ABS Alfa Romeo Giulia 2016 Owner's Manual

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Each time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are given, these must be understood as
regarding an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do not
correspond to the actual arrangement of your vehicle. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles with
steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position or
construction of some controls is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key for
getting to know the chapter order and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is in any case a textual indication of the current chapter
at the side of each even page.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
While reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series ofWARNINGSto prevent procedures that could damage your vehicle.
There are alsoPRECAUTIONSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle, which could
cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore allWARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSmust always be carefully followed.
WARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSare recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal safety;
vehicle safety;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are indicated besides the title or at the end of the line and are followed by a number. That
number recalls the corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.

IGNITION DEVICE
OPERATION
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
To activate the ignition device fig. 3 the
electronic key must be inside the
passenger compartment.
The ignition device has the following
possible states:
STOP: engine off, steering locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. central door
locking system, alarm, etc.) are still
available;
ON (button pressed only): all electrical
devices are available. This state can be
entered by pressing the ignition device
button once, without pressing the
brake/clutch pedal;
AVV: engine starting. This state can be
entered by pressing the ignition devicebutton once and pressing the
brake/clutch pedal.
NOTE For versions with automatic
transmission, with the ignition device at
ON, if 30 minutes pass with the gear
lever at P (Park) and the engine stopped,
the ignition device will automatically
move to the STOP position.
NOTE For versions with manual
transmission, with the ignition device at
ON, if 30 minutes pass and the engine
stopped, the ignition device will
automatically move to the STOP position.
NOTE With engine started, it is possible
to go away from the vehicle taking the
electronic key with you. The engine will
still be running. The vehicle will indicate
the absence of the key on board when the
door is closed.
For more information on the engine
start-up, see the description in the
"Starting the engine" paragraph, in the
"Starting and driving" chapter.
STARTING WITH FLAT KEY BATTERY
If the remote control battery is flat,
proceed as follows to start the vehicle:
lift the front armrest;
lay the key on the shape which is found
on the bottom of the compartment.
STEERING LOCK(where provided)
Activation
The steering lock is engaged when the
driver door is opened with the ignition
device button at STOP.
Deactivation
The steering lock disengages when the
ignition device is pressed and the
electronic key is recognised.
WARNING
1)Always take the key with you when you
leave your vehicle to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the electric parking
brake. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
2)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any
after-market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft device) that
could adversely affect performance,
invalidate the warranty, cause SERIOUS
SAFETY PROBLEMS and also result in the
car not meeting type-approval
requirements.
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12
KNOWING YOUR CAR

STEERING WHEEL
14) 15)
ADJUSTMENTS
The steering wheel can be adjusted both
in height and in depth.
To adjust the position bring the lever 1
fig. 23 down to position A after which the
steering wheel can be adjusted to the
most suitable position and subsequently
locked in this position by bringing lever
1 to position B again.
ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL HEATING(where provided)
With ignition device at ON, press the
fig. 24 button on the air conditioner
control panel.
When the function is enabled, the LED on
the button switches on.
IMPORTANT If this function is activated
with the engine stopped the battery may
run down.
WARNING
14)All adjustments must be carried out only
with the car stationary and engine stopped.15)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance, invalidate the warranty, cause
SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS and also
result in the car not meeting type-approval
requirements.2304086S0001EM
2404086S0002EM
22
KNOWING YOUR CAR

