2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia ESP

ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes);
DTC (Drive Train Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HSA (Hill Start Assist);
AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque);
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
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 vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when 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 vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system completes the system
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake by wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the brake pedal command
given by pressing the brake pedal is not
transmitted hydraulically but electronically,
therefore, the light pulsation that could be
felt on the pedal with the traditional system
is no longer perceptible.
30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35)
DTC (Drive Train Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
Some versions of this vehicle are
equipped with a four-wheel drive system
(AWD), activated on request, which offers
an optimal drive for countless driving
conditions and road surfaces. The system
reduces the slipping of the tyres to a
minimum, automatically redistributing
the torque to the front and rear wheels,
as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the vehicle with
AWD automatically passes to rear
four-wheel drive (RWD) when the road
and environmental conditions are such
that they wouldn't cause the tyres to slip.
When the road and environmentalconditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically goes to AWD mode.
36)
The driving mode, RWD or AWD, is shown
on the instrument panel display.
IMPORTANT If the system failure symbol
switches on, after starting the engine or
while driving, it means that the AWD
system is not working properly. If the
warning message activates frequently, it
is recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
37)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car 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 vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
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
vehicle’s understeer or oversteer.
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AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque)SYSTEM
53)
The AST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the AST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring)
SYSTEM
The dynamic drive control is used to optimize
and balance the drive torque between the
wheels of the same axis. The ATV system
improves the grip in turns, sending more drive
torque to the external wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels
of the car travel more than the internal
ones and therefore turn faster, sending a
higher thrust to the external rear wheel
allows for the car to be more stable and
to not suffer a phenomenon called
"understeer". Understeer occurs when,
during a turn, a car tends to widen the set
trajectory, in this situation the lateral
acceleration the car is subjected tobecomes higher that the grip of the tyres,
which are unable to maintain the car in
the trajectory set by the driver through
the steering angle determined by turning
the steering wheel.
WARNING
30)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km
(310 miles) is required: during this period it
is advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
31)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
32)
The ABS cannot overrule the natural laws
of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the road.
33)The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those due to excessive speed on corners, driving
on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
34)The capability of the ABS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
35)
For the correct operation of the ABS, the
tyres must of necessity be the same make and
type on all wheels, in perfect condition and, above
all, of the prescribed type and dimensions.
36)There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tyre slipping event.
37)When a DTC system failure symbol
appears, the driver must be aware of the
different driving reaction and therefore
reduce the speed. The symbol
warns the
driver not to drive in areas that require
four-wheel drive or on snow-covered roads.38)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
39)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
41)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and size.
42)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
43)For the correct operation of the TC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
44)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
45)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
46)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
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SAFETY

47)The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
48)The PBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
49)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
50)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
the safety of the driver, the other occupants
of the vehicle or any other road user.
51)The HSA system is not a parking brake;
therefore, never leave the vehicle without
having engaged the electric parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear,
so that it is parked in safe conditions.
52)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle laden,
in which the Hill Start Assist system may not
activate, causing a slight reversing motion
and increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
53)The AST system is an aid for driving and
does not relieve the driver of responsibility
for driving the vehicle.DRIVING ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
The vehicle can feature the following
driving assistance systems:
BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring);
FCW (Forward Collision Warning);
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring)SYSTEM
The BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) system
uses two radar sensors, located in the
rear bumper (one for each side - see
fig. 66 ), to detect the presence of
vehicles (vehicles, trucks, motorbikes,
etc.) in the rear side blind spots of your
vehicle.
The system warns the driver about the
presence of vehicles in the detectionarea by lighting up, on the relevant side,
the warning light located on the door
mirror fig. 67.
When the engine is started the warning
light turns on to signal the driver that the
system is active.
Sensors
54)
The sensors are activated when any
forward gear is engaged at a speed
higher than about 6 mph (10 km/h), or
when reverse is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated
when the vehicle is stationary and the P
(Park) mode active.
The detection area of the system covers
about a lane on both sides of the vehicle
(around 10 ft (3 m)).
This area begins from the door mirror and
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extends for about 20 ft (6 m) towards the
rear part of the vehicle.
When the sensors are active the system
monitors the detection areas on both
sides of the vehicle and warns the driver
about the possible presence of vehicles
in these areas.
While driving the system monitors the
detection area from three different input
points (side, rear and front) to check
whether a signal needs to be sent to the
driver. The system can detect the
presence of a vehicle in one of these
three areas.
IMPORTANT The system does not signal
the presence of fixed object (e.g. safety
barriers, poles, walls, etc.). However, in
some circumstances, the system may
activate in the presence of these objects.
This is normal and does not indicate a
system malfunction.
IMPORTANT The system does not warn
the driver about the presence of vehicles
coming from the opposite direction, in
the adjacent lanes.
Important notes
If a trailer is hitched to the vehicle, the
system automatically deactivates.
For the system to operate correctly, the
rear bumper area where the radarsensors are located must stay free from
snow, ice and dirt gathered from the road
surface.
