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Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regu-
lation (ASR) systems:
These 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. To deactivate the ESC and
ASR systems reactivate Race mode.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the car.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.NOTE:In Race mode, the sensitivity of the accelerator
pedal increases considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
In Race mode the transmission only works in MANUAL
mode. Refer to theManual OperationinStarting and
Operatingfor further information.
Deactivation
To deactivate Race mode and return to Dynamic mode,
move the Alfa DNA system lever downwards (to letter
“A”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
The LED corresponding to Dynamic mode will light up
and the Dynamic mode activation indication will appear
on the display.
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Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where water
is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road or path’s surface
and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Cautions
and Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stopping
distances. Therefore, after driving through stand-
ing water, drive slowly and lightly press on the
brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your pas-
sengers, and others around you.
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PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave manual
transmission in REVERSE (R) or FIRST (1st) gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the central tunnel.
To apply the parking brake, pull the parking brake lever
up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake,
pull the parking brake lever up slightly, press the center
button, then lower the parking brake lever completely.
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake
Warning Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Parking Brake Lever
5
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CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses
normal capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion. However, there will be some loss of overall braking
effectiveness. You may notice increased pedal travel
during application, greater pedal force required to slow
or stop, and potential activation of the “Brake System
Warning Light.”In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)
SYSTEM
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 over-
steer, 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.5
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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.
This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control Sys-
tem (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC), AntiSlip
Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hy-
draulic Brake Assistant System (HBA), ELECTRONIC Q2
system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake (RAB). All of thesystems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions, and are commonly
referred to as ESC.
System Activation
The ESC system activates automatically when the engine
is started and can only be deactivated by selectingRace
mode. Refer to theSix-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch Trans-
missionin this section for further information.
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.
Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
The EBD system is an integral part of the ESC system and
intervenes during braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear wheels.
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This guarantees greater braking stability for the vehicle,
preventing sudden locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turningthe ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.
WARNING!
•When the ABS intervenes and you feel the brake
pedal pulsating, do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and confidently; in doing so
you will brake in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
•For maximum efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 311 miles (500 km) is
required: during this period it is advisable to avoid
sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
•If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that the grip of
the tires on the road is nearing its limit: you must
slow down to a speed compatible with the avail-
able grip.
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
•The ABS can’t overrule the natural laws of physics,
and can’t increase the grip available according to
the condition of the road.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those
due to excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
•The capability of the ABS must never be tested
irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety of oth-
ers.
•For the correct operation of the ABS, the tires must
of necessity be the same make and type on all
wheels, in perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.When you are in a severe braking condition involving the
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
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.
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Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in the follow-
ing cases:
•Uphill: car stationary on a road with a gradient higher
than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and transmis-
sion in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse engaged.
•Downhill: car stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
reverse (R) 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 two seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.When the two seconds have elapsed, without starting,
the system is automatically deactivated, gradually releas-
ing the braking pressure. During this release stage, the
typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that the
car is going to move imminently, can be heard.
NOTE:
•HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.
•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 an-
other vehicle or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
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