2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA steering wheel

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.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 142

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.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 143

147

(Continued)
“Blind Spot Alert” Function Deactivation
When the system is deactivated (“Blind Spot
Alert” mode off), the BSM or RCP systems will
not emit an audible or a visual warning.
The BSM system will store the operating mode
that was active when the engine was stopped.
Each time the engine is started, the operating
mode stored previously will be recalled and
used.
Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) System — If
Equipped
The Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) system
function is to help avoid/limit lateral collisions
with cars located in the blind spot zones, even
changing the vehicle’s trajectory in order to
keep it in the detected lane.
The system warns the driver about the pres-
ence of other vehicles in the detection area by
illuminating the warning light located within
the door mirror on the side in which the other
vehicle was detected and by means of an
acoustic signal and/or vibration on the
steering wheel and/or counter-steering torque
on the steering wheel (if the respective item on
the "Driver Assistance" menu is set up and
then selecting "Safety" on the radio system).
When the engine is started, the warning light
illuminates briefly to signal the driver that the
system is active (the warning light comes on
even if the system is activated through the
radio system menu). ABSA Indicator Light
Sensors
The system uses two radar sensors, located in
the rear fascia/bumper (one for each side) to
detect the presence of vehicles (cars, trucks,
motorbikes, etc.) in the rear side blind spots of
the car.
The sensors are activated when any forward
gear is engaged at a speed higher than about
6 mph (10 km/h), or when REVERSE (R) is
engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the car is stationary and in PARK (P).
The detection area of the system covers about
a lane on both sides of the car around 10 ft
(3 meters).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for about 20 ft (6 meters) towards the
rear part of the car. WARNING!
The accident risk persists despite the
application of torque to the steering wheel
by the ABSA system.

Applying a torque that corrects the steering
wheel alignment does not always prevent
an accident. It is always the driver's respon
-
sibility to steer, brake or accelerate, espe -
cially after the ABSA system warning or
after the steering wheel torque interven -
tion. The driver is responsible for ensuring
that there are no pedestrians, other vehi -
cles or objects along the direction of the
vehicle. Failure to comply with these
precautions may cause serious accidents
and injuries. The driver is fully responsible
for holding a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead respecting the highway code in force
in the respective country.

In some cases, the system could apply an
improper torque to the steering wheel.
This application can be interrupted at
anytime turning the steering wheel in the
opposite direction.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 147

SAFETY

148

When the sensors are active the system moni-
tors the detection areas on both sides of the
car and warns the driver about the possible
presence of cars in these areas.
Rear Sensor Location
While driving, the system monitors the detec -
tion zone in three different situations:
When you are being overtaken by a vehicle;
When you are overtaking a vehicle;
When a vehicle approaches from the side;
to check if it is necessary to intervene in order
to keep the vehicle inside the lane on both
sides.

NOTE:

The system does not signal the presence of
fixed objects (e.g. safety barriers, poles, walls,
etc.). However, in some circumstances, the
system may activate in the presence of these
objects.This is normal and does not indicate a
system malfunction. The system does not warn the driver about the
presence of cars coming from the opposite
direction, in the adjacent lanes.
Activation/Deactivation
The system can be activated/deactivated
using the “Driver Assistance” menu in the
radio system. Select signal type, strength
levels and sensitivity.

NOTE:

Vehicles with an active system will display the
following screen, on the radio system.
System Intervention
The system intervenes in the following condi
-
tions:
the direction indicators have been turned
on;
there is a vehicle in the adjacent lane on the
same side of the direction indicator (blind
spot area);
lane lines are not correctly detected;
the driver tries to change lane intentionally. If the system detects the presence of a vehicle
in the rear side blind spots of the car, it applies
a torque on the steering wheel (if it has been
set through the “Settings” menu of the radio
system), in order to warn the driver of the need
to keep the car inside the lane and thus avoid
collisions with other vehicles.
The application of torque and vibration is
however only available with car speed
between 37 mph (60 km/h) and 110 mph
(180 km/h).
The application of torque, as well as of the
vibration, is suppressed/inhibited if:
The torque given by the driver of the
steering wheel is high
Lateral acceleration is high
The trailer is not connected to the correct
control module

At least one hand is not detected on the
steering wheel for longer than a specific time

The turn signal is turned off

NOTE:

The steering wheel torque is not applied if the
system is unable to detect a lane and if the
direction indicator for the appropriate side has
not been switched on.

