Target Audience:
Alfa Romeo 156 owners with basic mechanical aptitude and independent automotive service professionals.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level repair and diagnostic information to independent workshops and knowledgeable owners, offering significant cost savings compared to authorized dealer servicing.
Accessibility:
Instant download format, accessible on PCs, Macs, and various devices with PDF reader capabilities.
User Benefit:
Empowers owners to better understand their vehicle, communicate effectively with technicians, and diagnose common faults.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Offers diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and complex issues, enabling users to accurately identify the root cause of problems.
Engine Variants Covered:
1.6 L Twin Spark, 1.8 L Twin Spark, 2.0 L Twin Spark (incl. JTS variations where applicable within the year range), 2.5 L V6 24V, 1.9 L JTD turbodiesel, 2.4 L JTD turbodiesel
Production Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Body Styles Covered:
Saloon (Berlina) and Sportwagon (Wagon/Estate) variants.
Estimated Page Count:
Detailed and comprehensive, likely exceeding 1000 pages when printed.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Mechanical Systems:
Engine service and overhauling, fuel system, induction system, mechanical components, transmission and differentials, steering and suspension, brakes, ABS.
Electrical And Control Systems:
Wiring diagrams, control system (ECU, sensors), emission control systems.
Body And Chassis:
Chassis components, bodywork, general information.
Comfort And Convenience:
Includes details on HVAC systems, interior controls, power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), and lighting.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, component testing.
Diagnostic And Repair Procedures:
Troubleshooting, fault diagnosis, component removal and installation, major repairs, engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension repair.
Technical Data And Specifications:
Full specifications and torque settings for all major components.
Electrical Component Testing:
Specific tests and expected readings for sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Bodywork Repair:
Includes procedures for minor body repairs, panel replacement, and alignment.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for basic owner understanding to professional independent mechanic diagnostics and repairs. Includes detailed schematics, diagnostic procedures, and repair instructions.
Wiring Diagram Detail:
Detailed wiring diagrams are provided, showing specific terminal pin connections and expected voltage/resistance readings for troubleshooting.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive list of torque specifications for critical fasteners across all major mechanical and chassis systems.
Engine Lineup:
1.6 L Twin Spark, 1.8 L Twin Spark, 2.0 L Twin Spark (including JTS), 2.5 L V6 24V, 1.9 L JTD turbodiesel, 2.4 L JTD turbodiesel.
Typical Power Output Petrol:
Ranges from approximately 120 PS (1.6 TS) to 190 PS (2.5 V6).
Typical Power Output Diesel:
Ranges from approximately 115 PS (1.9 JTD) to 136 PS (2.4 JTD).
Fuel Delivery Petrol:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection. Some later 2.0 models may feature direct injection (JTS).
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for JTD engines.
Valve Train Petrol:
Twin Spark engines feature twin spark plugs per cylinder for improved combustion efficiency and emissions. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is common on later 2.0 Twin Spark engines.
Turbocharger Diesel:
Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) is standard on JTD engines for optimized performance across the rev range.
Common Engine Codes Petrol:
AR32102 (1.6 TS), AR32201 (1.8 TS), AR32301 (2.0 TS), AR32401 (2.5 V6)
Common Engine Codes Diesel:
192B1.000 (1.9 JTD), 841C.000 (2.4 JTD)
Manual Transmission:
Available with 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmissions (e.g., Type C, Type D).
Automatic Transmission:
Optional Q-System automatic transmission (5-speed) available on select models, particularly with V6 and 2.0 Twin Spark engines.
Selespeed:
Selespeed semi-automatic transmission (automated manual) was also an option, offering F1-style paddle shifters.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Typically API GL-4 or GL-5, with specific viscosity grades (e.g., 75W-90). Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF fluid is required for Q-System. Refer to manual for exact part numbers and specifications.
Euro Ncap Rating:
Achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating (for original Saloon model, subsequent updates may vary).
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated fronts. ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) is standard on most models. Traction control (ASR) is also available.
Airbags:
Multiple airbags (front, side) are standard or optional depending on trim level and year.
Chassis Design:
Advanced multi-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension for balanced handling and ride comfort, contributing to stability.
Audio System:
Factory fitted Clarion or Blaupunkt audio systems with CD player, radio, and sometimes navigation. Bose sound systems were an option on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Available on many models, controlled via steering wheel buttons or a separate stalk.
Phone Integration:
Some models featured integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on engine type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for Twin Spark and V6 engines. Typically every 70,000-100,000 km or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. JTD engines use a timing chain or belt, with longer service intervals.
Engine Oil Specifications:
Various grades depending on engine and climate. Common recommendations include Selenia AS/LS (for diesel) or Selenia Star (for petrol) in viscosities like 5W-40 or 10W-40. Consult the manual for precise specifications.
Coolant Specifications:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives. Usually a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Alfa Romeo or Paraflu coolant recommended.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (bushings, ball joints, drop links), ignition coils (Twin Spark), lambda sensors, mass airflow sensors, power steering hoses, clutch slave cylinder.
Diesel Specific Issues:
Turbocharger issues, EGR valve clogging, swirl flap problems (on some variants), injector issues. The manual provides diagnostic procedures for these.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Typically around 4.5 - 5.5 liters depending on engine variant. Refer to manual for precise figures.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 liters. Refer to manual for precise figures.
Alfa Romeo Legacy:
Alfa Romeo has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, stylish, and driver-focused vehicles with a passion for performance and design.
156 Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as a replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155, the 156 was a critical success, praised for its distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics. It introduced the legendary Alfa Romeo design language penned by Walter de Silva.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 2002 (Series 2), introducing revised styling, updated interior, and the introduction of the JTS direct-injection petrol engines.
Production Period:
Produced from 1997 to 2005 (with this manual covering up to 2003 models).
