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
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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76
SAFETY
No acoustic/visual signal is generated at
speeds slower than 30 km/h.
Acoustic/visual signal is generated at
speeds faster than 30 km/h, instead.
The system may lightly brake to warn the
driver if a possible frontal accident is
detected (limited braking). Signals and
limited braking are intended to allow the
driver to react promptly, in order to
prevent or reduce the effects of a
potential accident.
In situations with the risk of collision, if
the system detects no intervention by
the driver, it provides automatic braking
to help slow the car and mitigate the
potential frontal accident (automatic
braking). If intervention by the driver on
the brake pedal is detected but not
deemed sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve the
reaction of the braking system, therefore
reducing vehicle speed further
(additional assistance in braking stage).
The system will intervene automatically
in case of imminent collision or impact
against a pedestrian crossing the road
(speed under 31 mph (50 km/h)).
IMPORTANT For safety reasons, when
the car has stopped, the brake callipers
may remain blocked for about 2 seconds.
Make sure you press the brake pedal if
the vehicle moves slightly forwards.
Engagement/disengagement
The Forward Collision Warning system
can be deactivated (and then reactivated)
via the Connect system. To access the
function, on the main menu select the
following items in sequence: "Settings",
"Safety", "Forward Collision Warning" and
"Status".
The system can be deactivated even with
the ignition device ON.
IMPORTANT The system status can be
changed with vehicle at a standstill only.
Activation/deactivation
The Forward Collision Warning system is
activated whenever the engine is started
regardless of the Connect system
setting.
After deactivation, the system will not
warn the driver about a possible collision
with the vehicle ahead, regardless of the
setting selected with the Connect
system.
IMPORTANT Each time the engine is
started, the system is activated
regardless of where was when it was
previously switched off.
This function is not active at a speed
lower than 4.3 mph (7 km/h) or higher
than 124 mph (200 km/h).
The system is active when:
each time the engine is started;
is active (ON) in the Connect system;
the ignition device is at ON;
- the vehicle speed is between 4.3 and
124 mph (7 and 200 km/h);
the front seat belts are fastened.
Changing the system sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be
changed through the Connect system
menu, choosing from one of the following
three options: "Near", "Med" or "Far". See
the description in the Connect system
supplement for how to change the
settings.
The default option is "Med". With this
setting, the system warns the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front
when that vehicle is at a standard
distance, between that of the other two
settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far",
the system will warn the driver of a
possible accident with the vehicle in front
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
79
warning will disappear automatically as
soon as the radio-frequency interference
ceases to affect the system;
aftermarket application of coloured
films on the windows that interfere with
the radio waves emitted by the TPMS;
accumulation of layers of snow or ice
on the wheels or the wheel arches;
using snow chains;
use of rim/tyre assemblies without
sensors for TPMS;
After the punctured tyre has been
repaired with the original tyre sealant
contained in the TireKit, the previous
condition must be restored, so that the
warning light is off during normal
driving.
Deactivating TPMS messages
(for markets where provided)
When replacing the standard wheels with
others that do not have TPMS sensors
(for example when substituting the
rim/tyre assembly for the winter season)
and depending on the country of sale, the
messages only can be disabled
automatically at the next start-up after
the fault.
The TPMS will emit an acoustic warning,
the
warning light will flash for about
75 seconds, then it will stay on
continuously and the instrument panel
will display the "TPMS check" messagewith dashes (– –) instead of the pressure
values on the Connect system display.
From the following ignition cycle, the
TPMS will not emit any acoustic warning
and the display will not show the
message "TPMS check", but the dashes
will be still displayed instead of the
pressure value.
The system will only resume normal
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
54)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.55)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.
56)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).
57)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
58)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.
59)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.
60)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.
84
SAFETY
IMPORTANT
30)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.).
31)When the engine stopped never leave
the ignition device in the ON position to
prevent useless current draw from draining
the battery.
32)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.
33)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
104) 105) 106)
IMPORTANT In addition to parking the
vehicle with the parking brake always
engaged, the wheels turned, chocks or
stones positioned in front of the wheels
(when on a steep slope), you must always:
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. 96, 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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111
Engaging the parking brake manually
Briefly pull the switch located on the
central tunnel to manually engage the
electric parking brake when the car is
stationary.
Noise may be heard from the rear part of
the car when engaging the electric
parking brake.
A slight movement of the brake pedal
may be detected when engaging the
electric parking brake with the brake
pedal pressed.
With the electric parking brake engaged,
the warning light
on the instrument
panel and the LED on the switch
fig. 96 turn on.
IMPORTANT With the Electronic Parking
Brake failure warning light on, some
functions of the electric parking brake
are deactivated. In this case the driver is
responsible for brake activation and
vehicle parking in complete safety
conditions.
If, under exceptional circumstances, the
use of the brake is required with the
vehicle in motion, keep the switch on the
central tunnel pulled as long as the brake
action is necessary.
The
warning light may switch on with
the hydraulic system temporarily
unavailable; in this case braking is
controlled by the motors.The brake lights (stop) will also
automatically switch on in the same way
as for normal braking with the use of the
brake pedal.
Release the switch on the central tunnel
to stop the braking action with the car in
motion.
If, through this procedure, the vehicle is
braked until a speed below 2 mph
(3 km/h) is reached and the switch is kept
pulled, the parking brake will definitively
engage.
