Target Audience:
Designed for both professional Alfa Romeo dealership technicians and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts who want to perform maintenance and repairs on their 156.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealer-level technical information at a fraction of the cost of dealership labor, enabling cost-effective ownership and maintenance.
Content Highlight:
Hundreds of illustrations, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step instructions for comprehensive service and repair.
Engine Variants Covered:
1.6 TS (120/122 HP), 1.8 TS (140/144 HP), 2.0 TS (150/155 HP), 2.0 JTS (166 HP), 2.0 JTS Selespeed, 2.5 V6 (190/192 HP), 2.5 V6 Selespeed, 2.5 V6 Q-System, 3.2 V6 GTA (250 HP), 3.2 V6 GTA Selespeed, 1.9 JTD 8V (105/110/115 HP), 1.9 JTD 16V (140/150 HP), 2.4 JTD 10V (140/150 HP), 2.4 JTD 20V M-Jet (175 HP)
Transmission Variants Covered:
Manual, Selespeed (Automated Manual), Q-System (All-Wheel Drive Automatic)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Languages:
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Greek, Turkish, Czech, Portuguese
Delivery Method:
Digital Download (ISO image for CD-ROM burning or direct viewing)
Mechanical Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Manual, Selespeed, Q-System), Brake System, Suspension System, Exhaust System, Steering System
Electrical Systems:
Electrical System, Wiring Schematics, Lighting, Instrumentation, Powertrain Control Modules, Body Control Modules, Safety Systems (ABS, Airbags)
Body Chassis:
Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control System
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Checks
Repair Procedures:
Complete Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair/Rebuild, Brake System Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair, Interior Component Repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Technical Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (where applicable to the era's diagnostic tools)
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete disassembly and reassembly. Includes detailed illustrations, schematics, and specifications suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers.
Printable Pages:
Yes, all pages are printable.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Indexing:
Fully Indexed for Easy Navigation
Engine Range:
Inline-4 Twin Spark (TS), V6, Inline-4 JTD (Turbo Diesel), Inline-5 JTD (Turbo Diesel)
Horsepower Range:
105 HP (1.9 JTD) to 250 HP (3.2 V6 GTA)
Torque Characteristics:
Detailed torque specifications for engine components and assembly are provided for each engine variant.
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for TS engines, Direct injection (JTD/JTDm), Direct injection with variable valve timing for JTS engines.
ECU Details:
Information on Engine Control Units (ECUs) and their functions, including diagnostic protocols relevant to the period.
Belt Chain:
Timing belt for Twin Spark engines; timing chain for V6 engines; timing belt for JTD/JTDm engines. Specific replacement intervals are detailed.
Gearbox Type Standard:
5-speed and 6-speed Manual Transmissions
Gearbox Type Optional:
Selespeed (Automated Manual Transmission), Q-System (All-Wheel Drive Automatic Transmission for V6 models)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Specific SAE viscosity grades and API service classifications for manual transmission fluid (MTF) and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for Selespeed and Q-System are detailed. Likely to be GL-4 or GL-5 for manual and Dexron-III or equivalent for automatics.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions. Selespeed system has automated clutch operation.
Euro Ncap Results:
Alfa Romeo 156 achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in its initial testing period, though testing protocols have evolved.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS) on some models, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) on later/higher trims.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, Side airbags, Seatbelt pretensioners, Crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted Clarion or Blaupunkt radio/cassette/CD players with optional navigation systems on later models. Bose sound system was a premium option.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option or standard on higher trims.
Phone Integration:
Optional hands-free Bluetooth kits were available on later models, and some earlier cars featured integrated phone cradles.
Climate Systems:
Manual air conditioning, Dual-zone automatic climate control (optional or standard on higher trims).
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically 15,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first) for Twin Spark and JTS engines, using specific synthetic oil. Diesel engines may have similar or slightly shorter intervals depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for Twin Spark engines. Recommended replacement every 60,000 km or 4-5 years due to potential for catastrophic engine damage if it fails. For JTD engines, it's typically around 100,000-120,000 km or 5-6 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely Selenia K (for petrol) or Selenia WR (for diesel) in viscosity grades such as 10W-40 or 5W-40, meeting ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4 standards. Specific oil capacity for each engine variant is detailed in the manual.
Coolant Specification:
Paraflu UP (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with silicate inhibitors) with a 50/50 mix with demineralized water.
Common Problems:
Wear on front suspension components (wishbones, ball joints), thermostat housing leaks (especially on TS engines), potential oil consumption in some TS engines, electrical gremlins (common in many Italian cars of this era), water pump issues, exhaust manifold cracking on some early models, Selespeed system reliability concerns.
Recommended Tire Sizes:
Various sizes depending on trim and wheel size, commonly 185/65 R15, 195/60 R15, 205/55 R16, 215/45 R17, and 225/40 R18 for GTA models.
Wheel Offset:
ET35 to ET42, depending on wheel width and diameter.
Brand Philosophy:
Alfa Romeo is renowned for its sporting heritage, distinctive Italian design, and driver-focused dynamics, often characterized by the 'Alfa Romeo feeling'.
Design Era:
The 156 was a landmark model, marking a significant departure in design and platform from its predecessor (the Alfa Romeo 155), penned by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo under Walter de Silva. It introduced the distinctive 'Scudetto' grille and a flowing, sporty silhouette.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily produced at the Fiat Auto plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy.
Facelifts:
The 156 received a significant facelift in 2003, which included exterior styling revisions (particularly the front end), interior updates, and improved equipment levels. The range of engines and transmissions was also refined.
European Car Of The Year:
Yes, the Alfa Romeo 156 was awarded 'European Car of the Year' in 1998, a significant accolade.
Design Awards:
Recognized for its striking design, often cited as a benchmark in automotive aesthetics of its era.
