2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider steering wheel

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

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.
6
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

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 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

Front Light Clusters
The front head lamp contains bulbs for the parking
lights/daytime running lights (DRL), low beam head-
lights, high beam headlights and direction indicators.
If bulb replacement is required, please see an autho-
rized dealer.Side Lights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
These are LEDs. For the replacement, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
Low/High Beam Bi-Halogen Headlights
To change the bulb, proceed as follows:
1. Turn the steering wheel completely.
2. Open the protective flap by rotating the screw.
Headlight
1 — Daytime Running Lights
2 — Direction Indicator
3 — High/Low Beam Lights
Front Fender Liner
1 — Direction Indicator Bulb Protective Flap
2 — Headlamp Bulb Protective Flap
168 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Low/High Beam HID & LED Headlights
For the replacement, contact an authorized dealer.
Direction Indicators
Front:
1. Turn the steering wheel completely.
2. Open the protective flap by rotating the screw.3. Remove protective cover from headlamp assembly.
4. Rotate the bulb holder counterclockwise and remove
it.
5. Rotate the bulb assembly counter clockwise to re- move from bulb holder.
6. Install the new bulb, making sure that it is locked in correctly, and reinstall into headlamp assembly.
7. Reinstall protective cover in the headlamp assembly and close the protective flap.
Front Fender Liner
1 — Direction Indicator Bulb Protective Flap
2 — Headlamp Bulb Protective Flap
Protective Cover
170 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

WARNING!(Continued)
follow this warning can result in sudden tire fail-
ure. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
NOTE: Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well
when installing new tires due to wear and tear in
existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators” in this section. Refer to the Tire
and Loading Information placard or the Vehicle Certifi-
cation Label for the size designation of your tire. The
Load Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found
on the original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire
Safety Information” section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and Speed
Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two
rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a
wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer
or original equipment dealer with any questions you
may have on tire specifications or capability. Failure to
use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed
rating other than that specified for your vehicle.
Some combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimensions and
performance characteristics, resulting in changes
to steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle.
(Continued)
240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE