steering wheel Alfa Romeo 4C 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

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
car’s understeer or oversteer.
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
The ESC system also includes the
following systems:
ABS
EBD
CBC
DTC
ASR
HILL HOLDER
HBA
“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
"PRE-FILL" (RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system activates automatically
when the engine is started and can only
be deactivated by selecting "Race"
mode. For more details, refer to the
"Alfa DNA system" paragraph in this
chapter.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of thewarning 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.
41

In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
OperationSensors on wheels fitted on
carFailure indication Action necessary
– – YESContact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership
Wheel change with winter tyres NO YESContact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership
Wheel change with winter tyres YES NO –
Wheel change with others of a
different size
(*)YES NO –
(*)Given as an alternative in the Owner Handbook as well as in the Registration Document; available from Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
WARNING
46)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tyre pressure, including for the spare
wheel.
47)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres rested and cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason to check
pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the
prescribed value. Repeat the check when
the tyres are cold.
48)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer
be available and, in addition to the TPMS
warning light flashing for less than one
minute before becoming constant, a
warning message will be shown on the
display, until four wheels with sensors are
fitted again.49)The TPMS cannot warn of sudden
decreases in tyre pressure (for example
when a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the
car, braking with caution and avoiding
abrupt steering.
50)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres (and vice versa) requires TPMS
adjustment that must only be performed by
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
51)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The TPMS
system may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary,
restore the inflation values.52)When a tyre is removed, it is advisable
to replace the rubber valve seal as well:
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership. Tyre and/or rim fitting/removal
operations require specific precautions; to
avoid damaging or fitting the sensors
incorrectly, tyre and/or rim fitting/removal
operations should only be carried out by
specialised staff. Contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
53)Intense radio-frequency interference
may prevent the correct operation of the
TPMS. This condition will be indicated by a
message on the display. The message will
disappear automatically as soon as the
radio-frequency interference ceases to
affect the system.
53

Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
amberTPMSIMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more
flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop the
car, avoiding sharp braking and steering. Repair
immediately using the dedicated kit (see "Repairing a
wheel" paragraph in the "In an emergency" chapter)
and contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as
soon as possible.
TPMS failure
The warning light switches on when a fault 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.
In this case, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible.
Low tyre pressure - See manual
The warning light switches on, together with a
dedicated message on the display, to indicate that
the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended
value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In
these circumstances, optimal tyre duration and fuel
consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should two or more tyres be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tyre in sequence.
In any situation in which the message on the display is
"See manual", it is ESSENTIAL to refer to the contents
of the "Wheel" paragraph in the "Technical data"
chapter, strictly complying with the indications that
you find there.
71

Main safety rules to be
followed when carrying
children
Follow the instructions supplied with
the child restraint system itself, which
the manufacturer must provide. Keep
the instructions in the car along with the
other documents and this handbook.
Do not use child restraint systems
without instructions;
always check that the seat belt is
well fastened by pulling on it;
only one child is to be strapped into
each restraint system; never carry two
children using one child restraint
system;
always check that seat belts do not
rest on the child’s neck;
while travelling, do not let the child sit
incorrectly or release the belts;
never carry children on your lap, even
newborns. No-one could restrain them
in the event of an accident;
in the event of an accident, replace
the child restraint system with a new
one.
WARNING
71)The figures are only examples for fitting
purposes. Fit the child restraint system
according to the instructions, which must
be included.
FRONT AIRBAGS
DRIVER AND
PASSENGER FRONT
AIRBAGS
The car features multistage front
airbags (“Smart bag system”) for driver
and passenger.
The front driver/passenger airbags are
designed to protect occupants in the
event of frontal impacts of medium-high
severity, by placing the bag between
the occupant and the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Therefore, non-activation of the front
airbags in other types of collisions (side
collisions, rear shunts, rollovers, etc.)
does not indicate a system malfunction.
Airbags are not a replacement of but
complementary to the seat belts, which
you are recommended to always wear.
In the event of impact, those not
wearing a seat belt are projected
forwards and may come into contact
with the bag which is still inflating. The
protection offered by the bag is
compromised in these circumstances.
72)
Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the car (e.g. wing
collision against guard rail);
jamming of the car underneath othervehicles or protective barriers (e.g.
underneath a truck or a guard rail); in
this case, the bags would offer no
additional protection with respect to the
seat belt and their deployment would
be inappropriate. In these cases,
non-deployment does not indicate a
system malfunction.
Driver front airbag
This is located in a dedicated
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 71.
73)
Passenger front airbag
This is located in a dedicated
compartment in the dashboard fig. 72.
74)
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90
SAFETY

