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.
Panic Brake Assist
(PBA) 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.
Warning!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. PBA cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities
of a PBA-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
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 two seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.
When two seconds without starting
have elapsed, 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.
Warning!
There may be situations where the Hill
Start Assist (HSA) will not activate and
slight rolling may occur, such as on minor
hills or with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer. HSA is not a substitute for
active driving involvement. It is always the
driver’s responsibility to be attentive to
distance to other vehicles, people, and
objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle under all road conditions. Your
complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your
vehicle. Failure to follow these warnings
can result in a collision or serious personal
injury.
98
SAFETY
In this case, it is still possible to drive
the vehicle, but you are advised to
contact an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Radar Indication Not Available
If conditions are such that the radar
cannot detect obstacles correctly, the
system is deactivated and a dedicated
message appears on the display. This
generally occurs in the event of poor
visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily.
The system can also be temporarily
dimmed due to obstructions such as
mud, dirt or ice on the bumper. In such
cases, a dedicated message will be
shown on the display and the system
will be deactivated. This message can
sometimes appear in conditions of high
reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with reflective
tiles or ice or snow). When the
conditions limiting the system functions
end, this will go back to normal and
complete operation.
In certain particular cases, this
dedicated message could be displayed
when the radar is not detecting any
vehicles or objects within its view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the
real reason behind this message, check
if the sensor is dirty. It could be
necessary to clean or remove any
obstructions in the area.
If the message appears often, even in
the absence of atmospheric conditions
such as snow, rain, mud or otherobstructions, contact an authorized
dealer for a sensor alignment check.
In the absence of visible obstructions,
manually removing the decorative cover
trim and cleaning the radar surface
could be required. Have this operation
performed at an authorized dealer.
Note:
It is recommended that you do
not install devices, accessories or
aerodynamic attachments in front of the
sensor or darken it in any way, as this
can compromise the correct functioning
of the system.
Frontal Collision Alarm With Active
Braking — If Equipped
If this function is selected, the brakes
are operated to reduce the speed of the
vehicle in the event of potential frontal
impact.
This function applies an additional
braking pressure if the braking pressure
applied by the driver does not suffice to
prevent potential frontal impact.
The function is active with speed above
4 mph (7 km/h).
Driving In Special Conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as,
for example:
Driving close to a bend.
The vehicle ahead is leaving a
roundabout.
Vehicles with small dimensions
and/or not aligned in the driving lane.
Lane change by other vehicles.
Vehicles travelling at right angles to
the vehicle.
System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed. The driver must
therefore be very careful, keeping
control of the vehicle to drive in
complete safety.
Note: In particularly complex traffic
conditions, the driver can deactivate the
system manually through the Connect
system.
Driving Close To A Bend
When entering or leaving a wide bend,
the system may detect a vehicle in front
you, but not driving on the same driving
lane. In cases such as these, the
system may intervene.
06016S0005EMDriving Around Wide Curves
104
SAFETY
Supplemental Driver And Front
Passenger Knee Air Bags
This vehicle is equipped with a
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
mounted in the instrument panel below
the steering column and a
Supplemental Passenger Knee Air Bag
mounted in the instrument panel below
the glove compartment. The
Supplemental Knee Air Bags provide
enhanced protection during a frontal
impact by working together with the
seat belts, pretensioners, and front air
bags.
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Your vehicle is equipped with two types
of side air bags:
1. Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side
Air Bags (SABs): Located in the
outboard side of the front seats. The
SABs are marked with a “SRS AIRBAG”
or “AIRBAG” label sewn into the
outboard side of the seats.The SABs may help to reduce the risk
of occupant injury during certain side
impacts and/or vehicle rollover events,
in addition to the injury reduction
potential provided by the seat belts and
body structure.
When the SAB deploys, it opens the
seam on the outboard side of the
seatback’s trim cover. The inflating SAB
deploys through the seat seam into the
space between the occupant and the
door. The SAB moves at a very high
speed and with such a high force that it
could injure occupants if they are not
seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the SAB
inflates. Children are at an even greater
risk of injury from a deploying air bag.
06096S0102NADriver Knee Air Bag
06096S0103NAFront Passenger Knee Air Bag06106S0004EMFront Supplemental Seat-Mounted
Side Air Bag
118
SAFETY
Warning!
Do not use accessory seat covers or place
objects between you and the Side Air
Bags; the performance could be adversely
affected and/or objects could be pushed
into you, causing serious injury.
2. Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable
Curtains (SABICs): Located above the
side windows. The trim covering the
SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or
“AIRBAG.”
