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........146
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED ............... .149
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE ........149
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .....152
ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR ......158
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION (AAS) . .161
STOP/START SYSTEM .........161
SPEED LIMITER .............163
SPEED CONTROL
(CRUISE CONTROL) ..........164
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) —
IF EQUIPPED .............. .166
PARK SENSORS SYSTEM .......173
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .......176
REAR BACK-UP CAMERA / DYNAMIC
GRIDLINES .............. .179
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .......180
VEHICLE LOADING ...........182
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING .....183
145
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.
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Note:Normally, the electric parking
brake is engaged automatically when the
engine is stopped. This function can be
deactivated/activated on the
Information and Entertainment system
by selecting the following items in
sequence on the main menu: "Settings",
"Driver Assistance" and "Automatic
Parking Brake".
In addition to engaging the electric park
brake, along with steering and positioning
chocks in front of the wheels (when on a
steep slope), you must always place the
vehicle in the PARK (P) mode before
leaving.
Should the vehicle battery be faulty, the
battery must be replaced in order to
unlock the electric park brake.
Engaging The Park Brake Manually
Briefly pull the switch located on the
center console to manually engage the
electric park brake when the vehicle is
stationary.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle when engaging the electric
parking brake.
A slight movement of the brake pedal
may be detected when engaging the
electric parking brake with the brake
pedal pressed.
With the electric parking brake engaged,
the BRAKE warning light on the
instrument panel and the switch will
illuminate.
Caution!
With the Electronic Parking Brake failure
warning light on, some functions of the
electric parking brake are deactivated. In
this case the driver is responsible for brake
activation and vehicle parking in complete
safety conditions.
If, under exceptional circumstances, the
use of the brake is required with the
vehicle in motion, keep the switch on the
center console pulled as long as the brake
action is necessary.
The BRAKE warning light may turn on
with the hydraulic system temporarily
unavailable; in this case, braking is
controlled by the motors.
The brake lights will also automatically
turn on in the same way as normal braking
with the use of the brake pedal.
Release the switch on the center console
to stop the braking action with the
vehicle in motion.
If, through this procedure, the vehicle is
braked until a speed below 1.9 mph
(3 km/h) is reached and the switch is kept
pulled, the park brake will definitively
engage.
Note: Driving the vehicle with the
electric parking brake engaged, or using
it several times to slow down the vehicle,
may cause severe damage to the braking
system. Disengaging The Electric Park Brake
Manually
In order to manually release the park
brake, the ignition should be in the ON
mode. Press the brake pedal, and then
push the switch on the center console
briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle, and a slight movement of the
brake pedal may be detected during
disengagement.
After disengaging the electric parking
brake, the BRAKE warning light on the
instrument panel and the light on the
switch will turn off.
If the BRAKE warning light on the
instrument panel remains on with the
electric parking brake disengaged, this
indicates a fault: in this case, contact an
authorized dealer.
Warning!
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 park brake, brake pedal or
the gear selector.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
To shift out of PARK (P), or to pass from
position NEUTRAL (N) to position DRIVE
(D) or REVERSE (R), the vehicle must be
moving at a low speed or stopped, and
the brake pedal must also be pressed.
Note:
DO NOT accelerate while shifting
from position PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
to another position.
After selecting a gear, wait a few
seconds before accelerating. This
precaution is particularly important with
engine cold.
It is not possible to select NEUTRAL
(N) mode from PARK (P) mode.
Transmission Operating Modes
PARK (P)
The transmission is locked in this mode.
The engine can be started in this mode.
Note: Never try to engage PARK (P)
mode when the vehicle is moving. Before
leaving the vehicle, make sure this mode is engaged (letter P shown on the display
and gear selector) and that the park
brake is engaged.
When parking on a flat surface, first
engage the PARK (P) mode and then
engage the electric park brake.
When parking uphill, before activating
the PARK (P) mode, engage the electric
park brake. Otherwise, it could be
difficult to engage the (P) mode.
To check that the PARK (P) mode is actually
engaged, make sure (P) is illuminated on
the display and on the gear selector.
Warning!
