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

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION!
REFUELLING
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European specification EN228. In
particular, the 4C’s engine has been designed to comply with all emission limits while simultaneously guaranteeing minimal consumption and
maximum performance, using premium-quality unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) of 98 or higher. The use of petrol that does not
conform to the specification indicated may cause the
warning light to switch on and the irregular operation of the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged. Press the brake pedal and, without pressing the accelerator, turn the ignition key to AVV; release it
as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after purchasing the car, you want to install accessories that require an electrical supply (with the risk of gradually draining the battery),
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership which will calculate the overall electrical consumption and check that the car’s electrical system
can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS…
... important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and maintenance of your car over time. Special attention must
be paid to the symbols provided(personal safety)(environmental protection)(car integrity).

.
SEATS
❒Lengthwise adjustment ....................... 15
❒Backrest adjustment ........................... 16
ELECTRIC WINDOWS
❒Operation ........................................... 0
GEARBOX/TRANSMISSION
❒Using the gearbox/transmission ..........106
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
❒Operation ........................................... 33
ALFA DNA SYSTEM
❒Operation ........................................... 46
HANDBRAKE
❒Operation ...........................................105
POWER SOCKET / CIGAR
LIGHTER
❒Power socket ..................................... 35
❒Cigar lighter ........................................ 35
SEAT BELTS
❒Use ..................................................... 92
❒Important information .......................... 92
4A0L0009
8
GRAPHICAL INDEX

STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the
key and turn the steering wheel until
it locks.
Deactivation
Move the steering wheel slightly and
turn the ignition key to MAR-ON.
4) 5)
WARNING
2) If the ignition device has been
tampered with (e.g. an attempted
theft), have it checked over by
the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership before driving again.
3) Always remove the key when you
leave your car to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the
controls. Remember to engage
the handbrake. Never leave
children unattended in the car.4) 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 and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also
result in non-compliance of the
car with type-approval
requirements.
5) Never extract the key while the
car is moving. The steering wheel
would automatically lock as soon
as it is turned. This also applies
to cases in which the car is towed.
SEATS
ADJUSTMENTS
Lengthwise adjustment
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Lift lever A fig. 10 and push the seat
forwards or backwards: in the driving
position your arms should rest on
the rim of the steering wheel.
6) 7)
Alfa Romeo’s advice: the seat must be
adjusted so that the entire sole of the
foot presses on the brake pedal when it
is fully depressed; at the same time,
your right leg must be bent slightly. In
this way, in the event of emergency, the
driver can generate sufficient force to
achieve adequate pressure on the
brake pedal. Moreover, this reduces the
risk of leg injuries in the event of an
accident.
10A0L0011
15

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.
44
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
This section of the booklet gives you all
the information you need to
understand, interpret and use the
instrument panel correctly.CONTROL PANEL AND
INSTRUMENTS ............................... 62
SETUP MENU ................................. 64
MENU OPTIONS ............................. 66
TRIP COMPUTER ........................... 70
WARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES .................................... 73
- LOW BRAKE FLUID / HANDBRAKE
ENGAGED .......................................... 73
- EBD FAILURE .................................. 74
- AIRBAG FAILURE ............................. 74
- SEAT BELTS NOT FASTENED .......... 74
- ABS FAILURE ................................... 75
- PASSENGER AIRBAG
DEACTIVATED .................................... 76
- INJECTION/EOBD SYSTEM
FAILURE ............................................. 77
- TPMS ............................................... 78
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
(ESC) SYSTEM ................................... 79
- ASR FUNCTION DEACTIVATED
WARNING LIGHT ............................... 79
- SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED
HEADLIGHTS ..................................... 80
- FOLLOW ME HOME ........................ 80
- LEFT DIRECTION INDICATOR .......... 81
- RIGHT DIRECTION INDICATOR ....... 81
- MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS .............. 81
- LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE ......... 82
-ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED ........... 82
- ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
TOO HIGH .......................................... 83
- ALTERNATOR FAILURE ................... 83
- GEARBOX FAILURE ......................... 84
-INCOMPLETE DOOR LOCKING ........ 84
-WORN BRAKE PADS ........................ 84
- ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM
FAILURE ............................................. 84- FUEL RESERVE/LIMITED RANGE .... 85
- FUEL RESERVE/LIMITED RANGE
SENSOR FAULT ................................. 85
- CRUISE CONTROL .......................... 85
- DOOR MIRROR
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING ................. 85
- EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAULT ............... 86
- SERVICE
................ 86
- GENERAL FAILURE ......................... 87
- FUEL CUT-OFF ................................ 87
- LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OPEN . 88
- POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD ................ 88
- BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE ................. 88
- PARKING SENSOR FAILURE ........... 88
- DISPLAY OF SELECTED DRIVING
MODE (“Alfa DNA” system) ................. 88
61
(SCHEDULED SERVICING)

