2021 Alfa Romeo 4C handbrake

VERY IMPORTANT
K


REFUELLINGOnly refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European specification EN228. In particular, the engine of
Alfa 4C has been designed to comply with all emission limits while simultaneously guaranteeing minimal consumption and maximum performance, using
premium-quality unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) 98 or higher. The use of petrol that does not conform to the specification indicated may cause the
Uwarning light to switch on and the irregular operation of the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINEMake sure that the handbrake is engaged. Press the brake pedal and, without pressing the accelerator, turn the ignition key to AVV;
release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIALThe catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the vehicle on grass, dry leaves,
pine needles or other flammable material: risk of fire.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIESIf, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Alfa Romeo Dealership.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle’s electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICINGCorrect maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring it stays in tip-top condition and safeguards its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.
IN THE OWNER HANDBOOK… you will find information, tips and important warnings regarding the safe, driving and looking after your car properly.
Pay particular attention to the symbols (personal safety) (environmental protection) (car safety).
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENTThe car is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission related components in order to help
protect the environment.

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
34
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when
applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to
the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information
in this section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults are
indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”. Less serious faults are indicated by a warning “cycle” with a shorter duration.
The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the
malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Warning lights on panelMeaning What to do
Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the warning
light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
Release the handbrake, then check that the warning light
has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE APPLIED
The warning light switches on when the key is turned to
MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid
in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly
due to a leak in the circuit.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is
engaged.

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
46
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
GENERIC FAILURE INDICATION
(where provided)
The symbol appears on the display together with the
events shown below.
Engine oil pressure sensor
The symbol appears when a failure is detected in the
engine oil pressure sensor. The display shows the
dedicated message.In this case, go to a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible to have the
fault corrected.
Clutch overheating message
The
symbol, together with a message on the display,
lights up to indicate clutch overheating.
If you continue driving, the symbol
will disappear and
the warning light will come on (on some versions
together with a message on the display) to indicate a
gearbox fault.
If the symbol comes on together with a message on
the display, limit the gear shifting and/or change the
condition of use, until normal operating conditions are
restored.
If the warning light lights up (a message will appear on
the display, on some versions) stop immediately, operate
the handbrake, switch off the engine and wait 5 minutes:
after this, normal transmission operating conditions will
be restored.
Should the transmission failure condition persist, contact
the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
The symbol and the corresponding message are shown on
the display in the following cases:
❒ fuel cut-off system intervention:
the yellow symbol lights up;
❒ fuel cut-off system failure:
the red symbol lights up.For reactivating the fuel cut-off system, refer to the
description in the
“Fuel cut-off system” section in the “In an emergency”
chapter. If it is not possible to restore the fuel supply,
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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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.

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.
42A0L0066
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
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).

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.