2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA check engine

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

78

Red Symbols
Alfa Steering Torque (AST) Failure
The switching on of the telltale
signals a failure in the automatic
steering correction system.
Contact an authorized dealer to have the
system checked.
Alternator Failure
The switching on of the telltale with
engine on corresponds to an alter -
nator failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Automatic Transmission Failure
The telltale turns on, together with a
buzzer warning, to indicate that the
automatic transmission is faulty.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Driver Attention Assist (DAA) System
Activation
The symbol appears, together with a
message on the display, in case of
activation of the DAA system.
Stop to pause while driving, pulling the car
over in safe conditions.
Door Open
The telltale turns on when one or
more doors are not completely shut.
An acoustic signal is activated with
the doors open and the car moving.
Close the doors properly.
Power Steering Failure
If the telltale remains on, you may
not have steering assistance and the
effort required to operate the
steering wheel may be increased;
steering is, however, possible.

NOTE:

After the battery is disconnected, the steering
wheel must be initialized. The Power Steering
Failure light on the instrument panel will illumi -
nate to indicate this. To carry out this proce -
dure, simply turn the steering wheel all the way
from one end to the other, and then turn it
back to the central position.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light, along with the
related message, signals a failure in
the ETC.
If a failure is detected, the warning light turns
on while the engine is running.
Place the gear selector in the Park (P) position
and the ignition in the off position: the warning
light should switch off. If the warning light
stays on with engine running, the vehicle can
still be driven.
If the warning light flashes with the engine
running, immediate intervention is required. A
loss of performance, irregular/high idling
speed or engine stopping might take place
and the vehicle may need to be towed.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Engine Coolant Temperature Too High
The telltale lights up when the
engine has overheated.
In normal driving conditions : stop the car, turn
off the engine and check that the coolant level
in the reservoir is not below the MIN mark. In
this case, wait for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, fill with
coolant and check that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir itself.
CAUTION!
Driving the vehicle with this symbol on may
severely damage the gearbox, with resulting
breakage. The oil may also overheat:
contact with hot engine or with exhaust
components at high temperature could
cause fires.
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79

Also check visually for any fluid leaks. Contact
an authorized dealer if the telltale comes on
when the engine is started again.
If the vehicle is used under demanding condi-
tions (e.g. in high-performance driving): slow
down and, if the warning light stays on, stop
the vehicle. Stop for two or three minutes with
the engine running and slightly accelerated to
facilitate better coolant circulation, then turn
the engine off. Check that the coolant level is
correct as described above.
Hood Cap Not Properly Shut
The telltale turns on when the hood
cap is not properly closed, along with
the icon, an image of the vehicle with
an open hood cap appears on the
display.
A buzzer is heard when the hood cap is open
and the vehicle is moving.
Close the hood properly.
Insufficient Engine Oil Level
The telltale turns on, along with the
related message on the display, to
indicate low engine oil level.
Contact an authorized dealer to have the
system checked.
Low Engine Oil Pressure
This telltale indicates low engine oil
pressure. If the telltale turns on
while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound when this telltale turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This telltale does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine.

NOTE:

Do not use the vehicle until the failure has
been solved. The turning on of the telltale does
not indicate the amount of oil in the engine:
the oil level can be checked on the display
upon entering the vehicle and also by acti
-
vating the “Oil level” function on the Informa -
tion and Entertainment System.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Trunk Lid Not Properly Shut

The telltale turns on when the trunk lid
is not properly closed, along with the
icon, an image of the vehicle with an
open trunk lid appears on the display.

A buzzer is heard when the trunk lid is open
and the vehicle is moving.
Close the trunk lid properly.
Amber Symbols

Engine Immobilizer Failure/Break-In Attempt

Engine Immobilizer System Failure
The telltale will illuminate to report a
failure of the Engine Immobilizer
system.
Break-In Attempt The telltale will illuminate
when the ignition is cycled to ON position, to
indicate a possible break-in attempt detected
by the alarm system.
Electronic Key Not Recognized The telltale will
illuminate when the engine is started and the
electronic key is not recognized by the system.
Alarm System Failure The telltale will illumi -
nate to report an alarm system failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Fuel Cut-Off Indicator Light
The telltale will illuminate after an
accident has occurred and the
system has shut the fuel off.
For reactivating the fuel cut-off system

Ú
page 159. If it is not possible to restore the
fuel supply, contact an authorized dealer.
Park Sensors System Failure
The telltale will illuminate when the
system has failed or is not available.
Contact an authorized dealer to have the
system checked.
CAUTION!
If the LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE symbol
switches on when driving, stop the engine
immediately and contact an authorized
dealer.
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84

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM
Operation
The Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD) carries
out a continuous diagnosis of the components
of the vehicle related to emissions.
It also alerts the driver of when these compo-
nents are no longer in peak condition by
switching on the warning light on the instru -
ment panel
Ú
page 73.
The aim of the OBD system (Onboard Diag -
nostic) is to:
Monitor the efficiency of the system
Indicate an increase in emissions
Indicate the need to replace damaged
components The vehicle also has a connector, which can
interface with appropriate tools, that makes it
possible to read the error codes stored in the
electronic control units together with a series
of specific parameters for engine operation
and diagnosis. This check can be carried out
by an authorized dealer.

