
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.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 82   

83
Generic Indication
Signals information and failures.
The  accompanying  messages
describe the failure.
All Wheel Drive Failure
This telltale will illuminate along with
an  accompanying  message  when
the  AWD  dynamic  control  system  is
temporarily  deactivated  to  prevent
damage. The traction system will work in RWD
mode in this instance.
Contact  an  authorized  dealer  as  soon  as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Temporary All Wheel Drive Failure — If 
Equipped
This telltale will illuminate to indicate
that  the  AWD  dynamic  control
system is temporarily deactivated to
prevent  damage.  The  traction
system will work in RWD mode in this instance.
In  the  event  that  this  telltale  illuminates,
reduce  the  load  to  allow  the  system  to  cool
down.  The  AWD  system  will  resume  normal
operation  when  the  symbol  disappears  from
the display.
ABS Activation
This telltale will illuminate to indicate
that the ABS system has activated.
Adaptive Front Lighting System Failure
The telltale will illuminate to indicate
the  automatic  directional  light
system failure.
Go to an authorized dealer to have the system
checked.
Soft Suspension Calibration Insertion — If 
Equipped
The  telltale  will  illuminate  when  the
most  comfortable  suspension
setting is activated.
Shock Absorbers Failure
While  driving,  if  the  telltale  illumi -
nates,  it  signals  a  failure  in  the
suspension system.
Contact  an  authorized  dealer  to  have  the
system checked.
Windshield Washer Liquid Level
The telltale will illuminate to indicate
that  the  level  of  the  windshield  and
headlight  washing  fluid  (if  any)  is
low.
Always use liquid with the features indicated in
the “Fluids And Lubricants”  
Ú
 page 217.
WEAR ON Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) 
Brake Discs — If Equipped
This  light  will  illuminate  when  the
carbon ceramic material brake discs
have reached their wear limit.
Contact  an  authorized  dealer  as  soon  as
possible.
Driver Attention Assist (DAA) System Failure
The symbol comes on in the event of
a DAA system failure.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
Highway Assist System (HAS)/Traffic Jam 
Assist (TJA) System Failure
The symbol  lights  up in case  of  HAS
or TJA system failure.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible to have the failure eliminated.
 WARNING!
It  is  recommended  to  use  only  OEM  brake
pads  to ensure the  original  performance of
the braking system.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 83   

86
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before  starting  the  engine,  be  sure  to  adjust
the  seat,  the  interior  rear  view  mirror,  door
mirrors, and fasten the seat belt correctly.
Never  press  the  accelerator  pedal  before
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the starting
procedure will be shown in the display.
Starting Procedure
Proceed as follows:
1. Apply  the  Electric  Park  Brake  (EPB)  andplace  the  gear  selector  in  PARK  (P)  or
NEUTRAL (N).
2. Fully  press  the  brake  pedal  without touching the accelerator.
3. Briefly push the ignition button.
4. If  the  engine  doesn't  start  within  a  few seconds,  you  need  to  repeat  the  proce -
dure.
If the problem persists, contact an authorized
dealer.
Remote Starting System
This  system  uses  the  key  fob  to  start  the
engine  conveniently  from  outside  the  vehicle
while  still  maintaining  security.  The  system
has a range of at least 300 feet (91 meters).
The remote starting system also activates the
climate  control,  the  heated  seats  (if
equipped),  and  the  heated  steering  wheel  (if
equipped),  depending  on  temperatures
outside and inside of the vehicle.
NOTE:
Obstructions between the vehicle and key fob
may reduce this range.
 WARNING!
When  leaving  the  vehicle,  always  remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock your
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.  A  child  could  operate  power
windows,  other  controls,  or  move  the
vehicle.
Do  not  leave  children  or  animals  inside
parked  vehicles  in  hot  weather.  Interior
heat build-up may cause  serious  injury or
death.
 WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into  the  throttle  body  air  inlet  opening  in
an attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result  in  flash  fire  causing  serious
personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this  way.  Unburned  fuel  could  enter  the
catalytic  converter  and  once  the  engine
has  started,  ignite  and  damage  the
converter and vehicle.
If  the  vehicle  has  a  discharged  battery,
booster  cables  may  be  used  to  obtain  a
start from a booster battery or the battery
in  another  vehicle.  This  type  of  start  can
be  dangerous  if  done  improperly 
Ú
 page 201.
 CAUTION!
To  prevent  damage  to  the  starter,  do  not
continuously crank the engine for more than
25  seconds  at  a  time.  Wait  60  seconds
before trying again.
 WARNING!  (Continued)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 86   

