2015 Alfa Romeo 4C engine

❒raise the tailgate and release
supporting rod B fig. 42 from its
locking device C;
❒insert the end of the rod in housing D
fig. 43, making sure that the rod
engages in the smallest hole of the
retaining clip. Care must be taken to
keep the tailgate raised until the
rod is fixed in the correct position.
24)
IMPORTANT Maintain a tight grip on
the tailgate when raising, in order to
prevent any external occurrence (e.g. a
gust of wind) from suddenly opening
the tailgate to end of travel. Additionally,
in order to prevent any damage to the
car or broken windows, do not force
the tailgate beyond the opening
position necessary to secure the
supporting rod B in the hole of the
retaining clip.
CLOSING
Procedure
25)
❒hold the tailgate up with one hand
and use the other to remove rod B
fig. 42 from housing D fig. 43 and
reinsert it in its locking device C fig.
42;
❒lower the engine cover to
approximately 20 centimetres from
the engine compartment and let
it drop. Make sure that the engine
cover is completely closed and
not only fastened in safety position by
trying to open it. If it is not completely
closed, do not press the engine
cover down, but raise it and repeat
the procedure.
IMPORTANT Always check that the
tailgate is closed correctly to prevent it
from opening while the car is travelling.
WARNING
21) The maximum permitted load in
the luggage compartment, in
addition to the kits provided, is
15 kg.
22) When accessing the rear
luggage compartment, take care
with parts that may be hot, owing
to the adjacent engine
compartment. Danger of serious
burns.
23) Perform these operations only
with car stationary.
24) The tailgate may drop suddenly if
the supporting rod is not
positioned correctly.
25) For safety reasons, the tailgate
must always be closed properly
while the car is travelling.
Therefore, always make sure that
the tailgate is closed properly
and that the lock is engaged. If
you realise during travel that the
lock is not fully engaged, stop
immediately and close the tailgate
in the correct manner.
42A0L0038
43A0L0039
40
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

.
ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in
order to maintain control of the car.
26) 27) 28) 29) 30)
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the car to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the car’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
car’s understeer or oversteer.
❒Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.❒Understeer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning less than it should
according to the angle of the steering
wheel
The ESC system also includes the
following systems:
❒ABS
❒EBD
❒CBC
❒DTC
❒ASR
❒HILL HOLDER
❒HBA
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒"PRE-FILL" (RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system activates automatically
when the engine is started and can
only be deactivated by selecting "Race"
mode. For more details, refer to the
"Alfa DNA system" paragraph in this
chapter.
46A0L0145
42
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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.
43

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.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
❒downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is
reached, or in any case for a maximum
of 2 seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.When the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise, indicating that
the car is going to move imminently,
can be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the
engine off and engaged first gear,
so that the vehicle is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
the "Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
IMPORTANT There may be situations
on small gradients (less than 8%),
with vehicle laden, in which the Hill
Holder system may not activate,
causing a slight reversing motion and
increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assistant) SYSTEM41) 42) 43)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car’s braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance, the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
44
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

37) For the correct operation of the
ABS, 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=DynamicorRace(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).
47A0L0108
46
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

DRIVING MODES
Lever A is monostable type. In other
words, it always remains in a central
position.
The selected driving mode is indicated
by the corresponding LED switching
on in the panel and by an indication on
the display.
“Natural” MODE
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at providing comfort
and safety in normal grip and driving
conditions.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to ensure the best driving
comfort.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
standard response.“Dynamic” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 upwards (to the
letter “d”) and hold in this position for
half a second, until the corresponding
LED lights up and the "Dynamic" mode
activation indicator appears on the
display.
When "Dynamic" mode is activated, the
turbocharger pressure (bar) and engine
oil temperature (°C) screen is displayed
automatically fig. 49:
When released, lever A will return to the
central position.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds that ensure more enjoyable,
sportier driving whilst guaranteeing
the stability of the car."Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to increase traction whilst
accelerating on bends, improving
the agility of the car.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
adoption of sports mapping.
IMPORTANT In "Dynamic", the
sensitivity of the accelerator pedal
increases considerably. Consequently,
driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate “Dynamic” mode and
return to “Natural”, move lever A fig. 47
downwards (to letter “a”) and keep it
in this position for half a second. In this
case, the LED corresponding to
“Natural” mode will light up and the
“Natural” mode activation indication will
appear on the display.
48A0L0109
49A0L0110
47

Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 upwards (to the
letter “d”) and hold in this position for
5 seconds, until the "Race" mode
activation indicator appears on the
display. When "Race" mode is
activated, the longitudinal/lateral
accelerometer indicator screen
(G-meter information) is displayed
automatically. This considers
gravitational acceleration (G) fig. 50.
ESC and ASR systems:the systems
are deactivated in order to ensure
the fullest sensation of sport, leaving
the driver in full control of the vehicle.
When the vehicle is in unstable
conditions, the ESC reactivates
automatically when the brake pedal is
pressed until the ABS intervenes,
thus returning the vehicle to stable
conditions."Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to increase traction whilst
accelerating on bends, improving
the agility of the car.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
adoption of sports mapping.
IMPORTANT In "Race", the sensitivity of
the accelerator pedal increases
considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
IMPORTANT In "Race" mode the
transmission only works in MANUAL
mode. For further details, refer to the
"Using the transmission" section in
chapter "Starting and driving".
Deactivation
To deactivate "Race" mode and return
to "Dynamic", move lever A fig. 47
downwards (to letter “a”) and keep it in
this position for half a second. In this
case, the LED corresponding to
"Dynamic" mode will light up and the
"Dynamic" mode activation indication
will appear on the display.“All Weather” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 downwards (to
the letter “a”) and hold in this position
for half a second, until the
corresponding LED lights up and the
“All Weather” mode activation indicator
appears on the display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at ensuring maximum
safety in low-grip driving conditions. It
is advisable to select "All Weather"
mode in the presence of low-grip road
surfaces.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" SYSTEM: the
system is deactivated.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
standard response.
50A0L0111
51A0L0112
48
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
“Race” MODE

Deactivation
To deactivate “All Weather” mode and
return to “Natural”, move lever A fig. 47
upwards (to letter “d”) and keep it in
this position for half a second.
IMPORTANT
❒During the first 250 km of usage of
the car, the Dynamic and Race
modes are inhibited. Within this first
interval of start-up mileage it is
advisable to refrain from an
aggressive driving style, so that the
best gear shifting quality can be
achieved over time.
❒When the engine is next started, the
"All Weather" or "Dynamic" mode
selected previously is retained. The
system will reactivate in "All Weather"
or "Dynamic" mode, depending on
which mode was selected before the
engine was switched off.
❒When the engine is next started, the
"Race" mode selected previously is
not retained. The system will
reactivate in "Dynamic" mode.
❒It is not possible to go directly from
“Dynamic” mode to “All Weather”
mode and vice versa. You must
always first go back to “Natural”
mode and then select the other
mode.System failure
In the event of system failure or a fault
with lever A fig. 47, no driving modes
can be selected.
The display will become grey (same
screen as "Natural" mode) but without
an indication of the Alfa DNA setting.
The display will also show a warning
message.EOBD SYSTEM
(European On
Board Diagnosis)
Operation
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) carries out a continuous
diagnosis of the components of the car
related to emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel, together with a message on
the display, when these components
are no longer in peak condition (see
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in the "Knowing the
instrument panel" chapter).
The aim of the EOBD system (European
On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❒monitor the efficiency of the system;
❒indicate an increase in emissions;
❒indicate the need to replace
deteriorated components.
49