NOTE:

After eliminating a fault, to check the system
completely, an authorized dealer is obliged to
run tests and, if necessary certain road tests.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information
related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may
need to access this information to assist with
the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to read the VIN,
diagnose, or service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems,
could be impaired or a loss of vehicle
control could occur that may result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access,
information stored in your vehicle
systems, including personal informa-
tion.
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85

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal require-
ment to pass an inspection of your vehicle's
emissions control system. Failure to pass
could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M), this check
verifies the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The
OBD II system may not be ready if your vehicle
was recently serviced, recently had a depleted
battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II
system should be determined not ready for the
I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated
test, which you can use prior to going to the
test station. To check if your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready, you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON posi -
tion, but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:

If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over. 2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to
the ON position, you will see the Malfunc -
tion Indicator Light (MIL) symbol come on
as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds
and then return to being fully illumi-
nated until you turn OFF the ignition or
start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is not ready and
you should not proceed to the I/M
station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will
remain fully illuminated until you place the ignition in the off position or start
the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready and you
can proceed to the I/M station. If your

OBD II system is
not ready, you should
see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If
your vehicle was recently serviced or had a
battery failure or replacement, you may need
to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as
you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above
test routine may then indicate that the system
is now ready .
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation you should
have your vehicle serviced before going to the
I/M station. The I/M station can fail your
vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
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95

(Continued)
When parking uphill, before activating the
PARK (P) mode, engage the Electric Park
Brake. Otherwise, it could be difficult to
engage the (P) mode.
To check that the PARK (P) mode is actually
engaged, make sure (P) is illuminated on the
display and on the gear selector.REVERSE (R)
Select this mode only with the vehicle at a
standstill.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
The engine may be started in this range. Apply
the Electric Park Brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK (P) if you must leave the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.
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.
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 STOP/OFF. When the
ignition is in the STOP/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 STOP/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.
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 mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued) CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must push the
ignition button to cycle from STOP/OFF
mode to the ON mode, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the
gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
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138

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing is not recommended for this
vehicle.
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING
Saving Fuel
Below are some suggestions which may help
you save fuel and lower the amount of harmful
emissions released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle Maintenance
Checks and operations should be carried out
in accordance with the Maintenance Plan

Ú
page 204.
Tires
Check the tire pressures at least once every
four weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance to
rolling is higher.
Unnecessary Loads
Do not travel with an overloaded trunk. The
weight of the vehicle and its arrangement
greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Electric Devices
Use electrical systems only for the amount of
time needed. The rear window defroster, addi -
tional headlights, windshield wipers and
heater blower fan require a considerable
amount of energy; increasing the current
uptake increases fuel consumption (by up to
+25% when city driving). Climate Control System
Using the climate control system will increase
consumption: use standard ventilation when
the temperature outside permits.
Devices for Aerodynamic Control
The use of non-certified devices for aerody
-
namic control may adversely affect air drag
and consumption levels.
Driving Style
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs
when the vehicle is stationary; this causes the
engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It
is therefore advisable to drive off immediately,
slowly, avoiding high speeds: by doing this the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary Actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights
or before stopping the engine. This action is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.
Gear Selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road condi -
tions allow it. Using a low gear for faster accel -
eration will increase fuel consumption.
Improper use of a high gear increases
consumption, emissions and engine wear. Max. Speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as
speed increases. Maintain a constant speed,
avoiding unnecessary braking and accelera
-
tion, which cost in terms of both fuel consump -
tion and emissions.
Acceleration

Accelerating violently severely affects consump -
tion and emissions: acceleration should be
gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.

Conditions Of Use
Cold Starting
Short trips and frequent cold starts will not
allow the engine to reach optimum operating
temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to
+30% in city driving) and emissions.
Traffic And Road Conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy
traffic, for instance when traveling in traffic
with frequent use of low gears or in cities with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads
and rough road surfaces also adversely affect
consumption.
Stops In Traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. railway cross -
ings), turn off the engine.
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139

