2020 Alfa Romeo 4C warning light

SAFETY
50
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
ABS 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.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: this is entirely normal with
the system operating.
30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36)
ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) SYSTEM
37) 38) 39)
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and automatically operates in the event
of one or both drive wheels slipping, loss
of grip on wet roads (aquaplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
roads, etc.
System intervention
The system intervenes on the engine
power and the brakes.
It is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) SYSTEM
40) 41) 42)
The HBA system is designed to improve
the car’s braking capacity during
emergency braking: the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS system.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by continuously
pressing the brake pedal very quickly.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of the
ESC system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the car, preventing sudden locking of
the rear wheels and the consequent
instability of the car.
DTC (Drag Torque Control) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and intervenes in the case of
sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring
torque to the engine and thus preventing
excessive drag at the drive wheels, which
may lead the wheels to lock and a loss of
car stability, above all in low-grip
conditions.

51
ESC 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.
25) 26) 27) 28) 29)
The ESC system comprises the active
safety systems such as: ABS, EBD, ASR,
HILL HOLDER, etc.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.
CBC
(Cornering Braking Control) SYSTEM
This system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the
inside of the corner (less affected by the
weight of the car) from locking, ensuring
better stability and direction for the car.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on uphill or
downhill slopes by operating the brakes:
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake, therefore do not
leave the car without activating the
handbrake, switched the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that the car is
parked in safety conditions (for further
information read paragraph
“When parked” in the chapter “Starting
and driving”).
IMPORTANT There may be situations on
small gradients (less than 8%), with car
laden, in which the Hill Holder system
may not activate thus 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.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The DTC system prevents the drive
wheels from possibly locking, which
could happen, for example, if the
accelerator pedal is released suddenly or
in the case of a sudden downshifting in
conditions of poor grip.
In this conditions, the engine braking
effect could cause the drive wheels to
slip, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability.
In these situations, the DTC system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.

53
TPMS
(Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System)
(where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the car.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary.
This means that a decrease in the
outside temperature corresponds to a
decrease in the tyre pressure.
The tyre pressure must always be
adjusted according to the cold tyre
inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the car at a
standstill for at least three hours or a
travel shorter than 1.6 km after an
interval of three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum pressure indicated
on the tyre sidewall.Tyre pressure increases also while
driving: this is a normal condition and no
pressure adjustment is needed.
The TPMS continues to advise the driver
of the low tyre pressure condition until
this is corrected; the warning continues
until the pressure corresponds or
exceeds the pressure prescribed for the
cold tyres. When the low tyre pressure
warning light
nappears on the
instrument panel, the inflation pressure
must be adjusted up to the prescribed
cold inflation value.
The tyre pressure warning light switches
off after the system refreshes
automatically. You may need to drive the
car for about 20 minutes at a speed
higher than 20 km/h to allow the TPMS
to receive this information.
NOTE
❒ The TPMS does not replace the
normal tyre maintenance service and
does not indicate any fault in a tyre.
❒ The TPMS must not be used as a
pressure gauge while adjusting tyre
pressure❒ Driving with low tyre pressure causes
overheating and may cause a fault in the
tyres themselves. The low inflation
pressure reduces fuel efficiency and tyre
tread life and may also affect handling
and braking performance of the car.
❒ The TPMS does not replace the
correct tyre maintenance.
It is up to the driver to maintain the
correct tyre pressure level measuring it
with a suitable pressure switch. This is
necessary even if the decrease in the
inflation pressure value does not cause
the tyre pressure control warning light to
switch on.
❒ The TPMS warns the driver of any
condition of insufficient tyre pressure.
If this drops below the insufficient
pressure limit for any reason including
low temperature and normal pressure
loss of the tyre.
❒ The seasonal temperature changes
affect tyre pressure.

SAFETY
54 The TPMS uses wireless devices with
electronic sensors mounted on the wheel
rims to constantly monitor the value of
tyre pressure.

The sensors mounted on each wheel as
part of the valve stem transmit various
information of the tyres to the receiver
module, in order to calculate the
pressure.
IMPORTANT Monitoring and maintaining
the correct pressure in all four tyres are
particularly important.
Tyre pressure monitoring system
low pressure warnings
43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51)
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by switching on the
nwarning light constantly and by
displaying a dedicated messages.
In this case, stop the car as soon as
possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tyre and inflate to the cold tyre
pressure value prescribed for the car.
The system will automatically update
and after receiving the pressure update
the tyre pressure warning light switches
off.
You may need to drive the car for about
20 minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the system to receive this
information.
32A0L0113
TPMS operation faults
The system fault is indicated by the
dedicated warning light
nwhich first
flashes for 75 seconds and then stays on
steadily. This can occur in any of the
following situations:
❒ Interference caused by electronic
devices or radio frequency emissions
similar to those of the TPMS sensors.
❒ Application of tinted films which
interfere with the signals of the radio
waves.
❒ Presence of snow or ice on the wheels
or the wheel arches.
❒ Use of snow chains.
❒ Use of wheels/tyres not equipped
with TPMS sensors.

