displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift
would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request
will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily
place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and execute
the requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The
transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a brief
interval.
Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission
one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not
command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed
multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.
Neutral (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Always apply the
parking brake if you must leave the vehicle.At engine startup, the transmission will automatically
select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal
must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine
running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N
button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), pushing
the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless of
whether the brake pedal is pressed.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. Coasting in NEUTRAL
and turning off the ignition while coasting severely
limit your ability to respond to changing traffic or
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
WARNING!(Continued)
road conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING
may result in your loss of vehicle control, collision
and serious injury or death.
With the vehicle in motion, to engage a gear from the
NEUTRAL (N) position, push the 1 button on the trans-
mission control panel (it is not necessary to press the
brake pedal). The transmission will engage the correct
gear according to the vehicles speed.
Acoustic Signal
If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and
FIRST (1st) gear or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system
activates an acoustic signal and automatically places the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) when:
• The accelerator and/or brake pedal are not operated
for at least three minutes. •
The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 minutes.
• The driver ’s door is opened and the accelerator pedal
or the brake pedal are not operated for at least one and
a half seconds.
• A fault has been detected in the transmission.
Parking The Vehicle
When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as fol-
lows:
1. Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, put the vehicle into either a forward or reverse gear by pressing 1 or R.
(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just
driving.)
3. Engage the parking brake.
184 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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
vehicle.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
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 vehicle
is in critical stability and grip conditions.
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: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse
engaged.
• Downhill: vehicle 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
vehicle is going to move imminently, can be heard.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 203
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............288
Adding Fuel ............................ .241
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .280
Additives, Fuel .......................... .238
AirBag.............................. .42, 43
Advance Front Air Bag ....................44
Air Bag Operation .......................45
Air Bag Warning Light ....................53
Driver Knee Air Bag ......................46
Enhanced Accident Response ............51, 262
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ..............55, 262
FrontAirBag...........................42
If A Deployment Occurs ...................49
Knee Impact Bolsters .....................46
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............54
Air Bag Deployment ........................42
Air Bag Light ...................... .53, 70, 127
Air Bag Maintenance .......................54
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .273 Air Conditioner Maintenance
.................275
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ..............275, 276
Air Conditioning System ....................275
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .218
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................15
Alfa DNA System (Dynamic Car Control System) . .186
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission ............178, 266
Fluid Type ........................ .297, 327
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............287, 325
Capacities ........................... .325
Disposal ............................. .290
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................199
Appearance Care ........................ .298
Automatic Door Locks ......................23
Automatic Transaxle ........................11
Automatic Transmission ....................178
Fluid Type ........................... .327
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................23
354 INDEX
Service Manuals......................... .348
Shoulder Belts ............................34
Signals, Turn ......................... .70, 141
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ...................229
Snow Tires ............................. .222
Spare Tire ....................... .223, 224, 225
Spark Plugs ............................ .326
Speed Control Accel/Decel .......................... .103
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ................100
Starting ............................... .176
Automatic Transmission ..................176
Cold Weather ......................... .177
Engine Fails To Start .....................177
Steering Column Lock ...........................99
Tilt Column ............................99
Wheel, Tilt .............................99
Storage ............................... .310Storage, Vehicle
.......................... .310
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... .310
Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag .........43
Telescoping Steering Column ..................99
Tilt Steering Column ........................99
Tire And Loading Information Placard .......212, 213
Tire Markings ........................... .206
Tires ........................ .70, 217, 223, 349
Aging (Life Of Tires) .....................227
Air Pressure .......................... .217
Chains .............................. .229
Compact Spare ........................ .224
General Information ..................217, 223
High Speed .......................... .220
Inflation Pressures ...................... .218
Life Of Tires .......................... .227
Load Capacity ..................... .212, 213
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............231
10
INDEX 365
Pressure Warning Light...................131
Quality Grading ....................... .349
Radial .............................. .220
Replacement .......................... .228
Rotation ............................. .230
Safety ........................... .206, 217
Sizes ............................... .207
Snow Tires ........................... .222
Spare Tire ........................ .223, 225
Spinning ............................ .226
Tread Wear Indicators ....................226
Tire Safety Information .....................206
To Open Deck Lid .........................89
Towing ............................... .244
Recreational .......................... .244
Towing Eyes ............................ .258
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........244
Traction ............................... .192
Trailer Towing .......................... .244Transaxle
Automatic .............................11
Transmission ........................... .179
Automatic ........................... .178
Fluid ............................... .296
Maintenance .......................... .296
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .20
Transporting Passengers .....................67
Transporting Pets ..........................66
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .226
Turn Signals ............................ .141
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................349
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... .236
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt ................38
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) .............7
Vehicle Loading ......................... .213
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ...............8
366 INDEX