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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152
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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SAFETY
156
disappear from the display and the symbol will
be displayed in the dedicated area of the
instrument cluster display until the next
engine shutdown.
If the driver ignores the warning provided by
the system and does not stop, the message
will continue to remain on the display, along
with the symbol.
NOTE:
In the event of a DAA system failure, an
amber symbol will appear in the instrument
cluster display along with a dedicated
message.
If the ABS system activates, “ABS ACTIVE”
will display in place of the DAA symbol and
will remain active until the ABS system
deactivates.
DAA Warning Message DAA Warning Icon
Changing The System Sensitivity
The DAA system intervention sensitivity can be
adjusted through the radio system within the
“Driver Assistance” menu.
NOTE:
If “Race” mode (if equipped) is activated,
the DAA system will be automatically deacti -
vated.
The system sensitivity cannot be changed in
the event of a camera system failure.
Forward Collision Warning Plus (FCW+)
System — If Equipped
This is a driving assistance system composed
of a radar located behind the front fascia/
bumper and a camera located in the center of
the windshield. Front fascia/bumper Radar Location
Windshield Camera Location
In the event of an imminent collision, the
system intervenes by automatically applying
the vehicle’s brakes to prevent a collision or
reduce its effects.
The system provides the driver with audible
and visual signals through specific messages
on the instrument cluster display.
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157
The audible and visual signals warn the driver
before the system activates, depending on the
vehicle speed.
NOTE:
No warning signals are generated at speeds
below 20 mph (30 km/h).The system may lightly brake to warn the driver
if a possible frontal accident is detected
(limited braking). Signals and limited braking
are intended to allow the driver to react
promptly, in order to prevent or reduce the
effects of a potential accident. In situations with the risk of collision, if the
system detects no intervention by the driver, it
provides automatic braking to help slow the
vehicle and mitigate the potential frontal colli
-
sion (automatic braking). If intervention by the
driver on the brake pedal is detected, but not
deemed sufficient, the system may intervene
in order to improve the reaction of the braking
system, therefore reducing vehicle speed
further (additional assistance in braking
stage).
The system will intervene automatically in
case of imminent collision or impact against a
pedestrian crossing the road (speed under
31 mph (50 km/h)).
NOTE:
For safety reasons, when the vehicle has
stopped, the brake calipers may remain
blocked for about two seconds. Make sure to
press the brake pedal if the vehicle moves
slightly forward. Engagement/Disengagement
The system may be disengaged (and engaged
again) in the “Driver Assistance” menu of the
Information and Entertainment system.
The system can be deactivated even with the
ignition device in the ON position.
NOTE:
The system status can be changed with car at
a standstill only.
Select from among three operating modes:
Warning and braking
: the system (if active),
in addition to the visual and audible warn -
ings, provides limited braking, automatic
braking and additional assistance in the
braking stage, where the driver does not
brake sufficiently in the event of a potential
frontal impact.
Only warning : the system (if active), does
not provide limited braking, but guarantees
automatic braking or additional assistance
in the braking stage, where the driver does
not brake at all or not sufficiently in the
event of a potential frontal impact.
Disabled : the system does not provide
visual and audible warnings, limited
braking, automatic braking or additional
assistance in the braking stage. The system
will therefore provide no indication of a
possible collision.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor
can FCW detect every type of potential
collision. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle
via braking and steering. Failure to follow
this warning could lead to serious injury or
death.
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SAFETY
158
Activation/Deactivation
The Forward Collision Warning system is acti-
vated whenever the engine is started regard -
less of what is shown on the radio system.
Following a deactivation, the system will not
warn the driver about the possible collision
with a preceding vehicle, regardless of the
setting selected in the radio system.
NOTE:
Each time the engine is started, the system is
activated regardless of what setting was
selected when the engine was turned off.
This function is not active at a speed lower
than 4 mph (7 km/h) or higher than 124 mph
(200 km/h).
The system is active:
Each time the engine is started
When feature is selected within the radio
system
When the ignition is in the ON position
When the vehicle speed is between 2 mph
(4 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h)
When the front seat belts are fastened
The "Alfa DNA Pro" selector is not in RACE
position (if equipped)
NOTE:
If the seat belts of the front seats are not
correctly fastened, the system will not inter -vene on the braking system (only audible and
visual signals will be provided).
Changing The System Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be changed
through the Information and Entertainment
system menu, choosing from one of the
following three options: "Near", "Medium" or
"Far". Refer to the description in the Informa
-
tion and Entertainment system Supplement
for how to change the settings.
The default setting is "Medium". With this
setting, the system warns the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front
when that vehicle is at a standard distance,
between that of the other two settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far", the
system will warn the driver of a possible colli -
sion with the vehicle in front when that vehicle
is at a greater distance, thus providing the
possibility of acting on the brakes more lightly
and gradually. This setting provides the driver
with the maximum possible reaction time to
prevent a potential collision.
With the option set to "Near", the system will
alert the driver of a possible collision with the
vehicle in front when that vehicle is close. This
setting offers the driver a lower reaction time
compared to the "Medium" and "Far" settings,
in the event of a potential collision, but
permits more dynamic driving of the vehicle.
The system sensitivity setting is kept in the
memory when the engine is turned off. System Limited Operation Warning
If a dedicated message is displayed, a condi
-
tion limiting the system operation may have
occurred. The possible reasons of this limita -
tion are something is blocking the camera
view or a fault.
