2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Owner's Manual

SAFETY
This very important section describes
the safety systems that your vehicle is
equipped with, and provides instructions
on how to use them correctly.ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS......104
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS . . .107
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .117
SAFETY TIPS ............. .141
103

ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
Traction Control System (TCS)
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
Hill Start Assist (HSA) System
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
System
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) System
For system operation, see the following
pages.
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System
An integral part of the braking system,
the ABS prevents one or more wheels
from locking and slipping in all road
surface conditions, regardless of the
intensity of the braking action. The
system ensures that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking, allowing the driver to optimize
stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions where locking may be
more frequent. The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, such as in a corner.
The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system works with the ABS,
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System Intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake-By-Wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the command given by
pressing the brake pedal is not
transmitted hydraulically, but electrically.
Therefore, the light pulsation that is felt
on the pedal with the traditional system
is no longer noticeable.Warning!
The ABS contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio
transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified
professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead to a
collision. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal
when you need to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Some models of this vehicle are equipped
with an All-Wheel Drive system (AWD),
which offers an optimal drive for
countless driving conditions and road
surfaces. The system reduces tire
slipping to a minimum, automatically
redistributing the torque to the front and
rear wheels as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the vehicle with
AWD automatically passes to rear-wheel
drive (RWD) when the road and
environmental conditions are such that
they wouldn't cause the tires to slip.
When the road and environmental
conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically switches to AWD
mode.
104
SAFETY

Note:
There may be a brief delay in shifting
to AWD mode after a tire slipping event
occurs.
If the system failure symbol switches
on, after starting the engine or while
driving, it means that the AWD system is
not working properly. If the warning
message activates frequently, it is
recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the vehicle in
various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the path that
the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the vehicle’s effective
path. When the real path deviates from
the desired path, the ESC system
intervenes to counter the vehicle’s
understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer occurs when the vehicle is turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
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.
Warning!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (hydroplaning), and acceleration on
one or both drive wheels on roads that
are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the Brake Limited
Differential (BLD) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behavior of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping.
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.
105

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
that facilitates starting on slopes,
activating automatically in the following
cases:
Uphill: the vehicle is stationary on a
road with a gradient higher than 5%, the
engine is running, the brake is pressed,
and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N)
or a gear other than REVERSE (R) is
engaged.
Downhill: the vehicle is stationary on a
road with a gradient higher than 5%, the
engine is running, the brake is pressed,
and the transmission is in REVERSE (R). When starting from a stop, 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.
The system will automatically deactivate
after two seconds without starting,
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 vehicle.
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.
106
SAFETY

Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) System
The DST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations for example (braking
on surfaces with different grip
conditions), the ESC system influences
the steering through the DST function to
implement an additional torque
contribution on the steering wheel in
order to suggest the most correct
maneuver to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the safety and control
of the vehicle.
Note:The DST feature is only meant to
help the driver realize the correct course
of action through small torques on the
steering wheel, which means the
effectiveness of the DST feature is highly
dependent on the driver’s sensitivity and
overall reaction to the applied torque. It
is very important to realize that this
feature will not steer the vehicle,
meaning the driver is still responsible for
steering the vehicle.
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) System
The dynamic drive control is used to
optimize and balance the drive torque
between the wheels of the same axles.
The ATV system improves the grip in
turns, sending more drive torque to the
external wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels
of the car travel more than the internal
ones and therefore turn faster, sending a
higher thrust to the external rear wheel
allows for the car to be more stable and
to not suffer an "understeer" condition.
Understeer occurs when the vehicle is
turning less than appropriate for the
steering wheel position.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
The following auxiliary driving systems
are available in this vehicle:
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Forward Collision Warning Plus
(FCW+)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system
uses two radar sensors, located in the
rear bumper (one on each side), to detect
the presence of other vehicles in the rear
side blind spots of your vehicle.
The system warns the driver about the
presence of other vehicles in the
detection area by illuminating the
warning light located within the door
mirror on the side in which the other
vehicle was detected.
0403132303USRear Sensor Location
107

When the engine is started, the warning
light illuminates briefly to signal the
driver that the system is active.
Sensors
The sensors are activated when any
forward gear is engaged at a speed
higher than approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) or when REVERSE is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated
when the vehicle is stationary or the
vehicle is in PARK (P).
The detection area of the system covers
approximately a lane on both sides of the
vehicle which is around 9 feet (3 m).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for approximately 19 feet (6 m)
toward the rear part of the vehicle.
When the sensors are active, the system
monitors the detection areas on both
sides of the vehicle and warns the driver
about the possible presence of vehicles
in these areas.While driving, the system monitors the
detection area from three different input
points (side, rear and front) to check
whether an alert needs to be sent to the
driver. The system can detect the
presence of a vehicle in one of these
three areas.
Note:
The system does not alert the driver
of the presence of fixed objects (e.g.
safety barriers, poles, walls, etc.).
However, in some circumstances, the
system may activate in the presence of
these objects. This is normal and does
not indicate a system malfunction.
The system does not alert the driver
about the presence of vehicles coming
from the opposite direction, in the
adjacent lanes.
Warning!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an
aid to help detect objects in the blind spot
zones. The BSM system is not designed to
detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals.
Even if your vehicle is equipped with the
BSM system, always check your vehicle’s
mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use
your turn signal before changing lanes.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
Note:
For the system to operate properly,
the rear bumper area where the radar
sensors are located must stay free from
snow, ice and dirt gathered from the
road surface.
Do not cover the rear bumper area
where the radar sensors are located with
any object (e.g. adhesives, bike rack,
etc.).
If you wish to install a rear tow eye
after purchasing the vehicle, you will
need to deactivate the system via the
Information and Entertainment System.
To access the function, select the
following items in sequence on the main
menu:
1. “Settings.”
2. “Safety.”
3. “Blind Spot Alert.”
Rear View
The system detects vehicles coming from
the rear part of your vehicle on both sides
and entering the rear detection area with
a difference in speed of less than 31 mph
(50 km/h) in relation to your vehicle.0434132127USBSM Indicator Light
108
SAFETY

