The Alfa Romeo 156 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1997 to 2007. It is available in both sedan and wagon body styles and is known for its sporty design, performance, and handling. The car is well-received for its distinctive Italian styling, advanced suspension, and responsive engines.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Alfa Romeo 156 and its various electrical components, specifically the fuse box and relay. We will discuss their functions, location, and common issues. Understanding the electrical components of the car is important for maintaining its performance and safety.
Fuse Box and Relay
The fuse box and relay are essential components of the electrical system of the Alfa Romeo 156. The fuse box contains fuses that protect different electrical circuits in the car from damage due to overload or short-circuits. The relay, on the other hand, is an electrically operated switch that controls various electrical components in the car, such as the headlights, fuel pump, and cooling fan.
The fuse box and relay in the Alfa Romeo 156 are located in the engine compartment, on the driver’s side. The fuse box cover has a diagram indicating which fuse corresponds to which electrical component. It is important to note that the fuses should be replaced with the same amperage rating as the original ones to avoid damage to the electrical system. Common issues with the fuse box and relay include blown fuses, loose connections, and faulty relays. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components can help prevent electrical issues in the car.
(1994-2000) Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 fuse box and relay with Diagram
Fuse and Relays in The Main Fusebox
To gain access to them, remove the panel (A) release the tabs (B) in the direction of the arrow below, and remove the screw (C).
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation |
| 1 | 10A | Right main-beam headlamp |
| 2 | 10A | Left main-beam headlamp Main-beam headlamp warning light |
| 3 | 20A | Door locking system Boot light |
| 4 | 20A | Right dipped-beam headlamp/Xenon lamps (optional) |
| 10A | Headlamp aiming device | |
| 5 | 30A | Front power windows |
| 6 | 10A | Right front side light Left rear side light Right number plate light Right rear fog guard |
| 7 | 10A | Left front side light Right rear side light Left number plate light Left rear fog guard |
| 8 | 20A | Left dipped-beam headlamp/Xenon lamps (optional) |
| 9 | 15A | Cigar lighter Odour sensor Climate control system |
| 10 | 20A | Windscreen wiper Windscreen washer Rearscreen wiper Rain sensor (optional) |
| 11 | 20A | Horns |
| 12 | 10A | Car interior and glovebox lights Instrument cluster Sound system Diagnosis socket Electronic alarm system |
| 13 | 10A | Cruise Control (optional) Reversing lights Sound system Car interior and glovebox lights GSM Box for Connect Navigator-electronic warning system Wing mirror adjustment Remote control |
| 14 | 10A | Direction indicators Hazard warning lights |
| 15 | 30A | Relay for the sunroof, seat heater, rear window power control, seat electric adjustment |
| D | – | Spare |
| Relay | ||
| A | Dipped beam light relay | |
| B | Windscreen wiper Windscreen washer Rear screen wiper Rain sensor (optional) | |
Fuses Above The Main Fusebox
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation |
| 1 | 7.5A | Services switched off with starting |
| 2* | 10A | Air bag system |
| 3 | 10A | Controls lighting Stop lights |
| 4 | 20A | Left rear power window |
| 5 | 20A | Right rear power window |
| 6 | 10A | Rear control lighting from sidelights |
| 7 | 30A | Boot electric opening |
| 8 | 30A | Seat heating Sunroof Seat electrical adjustment |
| 9 | 25A | HI-FI BOSE system |
| 10 | 20A | Supplementary electrical socket in the boot (Sportwagon versions) |
| 11* | 10A | ABS system |
| 12 | 7.5A | Battery power supply for Alfa Romeo CODE Injection system |
| 13 | 7.5A | Alfa Romeo CODE system Electronic ignition and injection system |
| 14 | 15A | Electronic ignition and injection system |
| 15 | 15A | Electronic ignition and injection system |
| 16 | 15A | Fog lamps |
* Specific components and values depending on the version/market.
Fuses and Relays are Accessible From The Glovebox
To gain access to the fuses remove (A) the pressure-fitted lid.
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation | |
| 1 | 20A | Headlamp washer | |
| Relay | |||
| A | Fog light relay (where required) | ||
| B | Headlamp washer timer (where required) | ||
Engine Compartment Fuse Box
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation |
| 1 | 40A | Passenger compartment fan (petrol versions) |
| 80A | General service supply (diesel versions) | |
| 2 | 30A | (+15) key-controlled service supply (ignition switch) |
| 3 | 70A | General service supply |
| 4 | 40A | Passenger compartment fan (diesel versions) |
| 80A | General service supply (petrol versions) | |
| 5 | 30A | Electronic ignition and injection system |
| 6 | 40A | Engine cooling radiator fan (First speed; 2.5 V6 24V versions) |
| 50A | Engine cooling radiator fan (First speed; T.SPARK and JTS versions) | |
| 60A | Engine cooling radiator fan (First speed; diesel versions) | |
| 7 | 30A | Engine cooling radiator fan (Second speed; T.SPARK and JTS versions) Selespeed gearbox |
| 40A | Engine cooling radiator fan (Second speed; diesel versions) Engine cooling radiator fan (Second speed; 2.5 V6 24V versions) Automatic gearbox | |
| 8 | 70A | Glow plugs and resistances on fuel oil filter (diesel versions) |
| 20A | Automatic gearbox (2.5 V6 24V version) Selespeed gearbox (2.0 JTS version) | |
| 9 | 60A | ABS system |
| 10 | 70A | Additional heater (diesel version only) |
| 30A | Oil pump supply (Selespeed versions only) |
Relays in Engine Bay
| No. | Assignment/Designation |
| A | Engine radiator cooling fan 1st-speed relay |
| B | Timing variation relay (1.6 T.SPARK only) Engine radiator fan 2nd-speed relay (only 2.5 V6 24V, JTD, and JTD 16V Multijet versions). |
| C | Fuel pump relay |
| D | Electronic injection relay |
| E | Climate control compressor relay |
| F | Timing variation relay (1.6 T.SPARK only) Engine radiator fan 2nd-speed relay (only 2.5 V6 24V, JTD and JTD 16V Multijet versions). |
| G | Fuel oil heater relay (only Diesel versions) |
For Diesel versions
For Diesel versions, depending on the options installed, there is a second bracket fastened to the engine compartment rear bulkhead
| No. | Amps | Assignment/Designation |
| A | 30A | Additional passenger compartment heater 2nd level relay |
| B | 30A | Additional passenger compartment heater 1st level relay |
For JTD 20v Multijet version
Conclusion
The Alfa Romeo 156 is a stylish and sporty car that is well-known for its performance and handling. Understanding the electrical components of the car, such as the fuse box and relay, is important for maintaining the car’s performance and safety. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components can help prevent electrical issues and keep the car running smoothly.
