2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO transmission

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.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 95

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.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 96

97

(Continued)
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Disabling
Only if strictly necessary (e.g. pushing the
vehicle, conveyor vehicle washing systems),
inhibit the automatic activation of PARK (P)
mode when stopping the engine. To do so,
follow the directions below:
1. Bring the vehicle to a standstill.
2. Place the transmission in the NEUTRAL (N)position.
3. Push the ignition button for at least three seconds.
The automatic activation of PARK (P) when the
engine is stopped can also be deactivated on
the Information and Entertainment system by
selecting the following functions on the main
menu: "Settings", "Driver Assistance" and
"Automatic Parking Brake".
Important Notes
Failure to comply with what is reported below
may damage the transmission:
Shift into PARK (P) mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill.
Select REVERSE (R) mode, or pass from
REVERSE to another mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill and engine idling.
Do not change between PARK (P), REVERSE
(R), NEUTRAL (N) or DRIVE (D) modes with
engine running at a speed above idling.
Before activating any transmission oper -
ating mode, fully press the brake pedal.

NOTE:

The unexpected movement of the vehicle can
injure the occupants or people nearby. Do not
leave the vehicle with engine running: before
getting out of the passenger compartment
always engage the EPB, select the PARK (P)
mode, stop the engine.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 97

STARTING AND OPERATING

98

ALFA DNA SELECTOR
Alfa DNA System
This vehicle is equipped with an Alfa DNA
system selector (located on the center
console). There are up to four modes of opera-
tion to be selected according to driving style
and road conditions: Alfa DNA Pro System Selector
d = Dynamic (sports driving mode).
n = Natural (mode for driving in normal
conditions).
a = Advanced Efficiency (ECO driving mode
for maximum fuel savings).
RACE = track race driving mode (if
equipped).
 = Adjusts the calibration of the active
suspension (if equipped).
Unlike the other modes, the RACE position
does not latch; therefore, by rotating the
selector to RACE, it will return to its initial posi -
tion "d". On the instrument cluster display, the different
modes are characterized by different colors:
Natural - Blue
Dynamic - Red
Advanced Efficiency - Green
RACE - Yellow
Mode Display
Each driving mode is graphically different in
frame color and contents of each individual
"performance" screen.
Driving Modes
"Natural" Mode
“Natural” Mode is characterized by reduced
engine performance and ECO shifting strategy
for the automatic transmission.
CAUTION!
Only engage the gear with engine at idling
while fully pressing the brake pedal. If the
transmission temperature exceeds the
normal operating limits, the transmission
control unit may change the gear engage -
ment order and reduce the drive torque. If
the transmission overheats, it could
operate incorrectly until it cools down.
When using the vehicle with extremely low
external temperatures, the transmission
operation may change depending on the
engine and transmission temperature, as
well as vehicle speed. Activation of the
torque converter clutch and of the EIGHTH
gear is inhibited until the transmission oil
is correctly warmed up. Complete opera -
tion of the transmission will be enabled as
soon as the fluid temperature reaches the
predefined value.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 98

99

Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to the
letter "n"; the display will light up in blue.Natural Mode
The "Performance" screen graphically repro -
duces some parameters closely linked to the
efficiency of the driving style, with a view to
limiting consumption.
Natural Mode Performance Display "Dynamic" Mode
Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to the
letter "d"; the display will light up in red.
Dynamic Mode
ESC and ASR systems: intervention thresholds
that ensure more enjoyable, sportier driving
while guaranteeing the stability of the vehicle.
Engine and transmission: adoption of sports
mapping. Dynamic Mode Performance Display
The "Performance" screen displays parame -
ters related to vehicle stability, the graphs
illustrate the trend of the longitudinal/lateral
accelerations (G-meter information), consid -
ering gravity acceleration as a reference unit.
Lateral acceleration peaks are displayed on
the right.
"Advanced Efficiency" Mode
Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to the
letter “a”; the display will light up in green.
Advanced Efficiency Mode
WARNING!
In "Dynamic", the sensitivity of the
accelerator pedal increases considerably.
Consequently, driving is less fluid and
comfortable.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 99

STARTING AND OPERATING

100

ESC and ASR systems: intervention thresholds
aimed at ensuring maximum safety in low-grip
driving conditions. It is advisable to select
“Advanced Efficiency” mode in the presence
of low-grip road surfaces.
Engine and transmission: standard response.
The “Performance” screen graphically displays
some parameters closely related to the vehicle
acceleration, deceleration and gear selector.Advanced Efficiency Mode Performance Display “RACE” Mode
Activation
“RACE” Mode is activated by rotating the
selector to the “RACE” position. The instru-
ment cluster display will light up in yellow.
RACE Mode
Engine and transmission: adoption of sports
mapping.
The “Performance” screen displays parame -
ters related to vehicle stability. The graphs
illustrate the trend of the longitudinal/lateral
accelerations (G-meter information), consid -
ering gravity acceleration as a reference unit. The screen displays the lateral and longitu
-
dinal acceleration peaks.
RACE Mode Performance Display

NOTE:

If the brake system overheats, this is commu -
nicated by the Information and Entertainment
system. In this case, allow the system to cool
for a few minutes by driving the vehicle
normally without operating the brakes.
Driving Mode Deactivation
To deactivate any driving mode, simply move
the selector to any other mode.

