
STARTING AND OPERATING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle, and
see how you can explore its fullest
potential. We’ll look at how to drive
safely in any situation, making it a
welcome companion with our comfort
and wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE........132
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE ........135
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .....137
ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR ......143
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION (AAS) . .146
STOP/START SYSTEM .........146
SPEED LIMITER .............148
SPEED CONTROL
(CRUISE CONTROL) ..........149
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC) — IF EQUIPPED .........151
PARK SENSORS SYSTEM .......158
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .......161
REAR BACK-UP CAMERA / DYNAMIC
GRIDLINES .............. .163
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .......165
VEHICLE LOADING ...........166
TRAILER TOWING ............167
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING .....168
131

STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting the engine, be sure to
adjust the seat, the interior rear view
mirrors, and the door mirrors, and fasten
the seat belt correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal before
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown in the
display.
Warning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
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. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat
build-up may cause serious injury or death.
Starting Procedure
Proceed as follows:
1. Apply the electric park brake and set
the gear selector to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N).
2. Fully depress the brake pedal without
touching the accelerator.
3. Briefly push the ignition button.
4. If the engine doesn't start within a
few seconds, you need to repeat the
procedure.
If the problem persists, contact an
authorized dealer.
Warning!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result in flash fire causing serious personal
injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your
vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission cannot be
started this way. Unburned fuel could enter
the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
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.
Remote Starting System
This system uses the key fob to start the
engine conveniently from outside the
vehicle while still maintaining security.
The system has a range of at least
300 feet (91 meters).
The remote starting system also
activates the climate control
(if equipped), the heated seats
(if equipped), and the heated steering
wheel (if equipped), depending on
temperatures outside and inside of
the vehicle.
Note:
Obstructions between the vehicle
and key fob may reduce this range.
132
STARTING AND OPERATING

How to use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be
met before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK (P).
Doors closed.
Hood closed.
Trunk closed.
Hazard switch off.
Brake switch inactive (brake pedal not
pressed).
Battery at an acceptable charge level.
PANIC button not pushed.
System not disabled from previous
remote start event.
Vehicle alarm system indicator
flashing.
Ignition in the OFF mode.
Fuel level meets minimum requirement.
Remote Start Comfort Systems —
If Equipped
When Remote Start is activated, the
heated steering wheel and driver heated
seat features will automatically turn on in
cold weather.
These features will stay on through the
duration of remote start also until the
ignition is cycled to the ON/RUN mode. Remote Start Windshield Wiper De–Icer
Activation — If Equipped
When remote start is active and the
outside ambient temperature is less than
39°F (4°C), the Windshield Wiper De-Icer
will be enabled. Exiting remote start will
resume previous operation, except if the
Windshield Wiper De-Icer is active.
The Windshield Wiper De-Icer timer and
operation will continue.
Extended Park Starting
If the vehicle has not been started or
driven for at least 35 days, it is advisable
to follow the indications below.
To start the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Briefly push the ignition button
2. If the engine does not start, wait five
seconds and let the starter cool down and
then repeat the starting procedure
3. If the engine does not start after eight
attempts, let the starter cool down for at
least 10 seconds, and then repeat the
starting procedure
If the problem persists, contact your
authorized dealer.
Note:
After prolonged vehicle inactivity,
very difficult starting, that can be noticed
through rapid fatigue of the starter,
might also be due to a discharged
battery. In this case, see the "Jump
Starting" section in the "In Case Of
Emergency" chapter.
If Engine Fails To Start
Starting the Engine with Key Fob
Battery Run Down or Drained
If the ignition does not respond when the
button is pushed, the key fob battery
might be run down or drained. Therefore,
the system does not detect the presence
of the key fob in the vehicle, and will
display a dedicated message.
In this case, follow the instructions
outlined in "Starting With A Discharged
Key Fob Battery" in the "Getting To Know
Your Vehicle" chapter, and start the
engine normally.
Warning!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result in flash fire causing serious personal
injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your
vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission cannot be
started this way. Unburned fuel could enter
the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.
133

NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing
for prolonged periods with the engine
running. The engine may be started in this
range. Apply the electric park brake and
shift the transmission into PARK (P) if you
must leave the vehicle.
Warning!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving
conditions.
Shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or
REVERSE (R) modes must take place
only after releasing the accelerator
pedal, with vehicle at a standstill and
brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic
engagement of the most suitable gears
for driving needs and maximum fuel
economy in terms of consumption.
In this position, the transmission shifts
the gears automatically, selecting the
most suitable for forward driving among
those available as you go. In this way the
vehicle's optimal driving characteristics
are provided for all conditions.AutoStick
In the case of frequent shifting (e.g. for
sport driving, when the vehicle is driven
with a heavy load or on slopes), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, the use of a lower
gear improves vehicle performance,
preventing overheating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D)
mode to sequential mode regardless of
vehicle speed.
Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D), move the
selector to the left (– and + indication of
the trim) to activate the sequential drive
mode. The gear engaged will be shown on
the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear
selector forwards, towards symbol – or
backwards, towards symbol +.
Steering Column Mounted Shift
Paddles
The gear can also be manually shifted by
using the paddles behind the steering
wheel. Pull the right paddle (+) toward the
steering wheel and release it to engage a
higher gear, and perform the same
operation with the left paddle (-) to
engage a lower gear.
Note:
If only one manual shift is
necessary, the letter (D) will remain on
the display with the engaged gear next
to it.
Deactivation
To deactivate the sequential driving
mode, bring the gear selector back in
position DRIVE (D) ("automatic" driving
mode).
Warning!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
07076S0006EMSteering Wheel Shift Paddles
140
STARTING AND OPERATING

ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR
Alfa DNA Pro System
This vehicle is equipped with a Alfa DNA
Pro system selector (located on the
center console). There are four modes of
operation to be selected according to
driving style and road conditions:
d = Dynamic (sports driving mode).
n = Natural (mode for driving in normal
conditions).
a = Advanced Efficiency (ECO driving
mode for maximum fuel savings).
RACE = track race driving mode.
= Adjusts the calibration of the
active suspension.
Unlike the other modes, the RACE
position does not latch; therefore, by
rotating the selector to RACE, it will
return to its initial position "d". The symbol of the active mode lights up
in red on the selector.
On the instrument panel display, the
different modes are characterized by
different colors:
Natural - Blue
Dynamic - Red
Advanced Efficiency - Green
RACE - Yellow
Each driving mode is graphically different
in frame color and contents of each
individual "performance" screen.
Driving Modes
"Natural" Mode
“Natural” Mode is characterized by
engine and transmission: standard
response. Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to
the letter "n", the displays light up in blue.
The "Performance" screen graphically
reproduces some parameters closely
linked to the efficiency of the driving
style, with a view to limiting consumption.
07076S0004EMAlfa DNA Pro System Selector
07076S0003EMMode Display
07116S0002EMNatural Mode
07116S0001EMNatural Mode Performance Display
143

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

REFUELING THE VEHICLE
Refueling The Vehicle
Before refueling, make sure that the fuel
type is correct.
Also, stop the engine before refueling.
Note:An inefficient catalytic converter
leads to harmful exhaust emissions, thus
contributing to air pollution.
Caution!
Never introduce leaded fuel to the tank,
even in small amounts in an emergency, as
this would damage the catalytic converter
beyond repair.
Refueling Capacity
To ensure that you fill the tank
completely, top off twice after the first
click of the fuel nozzle.
Further top-off could cause faults in the
fuel feeding system.
Refueling Procedure
The fuel filler door is unlocked when the
central door locking system is unlocked.
It is automatically locked when the
central locking system is applied. Opening The Fuel Filler Door
To refuel proceed as follows:
1. Open fuel filler door by pressing on
the point shown by the arrow.
2. Remove the fuel filler cap.
3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the
filler pipe.
4. When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts
off, before removing the nozzle, wait for
at least 10 seconds in order for the fuel
to flow inside the tank.
5. Remove the fuel filler nozzle, tighten
the gas cap about ¼ turn until you hear
one click. This is an indication that cap is
properly tightened.
The label indicates the fuel type
(UNLEADED FUEL = gasoline).
Emergency Fuel Door Opening
In the event of an emergency the fuel
filler door can be opened by operating
from inside the trunk.
Proceed as follows:
1. Open the trunk and locate the
emergency fuel filler release cap on the
inside lining.
2. Open the cap, and pull the cord inside
to unlock the fuel filler door.
3. Open the fuel filler door by pressing
on it (see the previous instructions).
07206S0001EMFuel Door
07206S0002EMFuel Door Label
165

Warning!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped
into a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
Note: If the filler compartment is
washed with a pressure washer, keep it at
a distance of at least 8 inches (20 cm).
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration regulations, your
vehicle has a certification label affixed to
the driver's side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of
manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the
Month, Day and Hour of manufacture.
The bar code that appears on the bottom
of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle including driver,
passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum
capacities of front and rear axle systems
(GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not
exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the
allowable load weight a truck can carry,
including the weight of the driver, all
passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
load on the front and rear axles. The load
must be distributed in the cargo area so
that the GAWR of each axle is not
exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the
components in the system with the
lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or
suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased
durability does not necessarily increase
the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification
Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be
equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for
the tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for
your vehicle for all loading conditions up
to full GAWR.
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STARTING AND OPERATING