2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO manual transmission

1

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for the purchase of your Alfa Romeo.
We have written this Owner’s Manual to help you get to know all of the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way. Please take the
necessary time to familiarize yourself with all the dynamic features of your vehicle.
Here you will find important information and warnings regarding the use of your vehicle, and how to achieve the best performance from the tech-
nical features of your Alfa Romeo.
You are advised to read through the Owner’s Manual before taking it on the road for the first time. It is important to become familiar with the
controls of your vehicle, especially with sections concerning the brakes, handling, transmission, and vehicle behavior on different road surfaces.
This Owner’s Manual also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care, and main -
tenance of your Alfa Romeo over time.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and customer-oriented documents. Within this information, you will find a description of the services
that Alfa Romeo offers to its customers, the vehicle's warranty coverage, and the details of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate both your new vehicle and the service provided by the people at Alfa Romeo.
For questions or comments pertaining to your vehicle, please contact:
Alfa Romeo Customer Care Center:
P.O. Box 21–8004 Auburn Hills, MI
48321–8004
Phone: 1-844-Alfa-USA
(1-844-253-2872)
Alfa Romeo Customer Care (Canada):
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
Phone: 1-877-230-0563 (English)
Phone: 1-877-515-9112 (French)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 1

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STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ............................86
Starting Procedure................................. 86
Remote Starting System ....................... 86
Cold Weather Operation ........................ 87
Extended Park Starting.......................... 87
If Engine Fails To Start .......................... 87
After Starting — Warming Up The
Engine ..................................................... 88 Stopping The Engine.............................. 88
Turbocharger Cool Down ....................... 88
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER —
IF EQUIPPED .............................................89
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS ...............................89
Engine Break-In...................................... 89
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB) .................90
Electric Park Brake (EPB) Operating
Modes ..................................................... 91 Safe Hold ................................................ 91
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION....................92
Display .................................................... 93
Gear Selector ......................................... 93
Transmission Operating Modes ............ 94
Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode....................................................... 96 Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) System ......................................... 96 Important Notes ..................................... 97
ALFA DNA SELECTOR ...............................98
Alfa DNA System .................................... 98
Driving Modes ........................................ 98
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION (AAS) —
IF EQUIPPED .......................................... 101 STOP/START SYSTEM............................ 101
Operating Mode ................................... 101
System Manual Activation/
Deactivation ......................................... 102 Possible Reasons The Engine Does
Not Autostop ........................................ 102 Engine Restarting Conditions ............. 102
Safety Functions .................................. 102
Energy Saving Function....................... 102
Irregular Operation .............................. 103
Vehicle Inactivity .................................. 103
SPEED LIMITER ...................................... 103
Description ........................................... 103
Activation ............................................. 103
Speed Limit Programming .................. 103
Exceeding The Programmed Speed ... 104
Programmed Speed Icon Flashing ..... 104
Deactivation ......................................... 104
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS —
IF EQUIPPED........................................... 104
Cruise Control — If Equipped .............. 104
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) —
If Equipped .......................................... 106
HIGHWAY ASSIST SYSTEM (HAS) —
IF EQUIPPED........................................... 114
To Activate/Deactivate........................ 114
Operation ............................................. 114
Indications On The Display ................. 115
System Status...................................... 115
Limited System Availability/
Operation ............................................. 116
TRAFFIC JAM ASSIST (TJA) SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED........................................... 117
To Activate/Deactivate........................ 117
Operation ............................................. 118 Indications On The Display ................. 118
System Status ..................................... 119
Limited System Availability/
Operation ............................................. 119
TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION (TSR)
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED........................ 120
To Activate/Deactivate ....................... 120
Indications On The Display ................. 121
INTELLIGENT SPEED CONTROL (ISC)
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED........................ 121
To Activate/Deactivate ....................... 122
Indications On The Display ................. 122
Acceptance/Rejection Of The
Suggested Speed ................................ 122
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED........................ 123
ParkSense Sensors............................. 123
ParkSense Display .............................. 124
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .... 124
ParkSense Warning Display ............... 125
Operation With A Trailer...................... 125
ParkSense System Usage
Precautions ......................................... 126
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM.................................................. 126
Lane Departure Warning Operation... 126
Turning Lane Departure Warning On
Or Off .................................................... 127 Lane Departure Warning Message .... 127
Changing Lane Departure Warning
Status................................................... 128
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JUMP STARTING .................................... 201
Remote Battery Connection Posts......202
Jump Starting Procedure.....................203
Bump Starting ..................................204
ENGINE OVERHEATING ......................... 204 MANUAL PARK RELEASE ...................... 205TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............. 205
Four-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models .........206
TOW EYES .............................................. 206
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ..................................... 207EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............ 207
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ....................... 208
Periodic Checks ...................................208
Heavy Usage Of The Vehicle ...............208
Maintenance Plan (2.0L Engine) ........209
Maintenance Plan (2.9L Engine) ........212
ENGINE COMPARTMENT....................... 214
Checking Levels — 2.0L Engine .......... 214
Checking Levels — 2.9L Engine .......... 215
Engine Oil ............................................. 215
Engine Coolant Fluid............................216
Washer Fluid For Windshield/
Headlights ............................................ 217 Brake Fluid ...........................................217
Automatic Transmission Activation
System Oil ............................................ 217 Useful Advice For Extending The Life Of
Your Battery..........................................217 Battery ..................................................217
Pressure Washing ................................ 218
BATTERY RECHARGING ......................... 218
Important Notes .................................. 218
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ........................ 219
Engine Oil ............................................. 219
Engine Oil Filter ................................... 220
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ..................... 220
Air Conditioning System
Maintenance........................................ 220 Lubricating Moving Parts Of The
Bodywork ............................................. 220 Windshield Wiper................................. 221
Exhaust System ................................... 222
Cooling System .................................... 223
Braking System.................................... 224
Automatic Transmission ..................... 225
Replacing The Battery ......................... 225
Fuses .................................................... 225
Bulb Replacement ............................... 229
TIRES ...................................................... 233
Tire Safety Information .................... 233
Tires — General Information .............. 239
Spare Tires — If Equipped .................. 244
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ............ 245
Tire Types ............................................. 246
Tire Chains and Traction Devices ....... 247
Tire Rotation Recommendations........ 247
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES ......... 248
Treadwear ............................................ 248
Traction Grades ................................... 248
Temperature Grades ........................... 248
STORING THE VEHICLE ......................... 249 BODYWORK ........................................... 249
Protection Against Atmospheric
Agents .................................................. 249 Corrosion Warranty ............................. 250
Preserving The Bodywork .................. 250
INTERIORS ............................................. 251
Seats And Fabric Parts ....................... 251
Leather Seats ...................................... 251
Plastic And Coated Parts .................... 251
Alcantara Parts — If Equipped ............ 251
Genuine Leather Parts........................ 251
Carbon Fiber Parts .............................. 252
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) ....................................... 253
Vehicle Identification Number............ 253
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) Plate ............................................ 253
ENGINE .................................................. 254
POWER SUPPLY ..................................... 255 TRANSMISSION ..................................... 255BRAKES.................................................. 255
SUSPENSION ......................................... 256
STEERING .............................................. 256
DIMENSIONS ......................................... 257
Luggage Compartment Volume ......... 259
WEIGHTS ................................................ 259
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