NOTE:

The next time that the engine is started, the
"Advanced Efficiency", "Dynamic" and
"Natural" mode selected previously is
retained. The system will reactivate in
"Advanced Efficiency", "Dynamic" or
1 — Acceleration
2 — Deceleration
3 — Gear Selector
WARNING!
It is recommended to activate this mode
at the track.
In "RACE", the sensitivity of the accelerator
pedal increases considerably. Conse
-
quently, driving is less fluid and comfort -
able.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 100

101

"Natural" mode, depending on which mode
was selected before the engine was
stopped.
When the engine is started again, the
"RACE" mode selected previously is not
retained. The system will reactivate in
"Dynamic" mode.
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION
(AAS) — IF EQUIPPED
The vehicle's electronic suspension manage-
ment system is aimed at optimizing the
vehicle's performance.
The system continuously monitors the
damping of the suspensions through the actu -
ator installed on each shock absorber. This
way, the calibration of the shock absorbers
can be adjusted to the conditions of the road
surface and to the dynamic conditions of the
vehicle, improving its comfort and road
holding.
The driver can choose, even while driving,
(only in “Dynamic” mode), between two types
of suspension calibration: a more sporty or a
more comfortable one.
By pushing the button, the system changes
the shock absorber calibration. Alfa Active Suspension Button
In case of a system failure, the symbol and
a dedicated message will be shown on the
instrument cluster display.
STOP/START SYSTEM
The Stop/Start system automatically shuts off
the engine during a vehicle stop if the required
conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal
or accelerator pedal will automatically restart
the engine.
The function was developed to increase
vehicle efficiency by reducing fuel consump -
tion, gas emissions, and sound pollution.

NOTE:

When the Stop/Start system stops the engine,
the power steering is also disabled.
Operating Mode
Stopping The Engine

With the vehicle at a standstill and brake pedal
pressed, the engine switches off if the gear selector
is in a position other than REVERSE (R).
The system does not operate when the gear
selector is in REVERSE (R), in order to make
parking maneuvers easier.
In the event of stops uphill, engine switching off is
disabled to make the “Hill Start Assist” function
available (works only with running engine).

NOTE:
The engine can only be automatically stopped
after having run at about 6 mph (10 km/h). After
an automatic restart, the vehicle only needs to
exceed a speed of 0.3 mph (0.5 km/h) to stop
the engine.

Engine stopping is signaled by the symbol
lighting up on the instrument cluster display.
Restarting The Engine
To restart the engine, release the brake pedal
or, turn the steering wheel slightly (if
equipped).
With the brake pressed and the transmission
in automatic mode DRIVE (D), the engine will
restart by shifting to REVERSE (R), to PARK (P)
or to “AutoStick”
Ú
page 94.
With brake pressed if the gear selector is in
“AutoStick” mode, the engine will restart by
shifting to PARK (P) or by moving the selector
to + or -
Ú
page 94.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 101

STARTING AND OPERATING

106

To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.

NOTE:

The Cruise Control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Cruise Control.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the
RES button and release. Resume can be used
at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
NOTE:

Before returning to the previously set speed,
you must accelerate to a speed close to the
set speed, then push and release the RES
button.
Resume Button Location
In AutoStick (sequential) mode, before
resuming the previously set speed, you should
accelerate until you are close to that speed.
Then, push and release the RES button.
To Deactivate
A tap on the brake pedal deactivates the
Cruise Control without deleting the set speed.
The Cruise Control may also be deactivated by
applying the Electric Park Brake or when the
braking system is operated (e.g. operation of
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system). The set speed is deleted in the following
cases:
Pushing the on/off button a second time
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
If there is a malfunction with the Cruise
Control system
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) — If Equipped
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a driver
assist system that combines the Cruise
Control functions with controlling the distance
from the vehicle ahead. ACC increases the
driving convenience provided by Cruise
Control while traveling on highways and major
roadways. However, it is not a safety system
and not designed to prevent collisions. The
Cruise Control function performs differently

Ú

page 104.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control
engaged in light to moderate traffic conditions
without the constant need to reset your Cruise
Control. ACC uses a radar sensor located
behind the front bumper and a camera located
in the center/upper part of the windshield, to
detect the presence of a vehicle close ahead.
The system sets and holds the vehicle at the
desired speed without needing to press the
accelerator. It also sets and holds a distance
from the vehicle ahead (these settings are set
by the driver).
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the
conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Cruise Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 106