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
WARNING The warning light switches on together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These
indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the
information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the
information in this section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults
are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious faults are indicated by warning "cycle" with a shorter
duration. The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause
of the malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
redLOW BRAKE FLUID / HANDBRAKE
ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a
few seconds.
Low brake fluid
The warning light switches on when the brake
fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level,
possibly due to a leak in the circuit.Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the
warning light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Fiat Dealership.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the
handbrake is engaged.Release the handbrake, then check that the
warning light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Fiat Dealership.
73

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
GENERAL FAILURE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The symbol lights up in the display in the
circumstances indicated below.
Engine oil pressure sensor failure
The symbol lights up when the engine oil pressure
sensor is faulty. The display shows the dedicated
message.In these case contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the fault fixed as soon as
possible.
"Clutch overheating" message
The
symbol, along with a message on the
display, lights up to indicate clutch overheating.
If the driver continues, the
symbol will switch
off and the
warning light will light up (on some
versions together with a message on the display)
to indicate a transmission failure.If the
symbol lights up along with a message
on the display, reduce gear shifting and/or
change usage conditions, until the normal
operating conditions are restored.
If the
warning light lights up (a message will
appear on the display, on some versions) stop
immediately, operate the handbrake, stop the
engine and wait 5 minutes: after this, normal
transmission operating conditions will be
restored.
Should the transmission failure condition persist,
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership
FUEL CUT-OFF
The symbol and the corresponding message are
shown on the display in the following cases:
❒fuel cut-off system intervention: the yellow
symbol lights up;
❒fuel cut-off system failure: the red symbol lights
up.For the fuel cut-off system reactivation procedure,
refer to the "Fuel Cut-Off System" section of the
"Controls" paragraph, in the "Knowing your car"
chapter. If it is still not possible to restore the fuel
supply, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
87

9) When the engine is off, do not
leave the ignition key turned to
MAR-ON to prevent unnecessary
electrical consumption from
draining the battery.
10) A quick burst on the accelerator
before turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.PARKING
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
❒engage a gear (first gear if parked
uphill or reverse if facing downhill)
and leave the wheels turned;
❒stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
Wait until the indication of the gear
engaged disappears on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
87)
IMPORTANT:NEVERleave the car with
the gearbox in neutral.
HANDBRAKE
To engage it, pull lever A fig. 73
upwards until the car is secured. When
the handbrake is engaged and the
ignition key is at MAR-ON, the
warning light will switch on in the
instrument panel.
To release the handbrake, raise lever A
slightly, hold down button B and lower
the lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will switch off.Four or five clicks are generally enough
when the car is on level ground, while
ten or eleven may be required if the car
is on a steep slope and laden.
88)
IMPORTANT Carry out these
manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
WARNING
87) Never leave children unattended
in the car. Always remove the key
from the ignition device when
leaving the car and take it with
you.
73A0L0066
105

