2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Owner's Manual

The chapter that you are about to read is very important: it
describes the safety systems with which the vehicle is equipped
and provides instructions on how to use them correctly.
SAFETY
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS........................72
DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS....................76
OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS..................86
SEATBELTS..................................86
SBA (Seat Belt Alert) SYSTEM......................88
PRE-TENSIONERS..............................89
CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS......................91
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG.....103

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);
HDC (Hill Discent Control)
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.29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34)
DTC (Drive Train Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
Some versions of this vehicle are
equipped with a four-wheel drive system
(AWD), activated on request, 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.
35)
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.
36)
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.
37) 38) 39) 40) 41)
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.
42) 43) 44) 45) 46)
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.
47) 48) 49)
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.
50) 51)
73

AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque)SYSTEM
52)
The AST function integrates 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.
HDC (Hill Descent Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
On vehicles equipped in this way, this
function is an integral part of the ESC
system and is aimed at keeping the
vehicle at a constant speed during a
descent, operating autonomously and in
different ways on the brakes.
In this way the vehicle stability and
completely safe driving are guaranteed,
above all in poor grip conditions and
steep descents.The system has three different modes:
Off: the system is deactivated;
Enabled: the system is enabled and
ready to intervene when the activation
conditions are met;
Active: the system actively controls
the car speed.
Enabling the system
To enable the system, press the button
fig. 57.
The system is enabled if the car speed is
below 20 mph (30 km/h). The system
stays enabled until the car speed reaches
37 mph (60 km/h): the system is disabled
at faster speed.
System activation is indicated by the
white
icon on the display
fig. 58 turning on fixed.System activation
Once enabled, the HDC system will
activate automatically if the car is driven
downhill on a steep slope, higher than
8%.
The speed set for the HDC system can be
adjusted using the SET switch fig. 59 (in
the range from 1.25 mph - 15.5 mph to
6 km/h - 20 mph). Once the desired speed
has been reached, release the SET switch
and the HDC system will maintain the set
speed.
It is also possible to reduce the set speed
with the brake pedal. The system will
acquire the current speed when the pedal
is released as the reference.
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If the car speed exceeds 6 mph
(10 km/h), but remains below 37 mph
(60 km/h) and the accelerator pedal is
released, as soon as the car gets close to
the set speed, the HDC system will brake
to bring the car to the set speed.
The driver can cancel HDC system
intervention at any time by pressing the
accelerator pedal.
System deactivation
The HDC system is deactivated, but
remains available, if one of the following
conditions is met:
the car is on a descent with insufficient
gradient, below 8%, or a level surface, or
is going uphill;
P (Park) mode is engaged.Disabling the system
53)
The system is disabled if one of the
following conditions is met:
fig. 57 button pressed;
Cruise Control / Active Cruise Control
is activated.
37 mph (60 km/h) is exceeded.
System deactivation is shown by the icon
on the display turning off.
WARNING
29)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.
30)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.
31)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
32)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
33)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.34)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.
35)There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tyre slipping event.
36)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.
37)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
38)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
39)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.
40)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.
41)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.
42)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.
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43)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.
44)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
45)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
46)The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
47)The PBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
48)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
49)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
the safety of the driver, the other occupants
of the vehicle or any other road user.
50)The HSA system is not a parking brake;
therefore, never leave the vehicle without
having engaged the electric parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear,
so that it is parked in safe conditions (for
further information read the "Parking"
paragraph in the "Starting and driving"
chapter).51)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle laden,
in which the Hill Start Assist system may not
activate, causing a slight reversing motion
and increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
