2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider automatic transmission

SIX-SPEED ALFA TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of 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 the vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into FIRST gear or REVERSE,
turn the engine OFF, remove the key fob, and lock
the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
Using The Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a Six-Speed Alfa Twin
Clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted shift
paddles.
When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis-
sion controls (shift paddles on the steering wheel, and
gear selector buttons on the center console) are dis-
abled.
When the key is turned to the ON position, the current
transmission gear will be displayed in the instrument
cluster, along with the AUTOindicator. This indicates
the transmission is in Automatic mode.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 141

Operating Modes
The transmission has two normal operating modes
(except when the “Race” mode is selected on the DNA
switch):
•MANUAL mode: The driver must shift gears manu-
ally (using the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles).
• Automatic (AUTO) mode: The system shifts between
all forward gears automatically. When the “Race” mode is selected via the DNA selector,
the only allowed transmission operating mode is
MANUAL.
MANUAL Mode
In this operating mode, the driver is responsible for
choosing the best gear to engage, depending on the
vehicle’s operating conditions. The current gear is dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
To activate/deactivate MANUAL mode, push the A/M
button on the center console when the transmission is in
any forward gear.
Use the “+” shift paddle to engage a higher gear, or the
“–” paddle to engage a lower gear.
If a requested gear shift is not allowed (typically,
because it would cause engine overspeed or lugging),
an acoustic signal will sound and the transmission will
remain in the existing gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift during
closed-throttle decelerations, to prevent engine lugging.
When coming to a stop, the transmission will automati-
cally select FIRST (1st) gear. The driver must manually
upshift the transmission (by tapping the + shift paddle)
as the vehicle accelerates.
Transmission Gear Selector
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:To provide better comfort, the transmission will
up-shift to the next available gear if the engine speed
limit is reached. This feature is only available in NATU-
RAL and ALL WEATHER Modes.
AUTO Mode
In AUTO mode the transmission shifts gears automati-
cally depending on vehicle speed, engine RPM, and
accelerator pedal position.
AUTO is the default operating mode at startup. When
in AUTO mode, AUTOappears in the instrument
cluster, adjacent to the current gear display.
To toggle between AUTO and MANUAL modes, push
the A/M button on the center console.
Accelerating From A Stop
FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) can only be engaged (at a
stop) when the brake pedal is pressed.
To drive, press the brake pedal, and select 1 (1st) or R
(REVERSE) using the transmission gear selector buttons
on the center console. Then release the brake pedal and
smoothly press the accelerator pedal. NOTE:
•
The vehicle will not “creep” when the brake pedal is
released, and may in fact roll down on an incline.
Leaving from a stop, the accelerator pedal must be
pressed to transmit driving torque to the wheels.
• When starting on a fairly steep incline, it may be
helpful to engage the parking brake.
• The vehicle can only be launched (from a stop) in
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). Second gear (or higher)
cannot be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
• If the brake pedal is not depressed (and the vehicle is
stationary for a period of time), the transmission will
automatically engage NEUTRAL (N).
• FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) gears can only be
engaged at vehicle speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h). At
speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift
from 1 to R (or R to 1) will only be allowed if the
vehicle speed drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h)
threshold within three seconds of the request; other-
wise, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL (N).
The driver should then repeat the request for 1st or R
once the vehicle has come to a stop.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 143

Shift Paddles
In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission
shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to
the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will
downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift
would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request
will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily
place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and execute
the requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The
transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a
brief interval.
Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission
one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not
command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed
multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.
Neutral (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. Always apply
the parking brake if you must exit the vehicle.At engine startup, the transmission will automatically
select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal
must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine
running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N
button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), push-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless
of whether the brake pedal is pressed.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. Coasting in NEUTRAL
and turning off the ignition while coasting severely
limit your ability to respond to changing traffic or
road conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING
may result in loss of vehicle control, collision, and
serious injury or death.
With the vehicle in motion, to engage a gear from the
NEUTRAL (N) position, push the 1 button on the
transmission control panel (it is not necessary to press
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