Overtaking Vehicles
If another vehicle is overtaken slowly,
with a difference in speed of less than
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h) and the
vehicle stays in the blind spot for
approximately 1.5 seconds, the warning
light on the door mirror of the
corresponding side illuminates.
If the difference in speed between the
two vehicles is greater than
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h), the
warning light does not illuminate.
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP)
System
This system assists the driver during
reverse maneuvers in the case of reduced
visibility.
The RCP system monitors the rear
detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle to detect objects moving toward
the sides of the vehicle, with a minimum
speed between approximately 1 mph
(1 km/h) and 2 mph (3 km/h) and objects
moving at a maximum speed of 21 mph
(35 km/h), in areas such as parking lots.
The system activation is signaled to the
driver by an audible warning.
Note:If the sensors are covered by
objects or vehicles, the system may not
work as intended.
Warning!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a
back up aid system. It is intended to be used
to help a driver detect an oncoming vehicle in
a parking lot situation. Drivers must be
careful when backing up, even when using
RCP. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check
for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before backing
up. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury or death.
Operating Mode
The system may be activated/
deactivated via the Information and
Entertainment System. To access the
function, select the following items on
the main menu in sequence:
1. “Settings.”
2. “Safety.”
3. “Blind Spot Alert.”
"Blind Spot Alert", "Visual" Mode
When the system is enabled, the warning
light within the door mirror on the side of
the detected object illuminates.
The visual warning on the mirror will blink
if the driver activates the turn signals,
thus indicating the intention to change
lane. The warning light will be constant if the
driver stays in the same lane.
"Blind Spot Alert" Function
Deactivation
When the system is deactivated ("Blind
Spot Alert" mode off), the BSM or RCP
systems will not emit neither an acoustic
nor visual warning.
The BSM system will store the operating
mode that was active when the engine
was stopped. Each time the engine is
started, the operating mode last set will
be recalled and used.
General Information
This vehicle has systems that operate on
radio frequency that comply with Part
15 of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules and with
Industry Canada Standards RSS-
GEN/210/220/310.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. The device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of these
systems by other than an authorized
service facility could void authorization
to use this equipment.
109

Forward Collision Warning Plus (FCW+)
System
This is a driving assistance system
composed of a radar located behind the
front bumper and a camera located in the
center of the windshield.
In the event of an imminent collision, the
system intervenes by automatically
applying the vehicle’s brakes to prevent a
collision or reduce its effects.The system provides the driver with
audible and visual signals through
specific messages on the instrument
cluster display.
The system may lightly brake to warn the
driver if a possible frontal accident is
detected (limited braking). Signals and
limited braking are intended to allow the
driver to react promptly, in order to
prevent or reduce the effects of a
potential accident.
In situations with the risk of collision, if
the system detects no intervention by
the driver, it provides automatic braking
to help slow the vehicle and mitigate the
potential frontal collision (automatic
braking). If intervention by the driver on
the brake pedal is detected, but not
deemed sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve the
reaction of the braking system, therefore
reducing vehicle speed further
(additional assistance in braking stage).
The system will intervene automatically
in case of imminent collision or impact
against a pedestrian crossing the road
(speed under 31 mph (50 km/h).
Note:
For safety reasons, when the
vehicle has stopped, the brake calipers
may remain blocked for about two
seconds. Make sure you press the brake
pedal if the vehicle moves slightly
forward.Warning!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor
can FCW detect every type of potential
collision. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle via
braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.
Engagement/Disengagement
The following functions can be selected
in sequence using the Information and
Entertainment System:
1. “Settings.”
2. “Safety.”
3. “Forward Collision Warning.”
4. “Mode.”
Select from among three operating
modes:
Warning and brake : the system (if
active), in addition to the visual and
audible warnings, provides limited
braking, automatic braking and additional
assistance in braking stage, where the
driver does not brake sufficiently in the
event of a potential frontal impact.
Only warning : the system (if active),
does not provide limited braking, but
guarantees automatic braking or
additional assistance in braking stage,
0403132300USFront Bumper Radar Location
0403132301USWindshield Camera Location
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SAFETY