2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta brake

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VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
This is an electronic system that controls vehicle stability in the
event of tyre grip loss, helping maintain directional control. The sys-
tem is capable of recognising potentially dangerous situations in
terms of the stability and intervenes automatically on the brakes
in a differentiated manner for the four wheels in order to provide
a stabilizing torque.
The VDC, in turn, includes the following systems:
❍Hill Holder
❍ASR
❍Brake Assist
❍MSR
❍CBC
❍“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❍DST
❍RAB
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by warning light áblinking on the instrument
panel to inform the driver that stability and grip conditions are
critical.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The VDC system switches on automatically each time the engine
is started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the VDC system and it is provided
to facilitate starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❍uphill: car standing on a road with a gradient of more than 5%,
engine on, brake pedals pressed and gearbox in neutral or gear
(other than reverse) engaged;
❍downhill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient higher
than 5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off the VDC system control unit maintains the brak-
ing pressure at the wheels until the engine torque required for de-
parture is reached or for approximately 2 seconds, allowing your
right foot to be moved easily from the brake pedal to the acceler-
ator.
If the car does not start off after this time, the system will deacti-
vate automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A noise
may be heard: this means that the car is about to start moving.
IMPORTANT the Hill Holder system should not be used as a hand-
brake. Do not leave the vehicle without having engaged the hand-
brake, switched off the engine and engaged a gear.

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“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an
effect similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking circuit, when accelerating around a corner, acts
on the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (in-
creased load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque
between the front drive wheels according to driving and road con-
ditions.
The system, combined with Mc Pherson front suspension, allows
particularly effective, sporty driving.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering Torque)
This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the opera-
tion of VDC. For particular manoeuvres, VDC controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best pos-
sible way. The system operates the brakes and steering in a coor-
dinated manner to increase the suspension and safety level of the
car as a whole. The steering provides addition torque on the steer-
ing wheel.
RAB SYSTEM (Ready Alert Brake)
(“Dynamic” mode only)
By pre-approaching the brake pads (front and rear) after rapid ac-
celerator release, this function provides prompter braking and re-
duces stopping distance.
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
The system, which cannot be turned off, recognises emergency
braking (on the basis of the brake pedal operating speed) and
speeding up the response of the braking system. The Brake
Assist function is deactivated in the event of VDC system fault.
MSR SYSTEM
(Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
This system is an integral part of the ABS, that intervenes, if there
is a sudden change to a lower gear, restoring torque to the engine,
thereby preventing excessive drive at the drive wheels which, es-
pecially in poor grip conditions, could lead to a loss in stability.
CBC SYSTEM (Cornering Braking Control)
This system improves the distribution of the braking pressure at the
four wheels (to fully exploit the grip available on the ground) when
braking round bends when the ABS intervenes. This improves stop-
ping distances and above all vehicle stability when cornering.

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TURNING “Dynamic” MODE ON/OFF
On
Move lever A-fig. 80 upwards (to the letter “d”) and hold in this
position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up or
the word “Dynamic” appears on the display (see figures). The
switch A will go back to central position after having been released.Electronic Q2: improves traction and reduces understeer in acce-
leration while exiting curves.
RAB: pre-positioning of the brake pads (front and rear) following
a rapid release of the accelerator pedal to reduce braking
times, shorten stopping distances and improve the feel of
the brake pedal.
The activation of the Dynamic mode is also shown by the change
in the instrument panel lighting that, after decreasing, reaches
the highest luminosity and then returns to the previously set va-
lues.
Off
To turn “Dynamic” mode off and go back to “Normal” mode, move
the lever as described above once again. In this case, the LED cor-
responding to “Normal” mode will light up and the words “Nor-
mal on” will appear on the reconfigurable multifunction display
(see figure).
A0K1225gA0K1055g
A0K1052g
VDCandASR: intervention thresholds that allow more enjoy-
able, sportier driving whilst guaranteeing stabil-
ity in the event of loss of control. Improves trac-
tion whilst accelerating on bends.
Steering tuning: sports mode operation.
DST:Standard brake control coordinated with ABS/VDC.
Standard control over lateral acceleration
Oversteer compensation adapted to VDC/ASR intervention
thresholds: a slight pulse on the steering wheel encourage
the driver to carry the most appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine: Prompter response + Overboost to maximise torque (for
versions/markets, where provided).

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TURNING “All Weather” MODE ON/OFF
On
Move switch A-fig. 80 downwards (to the letter “a”) and hold in
this position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up
or the word “All Weather” appears on the display (see figures).
A0K1226gA0K1180g
VDCandASR: intervention thresholds to ensure maximum safe-
ty and control even in critical conditions (e.g. rain,
snow, etc.).
Steering wheel tuning: Standard comfort.
DST: Higher brake control coordinated with ABS/VDC.
Standard control over lateral acceleration
Oversteer compensation adapted to VDC/ASR intervention
thresholds: a slight pulse on the steering wheel encour-
ages the driver to carry the most appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine: Standard response
On
To disengage “All Weather” mode and return to “Normal”, carry
out the same procedure described for“Dynamic” mode, however
moving lever A-fig. 80 to “a”.
IMPORTANT
❍It is not possible to go directly from “Dynamic” mode to “All
Weather” mode and vice versa. You must always first go back
to “Normal” mode and then select the other mode.
❍“Dynamic” mode was engaged when the engine was switched
off, the next time it is started “Normal” mode is automatical-
ly selected. If, however, “All Weather” or “Normal”, was en-
gaged when the engine was switched off, the selected mode
is maintained the next time it is started.
❍“Dynamic” mode cannot be engaged at speeds of above 110
km/h.
❍In the event of system failure or a fault with lever A-fig. 80,
no driving modes can be selected. The display will show a warn-
ing message.

