tow Alfa Romeo 4C 2015 Owner handbook (in English)

The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership to
have it replaced.
68) 69)
7)
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase protection, the seat belt
retractors contain a device which
controls the force acting on the chest
and shoulders during the belt
restraining action in the event of an
accident.
WARNING
68) The pretensioner can be used
only once. After activation go to
the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it replaced.
69) Removing or otherwise
tampering with pretensioner and
seat belt components is strictly
prohibited. Any operations on
these components must be
performed by qualified and
authorised technicians. Always
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
IMPORTANT
7) Operations which lead to impacts,
vibrations or localised heating
(over 100°C for a maximum of six
hours) in the area around the
pretensioner may damage
or deploy them. Contact the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership
if there is the need to operate
on those components.
CARRYING
CHILDREN SAFELY
Alfa Romeo 4C is a sporty car that can
be driven in town every day, provided
its driver and passengers fasten their
seat belts. Carrying a child on the
passenger's seat is also allowed,
provided the child weighs more than 9
kg and a suitable child restraint system
is used.
Children must be suitably restrained
inside the vehicle according to their
weight. Several child restraint system
types are available; always choose the
one most suitable for the child:
70)
When over 1.50 m in height, from
the point of view of restraint systems,
children are considered as adults and
have to wear the standard seat belts.
All child restraint devices must bear the
certification data, together with the
control mark, on a label solidly fixed to
the seat which must never be removed.
Child restraint systems are available
from Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo. These
products have been designed and
tested specifically for Alfa Romeo
vehicles.
95

STARTING THE
ENGINE
Procedure84) 85) 86)
❒press the brake pedal;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine
starts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
8) 9)
❒If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to
STOP before repeating the
procedure.
❒If, when the ignition key is at
MAR-ON, the
instrument panel
warning light stays on together with
the
warning light, turn the key
to STOP and then back to MAR-ON;
if the warning light stays on, try the
other keys provided with the vehicle.
If it is still not possible to start the
engine, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
❒Do not leave the ignition key at
MAR-ON when the engine is
stopped.WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Procedure
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not demand full performance at
first. It is advisable to wait until the
digital engine coolant temperature
indicator starts moving.
SWITCHING OFF THE
ENGINE
Procedure
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.10)
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
keep the engine idling for at least a
couple of minutes before stopping it, in
order to permit the temperature inside
the engine compartment to lower.
WARNING
84) It is dangerous to run the engine
in enclosed areas. The engine
takes in oxygen and releases
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
and other toxic gases.
85) The brake servo is not active
until the engine is started, so
you would need to apply much
more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
86) Do not start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving
downhill. These manoeuvres may
damage the catalytic converter.
IMPORTANT
8) It is advisable not to demand
maximum performance from your
car (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long distances at maximum rpm,
excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.
104
STARTING AND DRIVING

LEVERS ON THE
STEERING WHEEL
These enable sequential gear shifting
fig. 77.
– steering wheel stalk "+(pulling stalk
towards driver, see fig. 78): engage
higher gear;
– steering wheel stalk "–(pulling stalk
towards driver, see fig. 78): engage
lower gear.The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine
rpm allow it.
STARTING THE CAR
To start the engine press the brake
pedal: the system engages neutral (N)
automatically.
After the starting procedure, 1st gear
(1) or reverse (R) can be engaged.
Irrespective of the mode selected
(AUTO/MANUAL), to engage 1st gear
or reverse (R), it is necessary to press
the brake pedal and press the1button
on the transmission control panel (or
the "+" steering wheel stalk) to engage
1st gear or theRbutton to engage
reverse.
When 1st gear is engaged, the system
sets itself toAUTOmode.
Neutral (N) can be engaged again by
pressing theNbutton with the brake
pedal pressed.
When the1,NorRbuttons are
pressed (or "+" steering wheel stalk is
operated) without pressing the brake
pedal, no gear change request is
implemented by the system.
IMPORTANT Reverse cannot be
engaged by pressing the "-" stalk on
the steering wheel.Important information
If starting is requested with a
transmission failure (see "Warning lights
and messages" paragraph), carry out
the “Delayed start-up” procedure: when
the key is turned to AVV for at least 7
seconds with brake pedal pressed, the
engine will be started. The system will
remain in “recovery” condition.
If the engine does not start, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
When the driver's door is opened, the
system activates the hydraulic
components so that they are prepared
for the subsequent engine starting.
MOVING THE CAR
The car can set off both in 1st gear and
reverse (R).
Notes (concerning car
start-up)
The gears can only be engaged by
pressing the brake pedal. If the brake
pedal is not depressed, the display will
show a dedicated message.
It is not possible to set off in a higher
gear than 1st: if this is attempted,
the display shows a dedicated
message.
77A0L0071
78A0L0072
108
STARTING AND DRIVING

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
You can also use the freephone number
00 800 2532 4200 to find your nearest
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.STARTING THE ENGINE .................118
REPAIRING A WHEEL .....................119
REPLACING A WHEEL ...................122
CHANGING A BULB .......................126
REPLACING EXTERIOR BULBS......129
INTERIOR BULB REPLACEMENT ...132
REPLACING FUSES........................133
RECHARGING THE BATTERY ........136
RAISING THE CAR..........................136
TOWING THE CAR .........................137
117

STARTING THE
ENGINE
Contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership immediately if
warning
light stays on constantly on the
instrument panel.
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, start the engine
using an auxiliary battery with the same
capacity or a little higher than the flat
one.
12)91)
Proceed as follows to start the car:
❒connect the positive terminals (+ sign
near the terminal) of the two batteries
with a jump lead fig. 79;❒with a second lead, connect the
negative terminal(−)oftheauxiliary
battery to an earthing point
on
the engine or the gearbox/
transmission of the car to be started;
❒start the engine; when the engine has
started, remove the leads, reversing
the order above.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not persist but contact
the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not connect the
negative terminals of the two batteries
directly! If the auxiliary battery is
installed on another car, check that
there is no accidental contact between
metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing
or coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT
12) Never use a fast battery charger
to start the engine as this could
damage the electronic systems
and the ignition and engine supply
control units.
WARNING
91) This procedure must be
performed by qualified personnel
as incorrect actions may cause
high-intensity electrical discharge.
Furthermore, battery fluid is
poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep
naked flames and lit cigarettes
away from the battery and do not
cause sparks.
79A0L0116
118
IN AN EMERGENCY

CHANGING A BULB
15)
106) 107) 108)
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS
❒Before changing a bulb check the
contacts for oxidation;
❒replace blown bulbs with others of
the same type and power;
❒after replacing a headlight bulb,
always check its alignment;
❒when a light is not working, check
that the corresponding fuse is intact
before changing the bulb. For the
location of fuses, refer to the
paragraph “If a fuse blows” in this
chapter.IMPORTANT
15) Halogen bulbs must be handled
by holding the metallic part only.
Touching the transparent part
of the bulb with your fingers may
reduce the intensity of the
emitted light and even reduce the
lifespan of the bulb. In the case
of accidental contact, rub the
lamp with a cloth and spirit and
leave to dry.
WARNING
106) Modifications or repairs to the
electric system that are not
carried out properly or do not take
the system technical
specifications into account can
cause malfunctions leading to the
risk of fire.
107) Halogen bulbs contain
pressurised gas; in the case of
breakage they may burst.108) Due to the high supply voltage,
gas discharge bulbs (Bi-Xenon)
should only be replaced by
specialised personnel: danger of
death! Contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold
or damp or after heavy rain or washing,
the surface of headlights or rear lights,
may steam up and/or form drops of
condensation on the inside. This is
a natural phenomenon due to the
difference in temperature and humidity
between the inside and the outside
of the glass which does not indicate a
fault and does not compromise the
normal operation of lighting devices.
The mist disappears quickly when the
lights are turned on, starting from
the centre of the diffuser, extending
progressively towards the edges.
126
IN AN EMERGENCY

