Page 165 of 348

During prolonged stops with the engine running, it is
advisable to keep the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
When stopped on an incline, always hold the vehicle in
place using the brakes. On steep inclines, Hill Start Assist
(HSA) will temporarily hold the car in position when the
brake pedal is released. If the accelerator pedal is not
applied after a short time, the car will roll back. Either
reapply the brake (to hold the vehicle) or press the
accelerator to climb the hill.
Only shift between FIRST (1st) and REVERSE (R) when
completely stopped, with the brake pedal pressed.
When necessary, it is possible to engage FIRST (1st),
REVERSE (R) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine off, the
key at MAR-ON and the brake pressed. In this case, wait
at least five 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 gradu-
ally but fully immediately after releasing the parking
brake 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.
ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC CAR CONTROL
SYSTEM)
This vehicle is equipped with a “Alfa DNA” system lever
(located on the center console). There are four modes of
operation to be selected according to driving style and
road conditions:
Dynamic (This mode alters the transmission’s automatic
shift schedule for sportier driving [D]).
Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions [N]).
All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions,
such as rain and snow [A]).5
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
Page 166 of 348
Race (sports driving mode [D]).
This also acts on the dynamic car control systems (engine,
gearbox/transmission, ESC system).Driving Modes
The Alfa DNA system lever will always return to the
center position after use.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED switching in the panel and by an indica-
tion on the display.
Dynamic Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever 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 and engine oil temperature screen is displayed
automatically. When released, the Alfa DNA system lever
will return to the central position.
Alfa DNA Mode Selector
164 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 167 of 348

NOTE:Dynamic Mode will be inhibited until the vehicle
has accumulated 155 miles (250 km).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regu-
lation (ASR) systems:
The ESC and ASR system ensures more enjoyable,
sportier driving while guaranteeing the stability of the
car.
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 Dynamic mode, the engine response to the
accelerator pedal position increases considerably. Conse-
quently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.Deactivation
To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,
move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and keep it in this
position for half a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up
and the Natural mode activation indication will appear
on the display.
Race Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to the letter
“D”) and hold in this position for five 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 ac-
celeration (G).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 165
Page 168 of 348

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.
166 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 169 of 348

Natural Mode
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regu-
lation (ASR) systems:
ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at providing
comfort and safety in normal grip and driving condi-
tions.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system is calibrated to ensure the best driving
comfort.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
Standard response shifting.
All Weather Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever 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 dis-
play.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regu-
lation (ASR) systems:
ESC and ASR system thresholds are 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 shifting.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 167
Page 175 of 348
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 173
Page 176 of 348

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave a manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or FIRST (1st) gear. Failure to do
so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage
or injury.
174 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 224 of 348
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels areOFFthe
ground.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
•Do not dolly tow this vehicle. Use of a towing dolly
can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING