2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO steering

137

Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and tongue weight. The total load must
be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR

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page 135.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables, and equip -
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or
on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for oper -
ation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the
front and rear axles. Distribute the load over
the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that
you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR

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page 135.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi -
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
tongue weight, just as if it were luggage
located at a hitch ball or some other
connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market
today and they are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are
typically used for heavier loads to distribute
trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's direc
-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offering
more consistent steering and brake control
thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition
of a friction/hydraulic sway control also
dampens sway caused by traffic and cross -
winds and contributes positively to tow vehicle
and trailer stability. Trailer Sway Control and a
weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are
recommended for heavier Tongue Weights
(TW) and may be required depending on
vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to
comply with Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry stan -
dard for the maximum trailer weight a given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used
to assist you in selecting the correct trailer
hitch for your intended towing condition.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distrib -
uting Hitch system may reduce handling,
stability, braking performance, and could
result in a collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with the hitch and trailer manu -
facturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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139
(Continued)
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options or
dealer-installed options must be considered
as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer
to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard
for the maximum combined weight of occu -
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new
vehicle drivetrain components, the following
guidelines are recommended:
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h)
when towing while using a full size spare
tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of
your vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire infla -
tion pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's
GVWR and GAWR limits.
For proper tire inflation procedures

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page 233.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer
towing as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in
the trailer and that it will not shift during
travel. When trailering cargo that is not
fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance, or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the frame or hook
retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle transmission in PARK. Always
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that
the following four ratings are not
exceeded:
• GVWR
• GTW
• GAWR
• Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued) CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the engine
and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
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145
(Continued)
SAFETY
This very important section describes the
safety systems that your vehicle may be
equipped with, and provides instructions on
how to use them correctly.
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) System
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) System
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System
Hill Descent Control (HDC) System
Hill Start Assist (HSA) System
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
Traction Control System (TCS)
For system operation, see the following pages.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
An integral part of the braking system, the ABS
prevents one or more wheels from locking and
slipping in all road surface conditions, regard -
less of the intensity of the braking action. The
system ensures that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency braking,
allowing the driver to optimize stopping
distances. The system intervenes during braking when
the wheels are about to lock, typically in emer
-
gency braking or low-grip conditions where
locking may be more frequent.
The system also improves control and stability
of the vehicle when braking on a surface
where the grip of the left and right wheels
varies, such as in a corner.
The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system works with the ABS, allowing the
brake force to be distributed between the front
and rear wheels.
System Intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is provided
with the "Brake-By-Wire", Integrated Brake
System (IBS), function. With this system, the
command given by pressing the brake pedal is
not transmitted hydraulically, but electrically.
Therefore, the light pulsation that is felt on the
pedal with the traditional system is no longer
noticeable.Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) System — If
Equipped
The dynamic drive control is used to optimize
and balance the drive torque between the
wheels of the same axles. The ATV system
improves the grip in turns, sending more drive
torque to the external wheel.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly
installed or high output radio transmitting
equipment. This interference can cause
possible loss of anti-lock braking capa -
bility. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified profes -
sionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead
to a collision. Pumping makes the stop -
ping distance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need to slow
down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering effi -
ciency beyond that afforded by the condi -
tion of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck -
less or dangerous manner that could jeop -
ardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
WARNING! (Continued)
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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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147

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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SAFETY

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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
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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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153

The sensors are activated when any forward
gear is engaged at a speed higher than about
6 mph (10 km/h), or when REVERSE (R) is
engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the car is stationary and in PARK (P).
The detection area of the system covers about
a lane on both sides of the car around 10 ft
(3 meters).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for about 20 ft (6 meters) towards the
rear part of the car.
When the sensors are active the system moni-
tors the detection areas on both sides of the
car and warns the driver about the possible
presence of cars in these areas.
Rear Sensor Location 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 if it is necessary to intervene in order
to keep the vehicle inside the lane on both
sides.

NOTE:

The system does not signal the presence of
fixed object (e.g. safety barriers, poles, walls,
etc.). However, in some circumstances, the
system may activate in the presence of these
objects.This is normal and does not indicate a
system malfunction.
The system does not warn the driver about the
presence of cars coming from the opposite
direction, in the adjacent lanes.
Activation/deactivation
The system can be activated/deactivated
using the “Driver Assistance” menu in the
radio system. Select signal type, strength
levels and sensitivity.

NOTE:

Vehicles with an active system will display the
following screen, on the radio system. System intervention
The system intervenes in the following condi
-
tions:
the direction indicators have been turned
on;
there is a vehicle in the adjacent lane on the
same side of the direction indicator (blind
spot area);
lane lines are not correctly detected;
the driver tries to change lanes intention -
ally.
If the system detects the presence of a vehicle
in the rear side blind spots of the car, it applies
a torque on the steering wheel (if it has been
set through the “Settings” menu of the radio
system), in order to warn the driver of the need
to keep the car inside the lane and thus avoid
collisions with other vehicles.
The application of torque and vibration is
however only available with car speed
between 37 mph (60 km/h) and 110 mph
(180 km/h).
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154

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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