IMPORTANT When positioning the car
on the arm lift, remember that the
power unit is located at the rear end,
with consequent impact on weight
distribution. Therefore, the shorter arms
must support the rear end, and the
longer arms support the front end.
18) 19)
IMPORTANT
18) Be careful to position the lift
arms correctly at the points
illustrated, in order to prevent
damage to the carbon fibre
chassis and the bodywork
components.
19) To avoid damage to the carbon
fibre chassis, the car cannot be
raised with standard hydraulic
jacks, only with suitable lowered
hydraulic jacks. Contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
TOWING THE CAR
20)
The tow hook provided with the car is
located in the tool box in the luggage
compartment.
ATTACHING THE TOW
HOOK
Take tow hook A and tighten it fully
onto the threaded pin fig. 118.
115) 116) 117)
IMPORTANT
20) The tow hook attachment is only
available at the front end of the
car.
116 - Rear areaA0L0128
117 - Front areaA0L0127
118A0L0107
137

WARNING
115) Before towing, turn the ignition
key to MAR-ON and then to STOP
without removing it. The steering
column will automatically lock
when the key is removed and the
wheels cannot be steered. Also
check that the gearbox/
transmission is in neutral (N).
116) When towing, remember that
the assistance of the brake servo
is absent. Consequently, more
force is required at the pedal
in order to brake. Do not
use flexible cables when towing
and avoid jerky movements. Make
sure not to damage parts in
contact with the car while towing.
When towing the car, you must
comply with all specific traffic
regulations, both in terms of the
towing device and behaviour
on the road. Do not start the
engine while towing the car.
Before tightening the ring, clean
the threaded housing thoroughly.
Make sure that the ring is fully
screwed into the housing before
towing the car.117) The tow hook must be used
exclusively for roadside
assistance operations. You are
allowed to tow the vehicle for
short distances using an
appropriate device in accordance
with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the
road in readiness for towing or
transport via a breakdown vehicle.
Tow hooks MUST NOT be used
to tow vehicles off the road or
where there are obstacles and/or
for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices. In
compliance with the above
conditions, towing must take
place with the two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) aligned
as much as possible along the
same centre line.
138
IN AN EMERGENCY

Thousands of miles 12 24 36 48 60 72
Thousands of kilometres 20 40 60 80 100 120
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72
Replace toothed timing drive belt (*)●
Replace the air cleaner cartridge●●●●●●
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (**)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)●●●
(*) Irrespective of the mileage, the timing drive belt must be changed every 4 years for heavy-duty use (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling) or at least
every 5 years.
(**) The actual interval for changing the oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signalled by the warning light or
message (if present) on the instrument panel or every 12 months.
143

ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick
A fig. 119.
For this check, take out the dipstick
from its seat, clean it with a lint-free
cloth, reinsert the dipstick; take it out
again and check the oil level.
121)
If the oil level is near or under the MIN
mark, add oil through the filler B fig.
119 until it reaches the MAX mark.
22)
Take out the engine oil dipstick A, clean
it with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it.
Extract the engine oil dipstick again and
check that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
121)
Make sure to tighten the oil plug in
its seat thoroughly after possibly
topping the oil up.
The range between the MIN and MAX
levels corresponds to approximately
1 litre of oil.
Engine oil consumption
23)3)
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1,000 km.When the car is new, the engine needs
to run in, therefore the engine oil
consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5,000 - 6,000
km.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine run for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
stopping it before you check the level.
ENGINE COOLANT
24)122)
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is too low, unscrew reservoir
plug C fig. 119 and add the fluid
described in the "Fluids and lubricants"
paragraph of the "Technical
Specifications" chapter.
WINDSCREEN WASHER
FLUID
123) 124)
To check the windscreen washer fluid
level, proceed as follows:
❒to avoid any interference during the
procedure, lift the windscreen wiper
blade according to the "Windscreen
wiper" paragraph in the
"Maintenance and care" chapter;❒loosen the 4 self-tapping screws A
fig. 121 using the supplied
screwdriver. Remove the engine
cover grille;
❒release the plug from the opening;
❒leaving the plug close to the opening,
put a finger on the central hole B fig.
122 in the plug and remove it: the
level can be seen on the control pipe
C fig. 123 due to capillarity;
❒after the check, reinsert the plug B
with the control pipe C in the initial
position;
❒reposition the engine cover grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A.
WARNING Re-close the plug holding it
horizontally (not directed towards the
engine cover) to prevent the opening
tang from remaining locked in a position
difficult to reach.
121A0L0130
147