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
Display
The following information is shown on the
dedicated area of the display:
In Automatic Mode: the active mode
(P, R, N, D) and with "D" the current gear
number.
In Manual Drive Mode (Sequential) :
the mode (M), the current gear and the
double or single gear shift request, both
up and down (single or double arrow).
Gear Selector
The gear functioning is controlled by the
gear selector, which can assume the
following positions:
P = PARK
R = REVERSE
N = NEUTRAL
D= DRIVE, (automatic forward speed)
AutoStick: + manually shift to higher
gear; – manually shift to lower gear
The positions diagram is illustrated on
the top of the gear selector.
The letter corresponding to the mode
selected on the gear selector lights up
and appears on the instrument cluster
display.
To select a mode, move the gear selector
forward or backwards, together with
pressing the brake pedal and button to
engage REVERSE (R). The gear selector is a joystick style
shifting mechanism which returns to the
center position automatically. It can be
pushed forward twice and rearward
twice, based on the starting condition.
The PARK (P) mode can be enabled/
disabled by pushing the PARK (P) button.
To transition the vehicle into REVERSE
(R) mode from DRIVE (D) mode, or into
DRIVE (D) mode from REVERSE (R)
mode, it is necessary to move the gear
selector by pushing the gear selector
button.
When using AutoStick, activate it by
moving the gear selector from DRIVE (D)
to the left and then forward toward the -
symbol or backward toward the + symbol
and the gear is changed.
07076S0001EMGear Display
07076S0002EMGear Selector Center Console
1 — Gear Selector
2 — PARK (P) Button
07076S0005EMGear Selector
3 — Gear Selector Button
138
STARTING AND OPERATING
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
This system enhances driving comfort
while on the highway or out of town with
light traffic.
If the sensor does not detect a vehicle
ahead, the system will maintain a fixed
set speed.
If the sensor detects a vehicle ahead, the
system automatically intervenes by
braking (or accelerating) slightly in order
not to exceed the original set speed, so
that the vehicle keeps the preset
distance, seeking to adapt to the speed
of the vehicle ahead.
Note:
Adaptive Cruise Control
performance is not guaranteed under the
following circumstances, and it is
recommended to turn the system off
when:
Driving in fog, heavy rain, or snow.
Driving in heavy traffic or
construction zones.
Driving on icy, snowy, slippery roads,
roads with steep climbs and descents, or
roads with numerous turns and bends.
Entering a turn lane.
When circumstances do not allow
safe driving at a constant speed.
Warning!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a
convenience system. It is not a substitute
for active driving involvement. It is always
the driver’s responsibility to be attentive
of road, traffic, and weather conditions,
vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead;
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 and
death or serious personal injury.
The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming
vehicles, and stationary objects (e.g., a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled
vehicle).
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather
conditions into account, and may be limited
upon adverse sight distance conditions.
Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in wrong
or missing distance warnings.
Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following a target vehicle and hold the
vehicle for approximately 3 minutes in the
stop position. If the target vehicle does not
start moving within 3 minutes the parking
brake will be activated, and the ACC system
will be canceled.
You should switch off the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway
construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have
steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
Activation/Deactivation
The system has four operating states:
Enabled (speed not set)
Activated (speed set)
Paused
Deactivated
Enabling/Activating
To enable the system, push and release
the
button located on the left side on
the steering wheel.
06016S0004EMWindshield Camera Location
152
STARTING AND OPERATING
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as
the total weight of the vehicle with all
fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no
occupants or cargo loaded into the
vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your
vehicle on a commercial scale before any
occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of
the front and rear of your vehicle at the
ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready
for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed
on a commercial scale to insure that the
GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the
vehicle should then be determined
separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and
rear axle. Weighing the vehicle may show
that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total
load is within the specified GVWR.If so, weight must be shifted from front
to rear or rear to front as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are
met. Store the heavier items down low
and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely
before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have
an adverse effect on the way your vehicle
steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.Caution!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing is not recommended for
this vehicle.
167
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Have a flat tire or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem such as these may
interfere with your driving experience.
The section on emergencies can help you
to deal with critical situations
independently.
In an emergency, we recommend that you
call the phone number found in the
Warranty Book.
You may also consider contacting an
authorized dealer.HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS.....172
BULB REPLACEMENT .........172
FUSES .................. .177
TIRE SERVICE KIT ............183
JUMP STARTING ............186
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY .....188
ENGINE OVERHEATING ........189
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . .190
TOW EYES ............... .191
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) .............192
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) . . .192
171