2016 Alfa Romeo 4C engine

open the protective flap Afig. 44 on
the inner wheel arch; it can be located
by steering the wheel completely;
introducing the hand in the opening
cleared by the flap, find out the
pressure-fit protective cap B fig. 45and
remove it;
in the luggage compartment find the
supplied screwdriver and insert it in the
operating hole;
rotate the screw as shown in
fig. 45until you hear the lock click;
refit the protective cap B.The procedure must be carried out on
both headlights.
For versions with Bi-LED headlights (for
versions/markets, where provided) to
avoid dazzling the drivers on the other
side of the road, you need to cover
areas of the headlight according to the
Highway Code of the country you are
travelling in. Adjust both headlights
according to fig. 46.
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 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
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of thewarning 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.
41

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.
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 otherthan 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 increasingthe risk of collision with another vehicle
or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assistant) SYSTEM
41) 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.
“ELECTRONIC Q2”
SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer
wheel (which bears more of the car’s
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

“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).
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
It is a manufacturer-recommended
mode aimed at comfort and safety in
normal grip and driving conditions.
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
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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.
“Race” MODE
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
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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.
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” modeand 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.
The car also has a connector, which
can interface with appropriate tools,
that makes it possible to read the error
codes stored in the electronic control
units together with a series of specific
parameters for engine operation and
diagnosis. This check can also be
carried out by the traffic control
authorities.
IMPORTANT After eliminating a fault, to
check the system completely, the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership is
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

54)The tyre repair kit (Fix&Go) provided
with the car (for versions/markets, where
provided) is compatible with the TPMS
sensors; using sealants not equivalent with
that in the original kit may adversely affect
its operation. If sealants not equivalent with
the original one are used, it is
recommended to have the TPMS sensors
checked by a qualified repair centre.REFUELLING THE
CAR
The car features the "Fast Fuel" system,
which prevents refuelling with incorrect
fuels (e.g. diesel for a petrol engine).
Stop the engine before refuelling.
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with
octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in
compliance with the European
specification EN228. In particular, the
4C’s engine has been designed to
comply with all emission limits while
simultaneously guaranteeing minimal
consumption and maximum
performance, using premium-quality
unleaded petrol with octane rating
(RON) of 98 or higher.
In order to prevent damage to the
catalytic converter never introduce even
the smallest amount of leaded petrol,
even in the event of an emergency.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalytic
converter leads to harmful exhaust
emissions, thus contributing to air
pollution.
IMPORTANT Never introduce leaded
petrol to the tank, even in small
amounts in an emergency, as this
would damage the catalytic converter
beyond repair.
FILLING THE TANK
To ensure that you fill the tank
completely, top up twice after the first
click of the fuel supply gun. Avoid
further top-ups, which could cause
faults in the fuel supply system.
REFUELLING
PROCEDURE
The car features a "Fast Fuel" device,
integrated with the opening for the fuel
tank: it opens and recloses
automatically when the fuel supply gun
is inserted/removed.
The "Fast Fuel" device is provided with
an inhibitor which prevents refuelling
with incorrect fuel.
The refuelling procedure described
below is illustrated on the label
fig. 56 located inside the fuel flap. The
label also indicates the fuel type
(UNLEADED FUEL=petrol).
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
The following devices are used for
reducing petrol fuel engine emissions:
catalytic converter, oxygen sensors and
evaporation control system.
Do not let the engine run, even for a
test, with one or more spark plugs
disconnected.
58)
WARNING
58)Under operating conditions, the
catalytic converter becomes very hot.
Therefore, do not park the car on
flammable materials (grass, dry leaves,
pine needles etc.) to avoid the risk of fire.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR