2021 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA warning light

SAFETY

144

Maximum assistance from the PBA system is
obtained by pressing the brake pedal very
quickly. In addition, the brake pedal should be
pressed continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most out of the
system. Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS automatically operates in the event of
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydro-
planing), and acceleration on one or both drive
wheels on roads that are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending on the slipping conditions, two
different control systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive wheels,
the system intervenes, reducing the power
transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the drive
wheels, the Brake Limited Differential (BLD)
function is activated, automatically braking
the wheel which is slipping (the behavior of
a self-locking differential is simulated). This
will increase the engine torque transferred
to the wheel which isn't slipping.
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.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
The following auxiliary driving systems are
available in this vehicle:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Driver Attention Assist (DAA) The vehicle may also be fitted with the
following driving assistance systems:
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) — If Equipped
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Highway Assist System (HAS)
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Intelligent Speed Control (ISC)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
For the operation of the LDW, LKA, HAS, TJA,
ACC, ISC, or TSR systems, see
Ú
page 86.

NOTE:

When driving on two-way roads where there is
no lane dividing center line (e.g. on unpaved
roads), the use of the Active Blind Spot Assist
(ABSA), HAS, TJA, and LKA systems is strongly
discouraged as the system could detect the
entire road as single-lane dividing lines.

NOTE:

The driving assistance systems are designed
to aid in driving the car. The driver must always
maintain a sufficient level of attention to the
traffic and road conditions and control the
trajectory of the car.
WARNING!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. PBA cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities
of a PBA-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 144

145

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System — If
Equipped
The BSM system uses two radar sensors,
located in the rear fascia/bumper (one on
each side), to detect the presence of other
vehicles in the rear side blind spots of your
vehicle.Rear Sensor Location
The system warns the driver about the pres -
ence of other vehicles in the detection area by
illuminating the BSM Warning Light located
within the door mirror on the side in which the
other vehicle was detected. If equipped, an
audible chime will also be heard to alert the
driver (if option is selected within the radio
system). BSM Indicator Light
When the engine is started, the warning light
illuminates briefly to signal the driver that the
system is active.
Sensors
The sensors are activated when any forward
gear is engaged at a speed higher than
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or when
REVERSE is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is in
PARK.
The detection area of the system covers
approximately one lane on both sides of the
vehicle.
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for approximately 19 ft (6 m) towards
the rear part of the vehicle. When the sensors are active, the system moni
-
tors the detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle and warns the driver about the
possible presence of vehicles in these areas.
While driving, the system monitors the detec -
tion zone to check whether it is necessary to
send a signal to the driver on both sides. The
system monitors this detection 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.

NOTE:

The system does not alert the driver of the
presence of fixed objects (e.g. safety
barriers, poles, walls, etc.). However, in
some circumstances, the system may acti -
vate in the presence of these objects. This is
normal and does not indicate a system
malfunction.
The system does not alert the driver about
the presence of vehicles coming from the
opposite direction, in the adjacent lanes.
If a trailer is hitched to the car, the system
automatically deactivates.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

SAFETY

146

Rear View
The system detects vehicles coming from the
rear part of your vehicle on both sides and
entering the rear detection area with a differ-
ence in speed of less than 25 mph (40 km/h)
in relation to your vehicle.
Overtaking Vehicles
If another vehicle is overtaken slowly, with a
difference in speed of less than 15 mph
(25 km/h) and the vehicle stays in the blind
spot for approximately 1.5 seconds, the
warning light on the door mirror of the corre -
sponding side illuminates.
If the difference in speed between the two
vehicles is greater than 15 mph (25 km/h), the warning light does not illuminate

Ú
page 273. Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) System
The RCP system assists the driver during
reverse maneuvers in the case of reduced visi
-
bility.

The RCP system monitors the rear detection
areas on both sides of the vehicle to detect
objects moving toward the sides of the vehicle,
with a minimum speed between 1 mph (1 km/h)
and 2 mph (3 km/h) and objects moving at a maximum speed of 21 mph (35 km/h), in areas
such as parking lots.

The system activation is signaled to the driver
by an audible warning.