The steering wheel detects the presence of the
driver’s hands by a capacitive sensor installed in
the steering wheel and by the applied torque
measured on the steering column.

21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 148

149

System Availability
Aggressive driving of the car, or driving on the
median lines, will prevent the correct opera-
tion of the system.
In case of intervention of the stability and
braking systems (FCW, ESC, ABS) they will
prevent the system from operating.
Lane change will disable the system for a
certain period of time.
The road must also comply with some specific
characteristics, such as:
Maximum/minimum lane width.
Clearly identified and defined double yellow
lines and, for a limited period of time, a lane
with a single demarcation line.

NOTE:

In some cases, for a limited period of time, the
system may be activated by a lane with a
single median line.
In cases of good road surface conditions, the
system could correctly recognize other types
of valid lane markings (e.g. road edges, side -
walks, etc.). Hands Presence On The Steering Wheel
Detection
The system is able to detect the presence of
the driver’s hands on the steering wheel.

When the system does not detect the presence
of hands on the steering wheel for zero to six
seconds, the following screen will be displayed
on the instrument cluster display. No acoustic
warning will be emitted in this case.

Hand Presence On The Steering Wheel Not Detected Display (Up To Six Seconds)

When the system does not detect the presence
of hands on the steering wheel from 6 to 15
seconds, the following screen will be displayed
on the instrument cluster display. A short
acoustic signal will sound if hands are not
detected on the steering wheel for 6 to 12
seconds. A continuous signal will sound if
hands are not detected on the steering wheel
for 12 to 15 seconds.
Hand Presence On The Steering Wheel Not
Detected Display (6 To 15 Seconds)
After 15 seconds with the hands removed
from the steering wheel, the LKA system will
be deactivated and a dedicated message will
be shown on the instrument cluster display. A
short acoustic signal will sound in this case.
In any of the situations above where the hands
are removed from the steering wheel for more
than six seconds, it is necessary to reposition
the hands on the steering wheel.
Changing The System Sensitivity
The system's sensitivity can be set through the
radio system in the “Driver Assistance” menu
and then selecting “Comfort”. Sensitivity
“High” or “Low” can be selected.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 149

SAFETY

150

Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) System
The Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) system
assists the driver during reverse maneuvers in
the case of reduced visibility.
When the ABSA system is active, the RCP
system monitors the rear detection areas on
both sides of the vehicle to detect objects
moving towards the sides of the vehicle at a
minimum speed between 0.6 mph and 2 mph
(1 km/h and 3km/h) to objects moving at a
maximum speed of 22 mph (35 km/h).
These are generally occurrences that happen
in parking areas.
The system activation is signaled to the driver
by means of a visual and audible warning.

NOTE:

If the sensors are covered by objects or vehi-
cles, the system may not work as intended.
Changing the system sensitivity
To change the sensitivity and the strength of
the torque intervention on the steering wheel,
refer to the Information and Entertainment
System Owner’s Manual Supplement.Driver Attention Assist (DAA) System — If
Equipped
The Driver Attention Assist (DAA) system
detects when the driver is feeling fatigued and
warns the driver to pull over and take a break.
To Activate/Deactivate
The DAA system can be activated and deacti -
vated through the radio system by selecting
the following in order:
1. “Driver Assistance”
2. “Driver Attention Assist”
System Intervention
Using information from the front camera, the
system implements two operating logics:

The first operating logic takes the driving style
into account, observing the road and
detecting to what extent the driver can
continue driving with few lane crossing events.
The second operating logic measures the time
spent behind the wheel with the vehicle speed
above 40 mph (60 km/h) and below 110 mph
(180 km/h). If the “Standard” option is
selected, in these conditions, the “Dozy
Driver” message may appear after three hours
of driving. If the “Early” option is selected and
these conditions occur, the “Dozy Driver”
message will be displayed after two hours of
driving.