When setting off on a medium-steep
incline, it is advisable to engage the
handbrake.
Engaging 1st gear
Proceed as follows:
❒press the brake pedal;
❒press the1button on the
transmission control panel;
❒release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
Engaging reverse (R)
Reverse (R) can only be engaged with
car stationary and brake pedal pressed.
Proceed as follows:
❒press the brake pedal (car completely
stationary);
❒press the R button on the
transmission control panel;
❒release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal. When reverse
is engaged, the system emits an
acoustic signal (for versions/markets,
where provided).
If the brake pedal is not depressed (and
the car is stationary), the display will
show a dedicated message and the
system will automatically engage
neutral (N).IMPORTANT With the car running, the
request is accepted and executed if the
car speed drops below 3 km/h within
3 seconds from the request: if the
request is not executed, the system will
maintain the gear engaged or, if the
speed of the car drops below 10 km/h,
will put the transmission in neutral (N)
and the manoeuvre will have to be
repeated.
ENGAGING NEUTRAL (N)
With car stationary and ignition key at
MAR-ON (irrespective of the condition
of the engine), neutral (N) can only
be engaged with the brake pedal
pressed.
If the car is in motion, neutral (N) can
always be engaged, irrespective of the
pressure applied to the brake and
accelerator pedals.
The display will show the letterN
together with the active operating
mode.
With car in motion, to engage a gear
from the neutral (N) position, press the
1button on the transmission control
panel (it is not necessary to press
the brake pedal): the transmission will
immediately engage the correct gear
according to the car’s speed.With car stationary and ignition key at
MAR-ON (irrespective of the condition
of the engine), 1st gear can only be
engaged with the brake pedal pressed.
LAUNCH CONTROL
The "Launch Control" strategy permits
high-performance starting.
This strategy can be activated with
vehicle at a standstill, "Race" mode
selected and 1st gear engaged.
The sequence of operations to perform
is as follows:
❒press the brake pedal and hold it
down;
❒press the accelerator pedal and hold
it down;
❒press the "–" stalk behind the
steering wheel;
When the brake pedal is released, the
car will start with maximum
acceleration. Keeping the accelerator
pressed, the system will automatically
upshift once the best engine speed has
been achieved for shifting gears.
89)
To abandon the strategy, simply
interrupt the above sequence
of operations or release the accelerator
pedal.
109

DISPLAYED
INFORMATION
When the key is turned to MAR-ON,
after about 1 second, the display
shows the transmission in neutral
indication (N). When driving, the display
shows the gear engaged and the active
mode (AUTOorMANUAL). The
indications on the display have the
following meanings:
N = neutral;
1 = first gear;
2 = second gear
3 = third gear;
4 = fourth gear;
5 = fifth gear;
6 = sixth gear;
R = reverse.
The car always starts in neutral. When
1st gear is requested, the system
forces the selection ofAUTOmode.
IMPORTANT If 10 seconds elapse with
the ignition key in theMAR-ON
position and the display does not show
the gear engaged, turn the key to the
STOPposition, wait for the display
to switch off and then repeat the
procedure. If the fault persists, contact
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
For safety reasons, an acoustic signal is
emitted when the car is parked with
the transmission in neutral (N) (the
signal can be heard when the ignition
key is turned toSTOP).
With the car stationary, the engine
started and (1st) gear or (R) engaged,
the system activates the acoustic signal
and automatically places the
transmission in neutral (N) when:
❒the accelerator and/or brake pedal
are not operated for at least 3
minutes;
❒the brake pedal is pressed for longer
than 10 minutes;
❒the driver's door is opened and the
accelerator pedal or the brake pedal
are not operated for at least one
and a half seconds;
❒a fault has been detected in the
transmission.
PARKING THE CAR
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
❒engage a gear (1st gear if facing
uphill or reverse if facing downhill)
and leave the wheels turned;
❒stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the car is parked on a steep
slope.
Wait until the indication of the gear
engaged disappears on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT:NEVERleave the car with
the transmission in neutral.
GENERAL WARNINGS
❒With car stationary and gear
engaged, always keep the brake
pedal pressed until you decide to set
off, then release the brake and
accelerate gradually.
❒During prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the transmission in neutral (N).
❒In order to safeguard the efficiency of
the clutch, do not use the accelerator
to keep the car stationary (e.g. when
stopped on an incline). The clutch
could overheat and be damaged: use
the brake pedal or the handbrake
and only operate the accelerator
pedal when you decide to set off.
❒If, with reverse gear (R) engaged, you
have to engage 1st gear or vice
versa, only do this when the car is
completely stationary and with the
brake pedal pressed.
110
STARTING AND DRIVING