If an obstruction is signaled, clean the area of
the radar on the front fascia/bumper, and the
camera area on the windshield.
If a fault in the system is occurring, it will still
be possible to drive the vehicle normally, but
automatic braking will not be available in the
event of an impending collision.
When the conditions limiting the system func -
tions end, this will go back to normal and
complete operation. Should the fault persist,
contact an authorized dealer.
System Failure Signaling
If the system turns off and a dedicated
message is shown on the display, it means
that there is a fault with the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the
vehicle, but you are advised to contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Radar Indication Not Available
If conditions are such that the radar cannot
detect obstacles correctly, the system is deac -
tivated and a dedicated message appears on
the display. This generally occurs in the event
of poor visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily.
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159
The function of this system can also be tempo-
rarily reduced due to obstructions such as
mud, dirt or ice on the fascia/bumper. In such
cases, a dedicated message will be shown on
the display and the system will be deactivated.
This message can sometimes appear in condi -
tions of high reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with
reflective tiles or ice or snow). When the condi -
tions limiting the system functions end, it will
go back to normal and complete operation.
In certain cases, this dedicated message
could be displayed when the radar is not
detecting any vehicles or objects within its
view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the reason
behind this message, check if the sensor is
dirty. It could be necessary to clean or remove
any obstructions in the area.
If the message appears frequently, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such as
snow, rain, mud or other obstructions, contact
an authorized dealer for a sensor alignment
check.
In the absence of visible obstructions, manu -
ally removing the decorative cover trim and
cleaning the radar surface could be required.
Have this operation performed at an autho -
rized dealer.
NOTE:
It is recommended that you do not install
devices, accessories or aerodynamic attach
-
ments in front of the sensor or darken it in any
way, as this can compromise the correct func -
tioning of the system.
Frontal Collision Alarm With Active Braking — If
Equipped
If this function is selected, the brakes are
operated to reduce the speed of the vehicle in
the event of potential frontal impact.
This function applies an additional braking
pressure if the braking pressure applied by the
driver does not suffice to prevent potential
frontal impact.
The function is active with speed above 2 mph
(4 km/h).
NOTE:
When using an automatic car wash it is recom -
mended to deactivate the system through the
settings of the radio system. The system may
detect the presence of a car, a wall or another
obstacle and activate.
Driving In Special Conditions
In certain driving conditions, system interven -
tion might be unexpected or delayed. The
driver must therefore be very careful, keeping
control of the vehicle to drive in complete
safety.Driving close to a bend.
The vehicle ahead is leaving a roundabout.
Vehicles with small dimensions and/or not
aligned in the driving lane.
Lane change by other vehicles.
Vehicles traveling at right angles to the
vehicle.
NOTE:
In particularly complex traffic conditions,
the driver can deactivate the system manu -
ally through the Information and Entertain -
ment system.
If the driver depresses the brake pedal fully
or makes an excessive steering maneuver
during system operation, the automatic
braking function may deactivate (e.g. to
allow a possible maneuver to avoid the
obstacle).
The FCW system is automatically deacti -
vated when operating in race mode and a
warning message will be displayed on the
instrument cluster.
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175
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is
wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air
bags, any or all of the following may occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the
occupants as the air bags deploy and
unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction
rope burns or those you might get sliding
along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are
not caused by contact with chemicals. They
are not permanent and normally heal
quickly. However, if you haven’t healed
significantly within a few days, or if you have
any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a
normal by-product of the process that
generates the non-toxic gas used for air bag
inflation. These airborne particles may irri-
tate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you
have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area
with cool water. For nose or throat irritation,
move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufac -
turer’s instructions for cleaning. Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags
have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you.
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air
bag deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communica
-
tion network remains intact, and the power
remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
will determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the
following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery
has power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on
as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circula -
tion Door
Cut off battery power to the:
• Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt
pretensioners cannot protect you in another
collision. Have the air bags, seat belt
pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor
assemblies replaced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Also, have the
Occupant Restraint Controller System
serviced as well.
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SAFETY
178
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time, typically 30
seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better under -
standing of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name,
gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforce -
ment, could combine the EDR data with the
type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the
vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as
law enforcement, that have the special equip
-
ment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
Child Restraints
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled
up at all times, including babies and children.
Every state in the United States, and every
Canadian province, requires that small chil -
dren ride in proper restraint systems. This is
the law, and you can be prosecuted for
ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger should ride prop -
erly buckled up in a rear seat, if available.
According to crash statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front. There are different sizes and types of
restraints for children from newborn size to
the child almost large enough for an adult
safety belt. Always check the child seat
Owner’s Manual to make sure you have the
correct seat for your child. Carefully read and
follow all the instructions and warnings in the
child restraint Owner’s Manual and on all the
labels attached to the child restraint.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure
that it has a label certifying that it meets all
applicable Safety Standards. You should also
make sure that you can install it in the vehicle
where you will use it.
NOTE:
For additional information, refer to
http://
www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers
or
call: 1–888–327–4236
Canadian residents should refer to Trans -
port Canada’s website for additional infor -
mation:
https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/
road/child-car-seat-safety.html
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child can
become a projectile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on
your lap could become so great that you
could not hold the child, no matter how
strong you are. The child and others could
be badly injured or killed. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint
for the child’s size.
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