
speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift
from 1 to R (or R to 1) will only be allowed if the
vehicle speed drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h)
threshold within three seconds of the request; other-
wise, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL (N).
The driver should then repeat the request for 1st or R
once the vehicle has come to a stop.
Shift Paddles
In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission
shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to
the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will
downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is
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 pro-
longed periods with the engine running. Always apply
the parking brake if you must exit 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), push-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless
of whether the brake pedal is pressed.
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 min-
utes. •
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.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 137

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
Regulation (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
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 139

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
Regulation (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.
NOTE:
In Race mode, the sensitivity of the accelerator
pedal increases considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...........209
Adding Fuel ........................... .149
Adding Washer Fluid .....................196
Additives, Fuel ......................... .248
AirBag .............................. .104
Air Bag Operation .....................106
Air Bag Warning Light ..................103
Driver Knee Air Bag ....................107
Enhanced Accident Response ..............184
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............184
If A Deployment Occurs .................110
Knee Impact Bolsters ....................106
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ...........113
Transporting Pets ..................... .122
Air Bag Light .....................71, 103, 124
Air Bag Maintenance ......................113
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . .201
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................202
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............202, 203
Air Conditioning System ...................202
Air Filter ............................. .201
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... .227
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............20
Alfa DNA System (Dynamic Car Control System) .138
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission............77, 133 Fluid Type
....................... .216, 254
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ..............6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............208, 252
Capacities .......................... .252
Disposal .............................211
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................82
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................74
Automatic Transaxle .......................17
Automatic Transmission ...................133
Fluid Type .......................... .254
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ........50
Battery ............................ .71, 199
Charging System Light ...................71
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ..............16
Belts, Seat ............................. .124
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................203
B-Pillar
Location ........................ .222
Brake Fluid ........................... .254
Brake, Parking ......................... .131
Brake System ....................... .212, 248
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................82
Master Cylinder ...................... .212
Parking ............................ .131
Warning Light .........................69
266 INDEX

Safety Tips............................ .123
Schedule, Maintenance ....................187
Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) .........101
Energy Management Feature ..............100
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ..............97
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................95
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ..............99
Pregnant Women ..................... .100
Seat Belt Pretensioner ...................100
Seat Belt Reminder ......................94
Seat Belt Maintenance .....................242
Seat Belt Reminder ........................94
Seat Belts .......................... .93, 124
Child Restraint ........................114
Front Seat ...................... .93, 95, 97
Inspection .......................... .124
Operating Instructions ...................97
Pregnant Women ..................... .100
Pretensioners ........................ .100
Rear Seat .............................95
Reminder ............................71
Untwisting Procedure ....................99
Seats ..................................24
Adjustment ...........................24 Easy Entry
............................24
Heated ..............................24
Memory .............................24
Rear Folding ..........................24
Reclining .............................25
Seatback Release .......................24
Tilting ...............................24
Vented ...............................24
Ventilated ............................24
Security Alarm ...........................20
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ...................19
Service Assistance ....................... .260
Service Contract ........................ .262
Service Manuals ........................ .264
Shoulder Belts ...........................95
Signals, Turn ........................ .76, 126
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ..................237
Snow Tires ............................ .233
Spar
e Tire ......................... .233, 235
Spark Plugs ........................... .253
Speed Control Accel/Decel ......................... .145
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...............143
Starting .............................. .129
Automatic Transmission .................129
12
INDEX 273

TransaxleAutomatic ............................17
Transmission .......................... .133
Automatic .......................... .133
Fluid .............................. .215
Maintenance ......................... .215
Transporting Pets ....................... .122
Tread Wear Indicators .....................230
Turn Signals .............................76
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................238
Unleaded Gasoline ...................... .248
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt ...............99
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ...........246
Vehicle Loading ........................ .223
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ..............6
Vehicle Security Alarm (Security Alarm) .........20
Vehicle Storage ......................... .240Warning Flasher, Hazard
...................156
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .75
Warnings And Cautions .....................6
Warranty Information .....................263
Washer Adding Fluid ........................ .196
Washers, Windshield .......................34
Washing Vehicle ........................ .241
Water Driving Through ...................... .153
Wheel And Wheel Trim ....................236
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ................236
Windows ...............................42
Power ...............................42
Windshield Defroster ..................... .124
Windshield Washers .......................34
Windshield Wiper Blades ...................204
Windshield Wipers ........................34
Wiper Blade Replacement ..................204
Wipers, Intermittent .......................34
12
INDEX 275