the brake pedal). The transmission will engage the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s speed.
Acoustic Signal
If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system acti-
vates an acoustic signal and automatically places the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) when:
•The accelerator and/or brake pedal are not operated
for at least three minutes.
• The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 min-
utes.
• The driver ’s door is opened and the accelerator pedal
or the brake pedal are not operated for at least one
and a half seconds.
• A fault has been detected in the transmission.
Parking The Vehicle
When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as
follows:
1. Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete
stop. 2. With the brake pedal depressed, put the vehicle into
either a forward or reverse gear by pushing 1 or R.
(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just
driving.)
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake pedal.
When parking on an incline, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill slope and away from the
curb on an uphill slope. Always chock the wheels when
parking on steep grades.
General Notes
When the vehicle is stopped and in gear, always keep
the brake pedal pressed until you decide to set off, then
release the brake and accelerate gradually.
During prolonged stops with the engine running, it is
advisable to keep the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
When stopped on an incline, always hold the vehicle in
place using the brakes. On steep inclines, Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will temporarily hold the vehicle in posi-
tion when the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator
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STARTING AND OPERATING 145

Driving Modes
The Alfa DNA system lever will always return to the
center position after use.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED switching in the panel and by an indi-
cation on the display.
Dynamic Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to the letter
“D”) and hold in this position for half a second, until
the corresponding LED lights up and the Dynamic
mode activation indicator appears on the display.
When Dynamic mode is activated, the turbocharger
pressure and engine oil temperature screen is displayed
automatically. When released, the Alfa DNA system
lever will return to the central position.
NOTE:Dynamic Mode will be inhibited until the
vehicle has accumulated 155 miles (250 km). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
The ESC and ASR system ensures more enjoyable,
sportier driving while guaranteeing the stability of the
vehicle.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.
NOTE:
In Dynamic mode, the engine response to the
accelerator pedal position increases considerably. Con-
sequently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,
move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and hold for half
a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up
and the Natural mode activation indication will appear
on the display.6
STARTING AND OPERATING 147

Race Mode
Activation
Starting in Dynamic mode, move the Alfa DNA system
lever upwards (to the letter “D”) and hold in this
position for five seconds, until the Race mode activation
indicator appears on the display.
When Race mode is activated, the longitudinal/lateral
accelerometer indicator screen (G-meter information) is
displayed automatically. This considers gravitational
acceleration (G).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
These systems are deactivated in order to ensure the
fullest sensation of sport, leaving the driver in full
control of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in unstable
conditions, the ESC reactivates automatically when the
brake pedal is pressed until the ABS intervenes, thus
returning the vehicle to stable conditions. To deactivate
the ESC and ASR systems, reactivate Race mode.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.
NOTE:
In Race mode, the sensitivity of the accelerator
pedal increases considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
In Race mode, the transmission only works in
MANUAL mode.
Deactivation
To deactivate Race mode and return to Dynamic mode,
move the Alfa DNA system lever downwards (to letter
“A”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
The LED corresponding to Dynamic mode will light up
and the Dynamic mode activation indication will ap-
pear on the display.
Natural Mode
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at providing
comfort and safety in normal grip and driving condi-
tions.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...........218
Adding Fuel ........................... .158
Adding Washing Fluid ....................205
Additives, Fuel ......................... .258
AirBag ...............................110 Air Bag Operation ......................112
Air Bag Warning Light ..................109
Driver Knee Air Bag ....................113
Enhanced Accident Response ...........117,194
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............194
If Deployment Occurs ...................116
Knee Impact Bolsters ....................112
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ...........119
Maintenance ..........................119
Transporting Pets ..................... .129
Air Bag Light .....................77, 109, 131
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . .210
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................211
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ..............211,212
Air Conditioner System ....................211
Air Filter ............................. .210
Air Pressure Tires .............................. .236
Alarm System Security Alarm .........................20 Alfa DNA System (Dynamic Car Control System) .146
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission............83, 141
Fluid Type ....................... .225, 263
Alterations/Modifications Vehicle ...............................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............217, 261
Disposal ............................ .220
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................88
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................79
Automatic Transaxle .......................18
Automatic Transmission ...................141
Fluid Type .......................... .263
Battery ............................ .77, 208
Charging System Light ...................77
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ..............16
Belts, Seat ............................. .130
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................212
B-Pillar Location ........................ .231
Brake Fluid ........................... .263
Brake, Parking ......................... .139
Brake
System ....................... .221, 256
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................88
Master Cylinder ...................... .221
Parking ............................ .139
276 INDEX