2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA maintenance

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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STARTING AND OPERATING

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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STARTING AND OPERATING

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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SAFETY

142

Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) — If Equipped
The dynamic drive control is used to optimize
and balance the drive torque between the
wheels of the same axles. The ATV system
improves the grip in turns, sending more drive
torque to the external wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels of the
car travel more than the internal ones and
therefore turn faster, sending a higher thrust
to the external rear wheel allows for the car to
be more stable and to not suffer an "under-
steer" condition. Understeer occurs when the
vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the
steering wheel position.
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
DST uses the integration of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces with
different grip conditions), the ESC system
controls the steering through the DST function
to implement an additional torque contribu-
tion on the steering wheel in order to suggest
the most correct maneuver to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of safety and
control of the vehicle.
NOTE:

The DST feature is only meant to help the driver
realize the correct course of action through small
torques on the steering wheel, which means the
effectiveness of the DST feature is highly depen
-
dent on the driver’s sensitivity and overall reac -
tion to the applied torque. It is very important to
realize that this feature will not steer the vehicle,
meaning the driver is still responsible for
steering the vehicle.

Drive Train Control (DTC) System — If
Equipped
Some models of this vehicle are equipped with
an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which offers
an optimal drive for countless driving condi -
tions and road surfaces. The system reduces
the slipping of the tires to a minimum, auto -
matically redistributing the torque to the front
and rear wheels as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the vehicle with
AWD automatically passes to Rear-Wheel
Drive (RWD) when the road and environmental
conditions are such that they wouldn't cause
the tires to slip. When the road and environ -
mental conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically goes to AWD mode.

NOTE:

If the system failure symbol switches on, after
starting the engine or while driving, it means
that the AWD system is not working properly. If
the warning message activates frequently, it is
recommended to carry out the maintenance
operations.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the vehicle in various
driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s under -
steer 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.
Oversteer occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according to the
angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer occurs when the vehicle is
turning less than it should according to the
angle of the steering wheel.
The ESC system uses sensors installed on the
vehicle to determine the path that the driver
intends to follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective path. When the real path
deviates from the desired path, the ESC
system intervenes to counteract the above
conditions.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is indicated by
the flashing of the ESC warning light on the
instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle stability and grip are critical.
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143

Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and
facilitates starting on slopes, activating auto-
matically in the following cases:
Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
brake pressed and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N) or gear other than REVERSE
(R) engaged.
Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
brake pressed and REVERSE gear engaged.
When starting to move forward from a
complete stop, the ESC system control unit
maintains the braking pressure on the wheels
until the engine torque necessary for starting
is reached, or in any case for a maximum of
two seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator.
The system will automatically deactivate after
two seconds without starting, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During this
release stage, it is possible to hear a typical
mechanical brake release noise, indicating
the imminent movement of the vehicle.
Panic Brake Assist (PBA)
The PBA system is designed to improve the
vehicle’s braking capacity during emergency
braking.
The system detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with which the
brake pedal is pressed, and consequently
applies the optimal brake pressure. This can
reduce the braking distance: the PBA system
therefore complements the ABS.
WARNING!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent accidents resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inappro -
priate driver input for the conditions. Only
a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESC equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to prop -
erly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your
vehicle, and may negatively affect the
performance of the ESC system. Changes
to the steering system, suspension,
braking system, tire type and size or wheel
size may adversely affect ESC perfor-
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly
worn tires may also degrade ESC perfor -
mance. Any vehicle modification or poor
vehicle maintenance that reduces the
effectiveness of the ESC system can
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight
rolling may occur, such as on minor hills or
with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a
trailer. HSA is not a substitute for active
driving involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive to distance to
other vehicles, people, and objects, and
most importantly brake operation to ensure
safe operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is
always required while driving to maintain
safe control of your vehicle. Failure to follow
these warnings can result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
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SAFETY

158

TPMS Temporarily Disabled:
TPMS Check Message
When a system fault is detected, the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds, and then
remain on solid. The system fault will also
sound a chime. If the ignition is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, provided that the system
fault still exists. The Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light will turn off when the
fault condition no longer exists. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:
Jamming due to electronic devices or
driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors.
Installing some form of aftermarket window
tinting that affects radio wave signals.
Packed snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
Using tire chains on the vehicle.
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors.
After the punctured tire has been repaired
with the original tire sealant contained in the
Tire Kit, the previous condition must be
restored so that the Warning Light is off
during normal driving. TPMS Deactivation
The TPMS can be deactivated by replacing all
four wheel and tire assemblies (road tires)
with wheel and tire assemblies that do not
have TPMS sensors, such as when installing
winter wheel and tire assemblies on your
vehicle.
To deactivate the TPMS, first replace all four
wheel and tire assemblies (road tires) with
tires not equipped with Tire Pressure Moni
-
toring System sensors. Then, drive the vehicle
for 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The
TPMS will chime, the TPMS Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on. The instrument cluster will display
the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message and
then display dashes (--) in place of the pres -
sure values.
Beginning with the next ignition switch cycle,
the TPMS will no longer chime or display the
“SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message in the
instrument cluster. Instead, dashes (--) will
remain in place of the pressure values.
To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires
equipped with TPMS sensors. Then, drive the
vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h). The TPMS will chime, the TPMS
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then turn off. The instrument cluster will display the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message and then display pressure
values in place of the dashes. On the next igni
-
tion switch cycle the "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM"
message will no longer be displayed, as long
as no system fault exists.

NOTE:

The TPMS is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance, or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.

The TPMS should not be used as a tire pres -
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire will
cause the tire to overheat, and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi -
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if
underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire
Ú
page 273.
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189

Exhaust Gas The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have an authorized dealer inspect the
complete exhaust system and adjacent body
areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage
or in confined areas any longer than
needed to move your vehicle in or out of
the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/
liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that
all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high
speed. DO NOT use the recirculation
mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, adjust your
heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odor -
less gas, which can kill. Never run the
engine in a closed area, such as a garage,
and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If
the vehicle is stopped in an open area with
the engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
Guard against carbon monoxide with
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust
system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive
with all side windows fully open.
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