Never use the PARK position as a
substitute for the park brake. Always apply
the park brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
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 park 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
ON mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
154
STARTING AND OPERATING
Caution!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must push the
ignition button to cycle from STOP/OFF
mode to the ON mode, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear
selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
REVERSE (R)
Select this mode only with the vehicle at
a standstill.
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, on slopes, when towing
heavy trailers), 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 and
prevents overheating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D)
mode to AutoStick mode regardless of
vehicle speed. Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D) mode, to
activate the sequential drive mode, move
the gear selector to the left (– and +
indication of the trim). The gear engaged
will be shown on the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear
selector forward, toward symbol – or
backward, toward symbol +.
Steering Column Mounted Shift
Paddles
The gear can be manually shifted also by
using the paddles behind the steering
wheel, pull the right paddle (+) toward the
steering wheel and release it to engage a
higher gear, 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.
0604132230USSteering Column Mounted Shift Paddles
155
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.
Note:
To select the correct gear for
maximum deceleration (engine brake),
just keep the gear paddle pulled (–): the
transmission goes to an operating mode
in which the vehicle can slow down
easily.
The vehicle will keep the gear
selected by the driver until the safety
conditions allow it.
This means, for example, that the
system will try to prevent the engine
from switching off, automatically
downshifting if the engine speed is too
low.
Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal conditions. If
a condition is detected that could result
in transmission damage, Transmission
Limp Home Mode is activated.
In this condition, the transmission stays
in fourth gear, regardless of the selected
gear. Positions PARK (P), REVERSE (R)
and NEUTRAL (N) still work.
The
symbol might light up in the
instrument cluster.
Temporary failure
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all
forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P),
if possible. If not, shift the transmission
to NEUTRAL (N).
3. Push and hold the ignition until the
engine turns OFF.
4. Wait for about 10 seconds, then
restart the engine.
5. Shift into the desired gear range. If
the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal
operation.
Note: Even if the transmission can be
reset, we recommend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could reoccur. If
the transmission cannot be reset, service
is required at your authorized dealer.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock system
(BTSI) that holds the gear selector in
PARK (P) unless the brakes are applied.
This system prevents you from moving
the gear selector from position PARK (P)
unless the brakes are applied.
To shift the transmission out of PARK (P),
the ignition must be cycled to the ON
position (engine running or not) and the
brake pedal must be pressed.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
Disabling
Only if strictly necessary (e.g. pushing the
vehicle, conveyor vehicle washing
systems), inhibit the automatic activation
of PARK (P) mode when stopping the
engine. To do so, follow the directions
below:
1. Bring the vehicle to a standstill.
2. Place the transmission in the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
3. Push the ignition button for at least
three seconds.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
The "Performance" screen graphically
displays some parameters closely
related to the vehicle consumption.
“RACE” Mode
Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to
position "RACE", the displays light up in
yellow.Engine and transmission: adoption of
sports mapping.
Warning!
It is recommended to activate this mode
at the track.
In "RACE", the sensitivity of the
accelerator pedal increases considerably.
Consequently, driving is less fluid and
comfortable.
The "Performance" screen displays
parameters related to vehicle stability,
the graphs illustrate the trend of the
longitudinal/lateral accelerations
(G-meter information), considering
gravity acceleration as a reference unit.
The screen displays the lateral and
longitudinal acceleration peaks. Note:
If the brake system overheats, this
is communicated by the Information and
Entertainment system. In this case, allow
the system to cool for a few minutes by
driving the vehicle normally without
operating the brakes.
Driving Mode Deactivation
To deactivate any driving mode, simply
move the selector to any other mode.
Note:
The next time that the engine is
started, the "Advanced Efficiency",
"Dynamic" and "Natural" mode selected
previously is retained. The system will
reactivate in "Advanced Efficiency",
"Dynamic" or "Natural" mode, depending
on which mode was selected before the
engine was stopped.
When the engine is next started, the
"RACE" mode selected previously is not
retained. The system will reactivate in
"Dynamic" mode.
It is not possible to go directly from
"Dynamic" mode to "Advanced
Efficiency" mode and vice versa. You
must always activate the “Natural”
mode first and then select the other
mode.
07116S0008EMAdvanced Efficiency Mode Performance Display
07116S0004EMRACE Mode
05036S0014EMRACE Mode Performance Display
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STARTING AND OPERATING