2020 Alfa Romeo 4C engine

STARTING AND DRIVING
68
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly. Never press the accelerator
pedal for starting the engine.
Procedure
73) 74) 75) 5)
The metal insert 1 fig. 2 operates:
❒ press the brake pedal;
❒ turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating the starting procedure.
❒ If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the
instrument panel warning light stays on
together with the warning light, turn the
key to STOP and then back to MAR; if the
warning light stays on, try the other keys
provided with the vehicle. If it is still not
possible to start the engine, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
❒ Do not leave the ignition key at MAR
when the engine is stopped.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
Procedure
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
6) 7)
73)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
74)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
75)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
5)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at maximum
rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.
6)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
7)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
WARNING

69
PARKING THE VEHICLE
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
❒ engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill or
reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered;
❒ stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope.
Wait until the indication of the gear
engaged disappears on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
76)
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the transmission in neutral.
HANDBRAKE
To engage the handbrake, pull lever
1 fig. 42 upwards until the car is secured.
When the handbrake is engaged and the
ignition key is at MAR, the xwarning
light will switch on in the instrument
panel.
To release the handbrake, raise the lever
1 slightly, hold down button 2 and lower
the lever.
The xwarning light on the instrument
panel turns off.
Four or five clicks are generally enough
when the car is on level ground, while ten
or eleven may be required if the car is on
a steep slope and laden.
77)
IMPORTANT Carry out these
manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
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76)Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle. Always remove the key from
the ignition device when leaving the
vehicle and take it with you.
77)The car must be braked after a few
clicks of the handbrake: if this is not so,
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it adjusted. Always
park the car safely as indicated by the
Highway Code and as described above.
IMPORTANT

STARTING AND DRIVING
70
TCT TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION
Alfa 4C features the TCT 6-speed twin
dry clutch transmission with steering
wheel controls. This is an advanced
technical solution which combines the
control of a manual gearbox, the
immediacy of a sequential system and
the convenience of being able to select an
automatic selection programme without
the slowdown of a conventional
automatic transmission.
With the key removed from the ignition,
the system will not implement any action
when the buttons on the transmission
control panel on the central tunnel fig. 43
are pressed, irrespective of the pressure
applied to the brake pedal.
43A0L0067
Therefore, the transmission will remain in
the condition that it was in when the
engine was switched off.
With car stationary and key at MAR
(ignition-operated electrical services
activated), the screen displays the gear
engaged and the active operating mode
(automatic = AUTO or manual = no
display).
OPERATING MODE
The transmission can operate in two
operating modes (except when the “Race”
mode is selected):
❒ the first manual type (MANUAL), in
which the driver decides directly when to
change gear;
❒ the second completely automatic
(AUTO), in which the system decides
when to change gear.
When the “Race” mode is selected, the
only allowed operating mode is MANUAL.
Manual operation (MANUAL)
In this operating mode, the driver is
responsible for choosing the best gear
ratio to engage, depending on the car
operating conditions.Use the “+” steering wheel stalk to
engage a higher gear, or the “–” stalk to
engage a lower gear (see the following
paragraph, “Steering wheel stalks”).
If the request is accepted by the system,
the display shows the new gear engaged.
If the request is not accepted by the
system, the display shows the gear
engaged before the request and emits an
acoustic signal.
If the gear change request may adversely
affect the correct operation of the engine
and the transmission, the system will not
allow it.
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71
The system will automatically downshift
should the engine reach the idling speed
(e.g. during deceleration).
Using the DNA system in “Normal” mode,
it will automatically upshift if the engine
speed requires it.
Automatic operation (AUTO)
To activate/deactivate automatic
operation (AUTO) press the A/M button
on the transmission control panel fig. 43;
activation is signalled by the word AUTO
on the display, next to the gear engaged
fig. 45.
45A0L0068
In AUTO mode the system changes gear
depending on the car speed, the engine
rpm and the intensity with which the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
To move the stationary car, 1st gear or
reverse (R) must always be engaged
(with brake pedal depressed).
“Kick Down” function
The system also has the
“Kick Down” function: if necessary
(e.g. when overtaking), the system
changes down one or more gears when
the accelerator pedal is depressed
beyond the point where it becomes stiff
(and if the rpm allow it) in order to
provide suitable power and torque for the
acceleration requested by the driver.
When implementing the “Kick Down”
function, the system ensures varying
transmission management in accordance
with the selected DNA mode.
SHIFT PADDLES
These enable sequential gear shifting
fig. 46.
❒ shift paddle “+” (pulling paddle
towards driver, see fig. 47): shift up;
❒ shift paddle “–” (pulling paddle
towards driver, see fig. 47): shift down.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
72
The shifting up or down is only permitted
if the engine revs allow it.
STARTING THE ENGINE
To start the engine press the brake pedal:
the system engages neutral (N)
automatically.
After the starting procedure, 1st gear (1)
or reverse (R) can be engaged.
Irrespective of the mode selected
(AUTO/MANUAL), to engage 1st gear or
reverse (R), it is necessary to press the
brake pedal and press the 1 button on the
transmission control panel (or the “+”
steering wheel stalk) to engage 1st gear
or the R button to engage reverse.
When 1st gear is engaged, the system
sets itself to AUTO mode.
Neutral (N) can be engaged again by
pressing the N button with the brake
pedal pressed.
When the 1, N or R buttons are pressed
(or “+” steering wheel stalk is operated)
without pressing the brake pedal, no gear
change request is implemented by the
system.
IMPORTANT Reverse cannot be engaged
by pressing the “-” stalk on the steering
wheel.
Important notes
To start in presence of a gearbox fault
(see “Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in the “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter), run the
“Delayed start-up” procedure:
turn the key to the AVV position for at
least 7 seconds with the brake depressed
and the engine will start.
The system will remain in “recovery”
condition.
If the engine does not start, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
When the driver’s door is opened, the
system activates the hydraulic
components so that they are prepared
for the subsequent engine starting.
MOVING THE CAR
The car can set off both in 1st gear and
reverse (R).
The gears can only be engaged by
pressing the brake pedal. If the brake
pedal is not depressed, the display will
show a dedicated message.It is not possible to set off in a higher gear
than 1st: if this is attempted, the display
shows a dedicated message.
When setting off on a medium-steep
incline, it is advisable to engage the
handbrake.
Engaging 1st gear
Proceed as follows:
❒ press the brake pedal;
❒ press the 1 button on the
transmission control panel;
❒ release the brake pedal and press the
accelerator pedal.
Engaging reverse (R)
Reverse (R) can only be engaged with car
stationary and brake pedal pressed.
Proceed as follows:
❒ press the brake pedal (car completely
stationary);
❒ press button R on the
gearbox panel;
❒ release the brake pedal and press the
accelerator pedal.
When reverse is engaged on some
versions, the system emits an acoustic
signal.
If the brake pedal is not depressed (and
the vehicle is stationary), the display will
show a dedicated message and the
system will automatically engage neutral
(N).