WARNING
72)Do not apply stickers or other objects
to the steering wheel or the passenger side
airbag cover. Do not place objects on the
passenger side of the dashboard because
these could interfere with the correct
opening of the passenger airbag and
cause injury to occupants.
73)Always drive keeping your hands on
the steering wheel rim so the airbag can
inflate freely if necessary. Do not drive with
your body bent forward. Keep your back
straight against the backrest.
74)Instructions for deactivating the front
passenger airbag can be found in the
"Menu Options" paragraph of the
"Knowing the instrument panel" chapter.
Please note that under these conditions
the airbag will NOT deploy when required
(accident).
75)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door to prevent injury during airbag
deployment.
76)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.
77)If the
warning light does not switch
on when the key is turned to MAR, or stays
on while driving (on some versions together
with a message on the display) there may
be a fault in the restraint systems. In this
case, airbags or pretensioners may not be
activated in the case of an accident or (in a
lesser number of cases) they may be
activated incorrectly. Before proceeding,
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership
to have the system checked immediately.78)Do not travel carrying objects on your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
79)If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
80)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is
inserted and turned to MAR even when the
engine is off, if the car is hit by another
moving vehicle. Also remember that no
safety device (airbags or pretensioners) will
activate in the event of impact when the
key is at STOP. Non-deployment of these
devices under these circumstances does
not therefore indicate a system
malfunction.
81)When the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the
warning light comes on
constantly for the first 4 seconds. Then, if
the warning light remains on, this means
the passenger's protection has been
deactivated; if the warning light switches
off, instead, the passenger's protection is
enabled.
82)The front airbag is designed to be
deployed for impacts of a greater intensity
than for the pretensioners. For impacts
whose intensity falls between the two
levels, normally, only the pretensioners will
be activated.
83)The airbag does not replace seat belts
but increases their efficiency. Because front
airbags are not deployed for low-speed
frontal impacts, side collisions, rear shunts
or rollovers, occupants are protected only
by their seat belts, which must always be
fastened.
93

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. 75 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 when leaving the car and take it
with you.
88)The car must be locked after a few
clicks of the parking brake: if this is not so,
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it adjusted. Always park
the vehicle safely as indicated by the
Highway Code and as described above.
USING THE
TRANSMISSION
The 4C features the TCT 6-speed twin
dry clutch transmission with steering
wheel controls. This is an advanced
technical solution which combines the
control of a manual gearbox, the
immediacy of a sequential system and
the convenience of being able to select
an automatic selection programme
without the slowdown of a conventional
automatic transmission.
With the key removed from the ignition,
the system will not implement any
action when the buttons on the
transmission control panel on the
central tunnel fig. 76 are pressed,
irrespective of the pressure applied to
the brake pedal. Therefore, the
transmission will remain in the condition
that it was in when the engine was
switched off.
75A0L0066
76A0L0067
96
STARTING AND DRIVING

