2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO wheel

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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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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149

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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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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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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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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155

After 15 seconds with the hands removed
from the steering wheel, the LKA system will
be deactivated and a dedicated message will
be shown on the instrument cluster display. A
short acoustic signal will sound in this case.
In any of the situations above where the hands
are removed from the steering wheel for more
than 6 seconds, it is necessary to reposition
the hands on the steering wheel.
Changing The System Sensitivity
The system's sensitivity can be set through the
radio system. Select the “Driver Assistance”
menu and then select “Comfort”. Sensitivity
“High” or “Low” can be selected.
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.
When the ABSA system is active, the RCP
system monitors the rear detection areas on
both sides of the vehicle to detect objects
moving towards the sides of the vehicle at a
minimum speed between 0.6 mph and 2 mph
(1 km/h and 3km/h) from objects moving at a
maximum speed of 22 mph (35 km/h).
These are generally occurrences that happen
in parking areas.
The system activation is signaled to the driver
by means of a visual and audible warning.

NOTE:

If the sensors are covered by objects or vehi-
cles, the system may not work as intended. Changing the system sensitivity
To change the sensitivity and the strength of
the torque intervention on the steering wheel,
refer to “Settings” of the radio system

Ú

page 268.
Driver Attention Assist (DAA) System — If
Equipped
The Driver Attention Assist (DAA) system
detects when the driver is feeling fatigued and
warns the driver to pull over and take a break.
To Activate/Deactivate
The DAA system can be activated and deacti -
vated through the radio system by selecting
the following in order:
1. “Driver Assistance”
2. “Driver Attention Assist”
System Intervention
Using information from the front camera, the
system implements two operating logics:
The first operating logic takes the driving
style into account, observing the road and
detecting to what extent the driver can
continue driving with few lane crossing
events.
The second operating logic measures the
time spent behind the wheel with the
vehicle speed above 40 mph (60 km/h) and below 110 mph (180 km/h). If the“Standard” option is selected, in these
conditions, the “Dozy Driver” message may
appear after three hours of driving. If the
“Early” option is selected and these condi -
tions occur, the “Dozy Driver” message will
be displayed after two hours of driving.

NOTE:

If the conditions described above are not
detected continuously during the entire driving
period, the “Dozy Driver” message may be
displayed later than two or three hours. If the
driving style indicates that the driver is unable
to follow the road trajectory and respect the
horizontal lane markings, the red symbol will
appear on the instrument cluster display to
suggest that the driver should stop for a break.
An audible signal will also sound.
If the driver accepts the suggestion provided
by the system by pushing the MENU button on
the multifunction lever, the message will
WARNING!
The DAA System is an aid for driving and
does not relieve the driver of the
responsibility of driving the vehicle. If you
experience fatigue while driving, pull over
safely for a break without waiting for the
DAA to intervene. Only return to the road
when you are in the right physical and
mental condition to prevent endangering
yourself and other drivers.
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161

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that sends the
inflation pressure information of each tire to
the control unit, and will signal the driver in the
event of insufficient tire pressure.
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel
rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
Tire pressure will vary with temperature by
approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F
(6.5°C). This means that when the outside
temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
also decrease. Tire pressure should always be
set based on cold inflation tire pressure. This
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle
has not been driven for at least three hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three
hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure
must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall. The tire
pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven. This is normal, and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
See
Ú
page 233 for information on how to
properly inflate the vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS will signal the driver if pressure falls
below the warning limit for any reason,
including the effects of low temperature and
normal loss of pressure from the tire. The TPMS will stop indicating insufficient tire
pressure when pressure is equal to or greater
than the prescribed cold inflation level. There
-
fore, if insufficient tire pressure is indicated by
the ( ) warning light displaying in the instru -
ment cluster, increase the inflation pressure
up to the prescribed cold inflation value.
The system will automatically update, and the
TPMS Warning Light will turn off once the
system receives the updated tire pressures.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order
for the TPMS to receive this information.

NOTE:

The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tire pres -
sure drops (e.g. if a tire bursts). In this case,
proceed with caution and avoid abrupt
steering.
Operating Example
For example, your vehicle may have a recom -
mended cold (parked for more than three
hours) placard pressure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If
the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C), and
the measured tire pressure is 28 psi (193 kPa),
a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately
24 psi (165 kPa). This tire pressure is low
enough to turn on the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Warning Light.” Driving the vehicle may cause
the tire pressure to rise to approximately 28 psi
(193 kPa), but the TPMS Warning Light will still
be on. In this situation, the TPMS Warning Light
WARNING!
The system has not been designed to
prevent impacts and cannot detect
possible conditions leading to an accident
in advance. Failure to take into account
this warning may lead to serious or fatal
injuries.
The system may activate, assessing the
trajectory of the vehicle, for the presence
of reflecting metal objects different from
other vehicles, such as safety barriers,
road signs, barriers before parking lots,
tollgates, level crossings, gates, railways,
objects near road constructions sites or
higher than the vehicle (e.g. a fly-over). In
the same way, the system may intervene
inside multi-story parking lots or tunnels,
or due to a glare on the road surface.
These possible activations are a conse -
quence of the real driving scenario
coverage by the system and must not be
regarded as faults.
The system has been designed for road
use only. If the vehicle is driven on a track,
the system must be deactivated to avoid
unnecessary warnings. Automatic deacti -
vation is signaled by the dedicated
warning light/symbol switching on in the
instrument panel
Ú
page 74.
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