2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO warning

SAFETY

146

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) System
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 (e.g. braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), the ESC system
influences the steering through the DST func -
tion to implement an additional torque contri -
bution 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 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 dependent on the driver’s
sensitivity and overall reaction 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
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
tire slipping to a minimum, automatically
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 switches to AWD mode.

NOTE:

There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tire slipping event occurs.
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) System
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.
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 counter the vehicle’s
oversteer or understeer.
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.
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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Hill Descent Control (HDC) System — If
Equipped
The HDC function is an integral part of the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system,
keeping the vehicle at a constant speed while
descending a hill by actively controlling the
brakes.
HDC aims to create vehicle stability and safer
driving in various situations, including poor
grip conditions and steep descents.
The system has three different modes:
Off: the system is deactivated
Enabled: the system is enabled and ready to
intervene when the activation conditions
are met
Active: the system actively controls the
vehicle speed
Enabling The System
To enable the system, push the HDC switch
located on the steering wheel.
HDC Switch The system is enabled if the car speed is below
20 mph (30 km/h). The system stays enabled
until the car speed reaches 37 mph (60 km/h),
the system is disabled at speeds above 37 mph
(60 km/h).
Activation of the HDC system is indicated by
the white icon appearing in the instrument
cluster display.
HDC Symbol
Activation Of The System
Once enabled, the HDC system will activate
automatically if the vehicle is driven on a
downhill slope with sufficient gradient, greater
than 8%.
The speed set for the HDC system can be
adjusted using the SET switch located on the
steering wheel.
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.
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HDC Speed SET Switch
Once the desired speed has been reached,
release the SET switch and the HDC system
will maintain the set speed. After set speed is
established, the HDC system will automatically
brake to keep the vehicle at the set speed if
the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle gets close to the set speed.
It is possible to reduce the set speed with the
brake pedal. When the pedal is released, the
system will adjust the set speed to the new
current speed.

NOTE:
If the vehicle’s speed exceeds 6 mph (10 km/h),
but remains below 37 mph (60 km/h) and the
accelerator pedal is released, as soon as the
vehicle gets close to the set speed the HDC
system will automatically brake to keep the
vehicle at the set speed.

The driver can cancel HDC system intervention
at any time by pressing the accelerator pedal. System Deactivation
The HDC system will be deactivated, but
remain available, if any of the following condi
-
tions are met:
The vehicle is traveling on a downhill slope
with a gradient less than 8%, on a level
surface, or on an uphill grade.
PARK (P) mode is engaged.
Disabling The System
The system is disabled if any of the following
conditions are met:
The HDC switch is pressed.
Cruise Control/Adaptive Cruise Control is
activated.
A vehicle speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) is
exceeded.
System deactivation is shown by the icon
on the display turning off.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) System
HSA is an integral part of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system that facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in
the following cases:
Uphill: the vehicle is stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, the engine
is running, the brake is pressed, and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N) or a gear
other than REVERSE (R) is engaged.
Downhill: the vehicle is stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, the engine
is running, the brake is pressed, and the
transmission is in REVERSE.
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.
WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending
hills. The driver must remain attentive to
the driving conditions and is responsible for
maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
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Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
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.
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 thesystem. 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:
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) — if equipped
Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) — if
equipped
Forward Collision Warning Plus (FCW+)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The vehicle may also be fitted with the
following driving assistance systems:
Driver Attention Assist (DAA)
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)
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.
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.
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For the operation of the DAA, 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 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.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System — If
Equipped
The BSM system uses radar sensors, located
in the rear fascia/bumper, to detect the pres -
ence 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 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, which is around 9 ft (3 m). 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 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 whether it is necessary to send a
signal to the driver on both sides.

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.
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151

NOTE:

For the system to operate properly, 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.).
If you wish to install a rear tow eye after
purchasing the vehicle, you will need to
deactivate the system via the radio system.
To access the function, select the following
items in sequence on the main menu:a. “Driver Assistance”
b. “Blind Spot Alert” 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 approximately
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 approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h), the warning light does not illumi -
nate.
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.
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 approximately
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.).
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.
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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. “Driving Assistance”
2. “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.
“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
Ú
page 268.
Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) System — If
Equipped
The ABSA system is to help avoid/limit lateral
collisions with cars coming from adjacent lanes changing the vehicle’s trajectory in order
to try 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 “Safety” is selected 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 radar sensors, located in the
rear fascia/bumper, to detect the presence of
vehicles (cars, trucks, motorbikes, etc.) in the
rear side blind spots 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 responsibility to steer, brake or
accelerate, especially after the ABSA
system warning or after the steering wheel
torque intervention. The driver is respon
-
sible for ensuring that there are no pedes -
trians, other vehicles 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 any
time turning the steering wheel in the
opposite direction.
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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 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.
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 pres -
ence of hands on the steering wheel for 0 to 6
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 6 Seconds)
When the system does not detect the pres -
ence 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)
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