
If an obstruction is signaled, clean the
area of the windshield.
Although the vehicle can still be driven in
normal conditions, the system may be not
completely available.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to normal
and complete operation. Should the fault
persist, contact your authorized dealer.
System Failure Signaling
If the system turns off and a dedicated
message is shown on the display, it
means that there is a fault with the
system.
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 function of this system can also be
temporarily reduced 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 reflectivetiles or ice or snow). When the conditions
limiting the system functions end, it will
go back to normal and complete
operation.
In certain 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
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 frequently, even
in the absence of atmospheric conditions
such as snow, rain, mud or other
obstructions, contact your 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 your 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 this function is selected, the brakes are
operated to reduce the speed of the
vehicle in the event of potential collision.
This function applies an additional
braking pressure if the braking pressure
applied by the driver does not suffice to
prevent potential collision.
The function is active with speed above
4 mph (7 km/h).
Driving In Special Conditions
In certain driving conditions, system
intervention might be unexpected or
delayed. The driver must therefore be
very careful, keeping control of the
vehicle.
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 traveling at right angles to the
vehicle.
Note: In particularly complex traffic
conditions, the driver can deactivate the
system manually through the Information
and Entertainment System.
97

The steering wheel hub trim cover and
the upper passenger side of the
instrument panel separate and fold out of
the way as the air bags inflate to their full
size. The front air bags fully inflate in less
time than it takes to blink your eyes. The
front air bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front
passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect
the knees of the driver and front
passenger, and position the front
occupants for improved interaction with
the front air bags.
Warning!
Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee
impact bolsters in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the knee
impact bolsters such as alarm lights,
stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
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
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air
Bags (SABs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air
Bags (SABs) are located in the outboard
side of the front seats. The SABs are
marked with a “SRS AIRBAG” or
“AIRBAG” on a label or on the seat trim on
the outboard side of the seats.
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of
occupant injury during certain side
impacts, 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.
06096S0102NADriver Knee Air Bag
06096S0103NAFront Passenger Knee Air Bag06106S0004EMFront Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side
Air Bag
111

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
“Jump 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, push 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
It is recommended before switching the
vehicle off, to keep the engine 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.
134
STARTING AND OPERATING

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 center 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
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 system with the traditional
automatic transmissions with built-in
torque converter. For further
information, refer to the “Stop/Start”
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.
Caution!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
137

ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION
(AAS)
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.
If the system fails, the following symbol
will appear in the instrument cluster
display
.
STOP/START SYSTEM
Stop/Start System
The Stop/Start system automatically
shuts off the engine during a vehicle stop if
the required conditions are met. Releasing
the brake pedal or accelerator pedal will
automatically restart the engine.
The function was developed to increase
vehicle efficiency by reducing fuel
consumption, gas emissions, and sound
pollution.
Operating Mode
Stopping the Engine
With vehicle at a standstill and brake
pedal pressed, the engine switches off if
the gear selector is in a position other
than REVERSE (R).
The system does not operate when the
gear selector is in REVERSE (R), in order
to making parking maneuvers easier.
In the event of stops uphill, engine
switching off is disabled to make the
"Hill Start Assist" function available
(works only with running engine).
NOTE: The engine can only be
automatically stopped after having run at
about 6 mph (10 km/h). After an
automatic restart, the vehicle only needs
to exceed a speed of 0.3 mph (0.5 km/h)
to stop the engine.
Engine stopping is signaled by the
symbol lighting up on the instrument
cluster display. Restarting the Engine
To restart the engine, release the brake
pedal.
With the brake pressed and the
transmission in automatic mode DRIVE
(D), the engine will restart by shifting
to REVERSE (R), to PARK (P) or to
"AutoStick".
With brake pressed if the gear selector is
in "AutoStick" mode, the engine will
restart by shifting to PARK (P) or by
moving the selector to + or -.
System Manual Activation/
Deactivation
To manually activate/deactivate the
system, push the button located in the
control panel on the left of the steering
wheel.
04306S0001EMAlfa Active Suspension Button
07126S0051EMStop/Start Button
146
STARTING AND OPERATING

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
system 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.
To Vary The Speed Setting
Increasing Speed
Once the system has been activated, you
can increase the speed by pushing the
SET switch upward. Each time the switch
is pushed, the speed increases by 1 mph. By pushing and holding the switch
upward, the set speed will increase in
increments of 5 mph until the switch is
released. Then, the new speed will be set.
Decreasing Speed
Once the system has been activated, you
can decrease the speed by pushing the
SET switch downward. Each time the
switch is pushed, the speed decreases
by 1 mph.
By pushing and holding the switch
downward, the set speed will decrease in
increments of 5 mph until the switch 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 Information and
Entertainment System (see dedicated
supplement).
When the unit of measurement is set
to Metric, pushing and holding the SET
switch will adjust the speed 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 shift 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.
Accelerating When Overtaking
When driving with ACC activated and
following a vehicle, the system will
provide an additional acceleration up to
the ACC set speed to assist in passing the
vehicle. This additional acceleration is
triggered when the driver utilizes the left
turn signal and will only be active when
passing on the left hand side.
The system detects the direction of
traffic automatically when the vehicle
passes from left-hand traffic to
right-hand traffic. In this case, the
overtaking assist function is only active
when the reference vehicle is overtaken
on the right. The additional acceleration
is deactivated when the driver uses the
right direction indicator and returns to
the original lane.
154
STARTING AND OPERATING