NOTE:

If the sensors are covered by objects or
vehicles, the system may not work as
intended.
For the system to operate correctly, the rear
fascia/bumper area where the radar
sensors are located must stay free from
snow, ice and dirt gathered from the road
surface.
Do not cover the rear fascia/bumper area
where the radar sensors are located with
any object (e.g. adhesives, bike rack, etc.). Operating Mode
The system may be activated/deactivated via
the radio system. To access the function,
select the following items on the main menu in
sequence:
1. “Settings”
2. “Safety”
3. “Blind Spot Alert”
“Blind Spot Alert”, “Visual” Mode
When the system is enabled, the warning light
within the door mirror on the side of the
detected object illuminates.
The visual warning on the mirror will blink if the
driver activates the turn signals, indicating a
lane change.
The warning light will be constant if the driver
stays in the same lane.
WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an
aid to help detect objects in the blind spot
zones. The BSM system is not designed to
detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals.
Even if your vehicle is equipped with the
BSM system, always check your vehicle’s
mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use
your turn signal before changing lanes.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury
or death.
WARNING!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a
back up aid system. It is intended to be
used to help a driver detect an oncoming
vehicle in a parking lot situation. Drivers
must be careful when backing up, even
when using RCP. Always check carefully
behind your vehicle, look behind you, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals,
other vehicles, obstructions, and blind
spots before backing up. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 146

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

152

The system may lightly brake to warn the driver
if a potential front end collision is detected
(limited braking). Signals and limited braking
are intended to allow the driver time to inter-
vene.

In situations with the risk of collision, if the
system detects no intervention by the driver, it
provides automatic braking to help slow the
vehicle and mitigate the potential front end colli -
sion (automatic braking). If intervention by the
driver on the brake pedal is detected, but not
deemed sufficient, the system may intervene in
order to improve the reaction of the braking
system by reducing vehicle speed further (addi -
tional assistance in braking stage).

The system will intervene automatically in
case of imminent collision or impact against a
pedestrian crossing the road (speed under
31 mph (50 km/h)).

NOTE:

For safety reasons, when the vehicle has
stopped, the brake calipers may remain
blocked for about two seconds. Make sure to
press the brake pedal if the vehicle moves
slightly forward. Engagement/Disengagement
The system may be disengaged (and engaged
again) in the “Driver Assistance” menu of the
Information and Entertainment system.
The system can be deactivated even with the
ignition device in the ON position.

NOTE:

The system status can be changed with car at
a standstill only.
Select from among three operating modes:
Warning And Braking
: the system (if active),
in addition to the visual and audible warn -
ings, provides limited braking, automatic
braking, and additional assistance in
braking stage where the driver does not
brake sufficiently in the event of a potential
front-end collision.
Only Warning: the system (if active), does
not provide limited braking, but guarantees
automatic braking or additional assistance in braking stage where the driver does not
brake at all or not sufficiently enough in the
event of a potential front-end collision.
Disabled
: the system does not provide
visual and audible warnings, limited
braking, automatic braking, or additional
assistance in braking stage. The system will
therefore provide no indication of a possible
collision.
Activation/Deactivation
The Forward Collision Warning system is acti -
vated whenever the engine is started regard -
less of what is shown on the radio system.
Following a deactivation, the system will not
warn the driver about the possible collision
with the preceding vehicle, regardless of the
setting selected with the radio system.

NOTE:

Each time the engine is started, the system is
activated regardless of what setting was
selected when the engine was turned off.
The system is active:
Each time the engine is started
In the radio system
When the ignition is in the ON position
When the vehicle speed is between 2 mph
(4 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h)
When the front seat belts are fastened
WARNING!

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor
can FCW detect every type of potential
collision. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle via
braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.