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Notes
If the clutch is not pressed, after 3 minutes from the engine stop-
ping, the engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
In cases when the engine stops and this is not desired, due for
example to the clutch pedal being released sharply with a gear
engaged, if the Start&Stop system is activated, the engine can
be restarted by fully depressing the clutch pedal or by placing the
gear lever in neutral
RESTARTING CONDITIONS
For reasons of comfort, limiting harmful emissions and safety pur-
poses, the power unit can restart automatically without any action
on behalf of the driver if certain conditions are met, including:
❍battery not sufficiently charged;
❍windscreen wipers working at maximum speed;
❍low braking system vacuum, e.g. following the brake pedal be-
ing pressed repeatedly;
❍car in motion, for example when driving on hilly roads;
❍stopping the engine using Start&Stop longer than approxi-
mately 3 minutes;
❍for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control
system (for versions/markets, where provided), if an adequate
level of thermal comfort has not been reached or MAX-DEF func-
tion activation;
With gear engaged, the automatic engine restarting is possible on-
ly by fully pressing the clutch pedal. This operation is indicated to
the driver by means of a message on the display and by symbol
Ublinking (the latter for versions/markets, where provided).

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The ultimate responsibility when parking and car-
rying out other dangerous manoeuvres still rests
with the driver. When carrying out such manoeu-
vres, always ensure that the manoeuvring area is free
of people (particularly children) and animals. Parking sen-
sors are designed to assist drivers; however, you must al-
ways concentrate fully during potentially dangerous ma-
noeuvres, even if carried out at low speeds.
GENERAL WARNINGS
During parking manoeuvres, pay the utmost attention to any ob-
stacles that could be located above or below the sensors.
Sometimes, objects located close to the rear part of the car may
not be detected by the system and may damage the car or become
damaged themselves.
Here below are some conditions that may influence the perfor-
mance of the parking system:
❍Reduced sensor sensitivity and a reduction in the parking as-
sistance system performance could be due to the presence on
the surface of the sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick paint.
❍the sensor may detect a non-existent obstacle (echo noise) due
to mechanical noises, for example when washing the vehicle,
in case of rain, strong wind, hail.
❍the signals sent by the sensors can also be altered by the pres-
ence of ultrasound devices (e.g. pneumatic brake systems or
pneumatic drills) near the car;
❍sensor performance can also be influenced by the position of
the sensors. For example by a change in the ride setting (caused
by the wear of the shock absorbers, suspension), overloading
the car and carrying out specific tuning operations that require
the car to be lowered;
❍the detection of obstacles at the top part of the vehicle may
not be guaranteed because the system detects obstacles that
could cause an impact with the vehicle in the bottom part.
For repainting the bumpers or retouching the paint-
work around the sensors contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services. Incorrect application of paint
may compromise the operation of the parking sensors.

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STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❍engage the handbrake and place the gearbox in neutral;
❍turn the ignition key to the MAR position: warning lights m
andYon the instrument panel will light up;
❍wait for the warning lights to go out;
❍press the clutch pedal down to the floor without touching the
accelerator;
❍turn the ignition key to AVV as soon as warning light mgoes
out. Waiting too long will waste the heating work carried out
by the glow plugs. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
If warning light mblinks for approximately 1
minute after starting or during prolonged crank-
ing, this indicates a fault in the glow plug pre-heat-
ing system. Use the car normally if the engine starts and
go to Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
It is dangerous to have the engine running indoors.
The engine takes in oxygen and discharges carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
STARTING THE ENGINE
STARTING PROCEDURE FOR PETROL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❍engage the handbrake and place the gearbox in neutral;
❍press the clutch pedal down to the floor without touching the
accelerator;
❍turn the ignition key to AVV and let it go the moment the en-
gine starts.
IMPORTANT
❍If the engine does not start on the first attempt, turn the igni-
tion key to STOP before repeating the operation.
❍If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel warn-
ing light
Yremains on together with warning light U, turn
the key to STOP and then back to MAR; if the warning light
remains on, try with the other keys provided with the car. If
you are still unable to start the engine contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services.
❍Never leave the ignition key on MAR when the engine is off.

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It is advisable not to demand maximum perfor-
mance from your car (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long distances at top rpm, excessively intense brak-
ing, etc.) when it is first used.
Remember that the brake servo and electro-
mechanical power steering are not operational un-
til the engine has been started, therefore much
more effort than usual is required on the brake pedal and
steering wheel.
Never jump start the engine by pushing, towing or
driving downhill. These manoeuvres may damage
the catalytic converter.
When the engine is switched off never leave the
key in the MAR position to prevent useless cur-
rent absorption from draining the battery.
HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE
AFTER IT HAS JUST STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❍drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium speed. Do
not accelerate abruptly;
❍do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilo-
metres. Wait until the engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, before turning the engine off you
should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine com-
partment to fall.
A quick burst on the accelerator before turning off
the engine serves absolutely no practical purpose;
it wastes fuel and is especially damaging to tur-
bocharged engines.