2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA automatic transmission

86

(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting the engine, be sure to adjust
the seat, the interior rear view mirror, and the
door mirrors, and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal before
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the starting
procedure will be shown in the display.
Starting Procedure
Proceed as follows:
1. Apply the Electric Park Brake and set thegear selector to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
2. Fully press the brake pedal without touching the accelerator.
3. Briefly push the ignition button.
4. If the engine doesn't start within a few seconds, you need to repeat the proce -
dure.
If the problem persists, contact an authorized
dealer.
Remote Starting System
This system uses the key fob to start the
engine conveniently from outside the vehicle
while still maintaining security. The system
has a range of at least 300 feet (91 meters).
The remote starting system also activates the
climate control, the heated seats (if
equipped), and the heated steering wheel (if
equipped), depending on temperatures
outside and inside of the vehicle.

NOTE:

Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob
may reduce this range.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.

Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the transmission gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into the throttle body air inlet opening in
an attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result in flash fire causing serious
personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.

If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle

Ú
page 199. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly.

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more
than 25 seconds at a time. Wait 60
seconds before trying again.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 86

STARTING AND OPERATING

88

If Engine Fails To Start
Starting the Engine with Key Fob Battery Run
Down or Drained
If the ignition does not respond when the
button is pushed, the key fob battery might be
run down or drained. Therefore, the system
does not detect the presence of the key fob in
the vehicle, and will display a dedicated
message.
For more information on starting with a
discharged key fob battery
Ú
page 19.
After Starting — Warming Up The Engine
Proceed as follows:

Travel slowly, letting the engine run at a
reduced RPM, without accelerating suddenly.

It is recommended to wait until the digital
engine coolant temperature indicator starts
to rise for maximum performance.
Stopping The Engine
To stop the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Park the vehicle in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic.
2. Engage the PARK (P) mode.
3. With engine idling, push the ENGINE START/STOP button on the steering wheel
to STOP the engine.

NOTE:

Do not leave the ignition in ACC mode when
the engine is off.
To shut off the engine with vehicle speed
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), you must push
and hold the ignition or push the ENGINE
START/STOP button three times consecutively within a few seconds. The engine will shut
down, and the ignition will be placed in the
ACC mode
With the keyless ignition system, it is possible
to leave the vehicle taking the key fob with you
without the engine switching off. The vehicle
will inform the absence of the key on board,
only if the doors are closed.
Stopping the engine (cycling from the ACC to
the OFF position), the accessories are still
powered for about three minutes, or until a
door is opened.
When the ignition is in the OFF mode, the
window switches remain active for three
minutes. Opening a front door will cancel this
function.
After severe driving, idle the engine to allow
the temperature inside the engine compart
-
ment to cool before shutting off the engine.
Turbocharger Cool Down
It is recommended before switching the
vehicle off, to keep the engine idling for a few
minutes so that the turbocharger can be suit -
ably lubricated. This procedure is particularly
recommended after severe driving.

After a full load operation, keep the engine idling
for three to five minutes before switching it off.

This time allows the lubricating oil and the
engine coolant to eliminate the excessive heat
from combustion chamber, bearings, inner
components and turbocharger.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into the throttle body air inlet opening in
an attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result in flash fire causing serious
personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.

If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle

Ú
page 199. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than
25 seconds at a time. Wait 60 seconds before
trying again.

21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 88

STARTING AND OPERATING

92

(Continued)
Electric Park Brake (EPB) Operating Modes
The EPB may operate as follows:
“Dynamic Operating Mode”: this mode is
activated by pulling the switch repeatedly
while driving.
“Static Engagement and Release Mode”:
with the vehicle stationary, the EPB can be
activated by pulling the switch on the center
console once. Push the switch and the
brake pedal at the same time to disengage
the brake.
“Drive Away Release”: the EPB will automat-
ically disengage with the driver side seat
belt fastened and the detection of an action
performed by the driver to move the vehicle
(forward gear or reverse gear). This feature
can be turned on or off in the Information
and Entertainment System.

