2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia ABS

Symbol What it means
WEAR ON CCB BRAKE DISCS (where provided)
The symbol will light up when the carbon ceramic brake discs have reached the limit of wear.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
32)
WINDSCREEN WIPER FAILURE
The symbol appears to indicate a windscreen wiper failure.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
WARNING
32)It is recommended to use only original or equivalent, bench-tested spare pads in order to ensure the original performance of the braking
system.
Symbol What it means
SOFT SUSPENSION CALIBRATION INSERTION (where provided)
The system appears when the most comfortable suspension setting is activated.
SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILURE (ADC)
(where provided)
The symbol appears while driving to indicate a failure in the suspension system.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked.
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ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes);
DTC (Drive Train Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HSA (Hill Start Assist);
AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque);
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping in all
road surface conditions, irrespective of
the intensity of the braking action,
ensuring that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may be
more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system completes the system
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake by wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the brake pedal
command given by pressing the brake
pedal is not transmitted hydraulically but
electronically, therefore, the light
pulsation that could be felt on the pedal
with the traditional system is no longer
perceptible.33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38)
DTC (Drive Train Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
Some versions of this vehicle are
equipped with an automatically
activated/deactivated four-wheel drive
system (AWD), which offers an optimal
drive for countless driving conditions and
road surfaces. The system reduces the
slipping of the tyres to a minimum,
automatically redistributing the torque
to the front and rear wheels, as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the car with
AWD automatically passes to rear-wheel
drive (RWD) when the road and
environmental conditions are such that
they would not cause the tyres to slip.When the road and environmental
conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically goes to AWD mode.
39)
IMPORTANT If the system failure symbol
switches on, after starting the engine or
while driving, it means that the AWD
system is not working properly. If the
warning message activates frequently, it
is recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
40)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car in various
driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the car to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the car’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
vehicle’s understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the car is
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SAFETY

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.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
41) 42) 43) 44) 45)
TC (Traction Control)SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on
slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on one
or both drive wheels. Depending on the
slipping conditions, two different control
systems are activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behaviour of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping.System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
46) 47) 48) 49) 50)
PBA (Panic Brake Assist)SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’s braking capacity during
emergency braking.
The system detects emergency braking
by monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
system is obtained by pressing the brake
pedal very quickly. In addition, the brake
pedal should be pressed continuously
during braking, avoiding intermittent
presses, to get the most out of the
system. Do not reduce pressure on the
brake pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.
51) 52) 53)
HSA (Hill Start Assist)SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on slopes,
activating automatically in the following
cases:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and transmission
in neutral or gear other than reverse
engaged;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse 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 2 seconds,
allowing your right foot to be moved
easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed, without
starting, the system is automatically
deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release
stage it is possible to hear a typical
mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of the
car.
54) 55)
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AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque)SYSTEM
56)
The AST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the AST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring)
SYSTEM
The dynamic drive control is used to
optimize and balance the drive torque
between the wheels of the same axis. The
ATV system improves the grip in turns,
sending more drive torque to the external
wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels
of the car travel more than the internal
ones and therefore turn faster, sending a
higher thrust to the external rear wheel
allows for the car to be more stable and
to not suffer a phenomenon called
"understeer". Understeer occurs when,
during a turn, a car tends to widen the settrajectory, in this situation the lateral
acceleration the car is subjected to
becomes higher that the grip of the tyres,
which are unable to maintain the car in
the trajectory set by the driver through
the steering angle determined by turning
the steering wheel.
WARNING
33)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km
(310 miles) is required: during this period it
is advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
34)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
35)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
36)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
37)The capability of the ABS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
38)For the correct operation of the ABS, the
tyres must of necessity be the same make
and type on all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the prescribed type and
dimensions.
39)There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tyre slipping event.40)When a DTC system failure symbol
appears, the driver must be aware of the
different driving reaction and therefore
reduce the speed. The symbol
warns the
driver not to drive in areas that require
four-wheel drive or on snow-covered roads.
41)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
42)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
43)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
44)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and size.
