing chain/belt service, clutch, manual and automatic transmissions, driveshafts, axles, differentials, and driveline components.

Chassis And Suspension:

Chassis structure, front and rear suspension systems (including components like wishbones, struts, dampers, springs), steering system (hydraulic power steering), brake system (ABS, EBD, ESP, disc/pad replacement, caliper service), wheel bearing service, and U-joint/CV joint procedures.

Electrical And Body:

Complete electrical system architecture, ignition system, charging system (alternator, battery), starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), switches, body control modules, wiring diagrams (detailed schematics), body interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, mirrors, and power accessories.

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system diagnosis and repair, audio/video systems, chime and buzzer systems, electronic control unit (ECU) functions and diagnostics, heated seat/system operation, horn system, instrument cluster diagnostics, message systems, and power systems (windows, locks, seats).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-ups, spark plug service, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes, air filter replacement, tire rotation, and lubrication points.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement, and HVAC system servicing.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical circuit testing, fuel system pressure testing, and systematic diagnostic approaches for all major vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to complex component overhaul and electronic system diagnostics, including exploded views and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF or a proprietary ELearn format. Searchable text functionality is highly probable for ease of use.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for clear display and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; however, if a printed version were available, it would typically be perfect bound or spiral bound for durability.

Paper Type:

Not applicable for digital format; however, official manuals are usually printed on high-quality, durable paper.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

Common engines include the 1.9 JTS (petrol), 2.2 JTS (petrol), 3.2 V6 JTS (GM-sourced, petrol), 1.9 MultiJet (diesel), 2.4 MultiJet (diesel). Specific output varies by year and tune.

Power Output Range:

Petrol: Approximately 160 hp (1.9 JTS) to 260 hp (3.2 V6 JTS). Diesel: Approximately 120 hp (1.9 MultiJet) to 210 hp (2.4 MultiJet).

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for some earlier petrol engines, direct injection (JTS) for later petrol engines, and common rail direct injection (MultiJet) for diesel engines.

Timing Drive:

Petrol engines often use timing chains (e.g., 1.9 JTS, 2.2 JTS), while some diesel engines utilize timing belts. The 3.2 V6 may use a timing belt or chain system depending on the specific GM Ecotec variant.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Options:

Typically a 6-speed manual transmission.

Automatic Options:

Optional automatic or 'Selespeed' automated manual transmissions were available on certain models and engines.

Q4 AWD:

The Q4 all-wheel-drive system, often featuring a Torsen central differential, was available on certain engine variants (e.g., 3.2 V6), providing enhanced traction and handling.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4660-4691 mm (Sedan), 4713-4719 mm (Sportwagon).

Width:

Approx. 1762 mm (excluding mirrors).

Height:

Approx. 1416-1421 mm (Sedan), 1497-1501 mm (Sportwagon).

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 1450 kg to over 1750 kg depending on engine and drivetrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap:

Achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard or optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with ASR (traction control) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution).

Airbags:

Multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts with load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted audio systems with CD player, radio, and optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).

Navigation:

Optional satellite navigation systems were available, integrated into the dashboard.

Cruise Control:

Cruise control was a common feature, especially on higher trim levels.

Parking Sensors:

Front and rear parking sensors were available options.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming was introduced on later models or as an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Check specific engine variant and oil specification as per the manual.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For applicable engines (e.g., 1.9 JTS, some diesels), replacement intervals are critical and typically around 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years. The manual will provide precise intervals and part numbers.

Engine Oil:

Specific SAE viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-40, 0W-30) and API/ACEA specifications will vary by engine. Refer to the manual for exact requirements (e.g., Selenia brand oils are often recommended).

Coolant:

Paraflu UP (blue) or Paraflu Pop (pink) based OAT coolant is typically required. Consult manual for specific type and mixture ratio.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 LV brake fluid is standard. Manual will specify exact type.

Suspension Wear:

Front wishbone bushings and ball joints can be prone to wear, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.

Dpf Issues Diesel:

Diesel models with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) can experience clogging if not driven regularly on longer journeys, leading to regeneration issues and warning lights.

Elettronics Intermittent:

Some electrical gremlins or intermittent faults with sensors, ECUs, or body control modules can occur, often well-documented in ELearn manuals.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can sometimes develop leaks, particularly on higher-mileage engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Alfa Romeo has a long and storied history dating back to 1910, renowned for its sporting pedigree, innovative engineering, and passionate design.

Predecessor:

The 159 succeeded the Alfa Romeo 156, building upon its foundation with a more robust chassis and updated styling.

Platform:

Based on the Fiat Premium Platform, shared with other Fiat Group vehicles like the Fiat Croma and Lancia Thesis.

Production Years:

Produced from 2005 to 2011.

Manufacturing Location:

Mainly produced in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

The Alfa Romeo 159 received critical acclaim for its elegant and sporty design, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Safety Awards:

The 5-star Euro NCAP rating highlights its strong performance in occupant safety.