NOTE:

If the car is equipped with carbon-ceramic
brake discs, it is necessary to fasten the seat
belts or turn off the EPB before starting to
avoid damages to the ceramic brake discs.
“Safe Hold”: if the vehicle speed is lower
than 1.9 mph (3 km/h), the gear selector is
not in PARK (P) position and the driver's
intention of leaving the vehicle is detected,
the EPB will automatically engage to hold
the vehicle in safety conditions.
“Auto Park Brake”: if the vehicle speed is
below 1.9 mph (3 km/h), the EPB will auto -
matically engage when the gear selector is
in PARK (P) position. The light on the switch
located on the center console switches on
together with the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the parking
brake is engaged and applied to the wheels.
Each automatic parking brake engagement
can be canceled by pressing the switch on
the center console and at the same time
moving the gear selector for the transmis -
sion to position PARK (P).
Safe Hold
Safe Hold is a safety function that automati -
cally engages the Electric Park Brake in the
event of a dangerous condition for the vehicle.
The Electric Park Brake engages automatically
to prevent vehicle movement if:
The vehicle speed is below 2 mph (3 km/h).
A transmission operating mode different
from PARK (P) is activated.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
The driver side door is open.
No attempts to apply pressure on the brake
pedal have been detected.
The vehicle is parked on roads with a slope
of more than 4%. The “Safe Hold” function can be temporarily
disabled by pushing the switch located on the
center console and the brake pedal at the
same time, with the vehicle stationary and the
driver side door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate again
when the vehicle speed reaches 12 mph
(20 km/h) or the ignition is cycled to OFF and
then to ACC.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically
controlled 8-speed automatic transmission
where gear shifting automatically takes place,
depending on the vehicle usage instanta
-
neous parameters (vehicle speed, grade, and
accelerator pedal position).
Manual gear shifting can still occur thanks to
the “sequential mode” position for the gear
selector.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 92

93

(Continued)
Display
The following information is shown on the
dedicated area of the display:
In Automatic Mode: the active mode (P, R,
N, D) with "D" as the current gear number.
In Manual Drive Mode (Sequential) : the
mode (M) with the current gear and the
double or single gear shift request, use both
up and down (single or double arrow).
Gear Display
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 93

STARTING AND OPERATING

94

Gear Selector
The gear functioning is controlled by the gear
selector, which can assume the following posi-
tions:
P = PARK
R = REVERSE
N = NEUTRAL
D = DRIVE (automatic forward speed)
AutoStick : using + manually shift to higher
gear; – to manually shift to lower gear
The positions diagram is illustrated on the top
of the gear selector.
Gear Selector Center Console
The letter corresponding to the mode selected
on the gear selector lights up and appears on
the instrument cluster display. To select a mode, move the gear selector
forward or backwards, together with pressing
the brake pedal and gear selector button to
engage REVERSE (R).
Gear Selector
The gear selector is a joystick style shifting
mechanism which returns to the center posi -
tion automatically. It can be pushed forward
twice and rearward twice, based on the
starting condition.
The PARK (P) mode can be enabled/disabled
by pushing the PARK (P) button.
To transition the vehicle into REVERSE (R)
mode from DRIVE (D) mode, or into DRIVE (D)
mode from REVERSE (R) mode, it is necessary
to move the gear selector by pushing the gear
selector button. When using AutoStick to change gears, move
the gear selector left from DRIVE (D) and then
forward toward the - symbol or backward
toward the + symbol and the gear is changed.
To shift out of PARK (P), or to pass from posi
-
tion NEUTRAL (N) to position DRIVE (D) or
REVERSE (R), the vehicle must be moving at a
low speed or stopped, and the brake pedal
must also be pressed.

NOTE:
DO NOT accelerate while shifting from posi -
tion PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to another
position.
After selecting a gear, wait a few seconds
before accelerating. This precaution is
particularly important with a engine cold.
Transmission Operating Modes
PARK (P)
The transmission is locked in this mode. The
engine can be started in this mode.

NOTE:

Never try to engage PARK (P) mode when the
vehicle is moving. Before leaving the vehicle,
make sure this mode is engaged (letter P
shown on the display and gear selector) and
that the parking brake is engaged.
When parking on a flat surface, first engage
the PARK (P) mode and then engage the Elec -
tric Park Brake.
1 — Gear Selector
2 — PARK (P) Button
3 — Gear Selector Button
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 94

