engine Alfa Romeo 4C 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
amberELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON, the
warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon
as the engine is started.
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.
If the warning light does not switch off, or if it stays on
with the engine running, ESC system malfunction has
been detected.Contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon
as possible to have the problem diagnosed and
resolved.
Hill Holder failure
The warning light switches on together with the
digital warning light and corresponding message on the
display to indicate Hill Holder system failure.In this case, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible.
amberASR FUNCTION DEACTIVATED WARNING LIGHT
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON, the
warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon
as the engine is started.
The
warning light switches on when the ASR function of the
electronic stability control (ESC) system is deactivated
(by selecting "Race" mode). When the ASR function is
reactivated, the warning light switches off.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING LIGHTS ON DISPLAY
Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redLOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
When the key is turned to MAR, the digital warning light switches on, but it should
switch off as soon as the engine is started.
The digital warning light switches on constantly together with the message in the
display when the system detects that the engine oil pressure is insufficient.
6)
ENGINE OIL DETERIORATED
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The digital warning light will flash and a specific message will appear on the
display (for versions/markets, where provided).
The digital warning light may flash in the following ways, depending on the
versions:
- for 1 minute every two hours;
- for 3 minute cycles with the warning light off for intervals of 5 seconds until
oil is changed.
After the initial warning, each time the engine is started up, the digital
warning light will continue to flash in the same mode, until the oil is
changed. A specific message will appear on the display (for versions/
markets, where provided) in addition to the warning light. If the digital
warning light flashes, this does not mean that the car is defective, but
simply informs the driver that it is now necessary to change the oil as a
result of regular vehicle use. Remember that the deterioration of engine oil
is accelerated by using the car for short drives, preventing the engine from
reaching operating temperature.
Contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership as soon
as possible.
62)
75

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
The digital warning light switches on when the
key is turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off
after a few seconds. The warning light turns on
when the engine is overheated.
The display shows the dedicated message.In normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine
and check that the water level in the reservoir is not below the
MIN mark. In this case, wait for the engine to cool down, then
slowly and carefully open the cap, top up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks.
Should the warning light turn on again at the next start-up,
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
If the car is used under demanding conditions (e.g. in
high-performance driving): slow down and, if the warning light
stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine
running and slightly accelerated to further favour the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check that the coolant level
is correct as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep
the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before
switching it off.
Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redALTERNATOR FAILURE
The digital warning light switches on, only with engine
started, when an alternator fault is detected.Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
displayWhat it means What to do
redGEARBOX FAILURE
The digital warning light switches on when the key is
turned to MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The digital warning light flashes (together with a
message in the display and an acoustic signal) to
indicate that the transmission is faulty.
The digital warning light can light up even in the event of
transmission overheating, after a particularly demanding
use. In this case an engine performance limitation is
carried out.Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
If it is necessary to start the engine with a
gearbox/transmission failure, follow the procedure
described in the "Using the gearbox/transmission"
paragraph, "Starting the engine" section in the "Starting
and driving" chapter.
redDOOR OPEN
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The digital warning light on the display switches on
when one or more doors are not properly shut. An
acoustic signal is activated with the doors open and the
car moving.
amberBRAKE PAD WEAR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The digital warning light on the display switches on
when the front or rear brake pads are worn.
The display shows the dedicated message.Have them replaced as soon as possible.
amberALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM FAILURE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The digital warning light switches on in the display
(together with a message) to indicate Alfa Romeo CODE
system failure.Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
77

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 this case contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership
to have the fault fixed as soon as possible.
Clutch overheating message
The
symbol, together with a message on the display,
lights up to indicate clutch overheating.
If the driver continues, thesymbol 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 thesymbol 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, switch off 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 a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

IMPORTANT
6)If thewarning light switches on when driving, stop the engine immediately and contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
WARNING
62)Deteriorated engine oil should be replaced as soon as possible after the digital warning light comes on, and never more than 500 km after
it first switches on. Failure to observe the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty. Remember that when
the digital warning light comes on, it does not mean that the level of engine oil is low, so if it flashes you must not top up the engine oil.
63)If the warning light flashes with the car in motion, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
82
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

sitting on the passenger's lap and a
single belt to protect them both fig. 68.
In general, do not place any objects
between the person and the belt.
66)
67)
SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
Always use the seat belts well
stretched and never twisted; make sure
that they are free to run without
obstructions;
replace the belt after an accident of a
certain severity even if it does not
appear to be damaged. Always replace
the belt if the pretensioners were
deployed;
hand wash the seat belts with water
and neutral soap, rinse and leave to dry
in the shade. Never use strong
detergents, bleach, paints or any other
substance which could damage the belt
fibres;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when there is
wear or cuts.
WARNING
64)Never press button C fig. 0 when
travelling.
65)For maximum safety, keep the backrest
upright, lean back into it and make sure the
seat belt fits closely across your chest and
pelvis. Always fasten the seat belts!
Travelling without wearing seat belts will
increase the risk of serious injury and even
death in the event of an accident.
66)Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by
qualified and authorised technicians.
Always contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
67)If the belt has been subjected to a high
level of stress, for example after an
accident, it must be completely replaced
together with the attachments, attachment
fixing screws and the pretensioner. In fact,
even if the belt has no visible defects, it
could have lost its resilience.
SBR SYSTEM (Seat
Belt Reminder)
This system comprises an acoustic
warning which, in conjunction with the
warning light flashing on the
instrument panel, advises the driver if
their seat belt has not been fastened.
Contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to deactivate this acoustic
warning permanently.
The acoustic warning can be
reactivated at any time through the
Setup Menu (see "Menu Options"
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” section).
If the driver side seat belt is not
fastened, when 20 km/h is exceeded or
when travelling at a speed from 10 to
20 km/h for longer than 5 seconds, an
acoustic signal sequence will be started
(continuous acoustic signal for the first
6 seconds followed by 90 seconds of
intermittent beeping) and the
warning light will flash.
The warning light will stay on constantly
at the end of the cycle until the engine
is stopped. The acoustic signal is
interrupted immediately when the seat
belt is fastened.
If the seat belt is unfastened again
when driving the car, the acoustic signal
and the flashing warning light resume
as described previously.
68A0L0054
85

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

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and our
wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE........95
PARKING..................96
USING THE TRANSMISSION.....96
SAVING FUEL..............101
SNOW TYRES..............102
SNOW CHAINS.............103
CAR INACTIVITY............103
94
STARTING AND DRIVING

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
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
Proceduredrive 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 temperatureindicator starts moving.
SWITCHING OFF THE
ENGINE
Procedure
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
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.9)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
10)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
95
8)10)