Page 153 of 348
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES................154
▫Automatic Transmission................154
▫Normal Starting.......................155
▫Cold Weather Operation................155
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................155
▫After Starting........................156
▫Turbo Charger “Cool Down”.............156
SIX-SPEED ALFA TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION.......................156
▫Using The Transmission................157ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC CAR CONTROL
SYSTEM)............................163
▫Driving Modes.......................164
▫System Failure........................168
▫Launch Control......................168
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........169
▫Acceleration.........................169
▫Traction............................170
DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............170
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................171
5
Page 158 of 348

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with a Alfa Twin Clutch
Transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
•To prevent damage to the starter, do not continu-
ously crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at
a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
Turbo Charger “Cool Down”
This vehicle is equipped with an after-run pump to cool
the turbocharger after the engine is shut off. Dependingon the type of driving and the amount of cargo, the pump
will run for up to five minutes after the engine has been
shut off to circulate coolant through the turbocharger.
Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet opera-
tion, it is normal to hear it running during this time.
SIX-SPEED ALFA TWIN CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot
is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing
the brake pedal.
(Continued)
156 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 159 of 348

WARNING!(Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting the vehicle, always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into gear,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle.
•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. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission gear selector.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Using The Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a Six-Speed Alfa Twin
Clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted shift
paddles.
When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmission
controls (shift paddles on the steering wheel, and gear
selector buttons on the center console) are disabled.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 157
Page 179 of 348

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
Page 225 of 348
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the GroundAlfa Twin Clutch Transmission
Flat Tow NoneNOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
RearNOT ALLOWED
On TrailerAllOK
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
Page 249 of 348
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.750 TURBO . . .249
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .250
REPLACEMENT PARTS..................250
DEALER SERVICE......................251
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES...........251
▫Engine Oil..........................252
▫Engine Oil Filter......................254
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................254
▫Engine Cover........................255
▫Maintenance-Free Battery...............256▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............257
▫Body Lubrication.....................258
▫Wiper Blades........................259
▫Windshield Washer Nozzles..............261
▫Adding Washer Solvent.................262
▫Exhaust System......................265
▫Cooling System......................268
▫Brake System........................274
▫Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission...........278
7
Page 252 of 348

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and Alfa Twin
Clutch Transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/scheduled maintenance
and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the de-
signed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of parts which are not quality-equivalent to genuine
parts for maintenance and repairs will not be covered by
the manufacturer ’s warranty.
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 278 of 348
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Checking Brake Fluid
1 — Brake Fluid Protection Panel
2 — Washer Solvent Protection Panel 276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE