2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia brake

Symbol What it means
SPEED LIMITER SYSTEM FAILURE
While driving, the symbol switches on to signal a Speed Limiter system failure.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
INSUFFICIENT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL (where provided)
If the symbol switches on, it indicates a low engine coolant level condition.
Top up, as described in the "Servicing and Care" chapter
FUEL TANK CAP
(where provided)
Lights up if the fuel tank cap is open or not properly closed.
Tighten the cap properly.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
The switching on of the symbol and the message on the display signal a failure in the electric parking brake system.
This failure may partially or completely block the car because the parking brake could remain activated even if automatically or
manually disengaged using the relevant controls. In these circumstances, you can disengage the parking brake following the
emergency disengagement procedure described in the "In an emergency" chapter.
If you are still able to drive the car (parking brake is not engaged), drive to the nearest Alfa Romeo Dealership and remember,
when executing any manoeuvres/commands, that the electric parking brake is not operational.
28)
ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE
While driving, if the warning light switches on it signals a failure in the Adaptive Cruise Control system.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked.
WEAR ON BRAKE PADS
Lights up when the brake pads have reached their wear limit.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT Always use genuine parts or similar because the Integrated Brake System (IBS) system could detect anomalies.
WARNING
28)If a failure is present with sharp braking, the rear wheels may lock and the vehicle may swerve.
61

Symbol What it means
GENERIC INDICATION
Signals information and failures.
The accompanying messages describe the failure.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILURE
This symbol switches on to report a four wheel drive system failure.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible to have the failure eliminated.
AFS SYSTEM FAILURE
The symbol appears to indicate the automatic directional light system failure.
Go to an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked.
WEAR ON CCB BRAKE DISCS (where provided)
Lights up when the carbon ceramic brake discs have reached their wear limit.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
29)
DYNAMIC DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE
The switching on of the warning light signals a failure in the dynamic drive control system.
WINDSCREEN WIPER FAILURE
Signals a windscreen wiper failure.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
WARNING
29)It is recommended to use only original or equivalent, bench-tested spare pads in order to ensure the original performance of the braking
system.
62
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
66
SAFETY

Oversteer: occurs when the car 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.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
38) 39) 40) 41) 42)
TC (Traction Control)SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on
slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on one
or both drive wheels. Depending on the
slipping conditions, two different control
systems are activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behaviour of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping.System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
43) 44) 45) 46) 47)
PBA (Panic Brake Assist)SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’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 PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
system is obtained by 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 PBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.
48) 49) 50)
HSA (Hill Start Assist)SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on slopes,
activating automatically in the following
cases:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and transmission
in neutral or gear other than reverse
engaged;
downhill: vehicle 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 two seconds have elapsed, without
starting, the system is automatically
deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release
stage it is possible to hear a typical
mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of the
car.
51) 52)
67

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.
68
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
6606016S0001EM
6706016S0002EM
69

indicators, thus indicating the intention
to change lane.
The warning will be fixed if the driver
stays on the same lane.
"Blind spot alert" function deactivation
When the system is deactivated ("Blind
Spot Alert" mode at "OFF"), the BSM or
RCP systems will not emit neither
acoustic warnings.
The BSM system will store the operating
mode running when the engine was
stopped. Each time the engine is started,
the operating mode stored previously will
be recalled and used.
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
SYSTEM
54) 55) 56) 57) 58) 59)
19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27)
This is a driving assistance system
composed of a radar located behind the
front bumper fig. 68 and a camera
located in the central part of the
windscreen fig. 69.In the event of an imminent collision the
system intervenes by automatically
braking the vehicle to prevent the crash
or reduce its effects.
The system provides the driver with
acoustic and visual signals through
specific messages on the instrument
panel display.
The system may lightly brake to warn the
driver if a possible frontal accident isdetected (limited braking). Signals and
limited braking are intended to allow the
driver to react promptly, in order to
prevent or reduce the effects of a
potential accident.
In situations with the risk of collision, if
the system detects no intervention by
the driver, it provides automatic braking
to help slow the vehicle and mitigate the
potential frontal collision (automatic
braking). If intervention by the driver on
the brake pedal is detected but not
deemed sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve the
reaction of the braking system, therefore
reducing vehicle speed further
(additional assistance in braking stage).
The system will intervene automatically
in case of imminent collision or impact
against a pedestrian crossing the road
(speed under 30 mph (50 km/h)).
IMPORTANT For safety reasons, when
the car has stopped, the brake callipers
may remain blocked for about 2 seconds.
Make sure you press the brake pedal if
the vehicle moves slightly forwards.
Engagement/disengagement
The Forward Collision Warning system
can be deactivated (and then reactivated)
via the Connect system. To access the
function, on the main menu select the
6806016S0003EM
6906016S0004EM
71

following items in sequence: "Settings",
"Safety", "Forward Collision Warning" and
"Status".
The system can be deactivated even with
the ignition device ON.
IMPORTANT The system status can be
changed with vehicle at a standstill only.
Activation/deactivation
The Forward Collision Warning system is
activated whenever the engine is started
regardless of that shown on the Connect
system.
Following a deactivation, the system will
not warn the driver about the possible
collision with the preceding vehicle,
regardless of the setting selected with
the Connect system.
IMPORTANT Each time the engine is
started, the system is activated
regardless of where was when it was
previously switched off.
This function is not active at a speed
lower than 4 mph (7 km/h) or higher than
125 mph (200 km/h).
The system is active when:
each time the engine is started;
is active (ON) on the Connect system;
the ignition device is at ON;
the vehicle speed is between 4 (7) and
125 mph (200 km/h);
the front seat belts are fastened;
the "Alfa DNA™ Pro" selector is not in
RACE position (where present).
Changing the system sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be
changed through the Connect system
menu, choosing from one of the following
three options: "Near", "Med" or "Far". See
the description in the Connect system
supplement for how to change the
settings.
The pre-set option is "Med". With this
setting, the system warns the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front
when that vehicle is at a standard
distance, between that of the other two
settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far",
the system will warn the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front
when that vehicle is at a greater distance,
thus providing the possibility of acting on
the brakes more lightly and gradually.
This setting provides the drivers with the
maximum possible reaction time to
prevent a potential accident.
With the option set to "Near", the system
will warn the driver of a possible collision
with the vehicle in front when that vehicle
is close. This setting offers the driver a
lower reaction time compared to the
"Med" and "Far" settings, in the event of a
potential collision, but permits more
dynamic driving of the vehicle.The system sensitivity setting is kept in
the memory when the engine is switched
off.
System limited operation signal
If the dedicated message is displayed, a
condition limiting the system operation
may have occurred. The possible reasons
of this limitation are something blocking
the camera view or a fault.
In this condition it will still be possible to
drive the car normally, but automatic
braking will not be available in the event
of an impending collision.
If an obstruction is signalled, clean the
area of the windscreen indicated in
fig. 69.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to normal
and complete operation. Should the fault
persist, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
System failure signalling
If the system switches off and a
dedicated message is shown on the
display, it means that there is a fault on
the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the
vehicle, but you are advised to contact an
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
72
SAFETY