82

Automatic Transmission Fluid Overheating
The telltale will illuminate in the case
of transmission overheating, after a
particularly demanding use. In this
case an engine performance limita-
tion is carried out.
Wait for the telltale to turn off with the engine
off or idling.
Audio System Failure
The telltale will illuminate to report a
failure of the audio system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Speed Limiter System Failure
While driving, the telltale will illumi -
nate to signal a Speed Limiter
system failure.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
Lights up if the fuel tank cap is open
or not properly closed.
Tighten the cap properly.
Electric Park Brake Failure
The telltale will illuminate and a
message will display to signal a
failure in the electric park brake
system.
This failure may partially or completely block
the vehicle because the park brake could
remain activated even if automatically or
manually disengaged using the relevant
controls. In these circumstances, you can
disengage the park brake following the emer -
gency disengagement procedure
Ú
page 90.
If you are still able to drive the vehicle (park
brake is not engaged), drive to the nearest
authorized dealer and remember, when
executing any maneuvers/commands, that
the electric park brake is not operational.
Low Coolant Level — If Equipped
This telltale will illuminate to indicate
that the vehicle coolant level is low.
Service Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
System
This light will illuminate when the
ACC is not operating and needs
service.
Contact an authorized dealer to have the
system checked.
Wear On Brake Pads
This light will illuminate when the
brake pads have reached their wear
limit.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

NOTE:

Always use genuine parts or similar because
the Integrated Brake System (IBS) system
could detect anomalies.
Dynamic Drive Control System Failure
The telltale will illuminate to signal a
failure in the dynamic drive control
system.
Windshield Wiper Failure
Signals a windshield wiper failure.
Contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
If a failure is present with sharp braking,
the rear wheels may lock and the vehicle
may swerve.
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91

(Continued)
Disengaging The EPB Manually
In order to manually release the parking brake,
the ignition should be in the ACC mode. Press
the brake pedal, and then push the switch on
the center console briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle, and a slight movement of the brake
pedal may be detected during disengagement.
After disengaging the EPB, the BRAKE warning
light on the instrument cluster display and the
light on the switch will turn off.
If the BRAKE warning light on the instrument
cluster display remains on with the EPB disen-
gaged, this indicates a fault: in this case,
contact an authorized dealer.
NOTE:

Always engage the EPB when parking the
vehicle to prevent injury or damage caused
by the unexpected movement of the vehicle.
Never use gear position PARK (P) instead of
the EPB.
Electric Park Brake (EPB) Operating Modes
The EPB may operate as follows:
“Dynamic Operating Mode”: this mode is
activated by pulling the switch repeatedly
while driving.
“Static Engagement and Release Mode”:
with the vehicle stationary, the EPB can be
activated by pulling the switch on the center
console once. Push the switch and the
brake pedal at the same time to disengage
the brake.
“Drive Away Release” — if equipped: the
EPB will automatically disengage with the
driver side seat belt fastened and the detec
-
tion of an action performed by the driver to move the vehicle (DRIVE [D] or REVERSE
[R]). This feature can be turned on or off in
the Information and Entertainment System.

