🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

156

Production Years Covered:

1997-2005

Generations Covered:

First Generation (932)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Usp:

Stylish Italian design, engaging driving dynamics, premium interior appointments

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series (E46), Audi A4 (B5/B6), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202/W203), Volvo S40/V40

Design Language:

Iconic Giugiaro design, flush surfaces, distinctive Alfa Romeo grille

Driving Experience:

Front-wheel drive and Q4 all-wheel drive options, sophisticated multi-link suspension

📋 Manual Details

Markets Covered:

Global (assumed, common for European models)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive factory equivalent)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Comprehensive engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair

Engine Management:

Ignition system, fuel system (injectors, pumps, throttle body), emission control systems, engine control system (ECU diagnostics)

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transaxle systems, torque converter clutch, transmission valve body, shift and select lever shaft, transmission control cable

Drivetrain:

Front and rear drive shafts, front differential oil seal, drive shaft, rear axle hub, input shaft, output shaft, differential case

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, front and rear shock absorbers, front suspension arms, front stabilizer bar, rear coil spring

Steering:

Steering system, power steering, steering column, steering sensor

Brakes:

Brake system, brake booster, brake master cylinder, brake actuator, parking brake lever, parking brake cable, front and rear brakes, brake fluid

Electrical Chassis:

Lighting system (headlamps, rear combination lamps, license plate lamps), power source, charging system (generator), starting system (starter motor, starter switch), horn

Body Exterior:

Front and rear bumpers, back door, front and rear doors, quarter window, windshield glass, rear door glass weatherstrip, front door glass weatherstrip, side mudguard, fender panel mudguard, roof headlining, roof drip side finish moulding

Body Interior:

Instrument panel, seats, seat belts, center cluster module switch, steering column, floor shift assembly, sun roof system

HVAC:

Heater and air conditioner, air conditioning blower assembly, air conditioner refrigerant, heater radiator assembly, receiver condenser assembly, cooling fan system

Safety Srs:

Supplemental restraint system (airbags), curtain shield airbag, passenger airbag, side airbag sensor, front and rear air bag sensors, seat position air bag sensor, center air bag sensor

Wheels Tires:

Wheel and tire system, front and rear wheel alignment, tire and wheel specifications

Wiper Washer:

Windshield wiper motor assembly, rear wiper motor assembly, wiper rubber, washer nozzle

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, general inspections

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems

Rebuilding:

Engine, transmission, and component rebuilding instructions

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic codes, sensor testing

Installation:

Component replacement and installation procedures

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, searchable text likely included for easy navigation

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing for hard copy reference

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Simulation:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Wide range including Twin Spark (4-cylinder) and Busso V6 engines

Hp Range:

Approximately 120 hp to 250 hp depending on engine variant (e.g., 2.0 Twin Spark, 3.0 V6)

Torque Range:

Varies by engine, typically 180 Nm to 280 Nm for 4-cyl and 300 Nm+ for V6

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Timing Belt Interval Twin Spark:

Typically 105,000 km or 5 years (critical maintenance item)

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific grades (e.g., Selenia K-Pure Energy 5W-40, or equivalent API SN/ACEA C3 compliant)

Engine Coolant Type:

Paraflu UP (or equivalent OAT coolant, typically blue or pink)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed or 6-speed manual transaxle

Automatic Transmission:

Optional 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., 'Q-System' or 'Sportronic')

AWD System:

Optional Q4 'viscodrive' all-wheel-drive system

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific grades (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., Selenia AT-F or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Sportwagon

Length Sedan:

Approx. 4450 mm (Varies slightly by year/trim)

Width Sedan:

Approx. 1740 mm

Height Sedan:

Approx. 1415 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1350 kg - 1550 kg depending on engine and configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Euroncap Rating:

4/5 stars (pre-facelift 2001)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Optional Electronic Stability Program (VDC - Vehicle Dynamic Control)

Traction Control:

Standard or optional traction control system (ASR)

Airbags:

Front airbags, optional side airbags, curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio receiver with CD player, amplifier antenna

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control, heater and air conditioner systems

Cruise Control:

Available on some models

Power Windows:

Power window control system

Power Mirrors:

Power mirror control system, outer rear view mirror assembly

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 15,000 km or 1 year (check manual for exact recommendation based on oil type and driving conditions)

Spark Plug Replacement Twin Spark:

Dual spark plugs require regular checking and replacement, often at intervals similar to oil changes or every 20,000-30,000 km for optimal performance.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific type (often a CHF type fluid)

Busso V6 Timing Belt:

Critical maintenance, failure can cause severe engine damage. Regular replacement is paramount.

Twin Spark Ignition System:

Can be sensitive to spark plug quality and coil pack health. Misfires can occur.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older Italian cars can sometimes exhibit minor electrical issues due to wiring or component aging. Comprehensive wiring diagrams are essential.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms can be susceptible to rust depending on climate and maintenance.

Suspension Wear:

Control arm bushings and ball joints are common wear items due to the car's sporty tuning.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Alfa Romeo is renowned for its sporty heritage, passionate engineering, and distinctive Italian styling dating back to 1910.

Launch Year:

1997

Facelift:

Significant facelift in 2001, introducing revised styling (especially front end), interior updates, and improved features.

Manufacturing Location:

Italy (Pomigliano d'Arco plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

Runner-up for European Car of the Year 1998, showcasing its significant design and engineering appeal.