2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider transmission

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

4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake.
When parking on an incline, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill slope and away from the curb on
an uphill slope. Always chock the wheels when parking
on steep grades.
General Notes
When the vehicle is stopped and in gear, always keep the
brake pedal pressed until you decide to set off, then
release the brake and accelerate gradually.
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 vehicle in position when
the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator pedal is notapplied after a short time, the vehicle 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, accelerate gradually but fully,
immediately after releasing the parking brake or the
brake pedal; this allows the engine speed to increase to
provide more torque at the wheels.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 185

ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC VEHICLE
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 auto-
matic 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]).
• Race (sports driving mode [D]).
This also acts on the dynamic vehicle 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.
Alfa DNA Mode Selector
186 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

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 the Manual Operation inStarting and
Operating for 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.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,
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 189

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.Deactivation
To deactivate All Weather mode and return to Natural
mode, move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to
letter “D”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
NOTE:
•
When the engine is next started, All weather mode or
Natural mode will be retained when the vehicle is
restarted.
• When the engine is next started, Race mode or Dy-
namic mode previously selected is not retained. The
system will reactivate in Natural mode.
• It is not possible to go directly from Dynamic mode to
All Weather mode and vice versa. You must always
first go back to Natural mode and then select the other
mode.
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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, push 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.
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
Parking Brake Lever
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 195