If several obstacles are detected
simultaneously in the front and rear area,
the display will show all of them,
regardless of the area in which they were
detected.
In general, the vehicle is closer to the
obstacle when a single or several flashing
arcs are shown on the display and the
acoustic signal becomes continuous.
It is not possible to exit from the display
screen while the vehicle is in REVERSE.
Fault Indication
Parking sensor faults, if any, will be
indicated by a message on the display on
the instrument cluster. Refer to "Warning
Lights And Messages" in "Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel" for further
information.
Messages On The Display
In case of system failure, a dedicated
message appears on the instrument
cluster for about five seconds.
Cleaning The Front Or Rear Sensors:
If the display shows a message requiring
the sensors to be cleaned, make sure that
the outer surface and the underside of
the front and rear bumpers are free of
debris (e.g. snow, mud, ice, etc.). Once
these areas are clear, cycle the ignition to
STOP. Then, return it to ON mode. If the
message is still displayed, contact you
authorized dealer.
Audio System Not Available : If the
display shows a message that the audio
system is not available, it means that the
acoustic signal will be emitted by the
instrument panel, and not through the
vehicles speakers.
Note: Some conditions may influence
the performance of the Park Sensors
System:
Reduced sensor sensitivity could be
due to the presence of ice, snow, mud, or
thick paint on the surface of the sensor.
The sensors may detect a false
obstacle (echo interference) due to
mechanical interference, for example
when washing the vehicle or in extreme
weather.
The signals sent by the sensors can
be altered by the presence of ultrasonic
systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems
of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
vehicle.
System performance can be
influenced by the position of the
sensors. For example, due to a change in
the ride setting (caused by wear to the
shock absorbers or suspension), by
changing tires, overloading the vehicle or
operations that require the vehicle to be
lowered.
Be sure not to place bumper stickers
or other adhesives over the sensors as
this will affect system performance.
Warning!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the Parking Sensor system.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or
blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for the safety of your
surroundings and must continue to pay
attention while backing up. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
Caution!
The Parking Sensor system is only a
parking aid and it is unable to recognize
every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected
or not detected at all. Obstacles located
above or below the sensors will not be
detected when they are in close proximity
The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using the Parking Sensor system in order to
be able to stop in time when an obstacle is
detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using the
Parking Sensor system.
160
STARTING AND OPERATING

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
(LDW) SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The Lane Departure Warning system uses
a forward looking camera located on the
windshield to detect lane markings and
measure vehicle position within the lane
boundaries.
When one or both lane limits are detected
and the vehicle passes over one without
an activated turn signal, the system emits
a visual as well as an audible signal.
If the vehicle continues to go beyond the
line of the lane without any intervention
from the driver, the surpassed line will
light up on the display (left or right) to
urge the driver to bring the vehicle back
into the limits of the lane.
Caution!
Do not tamper with nor operate on the
camera. Do not close the openings in the
aesthetic cover located under the interior
rear view mirror. In the event of a failure of
the camera, contact your authorized dealer.
The camera may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such
as: heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow,
formation of ice layers on the windshield.
Camera operation may also be
compromised by the presence of dust,
condensation, dirt or ice on the windshield, by traffic conditions (e.g. vehicles that are
driving not aligned with yours, vehicle
driving in a transverse or opposite way on
the same lane, bend with a small radius of
curvature), by road surface conditions and
by driving conditions (e.g. off-road driving).
Make sure the windshield is always clean.
Use specific detergents and clean cloths to
avoid scratching the windshield. The camera
operation may also be limited or absent in
some driving, traffic and road surface
conditions.
If the windshield must be replaced due to
scratches, chipping or breakage, contact
exclusively your authorized dealer. Do not
replace the windshield on your own. It is
advisable to replace the windshield if it is
damaged in the area of the camera.
System Activation/Deactivation
The system is activated/deactivated by
pushing the button located on the end of
the multifunction lever. Note:
When the engine is started, the
system maintains the operating mode
that was selected when it was turned
OFF.
Activation Conditions
Once turned on, the system becomes
active only if the following conditions are
met:
The vehicle speed is above 37 mph
(60 km/h).
The lane limit lines are visible at least
on one side.
There are suitable visibility conditions.
The road is straight or with wide radius
bends.
A suitable distance is kept from the
vehicle in front.
The turn signal is not active.
07226S0001EMLane Departure Warning System Activation/Deactivation Button
161