SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
ABS
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes when braking
and the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of
the ABS system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear
wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the vehicle, preventing sudden
locking of the rear wheels and
the consequent instability of the vehicle.
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control) SYSTEM
The system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the
inside of the corner (less affected by the
weight of the car) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction
for the car. DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and intervenes in the case of
sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring
torque to the engine and thus
preventing excessive drag at the drive
wheels, which may lead the wheels
to lock and a loss of car stability, above
all in low-grip conditions.
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
29) 30) 38) 39) 40)
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
❒
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒ if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that
is slipping.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
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37) For the correct operation of theABS, the tyres must of necessity
be the same make and type on all
wheels, in perfect condition and,
above all, of the prescribed type
and dimensions.
38) The ASR system can’t overrule the natural laws of physics, and
can’t increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.
39) The ASR system cannot prevent accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
40) The capability of the ASR system must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
41) The HBA system can’t overrule the natural laws of physics, and
can’t increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.
42) The HBA system cannot prevent accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning. 43) The capability of the HBA system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise the safety of
the driver, the other occupants of
the car or any other road user.
“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Dynamic car
control system)This device allows, using lever A fig. 47
(on the central tunnel), four car
response modes to be selected
according to driving style and road
conditions:
❒d=Dynamic orRace (sports driving
mode);
❒ n=Natural (mode for driving in
normal conditions);
❒ a=All Weather (mode for driving in
poor grip conditions, such as rain
and snow).
The device also acts on the dynamic
car control systems (engine,
gearbox/transmission, ESC system).47
A0L0108
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DISPLAYED
INFORMATION
When the key is turned to MAR-ON,
after about 1 second, the display
shows the transmission in neutral
indication (N). When driving, the display
shows the gear engaged and the active
mode (AUTOorMANUAL). The
indications on the display have the
following meanings:
N = neutral;
1 = first gear;
2 = second gear
3 = third gear;
4 = fourth gear;
5 = fifth gear;
6 = sixth gear;
R = reverse.
The car always starts in neutral. When
1st gear is requested, the system
forces the selection of AUTOmode.
IMPORTANT If 10 seconds elapse with
the ignition key in the MAR-ON
position and the display does not show
the gear engaged, turn the key to the
STOP position, wait for the display
to switch off and then repeat the
procedure. If the fault persists, contact
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership. ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
For safety reasons, an acoustic signal is
emitted when the car is parked with
the transmission in neutral (N) (the
signal can be heard when the ignition
key is turned to
STOP).
With the car stationary, the engine
started and (1st) gear or (R) engaged,
the system activates the acoustic signal
and automatically places the
transmission in neutral (N) when:
❒ the accelerator and/or brake pedal
are not operated for at least 3
minutes;
❒ the brake pedal is pressed for longer
than 10 minutes;
❒ the driver's door is opened and the
accelerator pedal or the brake pedal
are not operated for at least one
and a half seconds;
❒ a fault has been detected in the
transmission.
PARKING THE CAR
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
❒ engage a gear (1st gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill)
and leave the wheels turned;
❒ stop the engine and engage the
handbrake. Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
Wait until the indication of the gear
engaged disappears on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT:
NEVERleave the car with
the transmission in neutral.
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒ With car stationary and gear
engaged, always keep the brake
pedal pressed until you decide to set
off, then release the brake and
accelerate gradually.
❒ During prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the transmission in neutral (N).
❒ In order to safeguard the efficiency of
the clutch, do not use the accelerator
to keep the car stationary (e.g. when
stopped on an incline). The clutch
could overheat and be damaged: use
the brake pedal or the handbrake
and only operate the accelerator
pedal when you decide to set off.
❒ If, with reverse gear (R) engaged, you
have to engage 1st gear or vice
versa, only do this when the car is
completely stationary and with the
brake pedal pressed.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
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❒If it is necessary to proceed downhill
with transmission in neutral (N) for
unexpected reasons, bearing in mind
that this practice is highly inadvisable,
remember that when gear
engagement is requested, the
system will automatically engage the
best gear to permit the correct
transmission of drive torque to the
wheels, according to the speed
of the car.
❒ When necessary, it is possible to
engage 1st gear, reverse (R) or
neutral (N) with the engine off, the
key at MAR-ON and the brake
pressed. In this case, change gear
leaving at least 5 seconds between
one gear change and the next, in
order to safeguard the operation of
the hydraulic system, and the pump
in particular.
❒ For uphill departures, it is advisable
to accelerate gradually but fully
immediately after releasing the
handbrake or the brake pedal; this
allows the engine to temporarily
increase the number of revs and
tackle the steepest gradients with
more torque at the wheels.
SAVING FUELAlfa Romeo has designed and built the
vehicle using technologies, materials
and devices able to reduce negative
environmental impact. Here are some
suggestions to further contribute to
environmental protection.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Climate control system
The use of the climate control system
leads to higher fuel consumption. If the
temperature outside permits, try to
use ventilation only.
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WARNING
89) The Launch control function is
only available in the Dynamic or
Race mode. Regardless of what is
explicitly indicated in the
description of these modes, the
ESC and ASR systems are
deactivated during operation of
the Launch Control function. This
means that vehicle dynamic
control is always the responsibility
of the driver. Therefore pay the
utmost attention when using the
Launch Control. Take into account
traffic and road surface conditions
and during manoeuvres make
sure there is enough room in the
area concerned.