73
IMPORTANT With the car running, the
request is accepted and executed if the
car speed drops below 3 km/h within 3
seconds from the request: if the request
is not executed, the system will maintain
the gear engaged or, if the speed of the
car drops below 10 km/h, will put the
transmission in neutral (N) and the
manoeuvre will have to be repeated.
ENGAGING NEUTRAL (N)
With car stationary and ignition key at
MAR (irrespective of the condition of the
engine), neutral (N) can only be engaged
with the brake pedal pressed.
If the car is in motion, neutral (N) can
always be engaged, irrespective of the
pressure applied to the brake and
accelerator pedals.
The display will show the letter N
together with the active operating mode.To engage a speed from the neutral (N)
position, press button 1 on the gearbox
panel (it is not necessary to press the
brake pedal):
the gearbox will immediately choose the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s
speed.
With car stationary and ignition key at
MAR (irrespective of the condition of the
engine), 1
stgear can only be engaged with
the brake pedal pressed.
LAUNCH CONTROL
The “Launch Control” strategy permits
high-performance starting.
This strategy can be activated with
vehicle at a standstill, “Race” mode
selected and 1st gear engaged.
The sequence of operations to perform is
as follows:
❒ press the brake pedal and hold it
down;
❒ press the accelerator pedal and hold it
down;
❒ press the “–” paddle behind the
steering wheel;The car will start off at maximum
acceleration when the brake pedal is
released.
Keeping the accelerator pressed, the
system will automatically upshift once
the best engine speed has been achieved
for shifting gears.
78)
To abandon the strategy, simply interrupt
the above sequence of operations or
release the accelerator pedal.
DISPLAYED INFORMATION
When the key is turned to MAR-ON, after
about 1 second, the display shows the
transmission in neutral indication (N).
When driving, the display shows the gear
engaged and the active mode (AUTO or
MANUAL). The indications on the display
have the following meanings:
N = neutral;
1 = first gear;
2 = second gear
3 = third gear;
4 = fourth gear;
5 = fifth gear;
6 = sixth gear;
R = reverse.