Do not cover the rear bumper area where
the radar sensors are located with any
object (e.g. adhesives, bike rack, etc.).
If, after purchasing the vehicle, you wish
to install the tow hook, you need to
deactivate the system via the Connect
system. To access the function, on the
main menu select the following items in
sequence: "Settings", "Safety" and "Blind
Spot Alert".
Rear view
The system detects vehicles coming from
the rear part of your vehicle on both sides
and entering the rear detection area with
a difference in speed of less than 30 mph
(50 km/h) with respect to your vehicle.
Overtaking vehicles
If another vehicle is overtaken slowly
(with a difference in speed of less than
about 15 mph (25 km/h)) and this stays in
the blind spot for about 1.5 seconds, the
warning light on the door mirror of the
corresponding side lights up.
If the difference in speed between the
two vehicles is greater than about
15 mph (25 km/h), the warning light does
not light up.RCP (Rear Cross Path detection) system
This system helps the driver during
reverse manoeuvres in the case of
reduced visibility.
The RCP system monitors the rear
detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle, to detect objects moving
towards the sides of the vehicle at a
minimum speed between about 0.6 mph
(1 km/h) and 2 mph (3 km/h) and objects
moving at a maximum speed of 22 mph
(35 km/h), as generally happens in
parking areas.
The system activation is signalled to the
driver by means of a visual and acoustic
warning.
IMPORTANT If the sensors are covered
by objects or vehicles, the system will not
warn the driver.
Operating mode
The system may be activated/
deactivated via the Connect system. To
access the function, on the main menu
select the following items in sequence:
"Settings", "Safety" and "Blind Spot
Alert".
"Blind spot alert", "Visual" mode
When the system is enabled, a visual
warning is sent to the door mirror on the
side of the detected object.
The visual warning on the mirror will blink
if the driver switches on the direction
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SAFETY

the system and must not be regarded as
faults.
The system has been designed for
road use only. If the vehicle is driven on a
track, the system must be deactivated to
avoid unnecessary warnings. Automatic
deactivation is signalled by the dedicated
warning light/symbol switching on in the
instrument panel (see the instructions in
the "Warning lights and messages"
paragraph, "Knowing the instrument
panel" chapter).
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System)
60) 61) 62) 63) 64) 65) 66)
28)
The car is equipped with Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS), which can
advise the driver in the event of
insufficient tyre pressure on the basis of
the pressure when cold indicated in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
The system comprises a radio-frequency
transmitter sensor fitted to each wheel
(on the rim inside the tyre), which is able
to send information on the inflation
pressure of each tyre to the control unit
fig. 75.The inflation pressure varies, depending
on the temperature, of about 0.07 bar
(1 psi) every 43.7°F (6.5°C). This means
that a decrease of the external
temperature corresponds to a decrease
of the tyre pressure. Always adjust the
tyre inflation pressure when cold. This is
defined as the tyre pressure after at
least 3 hours of vehicle inactivity or
travel of less than 1 mi (1.6 km) after the
3 hour interval.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum pressure indicated
on the shoulder of the tyre: for further
details see the instructions in the "Rims
and tyres" paragraph, in the "Technical
data" chapter.
Tyre pressure increases when the vehicle
is driven. This is normal, and no
adjustment of the pressure is required.
The TPMS signals the driver a possibleinsufficient pressure if this falls below
the warning limit for any reason, including
the effects of low temperature and
normal loss of pressure from the tyre.
The TPMS will stop indicating insufficient
tyre pressure when it is equal to or
greater than the prescribed cold inflation
pressure. Therefore, if insufficient tyre
pressure is indicated (
warning light
on instrument panel on), increase the
inflation pressure up to the prescribed
cold inflation value.
The system automatically updates and
warning light
switches off each time
the system receives the updated
inflation pressures. The vehicle might
need to be driven at a speed higher than
about 15 mph (25 km/h) up to
20 minutes for the TPMS to receive this
information.
Operating example
Supposing that the prescribed cold
inflation pressure (i.e. vehicle stationary
for at least 3 hours) is 2.3 bar (33.4 psi) ,
if the ambient temperature is 68°F
(20°C) and the detected tyre pressure is
1.95 bar (28.3 psi), a temperature
reduction of 19.4°F (−7°C) results in a
decrease in tyre pressure, bringing it to
approximately 1.65 bar (23.9 psi). This
pressure is sufficiently low to activate
the
warning light.
Heating of tyres due to driving the
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"TPMS check" message with some
dashes (– –) instead of the pressure
values.
From the following ignition cycle, the
TPMS will not emit any acoustic signal
and the display will not show the
message "TPMS check", but the dashes
will be still displayed instead of the
pressure value.
WARNING
54)The system is an aid for vehicle driving,
it DOES NOT warn the driver about incoming
vehicles outside of the detection areas. The
driver must always maintain a sufficient
level of attention to the traffic and road
conditions and for controlling the trajectory
of the vehicle.
55)The Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
system is automatically deactivated when
RACE mode is selected.