21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152

153

NOTE:

If the safety belts of the front seats are not
correctly fastened, the system will not inter-
vene on the braking system (only audible and
visual signals will be provided).
Changing The System Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be changed
through the radio system menu, choosing from
one of the following three options: "Near",
"Medium" or "Far". Refer to the description in
the Information and Entertainment System
Owner’s Manual Supplement for how to
change the settings.
The default setting is "Medium". With this
setting, the system warns the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front
when that vehicle is at a standard distance,
between that of the other two settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far", the
system will warn the driver of a possible colli -
sion with the vehicle in front when that vehicle
is at a greater distance, thus providing the
possibility of acting on the brakes more lightly
and gradually. This setting provides the driver
with the maximum possible reaction time to
prevent a potential collision.
With the option set to "Near", the system will
alert the driver of a possible collision with the
vehicle in front when that vehicle is close. This
setting offers the driver a lower reaction time
compared to the "Medium" and "Far" settings,
in the event of a potential collision, but
permits more dynamic driving of the vehicle. The system sensitivity setting is kept in the
memory when the engine is turned off.
System Limited Operation Warning
If a dedicated message is displayed, a condi
-
tion limiting the system operation may have
occurred. The possible reasons of this limita -
tion are if something is blocking the camera
view, or a fault is present.
If an obstruction is signaled, clean the area of
the windshield.
Although the vehicle can still be driven in
normal conditions, the system may be not
completely available.
When the conditions limiting the system func -
tions end, this will go back to normal and
complete operation. Should the fault persist,
contact an authorized dealer.
System Failure Signaling
If the system turns off and a dedicated
message is shown on the display, it means
that there is a fault with the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the
vehicle, but you are advised to contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Radar Indication Not Available
If conditions are such that the radar cannot
detect obstacles correctly, the system is deac -
tivated and a dedicated message appears on
the display. This generally occurs in the event
of poor visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily. The function of this system can also be tempo
-
rarily reduced due to obstructions such as
mud, dirt or ice on the fascia/bumper. In such
cases, a dedicated message will be shown on
the display and the system will be deactivated.
This message can sometimes appear in condi -
tions of high reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with
reflective tiles or ice or snow). When the condi -
tions limiting the system functions end, it will
go back to normal and complete operation.
In certain cases, this dedicated message
could be displayed when the radar is not
detecting any vehicles or objects within its
view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the reason
behind this message, check if the sensor is
dirty. It could be necessary to clean or remove
any obstructions in the area.

If the message appears frequently, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such as
snow, rain, mud or other obstructions, contact an
authorized dealer for a sensor alignment check.

In the absence of visible obstructions, manu -
ally removing the decorative cover trim and
cleaning the radar surface could be required.
Have this operation performed at an autho -
rized dealer.

NOTE:

It is recommended that you do not install
devices, accessories, or aerodynamic attach -
ments in front of the sensor or darken it in any
way, as this can compromise the correct func -
tioning of the system.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 153

SAFETY

156

(Continued)
Vehicles Traveling At Right Angles To The
Vehicle
The system may temporarily react to a vehicle
that is passing through the radar sensor’s
operating range at right angles.Other Vehicle Passing Through Radar RangeTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The vehicle is equipped with a TPMS that
sends the inflation pressure information of
each tire to the control unit, and will signal the
driver in the event of insufficient tire pressure.
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel
rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
Tire pressure will vary with temperature by
approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F
(6.5°C). This means that when the outside
temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
also decrease. Tire pressure should always be
set based on cold inflation tire pressure. This
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle
has not been driven for at least three hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three
hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure
must not exceed the maximum inflation pres -
sure molded into the tire sidewall. The tire
pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven. This is normal, and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure. See

Ú
page 234 for information on how to properly
inflate the vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS will signal the driver if pressure falls
below the warning limit for any reason,
including the effects of low temperature and
normal loss of pressure from the tire.
WARNING!
The system has not been designed to
prevent impacts and cannot detect
possible conditions leading to an accident
in advance. Failure to take into account
this warning may lead to serious or fatal
injuries.
The system may activate, assessing the
trajectory of the vehicle, for the presence
of reflecting metal objects different from
other vehicles, such as safety barriers,
road signs, barriers before parking lots,
tollgates, level crossings, gates, railways,
objects near road constructions sites or
higher than the vehicle (e.g. a fly-over). In
the same way, the system may intervene
inside multi-story parking lots or tunnels,
or due to a glare on the road surface.
These possible activations are a conse -
quence of the real driving scenario
coverage by the system and must not be
regarded as faults.
The system has been designed for road
use only. If the vehicle is driven on a track,
the system must be deactivated to avoid
unnecessary warnings. Automatic deacti -
vation is signaled by the dedicated
warning light/symbol switching on in the
instrument panel
Ú
page 73.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156

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