87
How To Use Remote Start
All  of  the  following  conditions  must  be  met
before the engine will remote start:
Gear selector in PARK (P).
Doors closed.
Hood closed.
Liftgate closed.
Hazard switch off.
Brake  switch  inactive  (brake  pedal  not
pressed).
Battery at an acceptable charge level.
PANIC button not pushed.
System  not  disabled  from  previous  remote
start event.
Vehicle Security System indicator flashing.
Ignition  in  the  OFF  mode  (if  equipped  with
keyless ignition system).
Fuel level meets minimum requirement.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When  Remote  Start  is  activated,  the  heated
steering wheel and driver heated seat features
will automatically turn on in cold weather.
These  features  will  stay  on  through  the  dura -
tion of remote start until the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN mode. Remote  Start  Windshield  Wiper  De–Icer  Acti
-
vation — If Equipped
When remote  start  is active and  the outside  ambient
temperature  is  less  than  39°F  (4°C),  the  Windshield
Wiper De-Icer will be enabled. Exiting remote start will
resume  previous  operation,  except  if  the  Windshield
Wiper De-Icer is active.
The Windshield  Wiper De-Icer timer and oper -
ation will continue.
Cold Weather Operation
To  prevent  possible  engine  damage  while
starting  at  low  temperatures,  this  vehicle  will
inhibit  engine  cranking  when  the  ambient
temperature  is  less  than –22°F  (–30°C)  and
the  oil  temperature  sensor  reading  indicates
an engine block heater has not been used. An
externally-powered  electric  engine  block
heater  is  available  as  optional  equipment  or
from an authorized dealer.
The  message  “plug  in  engine  heater”  will  be
displayed  in  the  instrument  cluster  when  the
ambient temperature is below 5°F (–15°C) at the
time the engine is shut off as a reminder to avoid
possible crank delays at the next cold start.
Extended Park Starting
If the vehicle has not been started or driven for
at  least  30  days,  it  is  advisable  to  follow  the
indications below.
To start the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Briefly push the ignition button
2. If  the  engine  does  not  start,  wait  five seconds and let the starter cool down and
then repeat the starting procedure
3. If  the  engine  does  not  start  after  eight attempts,  let  the  starter  cool  down  for  at
least  10  seconds,  and  then  repeat  the
starting procedure
If the problem persists, contact an authorized
dealer.
NOTE:
After prolonged vehicle inactivity, very difficult
starting,  that  can  be  noticed  through  rapid
fatigue  of  the  starter,  might  also  be  due  to  a
partially drained battery  
Ú
 page 201.
If Engine Fails To Start
Starting  the  Engine  with  Key  Fob  Battery  Run
Down or Drained
If  the  ignition  does  not  respond  when  the
button is pushed, the key fob battery might be
run  down  or  drained.  Therefore,  the  system
does not detect the presence of the key fob in
the  vehicle,  and  will  display  a  dedicated
message  
Ú
page 20. CAUTION!
Use  of  the  recommended  oil  and  adhering
to  the  prescribed  oil  change  intervals  is
important  to  prevent  engine  damage  and
ensure  satisfactory  starting  in  cold
conditions.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 87   

