2023 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO steering wheel

141

(Continued)
DYNAMIC STEERING TORQUE (DST)
S
YSTEM
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 function
to implement an additional torque contribution
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 depen -
dent on the driver’s sensitivity and overall reac -
tion 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 conditions 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 environmental 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)
S
YSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional control
and stability of the vehicle in various driving
conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s understeer
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.
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 inappropriate 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.
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142

HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC)
S
YSTEM — 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.
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.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
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
performance. Improperly inflated and
unevenly worn tires may also degrade ESC
performance. 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.
WARNING!
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146

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.
The RCP system monitors the rear detection
areas on both sides of the vehicle to detect
objects moving toward the sides of the vehicle,
with a minimum speed between approximately
1 mph (1 km/h) and 2 mph (3 km/h) and objects
moving at a maximum speed of 21 mph
(35 km/h), in areas such as parking lots.
The system activation is signaled to the driver by
an audible warning.

NOTE:

If the sensors are covered by objects or
vehicles, the system may not work as
intended.
For the system to operate correctly, the rear
fascia/bumper area where the radar sensors
are located must stay free from snow, ice and
dirt gathered from the road surface.
Do not cover the rear fascia/bumper area
where the radar sensors are located with any
object (e.g. adhesives, bike rack, etc.).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 259.
ACTIVE BLIND SPOT ASSIST (ABSA)
S
YSTEM — 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 presence
of other vehicles in the detection area by illumi -
nating 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).
WARNING!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a back
up aid system. It is intended to be used to help
a driver detect an oncoming vehicle in a
parking lot situation. Drivers must be careful
when backing up, even when using RCP.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before backing
up. Failure to do so can result in serious injury
or death.
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147

(Continued)
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.
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 m).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for about 20 ft (6 m) towards the rear
part of the car.
When the sensors are active the system monitors
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 detection
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 direc -
tion, in the adjacent lanes.
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 responsi -
bility to steer, brake or accelerate, especially
after the ABSA system warning or after the
steering wheel torque intervention. The
driver is responsible for ensuring that there
are no pedestrians, 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 by
turning the steering wheel in the opposite
direction.
WARNING!
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148

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.ABSA Menu Screen
System Intervention
The system intervenes in the following
conditions:
the turn signals have been activated;
there is a vehicle in the adjacent lane on the
same side of the turn signal (blind spot area);
lane lines are not correctly detected;
the driver tries to change lanes intentionally.
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).
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 turn
signal 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 operation 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, sidewalks,
etc.).
Hand 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 presence 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)
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149

When the system does not detect the
presence 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)
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 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 vehicles,
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 259.
DRIVER ATTENTION ASSIST (DAA)
S
YSTEM — 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 deactivated
through the radio system by selecting the
following in order:
1. “Driver Assistance”
2. “Driver Attention Assist”
WARNING!
The DAA system is an aid for driving and does
not relieve the driver of the responsibility of
driving the vehicle. Always drive alert and get
plenty of rest before driving. If you experience
fatigue while driving, do not wait for the DAA to
intervene with a warning. Choose a safe and
secure location where you can pull over safely
for a break. Only return to the road when you
are in the right physical and mental condition
to prevent endangering yourself and others.
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155

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 pressure 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 224 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. Therefore, if
insufficient tire pressure is indicated by the ( )
warning light displaying in the instrument 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 pressure
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
recommended 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 will turn off
only after the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value.
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
consequence 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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162

In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is
automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will still
retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.
Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child
restraint is installed in a seating position that has
a seat belt with this feature. Children 12 years old
and under should always be properly restrained
in the rear seat of a vehicle with a rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
2. Grab the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire seat belt is extracted.
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This
indicates the seat belt is now in the Auto -
matic Locking Mode. How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and
allow it to retract completely to disengage the
Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle
sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on others.
If you are not sure, ask an authorized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you
in a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and intercon -
necting wiring associated with the electrical Air Bag System Components. Your vehicle may be
equipped with the following Air Bag System
Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch
is in the OFF position or in the ACC position, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not
inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system
that may deploy the air bag system even if the
battery loses power or it becomes disconnected
prior to deployment.
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. If
the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do not
transport a rear-facing child restraint in that
vehicle.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced if
the switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) feature or any other seat belt function
is not working properly when checked
according to the procedures in the Service
Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the seat
belt or children who are using booster seats.
The locked mode is only used to install
rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints
that have a harness for restraining the child.
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