NOTE:

If the car is equipped with carbon-ceramic
brake discs, it is necessary to fasten the seat
belts or turn off the EPB before starting to
avoid damages to the ceramic brake discs.
“Safe Hold”: if the vehicle speed is lower
than 1.9 mph (3 km/h), the gear selector is
not in PARK (P) position and the driver's
intention of leaving the vehicle is detected,
the EPB will automatically engage to hold
the vehicle in safety conditions.
“Auto Park Brake”: if the vehicle speed is
below 1.9 mph (3 km/h), the EPB will auto -
matically engage when the gear selector is
in PARK (P) position. The light on the switch
located on the center console switches on
together with the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument cluster display when the
parking brake is engaged and applied to the
wheels. Each automatic parking brake
engagement can be canceled by pushing
the switch on the center console and at the
same time moving the gear selector for the
transmission to position PARK (P).
Safe Hold
Safe Hold is a safety function that automati -
cally engages the EPB in the event of a
dangerous condition for the vehicle.
WARNING!
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 gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle or in a location accessible to chil -
dren. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disen -
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury.
WARNING! (Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING

92

(Continued)
The EPB engages automatically to prevent
vehicle movement if:
The vehicle speed is below 2 mph (3 km/h).
A transmission operating mode different
from PARK (P) is activated.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
The driver side door is open.
No attempts to apply pressure on the brake
pedal have been detected.
The vehicle is parked on roads with a slope
of more than 4%.
The “Safe Hold” function can be temporarily
disabled by pushing the EPB switch located on
the center console and the brake pedal at the
same time, with the vehicle stationary and the
driver side door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate again
when the vehicle speed reaches 12 mph
(20 km/h) or the ignition is cycled to OFF and
then to ACC.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically
controlled 8-speed automatic transmission
where gear shifting automatically takes place,
depending on the vehicle usage instanta -
neous parameters (vehicle speed, grade, and
accelerator pedal position).
Manual gear shifting can still occur thanks to
the “Sequential” mode position for the gear
selector.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
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95

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 EPB and shift the transmission into PARK
(P) if you must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving conditions.

Shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or REVERSE
(R) modes must take place only after releasing the
accelerator pedal, with vehicle at a standstill and
brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic engagement of the
most suitable gears for driving needs and
maximum fuel economy in terms of consumption.

In this position, the transmission shifts the gears
automatically, selecting the most suitable for
forward driving among those available as you go.
In this way the vehicle's optimal driving charac
-
teristics are provided for all conditions.
AutoStick

In the case of frequent shifting (e.g. for sport
driving, when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the AutoStick (sequential
shifting) mode to select and keep a lower fixed
ratio.
In these conditions, the use of a lower gear
improves vehicle performance and prevents over
-
heating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D) mode to Auto -
Stick mode regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D) mode, to activate the
sequential drive mode, move the gear selector to
the left (– and + indication of the trim). The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear selector
forward, toward symbol – or backward, toward
symbol +.

Steering Column Mounted Shift Paddles — If
Equipped
The gear can be manually shifted also by using
the paddles behind the steering wheel, pull
the right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel
and release it to engage a higher gear,
perform the same operation with the left
paddle (-) to engage a lower gear.
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 park 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
ACC mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must push the
ignition button to cycle from OFF mode to
the ACC 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! (Continued)
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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STARTING AND OPERATING

96

Steering Column Mounted Shift Paddles

NOTE:

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

NOTE:

To select the correct gear for maximum
deceleration (engine brake), keep the gear
paddle pulled (–): the transmission goes to an operating mode in which the vehicle can
slow down easily.
The vehicle will keep the gear selected by
the driver until the safety conditions allow it.
This means, for example, that the system
will try to prevent the engine from switching
off, automatically downshifting if the engine
speed is too low.
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni
-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated.
In this condition, the transmission stays in
FOURTH gear, regardless of the selected gear.
Positions PARK (P), REVERSE (R) and
NEUTRAL (N) still work.
The symbol might light up in the instrument
cluster.
Temporary failure
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P), if possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N). 3. Push and hold the ignition until the engine
turns off.
4. Wait for about 10 seconds, then restart the engine.
5. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the trans -
mission will return to normal operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An
authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could reoccur. If the
transmission cannot be reset, service is
required at an authorized dealer.
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI that holds
the gear selector in PARK (P) unless the
brakes are applied.
This system prevents you from moving the
gear selector from position PARK (P) unless
the brakes are applied.
To shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the
ignition must be cycled to the ON/RUN posi -
tion (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
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