SAFETY
56
43)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular
checks of the tyre pressure, including for
the spare wheel.
44)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.
45)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer
be available and, in addition to the TPMS
warning light flashing for less than one
minute before becoming constant, a
warning message will be shown on the
display, until 4 wheels with sensors are
fitted again.
46)The TPMS cannot warn of sudden
decreases in tyre pressure (for example
when a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the
car, braking with caution and avoiding
abrupt steering.
47)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres (and vice versa) requires TPMS
adjustment that must only be performed
by a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT48)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The TPMS
system may temporarily indicate
insufficient pressure. In this case, check
the tyre pressure when cold and, if
necessary, restore the inflation values.
49)When a tyre is removed, it is
advisable to replace the rubber valve seal
as well: contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership. Tyre and/or rim
fitting/removal operations require
specific precautions; to avoid damaging
or fitting the sensors incorrectly, tyre
and/or rim fitting/removal operations
should only be carried out by specialised
staff. Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
50)Strong radio-frequency interference
could inhibit the regular operation of the
TPMS. This condition will be indicated by
a message on the display. The message
will disappear automatically as soon as
the radio-frequency interference ceases
to affect the system.51)The tyre repair kit (“Fix&Go
Automatic”) provided with the car (where
provided) is compatible with the TPMS
sensors; using sealants not equivalent
with that in the original kit may adversely
affect its operation. If sealants not
equivalent with the original one are used,
it is recommended to have the TPMS
sensors checked by a qualified repair
centre.

59
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder)
SYSTEM
This system comprises an acoustic
warning which, in conjunction with the
panel, advises the driver if their seat belt
has not been fastened.
Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to deactivate this acoustic
warning permanently.
The acoustic warning can be reactivated
at any time through the Setup menu (see
“Menu items” paragraph in “Knowing the
instrument panel” chapter).
If the driver side seat belt is not
fastened, when 20 km/h is exceeded or
when travelling at a speed from 10 to
20 km/h for longer than 5 seconds, an
acoustic signal sequence will be started
(continuous acoustic signal for the first 6
seconds followed by approximately
90 seconds of intermittent beeping) and
the
stay on with a fixed light until the car is
turned off. The acoustic signal is
interrupted immediately when the seat
belt is fastened.
If the seat belt is unfastened again when
driving the car, the acoustic signal and
the flashing warning light resume as
described previously.
PRE-TENSIONERS
The car is equipped with seat belt
pretensioners, which draw back the seat
belts by several centimetres in the event
of a strong frontal impact. This
guarantees the perfect adherence of the
seat belts to the occupant’s bodies
before the retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioning device, wear the seat
belt, keeping it close to the chest and
pelvis.

SAFETY
66
61)Do not apply stickers or other objects
to the steering wheel or the passenger
side airbag cover. Do not place objects on
the passenger side of the dashboard
because these could interfere with the
correct opening of the passenger airbag
and cause injury to occupants.
62)Always drive keeping your hands on
the steering wheel rim so that the airbag
can inflate freely if necessary.
Do not drive with your body bent forward.
Keep your back straight against the
backrest.
63)Instructions for deactivating the
front passenger airbag can be found in
the “Menu Options” paragraph of the
“Knowing the instrument panel” chapter.
Please note that under these conditions
the airbag will NOT deploy when required
(accident).
64)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door to prevent injury during airbag
deployment.
65)Never lean head, arms or elbows out
of window.
IMPORTANT66)If the ¬warning light does not
switch on when the key is turned to MAR,
or stays on while driving (on some
versions, together with a message on the
display) there may be a fault in the
restraint systems. In this case, airbags or
pretensioners may not be activated in the
case of an accident or (in a lesser number
of cases) they may be activated
incorrectly. Before proceeding, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership to have
the system checked immediately.
67)Do not travel carrying objects on your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
68) If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
69)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is
inserted and turned to MAR even when
the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving vehicle. Also remember
that no safety device (airbags or
pretensioners) will be deployed in the
event of impact when the key is at STOP.
Non-deployment of these devices under
these circumstances does not therefore
indicate a system malfunction.70)When the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the
“warning light comes on
constantly for the first 4 seconds.
Then, if the warning light remains on, this
means the passenger’s protection has
been deactivated; if the warning light
switches off, instead, the passenger’s
protection is enabled.
71)The front airbag is designed to be
deployed for impacts of a greater
intensity than for the pretensioners. For
impacts whose intensity falls between
the two levels, normally, only the
pretensioners will be activated.
72)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Because front airbags are not deployed
for low-speed frontal impacts, side
collisions, rear shunts or rollovers,
occupants are protected only by their
seat belts, which must always be
fastened.

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