52)The AST system is an aid for driving and
does not relieve the driver of responsibility
for driving the vehicle.
53)The performance of a vehicle with HDC
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.DRIVING ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
The vehicle can feature the following
driving assistance systems:
BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring);
FCW (Forward Collision Warning);
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring)SYSTEM
The BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) system
uses two radar sensors, located in the
rear bumper (one for each side - see
fig. 60 ), to detect the presence of
vehicles (cars, trucks, motorbikes, etc.) in
the rear side blind spots of your vehicle.
The system warns the driver about the
presence of vehicles in the detection
area by lighting up the warning light on
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the door mirror fig. 61 on the relevant
side and, where provided, by means of an
acoustic signal (if the relative item is
programmed on the Connect system).
The default setting is “Sound and
Display”.
When the engine is started the warning
light turns on to signal the driver that the
system is active.
Sensors
54)
The sensors are activated when any
forward gear is engaged at a speed
higher than about 6 mph (10 km/h), or
when reverse is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated
when the car is stationary and the P
(Park) mode active.
The detection area of the system coversabout a lane on both sides of the car
(around 10 ft (3 metres)).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for about 20 ft (6 metres)
towards the rear part of the car.
When the sensors are active the system
monitors the detection areas on both
sides of the car and warns the driver
about the possible presence of cars in
these areas.
While driving the system monitors the
detection area from three different input
points (side, rear and front) to check
whether a signal needs to be sent to the
driver. The system can detect the
presence of a vehicle in one of these
three areas.
IMPORTANT The system does not signal
the presence of fixed object (e.g. safety
barriers, poles, walls, etc.). However, in
some circumstances, the system may
activate in the presence of these objects.
This is normal and does not indicate a
system malfunction.
IMPORTANT The system does not warn
the driver about the presence of vehicles
coming from the opposite direction, in
the adjacent lanes.
Important notes
If a trailer is hitched to the vehicle, the
system automatically deactivates.For the system to operate correctly, the
rear bumper area where the radar
sensors are located must stay free from
snow, ice and dirt gathered from the road
surface.
Do not cover the rear bumper area where
the radar sensors are located with any
object (e.g. adhesives, bike rack, etc.).
If, after purchasing the vehicle, you wish
to install the tow hook, you need to
deactivate the system via the Connect
system. To access the function, on the
main menu select the following items in
sequence: "Settings", "Safety" and "Blind
Spot Alert".
Rear view
The system detects cars coming from the
rear part of your car on both sides and
entering the rear detection area with a
difference in speed of less than 31 mph
(50 km/h) with respect to your car.
Overtaking vehicles
If another vehicle is overtaken slowly
(with a difference in speed of less than
about 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and this stays
in the blind spot for about 1.5 seconds,
the warning light on the door mirror of
the corresponding side lights up.
If the difference in speed between the
two vehicles is greater than about
15.5 mph (25 km/h), the warning light
does not light up.
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RCP (Rear Cross Path detection) system
This system helps the driver during
reverse manoeuvres in the case of
reduced visibility.
The RCP system monitors the rear
detection areas on both sides of the car,
to detect objects moving towards the
sides of the car at a minimum speed
between about 0.6 mph and 2 mph
(1 km/h and 3 km/h) and objects moving
at a maximum speed of 22 mph
(35 km/h), as generally happens in
parking areas.
The system activation is signalled to the
driver by means of a visual and acoustic
warning.
IMPORTANT If the sensors are covered
by objects or vehicles, the system will not
warn the driver.
Operating mode
The system may be activated/
deactivated via the Connect system. To
access the function, on the main menu
select the following items in sequence:
"Settings", "Safety" and "Blind Spot
Alert"."Blind spot alert", "Visual" mode
When the system is enabled, a visual
warning is sent to the door mirror on the
side of the detected object.
The visual warning on the mirror will blink
if the driver switches on the direction
indicators, thus indicating the intention
to change lane.
The warning will be fixed if the driver
stays on the same lane.
"Blind spot alert" function deactivation
When the system is deactivated ("Blind
Spot Alert" mode at "OFF"), the BSM or
RCP systems will not emit neither
acoustic warnings.
The BSM system will store the operating
mode running when the engine was
stopped. Each time the engine is started,
the operating mode stored previously will
be recalled and used.
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
SYSTEM
54) 55) 56) 57) 58)
19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27)
This is a driving assistance system
composed of a radar located behind the
front bumper fig. 62 and a camera
located in the middle of the windscreen
fig. 63.In the event of an imminent collision the
system intervenes by automatically
braking the car to prevent the impact or
reduce its effects.
The system provides the driver with
acoustic and visual signals through
specific messages on the instrument
panel display.
The acoustic and visual signals before the
system cuts in depend on the car speed.
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