45)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
46)For the correct operation of the TC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
47)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
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SAFETY

when that vehicle is at a greater distance,
thus providing the possibility of acting on
the brakes more lightly and gradually.
This setting provides the drivers with the
maximum possible reaction time to
prevent a potential accident.
With the option set to "Near", the system
will warn the driver of a possible accident
with the vehicle in front when that vehicle
is close. This setting offers the driver a
lower reaction time compared to the
"Med" and "Far" settings, in the event of a
potential accident, but permits more
dynamic driving of the car.
The system sensitivity setting is kept in
the memory when the engine is switched
off.
System limited operation warning
If the dedicated message is displayed, a
condition limiting the system operation
may have occurred. The possible reasons
of this limitation are something blocking
the camera view or a fault.
In this condition it will still be possible to
drive the car normally, but automatic
braking will not be available in the event
of an impending collision.
If an obstruction is signalled, clean the
area of the windscreen indicated in
fig. 61.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to normaland complete operation. Should the fault
persist, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
System failure warning
If the system switches off and a
dedicated message is shown on the
display, it means that there is a fault on
the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the
car, but you are advised to contact an
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
Radar warning not available
If conditions are such that the radar
cannot detect obstacles correctly, the
system is deactivated and a dedicated
message appears on the display. This
generally occurs in the event of poor
visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily.
The system can also be temporarily
dimmed due to obstructions such as mud,
dirt or ice on the bumper. In such cases, a
dedicated message will be shown on the
display and the system will be
deactivated. This message can
sometimes appear in conditions of high
reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with reflective
tiles or ice or snow). When the conditions
limiting the system functions end, this
will go back to normal and complete
operation.In certain particular cases, this dedicated
message could be displayed when the
radar is not detecting any vehicles or
objects within its view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the real
reason behind this message, check if the
sensor is dirty. It could be necessary to
clean or remove any obstructions in the
area shown in fig. 60.
If the message appears often, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such
as snow, rain, mud or other obstructions,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership for a
sensor alignment check.
In the absence of visible obstructions,
cleaning the radar surface, by manually
removing the decorative cover trim,
could be required. Have this operation
performed at an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT It is recommended that you
do not install devices, accessories or
aerodynamic attachments in front of the
sensor or darken it in any way, as this can
compromise the correct functioning of
the system.
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operation when all the pressure sensors
have been detected again.
IMPORTANT If wheels without pressure
sensors (e.g. wheels with winter tyres)
have been installed on the vehicle and the
standard wheels (with sensors) are
stored close the vehicle, the system
could detect the pressures of the latter
and consequently display the fault cycle
again once its has left the sensitive area.
WARNING
57)The system is an aid for vehicle driving,
it DOES NOT warn the driver about incoming
vehicles outside of the detection areas. The
driver must always maintain a sufficient
level of attention to the traffic and road
conditions and for controlling the trajectory
of the vehicle.
58)The Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
system is automatically deactivated when
RACE mode is selected.
59)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
60)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).61)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
62)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench for maintenance interventions or if it
is washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part (e.g.
another car, a wall or another obstacle), the
system may detect its presence and
activate. In this case the system must be
deactivated through the settings of the
Connect system.
63)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tyre pressure, including for the spare
tyre, and correct maintenance: the system is
not used to signalling a possible tyre fault.
64)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres rested and cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason to check
pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the
prescribed value. Repeat the check when the
tyres are cold.
65)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer be
available and a warning message will be
shown on the display, until wheels with
sensors are fitted again.
66)The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
67)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The system
may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary,
restore the inflation values.68)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres and vice versa requires TPMS system
adjustment that must only be performed by
Alfa Romeo Dealerships.
69)When a tyre is removed, it is advisable
to replace the rubber valve seal as well:
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership. The
fitting/removal of the tyres and/or rims
require special care. To avoid damaging or
fitting the sensors incorrectly, tyre and/or
rim fitting/removal operations should only
be carried out by specialised staff. Contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT
22)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such as:
heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
23)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with adhesives,
auxiliary headlights or any other object.
24)System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle.
25)Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front geometry,
tyre change, or a heavier load than the
standard load of the vehicle.
