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

❒raise the tailgate and release
supporting rod B fig. 42 from its
locking device C;
❒insert the end of the rod in housing D
fig. 43, making sure that the rod
engages in the smallest hole of the
retaining clip. Care must be taken to
keep the tailgate raised until the
rod is fixed in the correct position.
24)
IMPORTANT Maintain a tight grip on
the tailgate when raising, in order to
prevent any external occurrence (e.g. a
gust of wind) from suddenly opening
the tailgate to end of travel. Additionally,
in order to prevent any damage to the
car or broken windows, do not force
the tailgate beyond the opening
position necessary to secure the
supporting rod B in the hole of the
retaining clip.
CLOSING
Procedure
25)
❒hold the tailgate up with one hand
and use the other to remove rod B
fig. 42 from housing D fig. 43 and
reinsert it in its locking device C fig.
42;
❒lower the engine cover to
approximately 20 centimetres from
the engine compartment and let
it drop. Make sure that the engine
cover is completely closed and
not only fastened in safety position by
trying to open it. If it is not completely
closed, do not press the engine
cover down, but raise it and repeat
the procedure.
IMPORTANT Always check that the
tailgate is closed correctly to prevent it
from opening while the car is travelling.
WARNING
21) The maximum permitted load in
the luggage compartment, in
addition to the kits provided, is
15 kg.
22) When accessing the rear
luggage compartment, take care
with parts that may be hot, owing
to the adjacent engine
compartment. Danger of serious
burns.
23) Perform these operations only
with car stationary.
24) The tailgate may drop suddenly if
the supporting rod is not
positioned correctly.
25) For safety reasons, the tailgate
must always be closed properly
while the car is travelling.
Therefore, always make sure that
the tailgate is closed properly
and that the lock is engaged. If
you realise during travel that the
lock is not fully engaged, stop
immediately and close the tailgate
in the correct manner.
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43A0L0039
40
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
ABS
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 car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes when braking
and 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 car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of
the ABS system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear
wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the vehicle, preventing sudden
locking of the rear wheels and
the consequent instability of the vehicle.
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control) SYSTEM
The system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the
inside of the corner (less affected by the
weight of the car) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction
for the car.DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and intervenes in the case of
sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring
torque to the engine and thus
preventing excessive drag at the drive
wheels, which may lead the wheels
to lock and a loss of car stability, above
all in low-grip conditions.
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
29) 30) 38) 39) 40)
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that
is slipping.
43

System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: car 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: car 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 the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise, indicating that
the car is going to move imminently,
can be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the
engine off and engaged first gear,
so that the vehicle is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
the "Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
IMPORTANT There may be situations
on small gradients (less than 8%),
with vehicle laden, in which the Hill
Holder system may not activate,
causing a slight reversing motion and
increasing the risk of collision with
another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assistant) SYSTEM41) 42) 43)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car’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 HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained 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 HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

“ELECTRONIC Q2”
SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer
wheel (which bears more of the car’s
weight): the torque is thus distributed
optimally between the drive wheels
in accordance with the driving
conditions and road surface, permitting
particularly effective, sporty driving.
"PRE-FILL" SYSTEM
(RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
(only with “Dynamic” or "Race" mode
activated)
This function activates automatically if
the accelerator pedal is released
rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of
preparing the braking system and
enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the
event of subsequent braking.
WARNING
26) The ESC can’t alter the natural
laws of physics, and can’t
increase grip, which depends on
the condition of the road.
27) The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
28) 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.
29) For the correct operation of the
ASR 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. .
30) The performance of the ESC
and ASR systems must not
encourage the driver to take
unnecessary 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.31) When the ABS intervenes and
you feel the brake pedal pulsating,
do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will
brake in the shortest distance
possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
32) For maximum efficiency of the
braking system, a bedding-in
period of about 500 km is
required: during this period it is
advisable to avoid sharp, repeated
and prolonged braking.
33) 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.
34) The ABS can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t
increase the grip available
according to the condition of the
road.
35) The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36) 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.
45