With car stationary and key at MAR-ON
(ignition-operated electrical services
activated), the screen displays the gear
engaged and the active operating mode
(automatic =AUTOor manual = no
display).
OPERATING MODES
The transmission can operate in two
operating modes (except when the
"Race" mode is selected):
the first manual type (MANUAL), in
which the driver decides directly when
to change gear;
the second completely automatic (
AUTO), in which the system decides
when to change gear.
When the "Race" mode is selected, the
only allowed operating mode is
MANUAL.
Manual operation (MANUAL)
In this operating mode, the driver is
responsible for choosing the best gear
to engage, depending on the car
operating conditions.Use the “+” steering wheel stalk to
engage a higher gear, or the “–” stalk
to engage a lower gear (see the
following paragraph, "Steering wheel
stalks").
If the request is accepted by the
system, the display shows the new
gear engaged.
If the request is not accepted by the
system, the display shows the gear
engaged before the request and emits
an acoustic signal.
If the gear change request may
adversely affect the correct operation of
the engine and the gearbox, the system
will not allow it. The system will
automatically downshift should the
engine reach the idling speed (e.g.
during deceleration). Using the DNA
system in "Natural" or "All Weather"
mode, it will automatically upshift if the
engine speed requires it.Automatic operation (AUTO)
To activate/deactivate automatic
operation (AUTO) press theA/M
button on the transmission control
panel fig. 76; activation is signalled by
the wordAUTOon the display, next to
the gear engaged fig. 78.
InAUTOmode the system changes
gear depending on the car speed, the
engine rpm and the intensity with which
the accelerator pedal is pressed.
To move the stationary car, 1st gear or
reverse (R) must always be engaged
(with brake pedal depressed).
“Kick Down” function
The system also has the“Kick Down”
function: if necessary (e.g. when
overtaking), the system changes down
one or more gears when the
accelerator pedal is depressed beyond
the point where it becomes stiff (and if
the rpm allow it) in order to provide
77A0L0146
78A0L0068
97

suitable power and torque for the
acceleration requested by the driver.
When implementing the "Kick Down"
function, the system ensures varying
transmission management in
accordance with the selected DNA
mode.
LEVERS ON THE
STEERING WHEEL
These enable sequential gear shifting
fig. 79.
– steering wheel stalk "+(pulling stalk
towards driver, see fig. 80 ): engage
higher gear;
– steering wheel stalk "–(pulling stalk
towards driver, see fig. 80 ): 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.
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80A0L0072
98
STARTING AND DRIVING

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 thespeed 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.
................................. 0
To abandon the strategy, simply
interrupt the above sequence of
operations or release the accelerator
pedal.
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;
99

103)The vehicle's driving characteristics
will be modified with the space-saver wheel
fitted. Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, abrupt steering and fast cornering.
The overall duration of the space-saver
wheel is about 3000 km, after which the
relevant tyre must be replaced with another
one of the same type. Never install a
standard tyre on a rim that is designed for
use with a space-saver wheel. Have the
wheel repaired and refitted as soon as
possible. Using two or more space-saver
wheels at the same time is forbidden. Do
not grease the threads of the stud bolts
before fitting them: they might slip out.
104)The jack is a tool developed and
designed only for changing a wheel, if a
tyre gets punctured or damaged, on the
vehicle with which it is supplied or on other
vehicles of the same model. Any other use,
e.g. to jack up other vehicle models or
different things, is strictly prohibited. Never
use it to carry out maintenance or repairs
under the vehicle or to change
summer/winter wheels and vice versa.
Never position yourself under a jacked
vehicle. If any work under the vehicle is
necessary, contact the Alfa Romeo Service
Network. Incorrectly positioning the jack
may cause the vehicle to fall: use it only in
the positions indicated. Do not use the jack
for loads higher than the one shown on its
label. Never start the engine with vehicle
raised. If the vehicle is raised more than
necessary, everything can become more
unstable, with the risk of the vehicle
dropping violently. Thus, lift the vehicle only
as needed in order to access the spare
tyre.
105)The space-saver wheel cannot be
fitted with snow chains.IMPORTANT
14)Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible to have the
correct tightening of the wheel stud bolts
checked.
15)When turning the jack handle make
sure that it can turn freely without scraping
your hand against the ground. The moving
components of the jack ("worm screw" and
joints) can also cause injuries: avoid
touching them. If you come into contact
with lubricating grease, clean yourself
thoroughly.
CHANGING A BULB
16)
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 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.
112
IN AN EMERGENCY