raise the bonnet completely: the
operation is facilitated by the presence
of two gas shock absorbers which hold it
the all open position.
Do not tamper with the shock absorber
and accompany the bonnet while lifting it.
CLOSING
22) 24)
To close, lower the bonnet to
approximately 15 in (40 cm) from the
engine compartment then let it drop.
Make sure that the bonnet is completely
closed and not only fastened by the
locking device by trying to open it. If it is
not perfectly closed, do not try to press
the bonnet lid down but open it and
repeat the procedure.
IMPORTANT Always check that the
bonnet is closed correctly to prevent it
from opening while the vehicle istravelling. Since the bonnet is equipped
with a double locking system, one for
each side, you must check that it is closed
on both its side ends.
WARNING
22)Perform these operations only when the
car is stationary.
23)Use both hands to lift the bonnet. Before
lifting, check that the windscreen wiper arms
are not raised from the windscreen or in
operation, that the vehicle is stationary and
that the electric parking brake is engaged.
24)For safety reasons, the bonnet must
always be properly closed while the car is
travelling. Therefore, make sure that the
bonnet is properly closed and that the lock is
engaged. If you discover that the bonnet is
not perfectly closed during travel, stop
immediately and close the bonnet in the
correct manner.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
The luggage compartment unlocking is
electrically operated and is deactivated
when the car is in motion.
OPENING
Opening from the outside
When unlocked, the boot can be opened
from outside the vehicle using the
electric opening button fig. 40 located
between the plate lights, until you hear
the unlocking click or by quickly pressing
button
on the remote control twice.
Opening from the inside
When unlocked, the boot can be opened
from inside the vehicle using the opening
button fig. 41 located under the
dashboard near the front bonnet opening
lever until you hear the unlocking click.
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35

Amber warning lights
Warning
lightWhat it means
ABS FAILURE
The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to ON, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light switches on to indicate an ABS fault. In this case the braking system maintains its efficiency unaltered but
without the advantage of the ABS system.
Drive carefully and contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
TPMS FAILURE
The warning light switches on when a failure is detected in the TPMS. Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors, the
display will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and
steering. Immediately restore the correct inflation pressure using the Tire Repair Kit (see "Repairing a wheel" paragraph in the "In
an emergency" chapter) and contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
Tyre pressure low
The warning light switches on to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure
loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal tyre duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
In any situation in which the message on the display is "See manual", it is ESSENTIAL to refer to the contents of the "Wheels and
rims" paragraph in the "Technical data" chapter, strictly complying with the indications that you find there.
ESC SYSTEM
When the ignition device is brought to ON, the warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the engine is started.
ESC system intervention: Intervention by the system is indicated by the flashing of the warning light: it indicates that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
ECS system failure: If the warning light does not switch off, or if it stays on with the engine running, a failure was found in the ESC
system.
In these cases, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
Hill Start Assist system failure: the switching on of the warning light indicates a Hill Start Assist system failure.
In these cases, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
PARTIAL / TOTAL DEACTIVATION OF ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS (where present)
When the ignition device is brought to ON, the warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the engine is started.
The warning light switches on to indicate that some active safety systems have been partially or totally deactivated.
For further details about the active safety systems see the "Active safety systems" paragraph in the "Safety" chapter. When the
active safety systems are reactivated, the warning light switches off.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Symbol What it means
SOFT SUSPENSION CALIBRATION INSERTION (where provided)
Switches on when the most comfortable suspension setting is activated.
SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILURE (ADC)
(where provided)
While driving, if the symbol switches on, it signals a failure in the suspension system.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked.
CLUTCH PEDAL
(where provided)
Lights up to alert the driver to press the clutch pedal in order to start the engine.
Press the clutch pedal.
WINDSCREEN WASHER LIQUID LEVEL
The symbol appears for some seconds to indicate that the level of the windscreen and headlight washing fluid (if any) is low.
Refill the liquid: to do this, please consult the "Level check" section in the "Service and care" chapter. Always use liquid with the
features indicated in the "Liquids and lubricants" section in the "Technical information" chapter.
63

ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes);
DTC (Drive Train Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HSA (Hill Start Assist);
AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque);
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping in all
road surface conditions, irrespective of
the intensity of the braking action,
ensuring that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when 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, or on corners.The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system completes the system
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 brake pedal command
given by pressing the brake pedal is not
transmitted hydraulically but electronically,
therefore, the light pulsation that could be
felt on the pedal with the traditional system
is no longer perceptible.
30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35)
DTC (Drive Train Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
Some versions of this vehicle are
equipped with a four-wheel drive system
(AWD), activated on request, which offers
an optimal drive for countless driving
conditions and road surfaces. The system
reduces the slipping of the tyres 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
four-wheel drive (RWD) when the road
and environmental conditions are such
that they wouldn't cause the tyres to slip.
When the road and environmentalconditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically goes to AWD mode.
36)
The driving mode, RWD or AWD, is shown
on the instrument panel display.
IMPORTANT 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.
37)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car in various
driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’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 car to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the car’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
vehicle’s understeer or oversteer.
66
SAFETY

Oversteer: occurs when the car 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.
38) 39) 40) 41) 42)
TC (Traction Control)SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on
slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on one
or both drive wheels. 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 BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behaviour 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.
43) 44) 45) 46) 47)
PBA (Panic Brake Assist)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 the
system. 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.
48) 49) 50)
HSA (Hill Start Assist)SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on slopes,
activating automatically in the following
cases:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and transmission
in neutral or gear other than reverse
engaged;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off, 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 2 seconds,
allowing your right foot to be moved
easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed, without
starting, the system is automatically
deactivated, 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
car.
51) 52)
67

AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque)SYSTEM
53)
The AST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the AST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring)
SYSTEM
The dynamic drive control is used to optimize
and balance the drive torque between the
wheels of the same axis. The ATV system
improves the grip in turns, sending more drive
torque to the external wheel.
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 a phenomenon called
"understeer". Understeer occurs when,
during a turn, a car tends to widen the set
trajectory, in this situation the lateral
acceleration the car is subjected tobecomes higher that the grip of the tyres,
which are unable to maintain the car in
the trajectory set by the driver through
the steering angle determined by turning
the steering wheel.
WARNING
30)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km
(310 miles) is required: during this period it
is advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
31)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
32)
The ABS cannot overrule the natural laws
of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the road.
33)The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those due to excessive speed on corners, driving
on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
34)The capability of the ABS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
35)
For the correct operation of the ABS, the
tyres must of necessity be the same make and
type on all wheels, in perfect condition and, above
all, of the prescribed type and dimensions.
36)There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tyre slipping event.
37)When a DTC system failure symbol
appears, the driver must be aware of the
different driving reaction and therefore
reduce the speed. The symbol
warns the
driver not to drive in areas that require
four-wheel drive or on snow-covered roads.38)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
39)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
41)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and size.
42)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
43)For the correct operation of the TC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
44)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
45)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
46)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
68
SAFETY

Radar indication not available
If conditions are such that the radar
cannot detect obstacles correctly, the
system is deactivated 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.
The system can also be temporarily
dimmed due to obstructions such as mud,
dirt or ice on the 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 conditions of high
reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with reflective
tiles or ice or snow). When the conditions
limiting the system functions end, this
will go back to normal and complete
operation.
In certain particular 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 real
reason behind this message, check if the
sensor is dirty. It could be necessary to
clean or remove any obstructions in the
area shown in fig. 68.
If the message appears often, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such
as snow, rain, mud or other obstructions,contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership for a
sensor alignment check.
In the absence of visible obstructions,
cleaning the radar surface, by manually
removing the decorative cover trim,
could be required. Have this operation
performed at an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT It is recommended that you
do not install devices, accessories or
aerodynamic attachments in front of the
sensor or darken it in any way, as this can
compromise the correct functioning of
the system.
Frontal collision alarm with active
braking
(where provided)
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
4 mph (7 km/h).
Driving in special conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as, for
example:
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 travelling at right angles to
the vehicle.
system intervention might be
unexpected or delayed. The driver must
therefore be very careful, keeping
control of the vehicle to drive in complete
safety.
IMPORTANT In particularly complex
traffic conditions, the driver can
deactivate the system manually through
the Connect system.
Driving close to a bend
When entering or leaving a wide bend, the
system may detect a vehicle that is in
front of you, but that is not driving in the
same lane fig. 70. In cases such as these,
the system may intervene.
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