26)Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may alter
the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership for any operation of this
type.
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SAFETY

IMPORTANT
33)We recommend that during the initial
period, or during the first 1600 km
(1000 miles), you do not drive to full car
performance (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp braking,
etc.).
34)When the engine stopped never leave
the ignition device in the ON position to
prevent useless current draw from draining
the battery.
35)Warning light
will flash after starting
or during prolonged cranking to indicate a
fault with the glow plug heating system. If
the engine starts, the vehicle can be regularly
used, but an Alfa Romeo Dealership must be
contacted as soon as possible.
36)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
PARKING THE VEHICLE
106) 107) 108)
IMPORTANT In addition to parking the
vehicle with the parking brake always
engaged, the wheel steered, chocks or
stones positioned in front of the wheels
(when on a steep slope), you must always
engage:
Manual transmission:
Engage 1stgear if the car is parked
uphill or reverse gear if the car is parked
downhill.
Automatic transmission:
engage P (Park) mode;
always take the key with you when
leaving the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Always engage the electric
parking brake before leaving the vehicle.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The car is equipped with electric parking
brake to guarantee better use and
optimal performance compared to a
manually operated parking brake.
The electric parking brake features a
switch, located on the central tunnel
fig. 93, a motor with caliper for each rear
wheel and an electronic control module.The electric parking brake can be
engaged in two ways:
manually, by pulling the switch on the
central tunnel;
automaticallyin "Safe Hold" or "Auto
Park Brake" conditions.
IMPORTANT Normally, the electric
parking brake is engaged automatically
when the engine is stopped. This function
can be deactivated/activated on the
Connect system by selecting the
following items in sequence on the main
menu: "Settings", "Driver assistance" and
"Automatic parking brake".
IMPORTANT Should the vehicle battery
be faulty, to unlock the electric parking
brake the battery must be replaced.
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IMPORTANT It is dangerous to leave the
device activated when it is not used.
There is a risk of inadvertently activating
it and losing control of the vehicle due to
unexpected excessive speed.
Pausing / Deactivating
With the device enabled (speed not set),
press the
button.
With the device activated (speed set),
press the
button to enter the Paused
state. The display shows the white icon
with the speed in brackets. Press the
button again to deactivate the device
completely.
SETTING THE DESIRED SPEED
The speed can be set from a minimum of
30 km/h (or 20 mph for markets with
instrument panels in mph) to a maximum
of 180 km/h (or 110 mph for markets
with instrument panels in mph).
When the car reaches the desired speed,
raise/lower the SET fig. 105 switch and
release it to activate the device. When
the accelerator is released, the vehicle
will keep the selected speed
automaticallyWhile the accelerator pedal is pressed:
the device will not be able to control
the distance between the vehicle and the
one ahead. In this case the speed will be
determined only by the position of the
accelerator pedal.
The device will return to normal
operation as soon as the accelerator
pedal is released.
The systemcannotbe set:
when pressing the brake pedal;
when the brakes are overheated;
when the electric parking brake has
been operated;
when either P (park), R (reverse) or N
(neutral) is engaged;
when the engine rpm is above a
maximum threshold;
when the vehicle speed is not within
the settable speed range;
when the ESC (or ABS or other
stability control systems) are operatingor have just operated;
when the ESC system is off;
when the Forward Collision Warning
Plus system (where provided) is braking
automatically;
in the event of device failure;
when the engine is off;
in case of obstruction of the radar
sensor (in this case the bumper area
where it is located must be cleaned).
In case of system set, the conditions
described above also cause a
cancellation or deactivation of the
system with times that may vary
according to the conditions.
IMPORTANT The device will not be
deactivated when speeds higher than
those set are reached by pressing the
accelerator pedal (180 km/h or 110 mph,
the latter for instrument panels set to
miles per hour). In these conditions, the
device may not work correctly and it is
advisable to deactivate it.
CHANGING SPEED
Speed increase
Once the device has been activated, you
can increase the speed by lifting the SET
switch. Each time it is operated, the
speed increases by 1 mph (1 km/h).
By holding the button up, the set speed
will increase in steps of 6 mph (10 km/h)
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