STARTING AND DRIVING
74
The car always starts in neutral. When
1st gear is requested, the system forces
the selection of AUTO mode.
IMPORTANT If 10 seconds elapse with
the ignition key in the MAR position and
the display does not show the gear
engaged, turn the key to the STOP
position, wait for the display to go out
and then repeat the manoeuvre.
If the fault persists, contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
For safety reasons, there is a buzzer
warning when parking the car with the
gearbox in neutral (N) (the warning is
heard when the ignition key is turned to
the STOP position).
With the vehicle stationary, the engine
started and (1st) or (R) engaged, the
system activates the buzzer and
automatically put the gearbox in neutral
(N) when:
❒ the accelerator and/or the brake
pedal are not operated for at least 3
minutes;
❒ the brake pedal is pressed for longer
than 10 minutes;❒ the driver’s door is opened and the
accelerator pedal or the brake pedal are
not operated for at least 1.5 seconds;
❒ a fault is detected in the gearbox.
PARKING THE CAR
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
❒ engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill or
reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered;
❒ stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope.
Wait until the indication of the gear
engaged disappears on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT: NEVER leave the car with
the transmission in neutral.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒ With car stationary and gear engaged,
always keep the brake pedal pressed
until you decide to set off, then release
the brake and accelerate gradually.
❒ During prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep the
gearbox in neutral (N).❒ In order to safeguard the efficiency of
the clutch, do not use the accelerator to
keep the car stationary (e.g. when
stopped on an incline). Clutch overheating
could damage it:
use the brake pedal instead or the
handbrake and only press the accelerator
pedal when you wish to set off.
❒ If, with reverse gear (R) engaged, you
have to engage 1st gear or vice versa,
only do this when the car is completely
stationary and with the brake pedal
pressed.
❒ Although it is strongly discouraged, if
you are going downhill and for unknown
reasons you let the car move forward
with the gearbox in neutral (N), when
there is a request to engage a gear the
system will automatically engage the
best gear in relation to the speed of the
actual to allow the correct transmission
of the drive torque to the wheels;.

75
❒ When necessary, with the engine
switched off, it is possible to engage the
1st speed, reverse (R) or neutral (N) with
key in MAR position and brake pressed.
In this case, gear shifts must be made
allowing at least 5 minutes to elapse
between one gear shift and the next to
safeguard the operation of the hydraulic
system and the pump in particular.
❒ For uphill departures, it is advisable to
accelerate gradually but fully
immediately after releasing the
handbrake or the brake pedal;
this allows the engine to temporarily
increase the number of revs and tackle
the steepest gradients with more torque
at the wheels.CRUISE CONTROL
(where provided)
This is an electronically controlled driving
assistance device that allows the desired
vehicle speed to be maintained, without
having to press the accelerator pedal.
This device can be used at a speed above
30 km/h on long stretches of dry, straight
roads with few variations
(e.g. motorways).
It is therefore not recommended to use
this device on extra-urban roads with
traffic. Do not use it in town.
ACTIVATING THE DEVICE
Turn ring 1 fig. 48 to .
48A0L0022
78)The Launch control function is only
available in Race mode. Regardless of
what is explicitly indicated in the
description of these modes, the ESC and
ASR systems are deactivated during
operation of the Launch Control function.
This means that vehicle dynamic control
is the sole responsibility of the driver.
Therefore pay the utmost attention when
using the Launch Control. Take into
account traffic and road surface
conditions and during manoeuvres make
sure there is enough room in the area
concerned.
IMPORTANT
The cruise control cannot be engaged in
1st or reverse gear: it is advisable to
engage it in 5th gear or higher.
When travelling downhill with the device
engaged, the car may slightly exceed the
stored speed.
When the device is activated, the
digital warning light switches on together
with the relevant message on the display.
SETTING THE DESIRED SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❒ turn ring nut 1 fig. 48 to and press
the accelerator to reach the desired
speed;
❒ move the stalk upwards (+) for at least
1 second, then release it: the car speed is
now stored and you can therefore release
the accelerator.
If needed (when overtaking for instance),
you can accelerate simply by pressing the
accelerator; when you release the pedal,
the car goes back to the speed stored
previously.