parking brake Alfa Romeo 4C 2017 User Guide

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat
belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
To start the engine, press the brake pedal. The system
engages NEUTRAL (N) automatically.
After the starting procedure, FIRST (1st) gear or RE-
VERSE (R) can be engaged. Irrespective of the mode selected (AUTO/MANUAL),
to engage FIRST (1st) gear or REVERSE (R), it is
necessary to press the brake pedal and push the 1
button on the transmission control panel (or the
+
steering wheel stalk) to engage FIRST (1st) gear or the R
button to engage REVERSE (R).
When FIRST (1st) gear is engaged, the system sets itself
to AUTO mode.
NEUTRAL (N) can be engaged again by pushing the N
button with the brake pedal pressed.
When the 1, N or R buttons are pushed (or +steering
wheel stalk is operated) without pressing the brake
pedal, no gear change request is implemented by the
system.
NOTE: REVERSE (R) cannot be engaged by pushing the
- stalk on the steering wheel.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (START)
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
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Although the pump is rubber-mounted for quiet opera-
tion, it is normal to hear it running during this time.
SIX-SPEED ALFA TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine
is running.
• Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into FIRST gear or
REVERSE, turn the engine OFF, and remove the
key fob.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Using The Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a Six-Speed Alfa Twin
Clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted shift
paddles.
When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis-
sion controls (shift paddles on the steering wheel, and
gear selector buttons on the center console) are dis-
abled.
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When coming to a stop, the transmission will automati-
cally select FIRST (1st) gear. The driver must manually
upshift the transmission (by tapping the + shift paddle)
as the vehicle accelerates.
NOTE:To provide better comfort, the transmission will
up-shift to the next available gear if the engine speed
limit is reached. This feature is only available in NATU-
RAL and ALL WEATHER Modes.
AUTO Mode
In AUTO mode the transmission shifts gears automati-
cally depending on vehicle speed, engine RPM, and
accelerator pedal position.
AUTO is the default operating mode at startup. When
in AUTO mode, AUTOappears in the instrument
cluster, adjacent to the current gear display.
To toggle between AUTO and MANUAL modes, push
the A/M button on the center console.
Accelerating From A Stop
FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) can only be engaged (at a
stop) when the brake pedal is pressed. To drive, press the brake pedal, and select 1 (1st) or R
(REVERSE) using the transmission gear selector buttons
on the center console. Then release the brake pedal and
smoothly press the accelerator pedal.
NOTE:
•
The vehicle will not “creep” when the brake pedal is
released, and may in fact roll down on an incline.
Leaving from a stop, the accelerator pedal must be
pressed to transmit driving torque to the wheels.
• When starting on a fairly steep incline, it may be
helpful to engage the parking brake.
• The vehicle can only be launched (from a stop) in
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). Second gear (or higher)
cannot be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
• If the brake pedal is not depressed (and the vehicle is
stationary for a period of time), the transmission will
automatically engage NEUTRAL (N).
•
FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) gears can only be engaged
at vehicle speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h). At speeds
below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift from 1 to R
(or R to 1) will only be allowed if the vehicle speed
drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h) threshold within
138 STARTING AND OPERATING

three seconds of the request; otherwise, the transmis-
sion will shift to NEUTRAL (N). The driver should
then repeat the request for 1st or R once the vehicle has
come to a stop.
Shift Paddles
In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission
shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to
the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will
downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift
would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request
will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily
place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and execute
the requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The
transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a
brief interval.
Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission
one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not
command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed
multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.Neutral (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Always apply the
parking brake if you must leave the vehicle.
At engine startup, the transmission will automatically
select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal
must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine
running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N
button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), push-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless
of whether the brake pedal is pressed.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. Coasting in NEUTRAL
and turning off the ignition while coasting severely
limit your ability to respond to changing traffic or road
conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING may
result in loss of vehicle control, collision, and serious
injury or death.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 139

With the vehicle in motion, to engage a gear from the
NEUTRAL (N) position, push the 1 button on the
transmission control panel (it is not necessary to press
the brake pedal). The transmission will engage the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s speed.
Acoustic Signal
If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system acti-
vates an acoustic signal and automatically places the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) when:
•The accelerator and/or brake pedal are not operated
for at least three 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 Vehicle
When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as
follows:
1. Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, put the vehicle into either a forward or reverse gear by pushing 1 or R.
(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just
driving.)
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake pedal.
When parking on an incline, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill slope and away from the
curb on an uphill slope. Always chock the wheels when
parking on steep grades.
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General Notes
When the vehicle is stopped and in gear, 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).
When stopped on an incline, always hold the vehicle in
place using the brakes. On steep inclines, Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will temporarily hold the vehicle in posi-
tion when the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator
pedal is not applied after a short time, the vehicle will
roll back. Either reapply the brake (to hold the vehicle)
or press the accelerator to climb the hill.
Only shift between FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) when
completely stopped, with the brake pedal pressed.
When necessary, it is possible to engage FIRST (1),
REVERSE (R) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine off, the
key at MAR-ON and the brake pressed. In this case,
wait at least five seconds between one gear change and
the next, in order to safeguard the operation of the
hydraulic system, and the pump in particular.For uphill departures, accelerate gradually but fully,
immediately after releasing the parking brake or the
brake pedal; this allows the engine speed to increase to
provide more torque at the wheels.
ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC VEHICLE
CONTROL SYSTEM)
This vehicle is equipped with a “Alfa DNA” system
lever (located on the center console). There are four
modes of operation to be selected according to driving
style and road conditions:
•
Dynamic (This mode alters the transmission’s auto-
matic shift schedule for sportier driving [D]).
• Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions [N]).
• All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip condi-
tions, such as rain and snow [A]).
• Race (sports driving mode [D]).5
STARTING AND OPERATING 141

WARNING!(Continued)
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
• Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles
in the way before driving through the standing
water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
after driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid ap-
pears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave manual
transmission in REVERSE (R) or FIRST (1st) gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the central tunnel.
To apply the parking brake, pull the parking brake lever
up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake,
pull the parking brake lever up slightly, push the center
button, then lower the parking brake lever completely.
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When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the
Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave a manual
transmission in REVERSE or FIRST gear. Failure
to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
Parking Brake Lever
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STARTING AND OPERATING 149

CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses
normal capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion. However, there will be some loss of overall brak-
ing effectiveness. You may notice increased pedal travel
during application, greater pedal force required to slow
or stop, and potential activation of the “Brake System
Warning Light”.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required
to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that
required with the power system operating.
ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional control and
stability of the vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle understeer and
oversteer, distributing the brake force on the appropri-
ate wheels. The torque supplied by the engine can also
be reduced in order to maintain control of the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot pre-
vent all collisions, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot pre-
vent collisions resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent collisions.The capabilities of
an ESC equipped vehicle must never be exploited
(Continued)
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

System Intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in the fol-
lowing cases:
•Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse
engaged.
• Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradi-
ent higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed
and reverse (R) 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 two seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator. When the two seconds have elapsed, without starting,
the system is automatically deactivated, gradually re-
leasing the braking pressure. During this release stage,
the typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that
the vehicle is going to move imminently, can be heard.
NOTE:
•
HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.
• 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.
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