2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider ESP

STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat
belts.
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. 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.
Automatic Transmission
To start the engine, press the brake pedal. The system
engages NEUTRAL (N) automatically.
After the starting procedure, FIRST (1st) gear or RE-
VERSE (R) can be engaged. Irrespective of the mode selected (AUTO/MANUAL),
to engage FIRST (1st) gear or REVERSE (R), it is
necessary to press the brake pedal and push the 1
button on the transmission control panel (or the
+
steering wheel stalk) to engage FIRST (1st) gear or the R
button to engage REVERSE (R).
When FIRST (1st) gear is engaged, the system sets itself
to AUTO mode.
NEUTRAL (N) can be engaged again by pushing the N
button with the brake pedal pressed.
When the 1, N, or R buttons are pushed (or +steering
wheel stalk is operated) without pressing the brake
pedal, no gear change request is implemented by the
system.
NOTE: REVERSE (R) cannot be engaged by pushing the
- stalk on the steering wheel.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) position
and release it when the engine starts. If the engine fails
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 137

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

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

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

Electronic Q2 system:
The system is calibrated to ensure the best driving
comfort.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
Standard response shifting.
All Weather Mode
Activation
Move the Alfa DNA system lever downwards (to the
letter “A”) and hold in this position for half a second,
until the corresponding LED lights up and the All
Weather mode activation indicator appears on the dis-
play.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:
ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at ensuring
maximum safety in low-grip driving conditions. It is
advisable to select All Weather mode in the presence of
low-grip road surfaces.
Electronic Q2 System:
The system is deactivated.Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
Standard response shifting.
Deactivation
To deactivate All Weather mode and return to Natural
mode, move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to
letter “D”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
NOTE:
•
When the engine is next started, All Weather mode or
Natural mode will be retained when the vehicle is
restarted.
• When the engine is next started, Race mode or
Dynamic mode previously selected is not retained.
The system will reactivate in Natural mode.
• It is not possible to go directly from Dynamic mode
to All Weather mode and vice versa. You must
always first go back to Natural mode and then select
the other mode.
System Failure
In the event of system failure or a fault with the gear
selector, no driving modes can be selected.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 149

The display will become grey (same screen asNatural
mode) but without an indication of the Alfa DNA
setting. The display will also show a warning message.
Please contact your authorized dealer for service.
Launch Control
The Launch Control strategy permits high-performance
acceleration from stand still.
This strategy can be activated with vehicle at a stand-
still, Race mode selected and FIRST (1st) gear engaged.
The sequence of operations to perform is as follows:
1. Press the brake pedal and hold it down.
2. Press the accelerator pedal and hold it down.
3. Press the –paddle behind the steering wheel. (This
allows the engine to rev above the 3000 RPM limit.)
When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle will start
with maximum acceleration. Despite the MANUAL
mode, the vehicle will automatically shift the gear to
guarantee maximum acceleration, once the correct shift-
ing speed has been reached.
WARNING!
Launch Control is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. Use Launch Control only in a
controlled and dry track environment; within the
limits of the law. Actual Launch Control perfor-
mance may change depending on the surface and
current traction conditions. The capabilities of the
vehicle as measured by the performance pages must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-
ner, which can jeopardize the user ’s safety or the
safety of others. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.
To discontinue the strategy, simply interrupt the above
sequence of operations or release the accelerator pedal.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelera-
tor operations at speeds greater than 18 mph (30 km/h),
up to the maximum speed of 105 mph (170 km/h).
The Speed Control Lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

If an obstacle is detected in the rear central area, the
instrument cluster display shows all the arcs in the rear
central area, up to the one that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle itself.
The signal is similar for obstacles in the rear left or right
area.
The arc that corresponds to the position of the obstacle
will flash.
The color on the instrument cluster display depends on
the distance from and position of the obstacle.
The vehicle is close to the obstacle when the instrument
cluster display shows a single constant arc and emits a
continuous sound.
If there are several obstacles, the closest one is indi-
cated.
Activation/Deactivation
The sensors are automatically activated when REVERSE
gear is engaged and a visual display will appear in the
instrument cluster display. As the obstacle behind the
vehicle gets closer, the acoustic signal becomes more
frequent.
Fault Indication
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be indicated when
REVERSE gear is engaged by the illumination of the
warning light in the instrument cluster display.
General Warnings
When parking, take the utmost care over obstacles that
may be above or under the sensor.
Under certain circumstances, objects close to the vehicle
are not detected by the system and could therefore
cause damage to the vehicle or be damaged themselves.
Some conditions may influence the performance of the
parking sensors:
• The presence of ice, snow, mud or multiple layers of
paint on the sensor surface may cause reduced
sensitivity of the sensor itself and therefore reduce
the system performance.
• Mechanical interference (e.g washing the vehicle,
rain, strong wind, hail) may cause the sensor to
detect a non-existent obstacle (“echo interference”).
• The presence of ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brake systems of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
vehicle could alter the signals sent by the sensor.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 155