SABICs may help reduce the risk of
head or other injuries to front and rear
seat outboard occupants in certain side
impacts and/or vehicle rollover events, in
addition to the injury reduction potential
provided by the seat belts and body
structure.
The SABICs deploy downward,
covering the side windows. An inflating
SABIC pushes the outside edge of the
trim out of the way and covers the
window. The SABICs inflate with
enough force to injure occupants if they
are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where
the SABICs inflate. Children are at an
even greater risk of injury from a
deploying air bag.
Warning!
Do not stack luggage or other cargo up
high enough to block the deployment of the
SABICs. The trim covering above the side
windows where the SABIC and its
deployment path are located should remain
free from any obstructions.
In order for the SABICs to work as
intended, do not install any accessory
items in your vehicle which could alter the
roof. Do not add an aftermarket sunroof to
your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or
screws) for installation on the vehicle roof.
Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle for
any reason.
The SABICs and SABs (Side Air Bags)
are designed to activate in certain side
impacts and certain rollover events. The
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
determines whether the deployment of
the Side Air Bags in a particular side impact or rollover event is appropriate,
based on the severity and type of
collision. Vehicle damage by itself is not
a good indicator of whether or not Side
Air Bags should have deployed.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the
seat belt restraint system. Side Air Bags
deploy in less time than it takes to blink
your eyes.
Warning!
Occupants, including children, who are
up against or very close to Side Air Bags
can be seriously injured or killed.
Occupants, including children, should never
lean on or sleep against the door, side
windows, or area where the side air bags
inflate, even if they are in an infant or child
restraint.
Seat belts (and child restraints where
appropriate) are necessary for your
protection in all collisions. They also help
keep you in position, away from an inflating
Side Air Bag. To get the best protection
from the Side Air Bags, occupants must
wear their seat belts properly and sit
upright with their backs against the seats.
Children must be properly restrained in a
child restraint or booster seat that is
appropriate for the size of the child.
06106S0005EMSupplemental Side Air Bag
Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Label Location
119
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a
start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Emergency Starting” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more
than 25 seconds at a time. Wait
60 seconds before trying again.
After Starting —
Warming Up The Engine
Proceed as follows:Travel slowly, letting the engine run at
a reduced RPM, without accelerating
suddenly.
It is recommended to wait until the
digital engine coolant temperature
indicator starts to rise for maximum
performance.
Stopping The Engine
To stop the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Park the vehicle in a position that is
not dangerous for oncoming traffic.
2. Engage the PARK (P) mode. 3. With engine idling, press the
START/STOP button on the steering
wheel to STOP the engine.
Note:
Do not leave the ignition in ON
mode when the engine is off.
To shut off the engine with vehicle
speed greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), you
must push and hold the ignition or push
the START/STOP button three times
consecutively within a few seconds.
The engine will shut down, and the
ignition will be placed in the ON mode
With the keyless ignition system, it is
possible to go away from the vehicle
taking the key fob with you, without the
engine switching off. The vehicle will
inform about the absence of the key on
board, only if the doors are closed.
Stopping the engine (cycling from the
ON to the STOP position) the
accessories are still powered for about
three minutes, or until a door is opened.
When the ignition is in the STOP/OFF
mode, the window switches remain
active for three minutes. Opening a
front door will cancel this function.
After severe driving, idle the engine to
allow the temperature inside the engine
compartment to cool before shutting off
the engine.
Turbocharger Cool
Down
Before switching the engine off, keep it
idling for a few minutes so that the
turbocharger can be suitably lubricated.
This procedure is particularly
recommended after severe driving.
After a full load operation, keep the
engine idling for three to five minutes
before switching it off.
This time allows the lubricating oil and
the engine coolant to eliminate the
excessive heat from combustion
chamber, bearings, inner components
and turbocharger.
137
Safe Hold
Safe Hold is a safety function that
automatically engages the electric park
brake in the event of a dangerous
condition for the vehicle.
The electric park brake engages
automatically to prevent vehicle
movement if:
The vehicle speed is below 2 mph
(3 km/h).
A transmission operating mode
different from PARK (P) is activated.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
The driver side door is open.
No attempts to apply pressure on the
brake pedal have been detected.
The “Safe Hold” function can be
temporarily disabled by pressing the
switch located on the central console
and the brake pedal at the same time,
with the vehicle stationary and the
driver side door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate
again when the vehicle speed reaches
12 mph (20 km/h) or the ignition is
cycled to STOP and then to ON.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Automatic Transmission
Operation
The vehicle can be equipped with an
electronically controlled 8-speed
automatic transmission where gear
shifting automatically takes place,
depending on the vehicle usage
instantaneous parameters (vehicle
speed, grade, and accelerator pedal
position).