56)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
57)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).58)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
59)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench for maintenance interventions or if it
is washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part (e.g.
another car, a wall or another obstacle), the
system may detect its presence and
activate. In this case the system must be
deactivated through the settings of the
Connect system.
60)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tyre pressure, including for the spare
tyre, and correct maintenance: the system is
not used to signalling a possible tyre fault.
61)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres rested and cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason to check
pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the
prescribed value. Repeat the check when the
tyres are cold.
62)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer be
available and a warning message will be
shown on the display, until wheels with
sensors are fitted again.
63)The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
64)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The system
may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary,
restore the inflation values.65)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres and vice versa requires TPMS system
adjustment that must only be performed by
Alfa Romeo Dealerships.
66)When a tyre is removed, it is advisable
to replace the rubber valve seal as well:
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership. The
fitting/removal of the tyres and/or rims
require special care. To avoid damaging or
fitting the sensors incorrectly, tyre and/or
rim fitting/removal operations should only
be carried out by specialised staff. Contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.IMPORTANT
19)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such as:
heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
20)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with adhesives,
auxiliary headlights or any other object.
21)System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle.
22)Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front geometry,
tyre change, or a heavier load than the
standard load of the vehicle.
23)Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may alter
the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership for any operation of this
type.
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24)Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of a
sensor failure, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
25)Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical connector.
26)Be careful in the case of repairs and new
paintings in the area around the sensor
(panel covering the sensor on the left side of
the bumper). In the event of a frontal impact
the sensor may automatically deactivate
and display a warning to indicate that the
sensor needs to be repaired. Even without a
malfunction warning, deactivate the system
operation if you think that the position of the
radar sensor has changed (e.g. due to
low-speed frontal impact as during parking
manoeuvres). In these cases, go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership to have the radar sensor
realigned or replaced.
27)When towing a trailer, a vehicle or during
loading manoeuvres on a vehicle transporter
(or in vehicle for transport), the system must
be deactivated via the Connect system.
28)The Tire Repair Kit, provided with the
vehicle, is compatible with the TPMS
sensors. Using sealants different from that
in the original kit may compromise its
operation. If sealants not equivalent with the
original ones are used, it is recommended to
have the TPMS sensor operation checked by
a qualified repair centre.OCCUPANT PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety
equipment of the vehicle comprise the
following protection systems:
seat belts;
SBA (Seat Belt Alert) System;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
Front airbags and side bags.
Read the information given the following
pages with the utmost care. It is of
fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint
adjustment see the "Head restraints"
paragraph in the "Knowing your vehicle"
chapter.
SEAT BELTS
All the seatbelts have three anchoring
points each with its own retractor.
The retractor mechanism operates
locking the belt in the event of sharp
braking or strong deceleration due to an
impact. This allows the belt strap to slide
freely and to adapt to the body of the
occupant. In the event of an accident, the
belt will lock reducing the risk of impact
inside the passenger compartment and
of being projected outside the vehicle.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other occupants
of the vehicle also respect, the local laws
in force in relation to the use of the seat
belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The seat belt should be worn keeping the
chest straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tongue
1 fig. 76 and insert it into the buckle 2,
until it clicks into place.
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SBA (Seat Belt Alert)SYSTEM
The SBA system warns the passengers of
the front and rear (where provided) seats
if their seat belt is not fastened.
The system signals unfastened seat belts
with visual warnings (warning lights on in
the instrument panel and icons on the
display) and an acoustic signal (see the
following paragraphs).
NOTE Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership
to deactivate the acoustic warning. The
acoustic warning can be reactivated at
any time through the Connect system.
FRONT SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT
BEHAVIOUR
When the ignition key is turned to ON, the
warning light
(see fig. 79 ) lights up for
a few seconds, regardless of the status
of the front seat belts.
With vehicle at a standstill, if the driver
side seat belt or the passenger side seat
belt (with occupant seated) is
unfastened, the warning light stays on
constantly.As soon as the threshold of 5 mph
(8 km/h) is exceeded for a few seconds
(variable according to the vehicle
conditions) with driver or passenger side
(with passenger seated) seat belts
unfastened, an acoustic warning is
activated together with the flashing of
the
warning light for approximately
105 seconds.
When this cycle of warnings is activated
it will stay on for its entire length
(regardless of the vehicle speed) or until
the seat belts are fastened again.
When the reverse is engaged, during the
cycle of warnings, the acoustic signal is
deactivated and the
warning light
turns on constantly. The cycle of
warnings will be reactivated as soon as
speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h) again.
REAR SEAT BELT ICON BEHAVIOUR
(where provided)
The icons are shown on the display
(fig. 80 ) after a few seconds have
elapsed since the ignition device is
turned to ON and disappear after
approximately 30 seconds.
After a door closes, or following a change
in belt fastening status, the icons are
shown again for approximately
30 seconds before disappearing.
The icons shown on the display indicate:
1 - rear leftseat belt;
2 - rear centralseat belt, (where
provided);
3 - rear rightseat belt.
The icons are displayed according to the
corresponding seat belts in the rear
seats, and stay on for about 30 seconds
from the last seat belt status change:
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