STARTING AND OPERATING
88
After Starting — Warming Up The Engine
Proceed as follows:
Travel  slowly,  letting  the  engine  run  at  a
reduced  RPM,  without  accelerating
suddenly.
It  is  recommended  to  wait  until  the  digital
engine coolant temperature indicator starts
to rise for maximum performance.
Stopping The Engine
To stop the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Park  the  vehicle  in  a  position  that  is  notdangerous for oncoming traffic.
2. Engage the PARK (P) mode.
3. With  engine  idling,  push  the  ENGINE START/STOP button on the steering wheel
to STOP the engine.
NOTE:
Do  not  leave  the  ignition  in  ACC  mode  when
the engine is off.
To  shut  off  the  engine  with  vehicle  speed
greater  than  5 mph  (8 km/h),  you  must  push
and  hold  the  ignition  or  push  the  ENGINE
START/STOP button three times consecutively
within  a  few  seconds.  The  engine  will  shut
down,  and  the  ignition  will  be  placed  in  the
ACC mode With the keyless ignition system, it is possible
to exit the vehicle taking the key fob with you,
without  the  engine  switching  off.  The  vehicle
will  inform  about  the  absence  of  the  key  on
board, when the doors are closed.
After the engine has stopped (cycling from the
ACC  to  the  OFF  position)  the  accessories  are
still powered  for about  three minutes,  or until
a door is opened.
When  the  ignition  is  in  the  OFF  mode,  the
window  switches  remain  active  for  three
minutes. Opening a  front  door  will cancel this
function.
After  severe  driving,  idle  the  engine  to  allow
the  temperature  inside  the  engine  compart
-
ment to cool before shutting off the engine.
Turbocharger Cool Down
It  is  recommended  before  switching  the
vehicle off, to keep the engine idling for a few
minutes so that the turbocharger can  be suit -
ably  lubricated.  This  procedure  is  particularly
recommended after severe driving.
After  a  full  load  operation,  keep  the  engine
idling  for  three  to  five  minutes  before
switching it off.
This  time  allows  the  lubricating  oil  and  the
engine coolant to eliminate the excessive heat
from  combustion  chamber,  bearings,  inner
components and turbocharger.
 WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid
into  the  throttle  body  air  inlet  opening  in
an attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result  in  flash  fire  causing  serious
personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this  way.  Unburned  fuel  could  enter  the
catalytic  converter  and  once  the  engine
has  started,  ignite  and  damage  the
converter and vehicle.
If  the  vehicle  has  a  discharged  battery,
booster  cables  may  be  used  to  obtain  a
start from a booster battery or the battery
in  another  vehicle.  This  type  of  start  can
be  dangerous  if  done  improperly 
Ú
 page 201.
 CAUTION!
To  prevent  damage  to  the  starter,  do  not
continuously crank the engine for more than
25  seconds  at  a  time.  Wait  60  seconds
before trying again.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 88   

STARTING AND OPERATING
90
For the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km):
Do  not  participate  in  track  events,  sport
driving  schools,  or  similar  activities  during
the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km).
NOTE:
Monitor engine oil with every refueling and add
if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher through the first oil change interval.
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
The  EPB  features  a  switch  located  on  the
center  console,  a  caliper  with  motor  for  each
rear wheel, and an electronic control module. 
Electric Park Brake Switch
The EPB can be engaged in two ways:
Manually,  by  pulling  the  switch  on  the
center console.
Automatically,  in  “Safe  Hold”  or  “Auto  Park
Brake” conditions.
 NOTE:
Normally,  the  EPB  is  engaged  automatically
when the engine is stopped. This function can
be  deactivated/activated  on  the  Information
and  Entertainment  system  by  selecting  the
following  items  in  sequence  on  the  main
menu:  “Settings”,  “Driver  Assistance”  and
“Automatic Parking Brake”. 
In  addition  to  engaging  the  EPB,  along  with
steering and positioning chocks in front of the
wheels  (when  on  a  steep  slope),  you  must
always place the vehicle in the PARK (P) mode
before leaving.
Should  the  vehicle  battery  be  faulty,  the
battery must be replaced in order to unlock the
EPB.
Engaging The EPB Manually
Briefly  pull  the  switch  located  on  the  center
console to manually engage the EPB when the
vehicle is stationary.
Noise  may  be  heard  from  the  rear  of  the
vehicle when engaging the EPB.
A slight movement of the brake pedal may be
detected  when  engaging  the  EPB  with  the
brake pedal pressed.
With  the  EPB  engaged,  the  BRAKE  warning
light on the instrument cluster display and the
switch will illuminate.
If,  under  exceptional  circumstances,  the  use
of  the  brake  is  required  with  the  vehicle  in
motion, keep the switch on the center console
pulled  as  long  as  the  brake  action  is  neces
-
sary.
The BRAKE warning light may turn on with the
hydraulic  system  temporarily  unavailable;  in
this case, braking is controlled by the motors.
The brake lights will also automatically turn on
in  the  same  way  as  normal  braking  with  the
use of the brake pedal.
Release  the  switch  on  the  center  console  to
stop  the  braking  action  with  the  vehicle  in
motion.
If,  through  this  procedure,  the  vehicle  is
braked until a speed below 1.9 mph (3 km/h)
is  reached  and  the  switch  is  kept  pulled,  the
parking brake will definitively engage.
NOTE:
Driving  the  vehicle  with  the  EPB  engaged,  or
using it several times to slow down the vehicle,
may  cause  severe  damage  to  the  braking
system.
 CAUTION!
With  the  Electronic  Parking  Brake  failure
warning light on, some functions of the EPB
are  deactivated.  In  this  case  the  driver  is
responsible for brake activation and vehicle
parking in complete safety conditions.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 90   

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)
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 91   

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