The new transmission is an absolute
innovation, as it can match the
Stop/Start Evo system with the
traditional automatic transmissions with
built-in torque converter. For further
information, refer to the “Stop/Start
Evo” section within this chapter.
Manual gear shifting can still occur
thanks to the "sequential mode"
position for the gear selector.
Warning!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle. As
with all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the park
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition STOP/OFF. When the
ignition is in the STOP/OFF mode, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the STOP/OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition in
the AVV or ON mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
140
STARTING AND OPERATING
Driving Mode Deactivation
To deactivate any driving mode, simply
move the selector to any other mode.Note:
When the engine is next started, the
"Advanced Efficiency", "Dynamic" and
"Normal" mode selected previously is
retained. The system will reactivate in
"Advanced Efficiency", "Dynamic" or
"Normal" mode, depending on which
mode was selected before the engine
was stopped.
When the engine is next started, the
"Race" mode selected previously is
not retained. The system will
reactivate in "Dynamic" mode.
It is not possible to go directly from
"Dynamic" mode to "Advanced
Efficiency" mode and vice versa. You
must always activate the “Normal”
mode first and then select the other
mode.
ALFA ACTIVE
SUSPENSION (AAS)
— IF EQUIPPED
The vehicle's electronic suspension
management system is aimed at
optimizing the vehicle's performance.
The system continuously monitors the
damping of the suspension through the
actuator installed on each shock
absorber. The calibration of the shock
absorbers can be adjusted to the
conditions of the road surface and to
the dynamic conditions of the vehicle,
improving its comfort and road
handling.
The driver can choose, even while
driving, (only in "d" or "Race" mode),
between two types of suspension
calibration: a more sporty ride or a
more comfortable one.
By pushing the button, the system will
work with the shock absorber
calibration which favors driving comfort.
07116S0008EMAdvanced Efficiency Mode Performance Display
149
While the accelerator pedal is pressed,
the system will not be able to control
the distance between the vehicle and
the one ahead. In this case, the speed
will be determined only by the position
of the accelerator pedal.
The system will return to normal
operation as soon as the accelerator
pedal is released.
The systemcannotbe set:
When pressing the brake pedal.
When the brakes are overheated.
When the electric park brake has
been operated.
When either P (PARK), R (REVERSE)
or N (NEUTRAL) is engaged.
When the engine rpm is above a
maximum threshold.
When the vehicle speed is not within
the operational speed range.
When the ESC (or ABS or other
stability control systems) are operating
or have just operated.
When the ESC system is off.
When the Forward Collision Warning
Plus system (if equipped) is braking
automatically.
In the event of system failure.
When the engine is off.
In case of obstruction of the radar
sensor (in this case the bumper area
where it is located must be cleaned).
If the system is set, the conditions
described above also cause a
cancellation or deactivation of the
system. These situations may vary
according to the conditions.
Note:
The system will not be deactivated
when speeds higher than those set are
reached by pressing the accelerator
pedal above 110 mph (180 km/h). In
these situations, the system may not
work correctly and it is recommended
to deactivate it.
Changing Speed
Increasing speed
Once the system has been activated,
you can increase the speed by lifting
the SET switch. Each time it is
operated, the speed increases by
1 mph.
By holding the button up, the set speed
will increase in increments of five mph
until the button is released. Then, the
new speed will be set.
Decreasing speed
Once the system has been activated,
you can decrease the speed by
lowering the SET switch. Each time it is
operated, the speed decreases by
1 mph. By holding the button down, the set
speed will decrease in increments of
five mph until the button is released.
Then, the new speed will be set.
Note:
Moving the SET switch allows you
to adjust the speed according to the
selected unit of measurement ("US" or
"metric") set on the Connect system
(see dedicated supplement).
When the unit of measurement is
set to metric, holding the SET switch
the speed will change in 10 km/h
increments.
By keeping the accelerator pedal
depressed, the vehicle can continue to
accelerate beyond the set speed. In this
case, use the SET switch to set the
speed to the vehicle’s current speed.
When you push the SET button to
reduce the speed, the braking system
intervenes automatically if the engine
brake does not slow the vehicle down
sufficiently to reach the set speed. The
device holds the set speed uphill and
downhill; however a slight variation is
entirely normal, particularly on slight
inclines.
The transmission could change to a
lower gear when driving downhill, or
when accelerating. This is normal and
necessary to maintain the set speed.
The system will disable while driving
if the brakes overheat.
158
STARTING AND OPERATING