IGNITION SWITCH
Ignition Key Removal
1. Push the brake pedal and place the transmission intoFIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) gear by selecting/pushing
the buttons on the console.
2. Rotate the key to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and engage the handbrake and release brake pedal.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch lock cylin- der.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the auto-
matic transmission into PARK or the manual
transmission into REVERSE, apply the parking
brake, turn the engine OFF, remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — STOP (OFF/LOCK)
2 — MAR (ON/RUN)
3 — AVV (START)
18 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!(Continued)
•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. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.
• 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.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation. Always re-
move the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is in the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position, sounds a signal to remove the
key.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthor-
ized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Opera-
tion is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is
locked or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle.
NOTE: A key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
If the vehicle security light is on after the key is turned
to the MAR/ON/RUN position, it indicates that there
is a problem with the electronics.
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 19
Locking Doors From The Outside
With the doors closed, push the lock button on the key
fob or turn the metal insert (located inside the key fob)
in the door lock.
The door lock LED indicator button will illuminate to
indicate that the doors have locked.
NOTE:Door locking is carried out with all doors shut.
Unlocking Doors From The Outside
Push the unlock button on the key fob or turn the metal
insert (located inside the key fob) in the driver side door
lock.WARNING!
• For personal security and safety in the event of a
collision, lock the vehicle doors before you drive
as well as when you park and leave 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. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Door Opening/Closing Mechanism Reset
If the battery is disconnected or the protection fuse
blows, the door opening/closing mechanism must be
reset as follows:
1. Close all the doors.
Door Lock LED Indicator
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 23
— Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN position. If the light is either not on
during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This light will illuminate with a single chime
when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has been
detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the
light comes on intermittently or remains on while
driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle
immediately.
— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN position, if the driver ’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn
on. When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will flash or remain on continuously and a chime will
sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
— Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with a message in
the instrument cluster display and a buzzer) to indicate
a transmission fault. Contact your authorized dealer if
the message remains after restarting the engine.
— Battery Charge Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light illuminates when the battery is not charging
properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there
may be a malfunction with the charging system. Con-
tact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
— Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an overheated engine
condition. If the engine coolant temperature is too high,
this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will
sound. If the temperature reaches the upper limit, a
continuous chime will sound for four minutes or until
the engine is able to cool: whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off.
Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 77
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is
a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II
that monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. This warning light will illuminate when
the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the
ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in nor-
mal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if
you drive slowly or park over flammable sub-
stances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle
control system. It also could affect fuel economy
and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe
catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
— Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will illuminate if there is an
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Failure.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 81
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and Alfa
Twin Clutch Transmission control systems. When these
systems are operating properly, your vehicle will pro-
vide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)”. It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
The vehicle must be serviced before any emis-
sions tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emis-
sions controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port
in order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your
vehicle.
(Continued)
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 83
WARNING!(Continued)
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also de-
grade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifica-
tion 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.
The ESC system uses sensors installed on the vehicle to
determine the trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the vehicles effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory deviates from the
desired trajectory, the ESC system intervenes to counter
the vehicles 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.
This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control
System (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC), AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA),
ELECTRONIC Q2 system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake
(RAB). All of the systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving condi-
tions, and are commonly referred to as ESC.
System Activation
The ESC system activates automatically when the en-
gine is started and can only be deactivated by selecting
Race
mode. Refer to the Six-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch
Transmission in “Starting And Operating.”
System Intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
The EBD system is an integral part of the ESC system
and intervenes during braking, distributing the brake
force optimally between front and rear wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability for the vehicle,
preventing sudden locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.
90 SAFETY
This is an integral part of the ESC system and automati-
cally operates in the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydroplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
•If the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR
system intervenes, reducing the power transmitted
by the engine.
• If the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels,
it also intervenes automatically, braking the wheel
that is slipping.
System Intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in the fol-
lowing cases: •
Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse
engaged.
• Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradi-
ent higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed
and reverse (R) gear engaged.
When setting off, 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 accel-
erator.
When the two seconds have elapsed, without starting,
the system is automatically deactivated, gradually re-
leasing the braking pressure. During this release stage,
the typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that
the vehicle is going to move imminently, can be heard.
NOTE:
• HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.
92 SAFETY