2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider automatic transmission

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
road conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING
may result in 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
transmission control panel (it is not necessary to press
the brake pedal). The transmission will engage the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s speed.
Acoustic Signal
If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system acti-
vates 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
follows:
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 pushing 1 or R.
(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just
driving.)
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake pedal.
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.
146 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 indi-
cation on the display.
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.
Alfa DNA Mode Selector
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

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. Con-
sequently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,
move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and hold for half
a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up
and the Natural mode activation indication will appear
on the display.
Race Mode
Activation
Starting in Dynamic mode, move the Alfa DNA system
lever upwards (to the letter “D”) and hold in this
position for five 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).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regu-
lation (ASR) systems:
These 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. To deactivate
the ESC and ASR systems, reactivate Race mode.
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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 149

WARNING!(Continued)
in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety of others.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the handling
characteristics of your vehicle, and may nega-
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
Changes to the steering system, suspension, brak-
ing system, tire type and size or wheel size may
adversely affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also de-
grade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifica-
tion or poor vehicle maintenance that reduces the
effectiveness of the ESC system can increase the
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
The ESC system uses sensors installed on the vehicle to
determine the trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the vehicles effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory deviates from the
desired trajectory, the ESC system intervenes to counter
the vehicles 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.
This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control
System (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC),
AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA),
ELECTRONIC Q2 system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake
(RAB). All of the systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving condi-
tions, and are commonly referred to as ESC.
System Activation
The ESC system activates automatically when the en-
gine is started and can only be deactivated by selecting
Race mode. Refer to the Six-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch
Transmission in this section for further information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 157

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 fol-
lowing 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 gradi-
ent 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 re-
leasing the braking pressure. During this release stage,
the typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that
the vehicle is going to move imminently, can be heard.
NOTE:
•HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.
• 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 increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 161

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifi-
cations, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing
the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan motor
lead before working near the radiator cooling fan.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
• Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may start
at any time, whether the engine is running or not.
• When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...........233
Adding Fuel ............................193
Adding Washer Fluid .....................227
Additives, Fuel ..........................191
AirBag................................36 Air Bag Operation ......................38
Driver Knee Air Bag .....................39
Enhanced Accident Response ..............212
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............212
If A Deployment Occurs ..................41
Knee Impact Bolsters ....................38
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ...........44
Air Bag Light ........................57, 103
Air Bag Maintenance ......................44
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . .221
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................223
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............223, 224
Air Conditioning System ...................223
Air Pressure, Tires ........................174
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............12
Alfa DNA System (Dynamic Car Control System) ........................147
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission ...........142, 216
Fluid Type ........................240, 265 Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
..............6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............232, 263
Capacities .......................... .263
Disposal ............................ .234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...............158
Appearance Care ........................240
Automatic Door Locks .....................19
Automatic Transaxle ........................9
Automatic Transmission ...................142
Fluid Type .......................... .265
Auto Unlock, Doors .......................19
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ........89
Battery ............................105, 222
Charging System Light ..................105
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ..............16
Belts, Seat ..............................56
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................224
B-Pillar Location ........................ .168
Brake

Fluid ............................265
Brake, Parking ..........................154
Brakes ............................... .236
Brake System ........................156, 236
Anti-Lock (ABS) .......................158
Master Cylinder .......................236
284 INDEX

Safety Tips..............................55
Schedule, Maintenance ....................268
Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ..........32
Energy Management Feature ...............32
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ..............29
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................27
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ..............31
Pregnant Women .......................31
Seat Belt Pretensioner ....................32
Seat Belt Reminder ......................25
Seat Belt Maintenance .....................246
Seat Belt Reminder ........................25
Seat Belts ............................25, 56
Child Restraint .........................46
Front Seat .......................25, 27, 29
Inspection ............................56
Operating Instructions ...................29
Pregnant Women .......................31
Pretensioners ..........................32
Rear Seat .............................27
Reminder ............................103
Untwisting Procedure ....................31
Seats ..................................71
Adjustment ........................ .71, 72Reclining
.............................72
Security Alarm ...........................12
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ....................11
Service Assistance ........................278
Service Contract ........................ .279
Service Manuals ........................ .281
Shoulder Belts ...........................27
Signals, Turn ........................ .59, 113
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ..................183
Snow Tires ............................ .177
Spare Tire ....................177, 178, 179, 180
Spark Plugs ............................264
Speed Control Accel/Decel ...........................86
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...............83
Starting ...............................140
Automatic Transmission .................140
Cold Weather ........................ .141
Engine Fails To Start ....................141
Steering Column Lock..........................

82
Tilt Column ...........................82
Wheel, Tilt ............................82
Storage ...............................251
Storage, Vehicle ........................ .251
10
INDEX 291