NOTE:

If the conditions described above are not
detected continuously during the entire driving
period, the “Dozy Driver” message may be
displayed later than two or three hours. If the
driving style indicates that the driver is unable
to follow the road trajectory and respect the
horizontal lane markings, the red symbol will
appear on the instrument cluster display to
suggest that the driver should stop for a break.
An audible signal will also sound.
If the driver accepts the suggestion provided
by the system by pushing the MENU button on
the multifunction lever, the message will
disappear from the display and the symbol will
be displayed in the dedicated area of the
instrument cluster display until the next
engine shutdown.
If the driver ignores the warning provided by
the system and does not stop, the message
will continue to remain on the display, along
with the symbol.
WARNING!

The DAA System is an aid for driving and does
not relieve the driver of the responsibility of
driving the vehicle. If you experience fatigue
while driving, pull over safely for a break
without waiting for the DAA to intervene. Only
return to the road when you are in the right
physical and mental condition to prevent
endangering yourself and other drivers.

21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 150

157

The TPMS will stop indicating insufficient tire
pressure when pressure is equal to or greater
than the prescribed cold inflation level. There-
fore, if insufficient tire pressure is indicated by
the ( ) warning light displaying in the instru -
ment cluster, increase the inflation pressure
up to the prescribed cold inflation value.
The system will automatically update, and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light will turn off once the system receives the
updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need
to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.

NOTE:

The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tire pres -
sure drops (e.g. if a tire bursts). In this case,
proceed with caution and avoid abrupt
steering.
Operating Example

For example, your vehicle may have a
recommended cold (parked for more than three
hours) placard pressure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If the
ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C), and the
measured tire pressure is 28 psi (193 kPa), a
temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the
tire pressure to approximately 24 psi (165 kPa).
This tire pressure is low enough to turn on the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light. Driving
the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to
approximately 28 psi (193 kPa), but the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will still
be on. In this situation, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will turn off only after the tires
are inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold
placard pressure value.

Insufficient Tire Pressure Indication
If an insufficient pressure value is detected on
one or more tires, the Warning Light in the
instrument cluster will display alongside the
dedicated messages, the system will highlight
the tire or tires with insufficient pressure
graphically, and an acoustic signal will be
emitted.
In this case, stop the vehicle, check the infla
-
tion pressure of each tire, and inflate the
necessary tire or tires to the correct cold infla -
tion pressure value, shown on the display or in
the dedicated TPMS menu.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the orig -
inal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been estab -
lished for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. The TPMS
sensor is not designed for use on after -
market wheels and may contribute to a
poor overall system performance or
sensor damage. Customers are encour -
aged to use Original Equipment Manufac -
turer (OEM) wheels to assure proper TPMS
feature operation.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable.
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres -
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

165

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking
Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt
and allow it to retract completely to disengage
the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect
you in a collision. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) monitors the internal circuits
and interconnecting wiring associated with the
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following Air
Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition
switch is in the OFF position or in the ACC posi -
tion, the air bag system is not on and the air
bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system
even if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.

The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight
seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch
is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off.
If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of
the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light,
either momentarily or continuously. A single
chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.

The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illu -
minate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record the nature of the malfunction. While
the air bag system is designed to be mainte - WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced
if the switchable Automatic Locking
Retractor (ALR) feature or any other seat
belt function is not working properly when
checked according to the procedures in
the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in colli-
sions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the
seat belt or children who are using booster
seats. The locked mode is only used to
install rear-facing or forward-facing child
restraints that have a harness for
restraining the child.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 165