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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SAFETY
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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77
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
Vehicles travelling at right angles to
the vehicle
The system could temporarily react to a
vehicle that is passing at right angles
through the radar sensor’s operating
range fig. 68.
Important notes
The system has not been designed to
prevent impacts and cannot detect
possible conditions leading to an
accident in advance. Failure to take into
account this warning may lead to serious
or fatal injuries.
The system may be activated,
assessing the trajectory of the car, in
case of reflecting metal objects different
from other cars, such as safety barriers,
road signs, barriers before parking lots,
tollgates, level crossings, gates, railways,
objects near road constructions sites or
higher than the car (e.g. a flyover). In the
same way, the system may interveneinside multi-storey car parks or tunnels,
or due to a glare on the road surface.
These possible activations are a
consequence of the real driving scenario
coverage by the system and must not be
regarded as faults.
The system has been designed for
road use only. If the vehicle is driven on a
track, the system must be deactivated to
avoid unnecessary warnings. Automatic
deactivation is signalled by the dedicated
warning light/symbol switching on in the
instrument panel (see the instructions in
the "Warning lights and messages"
paragraph, "Knowing the instrument
panel" chapter).
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System)
59) 60) 61) 62) 63) 64) 65)
28)
The car is equipped with Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS), which can
advise the driver in the event of
insufficient tyre pressure on the basis of
the pressure when cold indicated in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
The system consists of a radio-frequency
transmitter sensor fitted to each wheel
(on the rim inside the tyre), which can
send information on the inflation
pressure of each tyre to the control unit
fig. 69.Inflation pressure varies in relation to
temperature by about 1 psi (0.07) bar
every 43.7 °F (6.5 °C). This means that
when the outdoor temperature falls, the
tyre pressure decreases. Always adjust
the tyre inflation pressure when cold.
This is defined as the tyre pressure after
at least 3 hours of vehicle inactivity or
travel of less than 1mile (1.6 km) after
the 3 hour interval.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum pressure indicated
on the shoulder of the tyre: for further
details see the instructions in the "Rims
and tyres" paragraph, in the "Technical
data" chapter.
Tyre pressure increases when the car is
driven. This is normal, and no adjustment
of the pressure is required.
The TPMS signals the driver a possible
insufficient pressure if this falls below
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SAFETY
the warning limit for any reason, including
the effects of low temperature and
normal loss of pressure from the tyre.
The TPMS will stop indicating insufficient
tyre pressure when it is equal to or
greater than the prescribed cold inflation
pressure. Therefore, if insufficient tyre
pressure is indicated (
warning light
on instrument panel on), increase the
inflation pressure up to the prescribed
cold inflation value.
The system automatically updates and
warning light
switches off each time
the system receives the updated
inflation pressures. The vehicle might
need to be driven at a speed higher than
about 15.5 mph (25 km/h) up to
20 minutes for the TPMS to receive this
information.
Operating example
Supposing that the prescribed cold
inflation pressure (i.e. vehicle stationary
for at least 3 hours) is 33.4 psi (2.3 bar),
if the ambient temperature is 68°F
(20°C) and the detected tyre pressure is
28.3 psi (1.95 bar), a temperature
reduction of 19.4°F (−7°C) results in a
decrease in tyre pressure, bringing it to
approximately 24 psi (1.65 bar). This
pressure is sufficiently low to activate
the
warning light.
Heating of tyres due to driving the
vehicle may increase tyre pressure up toapproximately 28.3 psi (1.95 bar), but
the
warning light will stay on. In this
situation, the warning light will switch off
only after the tyres are inflated to the
prescribed cold pressure value for the
car.
IMPORTANT The TPMS is designed for
original tyres and wheels. The prescribed
pressures and consequent alarm
thresholds set in the TPMS are based on
the dimensions of the tyres fitted on the
vehicle. Using spare wheels of a size, type
and/or design different from the original
ones may cause an irregular operation of
the system and damage the sensors.
Aftermarket fitted wheels may damage
the sensors. Using aftermarket tyre
sealants may damage the Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor. If
aftermarket tyre sealant is used it is
recommended to go to an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the sensors checked.
After checking or adjusting the tyre
inflation pressure, always refit the valve
cap to prevent humidity and dirt from
entering, these may damage the Tyre
Pressure Monitoring System sensor.
LOW TYRE PRESSURE WARNING
If an insufficient pressure value is
detected on one or more tyres, the
warning light on the instrument panel
switches on and the dedicated messages
are shown on the display. The system alsohighlights the tyre or tyres with
insufficient pressure graphically. An
acoustic warning is also emitted.
In this case, stop the car, check the
inflation pressure of each tyre and inflate
them to the correct cold inflation
pressure value, shown on the display or in
the dedicated TPMS menu.
TPMS TEMPORARILY DISABLED
TPMS check message
If a system failure is present, the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then stays on solid. An
acoustic warning is also emitted.
A dedicated message and dashes "– –"
instead of the pressure value are shown
on the display, to indicate that detection
is impossible.
When the ignition device is set to STOP
and then back to ON, the indication
sequence repeats provided that the
failure is still resent.
The
warning light switches off when
the failure condition disappears and the
pressure value is displayed again in place
of the dashes.
A fault in the system could occur in the
following cases:
intense radio-frequency interference
may prevent the correct operation of the
TPMS. This condition will be indicated by
a dedicated message on the display. The
83
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.
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SAFETY
61)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.
62)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.
63)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.
64)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres and vice versa requires TPMS system
adjustment that must only be performed by
Alfa Romeo Dealerships.
65)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
19)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such as:
heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
20)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with adhesives,
auxiliary headlights or any other object.21)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.
22)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.
23)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.
24)Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of a
sensor failure, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
25)Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical connector.
26)Be careful in the case of repairs and new
paintings in the area around the sensor
(panel covering the sensor on the left side of
the bumper). In the event of a frontal impact
the sensor may automatically deactivate
and display a warning to indicate that the
sensor needs to be repaired. Even without a
malfunction warning, deactivate the system
operation if you think that the position of the
radar sensor has changed (e.g. due to
low-speed frontal impact as during parking
manoeuvres). In these cases, go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership to have the radar sensor
realigned or replaced.27)When towing a trailer, a vehicle or during
loading manoeuvres on a vehicle transporter
(or in vehicle for transport), the system must
be deactivated via the Connect system.
28)The Tire Repair Kit, provided with the
vehicle, is compatible with the TPMS
sensors. Using sealants different from that
in the original kit may compromise its
operation. If sealants not equivalent with the
original ones are used, it is recommended to
have the TPMS sensor operation checked by
a qualified repair centre.
85