Deactivation
To deactivate “All Weather” mode and
return to “Natural”, move lever A fig. 47
upwards (to letter “d”) and keep it in
this position for half a second.
IMPORTANT
❒During the first 250 km of usage of
the car, the Dynamic and Race
modes are inhibited. Within this first
interval of start-up mileage it is
advisable to refrain from an
aggressive driving style, so that the
best gear shifting quality can be
achieved over time.
❒When the engine is next started, the
"All Weather" or "Dynamic" mode
selected previously is retained. The
system will reactivate in "All Weather"
or "Dynamic" mode, depending on
which mode was selected before the
engine was switched off.
❒When the engine is next started, the
"Race" mode selected previously is
not retained. The system will
reactivate in "Dynamic" mode.
❒It is not possible to go directly from
“Dynamic” mode to “All Weather”
mode and vice versa. You must
always first go back to “Natural”
mode and then select the other
mode.System failure
In the event of system failure or a fault
with lever A fig. 47, no driving modes
can be selected.
The display will become grey (same
screen as "Natural" mode) but without
an indication of the Alfa DNA setting.
The display will also show a warning
message.EOBD SYSTEM
(European On
Board Diagnosis)
Operation
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) carries out a continuous
diagnosis of the components of the car
related to emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel, together with a message on
the display, when these components
are no longer in peak condition (see
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in the "Knowing the
instrument panel" chapter).
The aim of the EOBD system (European
On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❒monitor the efficiency of the system;
❒indicate an increase in emissions;
❒indicate the need to replace
deteriorated components.
49

Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
authorises the installation of transceiver
devices on condition that such
installations are carried out in
a workmanlike fashion, following the
manufacturer’s instructions, at a
specialised centre.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not
allow the car on the road if devices
have been installed which modify the
features of the car. This may also cause
invalidation of warranty in relation to
faults caused by the change either
directly or indirectly related to it.
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. shall not
be liable for damage caused by the
installation of accessories either not
supplied or recommended by Fiat
Group Automobiles S.p.A. and/or not
installed in compliance with the
provided instructions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS
AND MOBILE PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle
mobile phones, CB radios, amateur
radio etc.) cannot be used inside the
car unless a separate aerial is mounted
on the roof.IMPORTANT The use of these devices
inside the passenger compartment
(without a separate aerial) may cause
the vehicle’s electronic systems to
malfunction. This could compromise
safety in addition to constituting a
potential hazard for passengers' health.
As far as the use of EC-approved
mobile phones is concerned (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), follow the usage
instructions provided by the mobile
phone manufacturer.
WARNING
44) Take care when fitting additional
spoilers or non-standard alloy
wheels: they could reduce the
ventilation of the brakes and
affect efficiency in sharp,
repeated braking or on long
descents. Make sure that nothing
obstructs the pedal stroke (mats,
etc.).
PARKING SENSORS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
They are located in the rear bumper
fig. 53 and their function is to detect the
presence of any obstacles near the
rear part of the car; they consequently
inform the driver, through an
intermittent acoustic signal.
ACTIVATION/
DEACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when reverse gear is engaged. As the
obstacle behind the car gets closer, the
acoustic signal becomes more
frequent.
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51

ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
When reverse gear is engaged and
there is an obstacle behind the vehicle,
an acoustic signal is emitted which
varies according to the distance of the
bumper from the obstacle.
The frequency of the acoustic signal:
❒increases as the distance between
car and obstacle decreases,
culminating in a continuous acoustic
signal, when the distance is less
than approximately 30 cm;
❒decreases if the distance from the
obstacle increases, until the signal
ceases entirely;
❒remains constant if the distance
between car and obstacle remains
unchanged; if this situation concerns
the side sensors, the signal will
stop after approximately 3 seconds
to avoid, for example, indications
in the event of manoeuvres along a
wall.
If several obstacles are detected by the
sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.INDICATIONS ON
DISPLAY
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the sensors are activated, the
screen in fig. 54 appears on the display.
Obstacle presence and distance
information is therefore provided both
by the acoustic signal and the
instrument panel display.
The system indicates a detected
obstacle by displaying an arc in one or
more positions according to the
distance of the obstacle and its position
in relation to the car.
If an obstacle is detected in the rear
central area, the display shows all the
arcs in the rear central area, up to
the one that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle itself.The signal is similar for obstacles in the
rear left or right area.
The arc that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle will flash.
The colour on the display depends on
the distance from and position of the
obstacle.
The car is close to the obstacle when
the display shows a single constant arc
and emits a continuous sound.
If there are several obstacles, the
closest one is indicated.
FAULT INDICATION
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be
indicated when reverse is engaged by
the switching on of the
warning
light on the instrument panel together
with the message on the display (see
“Warning lights and messages”
chapter).
GENERAL WARNINGS
45)
4)
When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above
or under the sensor.
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52
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

Under certain circumstances, objects
close to the vehicle are not detected by
the system and could therefore cause
damage to the car or be damaged
themselves.
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking sensors:
❒the presence of ice, snow, mud
or multiple layers of paint on the
sensor surface may cause reduced
sensitivity of the sensor itself and
therefore reduce the system
performance;
❒mechanical interference (e.g. washing
the car, rain, strong wind, hail) may
cause the sensor to detect a
non-existent obstacle ("echo
interference");
❒the presence of ultrasonic systems
(e.g. pneumatic brake systems of
trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
car could alter the signals sent by the
sensor;
❒the variation in sensor position,
caused by variation in ride (due
to suspension component wear),
changing tyres, overloaded car,
or tuning that lowers the car, for
example, may affect parking sensor
system performance.
WARNING
45) The responsibility for parking
and other dangerous manoeuvres
always and in every case lies
with the driver. While carrying out
these manoeuvres, always make
sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the
area concerned. The parking
sensors are an aid for the driver,
but must never allow their
attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous
manoeuvres, even those executed
at low speeds.
IMPORTANT
4) The sensor must be free from
mud, dirt, snow or ice in order for
the system to operate correctly.
Be careful not to scratch or
damage the sensors while
cleaning them. Avoid using dry,
rough or hard cloths. The sensors
must be washed using clean
water, with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. When
using special washing equipment
such as high pressure jets or
steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more
than 10 cm away. Also, do not
apply stickers to the sensors.
53

TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the car.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the car at a
standstill for at least three hours or a
travel shorter than 1.6 km after an
interval of three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure value printed on the side of
the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the car: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.The TPMS continues to advise the
driver of the low tyre pressure condition
until this is corrected; the warning
continues until the pressure
corresponds or exceeds the pressure
prescribed for the cold tyres. When the
tyre low pressure control warning
light
switches on constantly, the
inflation pressure must be adjusted until
it reaches the pressure prescribed for
cold tyres. After the automatic update
of the system, the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the car for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE
❒The TPMS does not replace the
normal tyre maintenance service and
does not indicate any fault in a tyre.
❒Therefore, the TPMS should not be
used as pressure switch while
adjusting the tyre inflation pressure.
❒Driving with insufficient tyre pressure
causes their overheating and can
result in tyre failure. The low inflation
pressure reduces fuel efficiency
and tyre tread life and may also affect
handling and braking performance
of the car.❒The TPMS does not replace the
correct tyre maintenance. It is up to
the driver to maintain the correct tyre
pressure level measuring it with a
suitable pressure switch. This is
necessary even if the decrease in the
inflation pressure value does not
cause the tyre pressure control
warning light to switch on.
❒The TPMS warns the driver of any
condition of insufficient tyre pressure
If this drops below the insufficient
pressure limit for any reason including
low temperature and normal
pressure loss of the tyre.
❒The seasonal temperature changes
affect tyre pressure.
The TPMS uses wireless devices with
electronic sensors mounted on the
wheel rims to constantly monitor the
value of tyre pressure. The sensors
mounted on each wheel as part of the
valve stem transmit various information
of the tyres to the receiver module, in
order to calculate the pressure.
IMPORTANT Monitoring and
maintaining the correct pressure in all
four tyres are particularly important.
54
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

Tyre pressure
monitoring system low
pressure warnings
46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54)
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the dedicated
warning light
continuously on in the
instrument panel and by displaying
dedicated messages.
In this case, stop the car as soon as
possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tyre and inflate to the cold tyre
pressure value prescribed for the car.
The system will automatically update
and after receiving the tyre pressure
update the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the car for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the system to receive this
information.TPMS operation faults
The system fault is indicated by the
dedicated warning light
which first
flashes for 75 seconds and then stays
on steadily. This can occur in any of the
following situations:
❒interference caused by electronic
devices or radio frequency emissions
similar to those of the TPM sensors.
❒Application of tinted films which
interfere with the signals of the radio
waves.
❒Presence of snow or ice on the
wheels or the wheel arches.
❒Use of snow chains.
❒Use of wheels/tyres not equipped
with TPM sensors.
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