2020 Alfa Romeo 4C ABS

USING THE HANDBOOK
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are given, these must be understood as regarding an occupant in the driver’s seat.
Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do not correspond to the actual arrangement
of your vehicle. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles with steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with
steering wheel on the right side, the position or construction of some controls is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key for getting to know the chapter order
and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is anyway a textual indication of the current chapter at the side of each even page.

11
STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the key
and turn the steering wheel until it locks.
Deactivation 4) 5)
Move the steering wheel slightly and turn
the ignition key to MAR.
2)If the ignition device has been
tampered with (e.g. an attempted theft),
have it checked over by the dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership before driving
again.
3)Always take the key with you when you
leave your vehicle to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the
electric parking brake. Never leave
children
unattended in the vehicle.
4)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of
anti-theft device) that could adversely
affect performance and safety, invalidate
the warranty and also result in non-
compliance of the vehicle with
type-approval requirements.
5)Never extract the mechanical key
while the vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel will automatically lock as soon as it
is turned. This holds true for cars being
towed as well.
IMPORTANT
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM
The Alfa Romeo Code prevents
unauthorised use of the vehicle, disabling
engine starting.
Operation
Each time the car is started by turning
the ignition key to MAR, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit sends an
acknowledgement code to the
Powertrain Control Module to
deactivate the inhibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit has
recognised the code transmitted by the
key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOP, the Alfa Romeo CODE system
deactivates the functions of the
Powertrain Control Module.
Activation of warning light while
driving
❒ If the Ydigital warning light on the
display switches on, this means that the
system is running a self-diagnosis (for
example due to a voltage drop).
❒ If the Ydigital warning light remains
on, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
ALARM SYSTEM
(where provided)
OPERATION OF THE ALARM
Operation of the alarm is indicated by an
acoustic and visual signal (flashing of the
direction indicators for several seconds).
The alarm activation modes may vary
according to the market. There is a
maximum number of acoustic/visual
cycles. When this is reached the system
returns to normal operation.
IMPORTANT The alarm is adapted
by the Manufacturer to meet the
requirements of the various countries
where the vehicle is marketed.
ARM ALARM
With the doors and tailgate closed and
the ignition key either turned to STOP or
removed, point the key with remote
control towards the car then press and
release the Ábutton.
For some versions, the system emits an
acoustic signal and activates door
locking.

15
REAR VIEW MIRRORS
INTERIOR MIRROR
Adjustment
Operate lever 1 fig. 11 to adjust the
mirror into two different positions:
normal or anti-glare.
DOOR MIRRORS
Electric adjustment
The mirrors can only be adjusted with the
ignition key at MAR.
Select the mirror you wish to adjust using
device 3 fig. 12:
❒ device in position 1:
left mirror selection;
11A0L0013
❒ device in position 2: right mirror
selected.
To adjust the selected mirror, press
button 4 in the four directions indicated
by the arrows.
11)
IMPORTANT Once adjustment is
complete, rotate device 3 to position 0
to prevent accidental movements.
12A0L0014
9)Adjustments must be made only with
the vehicle stationary and engine off.
10)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-
theft device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the vehicle with
type-approval requirements.
IMPORTANT

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
36
Warning lights on panelMeaning What to do
Drive carefully and contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
ABS FAULT
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light switches on to indicate a system fault.
In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency
unaltered but without the advantage of the ABS system.
The display shows the dedicated message.
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEACTIVATED
The warning light
“comes on when the front passenger
airbag is deactivated.
With the front passenger airbag enabled, when the
ignition key is turned to MAR, the
“warning light
switches on constantly for about 4 seconds then it should
switch off.
If the warning light flashes, this indicates an airbag
warning light fault.
22)
Drive carefully and contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible.

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.

SAFETY
52
“PRE-FILL” SYSTEM
(RAB - Ready Alert Brake)
(only with “Dynamic” mode engaged)
This function activates automatically if
the accelerator pedal is released rapidly,
reducing the brake pad travel (both at
front and back), with the aim of preparing
the braking system and enhancing its
responsiveness, thus reducing the
stopping distance in the event of
subsequent braking.
25)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
26)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
27)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.
28)For the correct operation of the ASR
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.
IMPORTANT
29)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and
ASR systems.
Your driving style must always be suited
to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
30)When the ABS intervenes and you
notice the brake pedal pulsating, do not
reduce the pressure, but hold it firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in
the shortest distance possible, depending
on the road conditions.
31)For maximum efficiency of the
braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this
period it is better to avoid sharp,
repeated and prolonged braking.
32)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.
33)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition
of the road.
34)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.35) 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.
36)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.
37)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition
of the road.
38)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
39) The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously,
in such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
40)The HBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
41)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
42) The capability of the HBA 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.

Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
❒ frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the car (e.g. wing collision
against guard rail);
❒ jamming of the car underneath other
vehicles or protective barriers
(e.g. underneath a truck or a guard rail); in
this case, the bags would offer no
additional protection with respect to the
seat belt and their deployment would be
inappropriate.
In these cases, non-deployment does not
indicate a system malfunction.
FRONT AIRBAG DRIVER’S SIDE
This is located in a dedicated
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 39.
61)
39A0L0055
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG
This is located in a dedicated
compartment in the dashboard fig. 40.
62)
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
It is ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN to install
on the vehicle a child restraint system
backwards the driving direction.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the baby.
ALWAYS comply with the instructions
on the label stuck on the passenger side
sun visor fig. 41.
40A0L0056
IMPORTANT NOTES
The front airbags may activate in the event of
sharp impacts to the underbody of the car
(e.g. impact with steps, pavements, potholes
or road bumps, etc.). When the airbag deploys
it emits a small amount of dust: the dust is
harmless and does not indicate the beginning
of a fire. The dust may irritate the skin and
eyes however: in this case, wash with neutral
soap and water.
Airbag checking, repair and replacement
must be carried out at a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership. If the car is scrapped,
have the airbag system deactivated at a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Pretensioners and airbags are deployed
according to different logic on the basis of
the type of collision. Failure to activate one or
more of the devices does not indicate a
system malfunction.
63) 64) 65) 66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71) 72)
SAFETY
64
41A0L0230