Transporting Passengers
Transporting Animals
The intervention of the airbags may be
dangerous for an animal on the front seat. It is
therefore advised to arrange animals on the
rear seat inside dedicated cages restrained by
the vehicle’s seat belts.
Keep in mind that, in the event of a sudden
braking or an accident, an inadequately
restrained animal may be projected within the
passenger compartment, risking injury to the
animal itself and the other occupants of the
vehicle.
Exhaust Gas
Exhaust emissions are very dangerous, and
may be lethal. They contain carbon monoxide,
a colorless, odorless gas which can cause
fainting and poisoning if inhaled.
To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, take the
following measures:
Do not keep the engine running in closed
spaces.
If, for some reason (e.g. transporting bulky
loads), it is necessary to drive with the trunk
open, close all the windows and run the
climate control fan at maximum speed. DO
NOT activate air recirculation mode.
Should it be necessary to stay in the
stationary vehicle with engine running,
adjust the ventilation/heating system and
operate the fan in such a way that outside
air will enter the passenger compartment.
Activate the maximum fan speed.
Maintenance of the exhaust system provides
the best protection against leaks of carbon
monoxide into the passenger compartment.
Should an unusual noise from the exhaust
system or the presence of exhaust gas in the
passenger compartment be identified, or if the
underbody or rear section of the vehicle is
damaged, have the entire exhaust system and
bodywork areas checked to identify any components which are broken, damaged,
worn or have moved from their correct fitting
position. If any of these things occur, contact
an authorized dealer.
Open welding or loose connections may permit
exhaust gas to enter the passenger compart
-
ment.
Check the exhaust system each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change
operations. Replace the components if neces -
sary, contact an authorized dealer.
Performance — Quadrifoglio
This vehicle is equipped with an engine
capable of delivering exceptionally fast accel -
eration and speed:
Peak power: 505 HP at 6500 RPM.
Peak torque: 443 ft-lbs at 2500–5000
RPM.
Top speed: 191 mph (307 km/h).
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to
100 km/h): 3.8 seconds.
For safe driving, it is essential, particularly
during the first days of use, to get to know the
car by driving carefully and gradually discov -
ering its performance.
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to leave children
in a parked vehicle when the temperature
outside is very high. The heat inside the
passenger compartment may have
serious, or even fatal, consequences.
Never travel in the trunk of the vehicle. In
the event of an accident, anyone inside
the trunk would be at greater risk of
serious or even fatal injury.
Ensure that all the occupants of the
vehicle wear their seat belts correctly and
that any children are positioned correctly
on the dedicated child restraint systems.
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140

Brakes
The car braking system may be available with
four carbon-ceramic material brake discs, one
on each wheel.
In order to guarantee the maximum braking
capacity for the first use, Alfa Romeo performs
a “run-in” procedure for discs and pads
directly at the factory.
The use of carbon-ceramic material brake
discs guarantees braking features (better
deceleration/pedal load ratio, braking
distances, fading resistance) proportional to
the dynamic features of the car in addition to
considerably decreasing the unsprung compo-
nent weight.
The materials used and the structural features
of the system could generate unusual noises
which have absolutely no adverse effect on
correct operation and reliability of the braking
system.
Greater pressure may need to be applied to
the brake pedal the first time to keep the same
braking capacities in presence of condensa -
tion or salt on the braking surfaces, for
example after washing or if the car is not used
for a long time.

NOTE:

Given the high technological level of this
system, any servicing on it must be performed
by an authorized dealer which exclusively has
the skills needed for the repair and mainte -
nance operations. In case of intensive, high-performance use of
the car, have the efficiency of the
carbon-ceramic material braking system
inspected as shown on the Maintenance Plan
at an authorized dealer.
Driving On Race Tracks
Before driving on a track using a racing style, it
is necessary to:
Attend a race track driving course.
Check all liquid levels in the engine
compartment.
Have the car inspected at an authorized
dealer.
Remember that the car was not designed to be
driven exclusively on the race track and that
this use increases stress and component
wear.

NOTE:

Quadrifoglio front brakes are equipped with
NAO type pads (Non-Asbestos Organic). These
pads are NOT suitable for high thermal loads
(for example track use). If you want to use
vehicle on a track it is recommended to use
the optional CCM Brakes (Carbon Ceramic
Brake disc). Preheating The Carbon Ceramic Material
Brake Discs (If Equipped)
The brake discs must be warmed up to make
them fully efficient. You are advised to perform
the following procedure to achieve optimal
efficiency:
Brake nine times from 80 mph to 18 mph
(130 km/h to 30 km/h) with deceleration
equal to 0.7g (the longitudinal acceleration
value is shown on the instrument panel
display by setting RACE mode and selecting
the “Performance” page) with 20 second
intervals between brake applications; keep
the car at a speed comprised between
37 mph and 62 mph (60 km/h and
100 km/h) and do not brake for 4 minutes to allow the brakes to cool down.
Brake three times from 124 mph to 18 mph
(200 km/h to 30 km/h) with deceleration
equal to 1.1g (ABS operation) with 30
second intervals between brake applica -
tions; keep the car at a speed comprised
between 37 mph and 62 mph (60 km/h
and 100 km/h) and do not brake for
5 minutes to allow the brakes to cool down.
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