IMPORTANT Driving the vehicle with the
electric parking brake engaged, or using
it several times to slow down the vehicle,
may cause severe damage to the braking
system.
Releasing the electric parking brake
manually
In order to manually release the parking
brake, the ignition device should be at ON
position. Moreover, you need to press the
brake pedal, then press the switch on the
central tunnel briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle and a slight movement of the
brake pedal may be detected during
disengagement.
After disengaging the electric parking
brake, the
warning light on the
instrument panel and the LED on the
fig. 96 switch turn off.If the
warning light on the instrument
panel remains on with the electric parking
brake disengaged, this indicates a fault:
in this case contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never use gear position P
(Park) instead of the electric parking
brake. Always engage the electric
parking brake when parking the vehicle to
prevent injury or damage caused by the
unexpected movement of the vehicle.
OPERATING THE ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
The electric parking brake can operate in
the following ways:
"Dynamic driving way": this way is
activated by pulling the switch
continuously while driving;
"Static engagement and release
mode": with the car stationary, the
electric parking brake can be activated
by pulling the switch on the central tunnel
once. On the other hand, press the switch
and the brake pedal at the same time to
disengage the brake;
"Drive Away Release": (where
provided) the electric parking brake will
automatically disengage with the driver
side seat belt fastened and the detection
of an action performed by the driver to
move the car (forward gear or reverse
gear);
NOTE If the vehicle is equipped with
112
STARTING AND DRIVING
carbon-ceramic discs, before using “Drive
Away Release” mode and moving the
vehicle, it is necessary to buckle the seat
belts or manually release the electric
handbrake to prevent damage to the
carbon-ceramic discs themselves.
"Safe Hold": if the vehicle speed is
lower than 2 mph (3 km/h), the gear lever
is not in P (Park) position and the driver's
intention of leaving the vehicle is
detected, the electric parking brake will
automatically engage to hold the vehicle
in safety conditions;
"Auto Park Brake": if the vehicle speed
is below 2 mph (3 km/h), the electric
parking break will automatically engage
when the gear lever is in P (Park) position.
When the parking brake is engaged and
applied to the wheels, the LED on the
switch located on the central tunnel
fig. 96 switches on together with the
warning light
on the instrument
panel. Each automatic parking brake
engagement can be cancelled by pressing
the switch on the central tunnel and at
the same time moving the gear lever for
the transmission to position P (Park).
SAFE HOLD
It is a safety function that automatically
engages the electric parking brake in the
event of a dangerous condition for the
car.
If:
the car speed is below 2 mph (3 km/h);
a transmission mode other than P
(Park) is activated;
the driver's seat belt is not fastened;
the driver side door is open;
no attempts to apply pressure on the
brake pedal have been detected;
the car is parked on roads which
gradient higher than 4%;
the electric parking brake engages
automatically to prevent car movement.
The Safe Hold function can be
temporarily disabled by pressing the
switch located on the central tunnel and
the brake pedal at the same time, with
the vehicle stationary and the driver side
door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate
again when the vehicle speed reaches
18 mph (20 km/h) or the ignition device is
moved to STOP and then to ON.
WARNING
104)In the case of parking manoeuvres on
roads on a gradient, the front wheels must
be steered towards the pavement (when
parking downhill), or in the opposite
direction if the vehicle is parked uphill. Block
the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the car
is parked on a steep slope.
105)Never leave children alone in an
unattended vehicle; make sure that when
you move away from the vehicle, you have
the key with you.
106)The electric parking brake must
always be engaged when leaving the vehicle.
113
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed
automatic transmission.
The transmission can operate in two
different modes: “Automatic” or
“Sequential”.
GEAR LEVER
107) 108) 109)
34) 35)
Gearbox operation is controlled by the
shift lever 1 fig. 97, which can have the
following operating positions:
P= Park
R= Reverse
N= Neutral
D= Drive, (automatic forward speed)
AutoStick: + shifting to higher gear in
sequential driving mode; – shifting to
lower gear in sequential driving mode.The positions diagram is illustrated on
the top of the lever.
The letter corresponding to the selected
mode lights up and can be seen on the
instrument panel display.
To select one of the operating modes,
move the lever forwards or backwards
and press the brake pedal at the same
time.
To engage R (Reverse) mode, press the
brake pedal and the button 3
fig. 98 together.
To pass from P (Park) mode directly to D
(Drive) mode, in addition to pressing the
brake pedal, it is also necessary to press
button 3.
To pass from R (Reverse) mode directly
to D (Drive) mode and vice versa, in
addition to pressing the brake pedal, it is
necessary to press button 3.
The P (Parking) mode can be enabled
pressing the P (Parking) 2 button fig. 97.It is not possible to select N (Neutral)
mode from P (Park) mode.
P (Park) mode is automatically activated
if the following conditions are met
simultaneously:
D (Drive) or R (Reverse) mode is active;
the car’s speed is close to 0;
the brake pedal is released;
the driver’s seat belt is not fastened;
the driver’s door is open.
If using the gear shift in "sequential"
mode. you can activate it by moving the
lever from D (Drive) to the left and then
forward towards the - symbol or back
towards the + symbol and the gear is
shifted.
To exit position P (Park), or to pass from
position N (Neutral) to position D (Drive)
or R (Reverse) when the vehicle is
stopped or is moving at a low speed, the
brake pedal must also be pressed.
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STARTING AND DRIVING