STARTING AND OPERATING

96

DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving conditions.
Shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or
REVERSE (R) modes must take place only after
releasing the accelerator pedal, with vehicle at
a standstill and brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic engagement of
the most suitable gears for driving needs and
maximum fuel economy in terms of consump-
tion.
In this position, the transmission shifts the
gears automatically, selecting the most suit -
able for forward driving among those available
as you go. This ensures the vehicle's optimal
driving characteristics are provided for all
conditions.
AutoStick
In the case of frequent shifting (e.g. for sport
driving, when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load or on slopes), it is recommended to use
the Autostick (sequential shifting) mode to
select and keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, the use of a lower gear
improves vehicle performance, preventing
overheating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D) mode to
sequential mode regardless of vehicle speed. Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D), move the selector to
the left (– and + indication of the trim) to acti
-
vate the sequential drive mode. The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear selector
forwards, towards symbol – or backwards,
towards symbol +.
Steering Wheel Shift Paddles — If Equipped
The gear can also be manually shifted by using
the paddles behind the steering wheel. Pull
the right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel
and release it to engage a higher gear, and
perform the same operation with the left
paddle (-) to engage a lower gear.
Steering Wheel Shift Paddles

NOTE:

If only one manual shift is necessary, the letter
(D) will remain on the display with the engaged
gear next to it. Deactivation
To deactivate the sequential driving mode,
bring the gear selector back in position DRIVE
(D) (“automatic” driving mode).

NOTE:

To select the correct gear for maximum
deceleration (engine brake), just keep the
gear paddle pulled (–): the transmission
goes to an operating mode in which the
vehicle can slow down easily.
The vehicle will keep the gear selected by
the driver until the safety conditions allow it.
This means, for example, that the system
will try to prevent the engine from switching
off, automatically downshifting if the engine
speed is too low.
WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.

21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 96

97

Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated.
In this condition, the transmission stays in
FOURTH gear, regardless of the selected gear.
Positions PARK (P), REVERSE (R) and
NEUTRAL (N) still work.
The symbol might light up in the instrument
cluster.
Temporary failure
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P), if possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N).
3. Push and hold the ignition until the engine turns off.
4. Wait for about 10 seconds, then restart the engine.
5. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the trans -
mission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An
authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could reoccur. If the
transmission cannot be reset, service is
required at an authorized dealer.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system
that holds the gear selector in PARK (P) unless
the brakes are applied.
This system prevents you from moving the
gear selector from position PARK (P) unless
the brakes are applied.
To shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the
ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN mode
(engine running or not) and the brake pedal
must be pressed.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock Disabling
Only if strictly necessary (e.g. pushing the
vehicle, conveyor vehicle washing systems)
inhibit the automatic activation of PARK (P)
mode when stopping the engine, or proceed
as described below:
1. Vehicle at a standstill.
2. NEUTRAL (N) mode activated.
3. Push the ignition button for at least three
seconds. The automatic parking brake engagement
function when the engine is stopped can also
be deactivated on the Information and Enter
-
tainment system by selecting the following
functions on the main menu: “Settings”,
“Driver Assistance” and “Automatic Parking
Brake”.
Important Notes
Failure to comply with what is reported below
may damage the transmission:
Shift into PARK (P) mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill.
Select REVERSE (R) mode, or pass from
REVERSE to another mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill and engine idling.
Do not change between PARK (P), REVERSE
(R), NEUTRAL (N) or DRIVE (D) modes with
engine running at a speed above idling.
Before activating any transmission oper -
ating mode, fully press the brake pedal.

NOTE:

The unexpected movement of the vehicle can
injure the occupants or people nearby. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running:
before getting out of the passenger compart -
ment always engage the Electric Park Brake,
select the PARK (P) mode and stop the engine.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 97

STARTING AND OPERATING

100

Dynamic Mode Performance Display
The “Performance” screen displays parame -
ters related to vehicle stability, the graphs
illustrate the trend of the longitudinal/lateral
accelerations (G-meter information), consid -
ering gravity acceleration as a reference unit.
Lateral acceleration peaks are displayed on
the right.
“Normal” Mode
“Normal” Mode is the default mode when the
vehicle is started up.
Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to the
letter “n”; the displays light up in blue. Natural Mode
Engine and transmission: standard response.
The “Performance” screen graphically repro -
duces some parameters closely linked to the
efficiency of the driving style, with a view to
limiting consumption.
Natural Mode Performance Display “Advanced Efficiency” Mode
Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to the
letter “a”; the displays light up in green.
Advanced Efficiency Mode
ESC and ASR systems: intervention thresholds
aimed at ensuring maximum safety in low-grip
driving conditions. It is advisable to select
“Advanced Efficiency” mode in the presence
of low-grip road surfaces.
“Electronic Q2” system: the system is deacti -
vated.
There will be reduced engine performance.
“Advanced Efficiency” Mode is characterized
by reduced engine performance and ECO
shifting strategy for the automatic transmis -
sion.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 100