ESP Alfa Romeo 4C 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
46
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
GENERIC FAILURE INDICATION
(where provided)
The symbol appears on the display together with the
events shown below.
Engine oil pressure sensor
The symbol appears when a failure is detected in the
engine oil pressure sensor. The display shows the
dedicated message.In this case, go to a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible to have the
fault corrected.
Clutch overheating message
The
symbol, together with a message on the display,
lights up to indicate clutch overheating.
If you continue driving, the symbol
will disappear and
the warning light will come on (on some versions
together with a message on the display) to indicate a
gearbox fault.
If the symbol comes on together with a message on
the display, limit the gear shifting and/or change the
condition of use, until 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 SYSTEM
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 reactivating the fuel cut-off system, refer to the
description in the
“Fuel cut-off system” section in the “In an emergency”
chapter. If it is not possible to restore the fuel supply,
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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47
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
BOOT OPEN
The symbol and the corresponding message are shown on
the display.
POSSIBLE ICE ON ROAD
The symbol and corresponding message appear on the
display when the outside temperature is below or equal to
3°C.
IMPORTANT In the event of outside temperature sensor
failure, the digits that indicate the value are replaced by
dashes.
BRAKE LIGHT FAULT
The symbol and the corresponding message are shown on
the the display when a brake light fault is
detected.The fault may be caused by a burnt bulb, a blown
protection fuse or an interruption of the electric
connection.
PARKING SENSOR FAULT
The symbol and corresponding message appear on the
display if there is a parking sensor failure.
DISPLAY OF SELECTED DRIVING MODE
(Alfa DNA system)
A letter (d, n, or a) corresponding to the active driving
mode (dynamic or race, normal, all weather) and an
associated message are shown on the display.
R
T
t

SAFETY
50
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
ABS SYSTEM
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 vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: this is entirely normal with
the system operating.
30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36)
ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) SYSTEM
37) 38) 39)
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.
System intervention
The system intervenes on the engine
power and the brakes.
It 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.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) SYSTEM
40) 41) 42)
The HBA system is designed to improve
the car’s braking capacity during
emergency braking: the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS system.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by continuously
pressing the brake pedal very quickly.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of the
ESC system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the car, preventing sudden locking of
the rear wheels and the consequent
instability of 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.

51
ESC SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
car in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
25) 26) 27) 28) 29)
The ESC system comprises the active
safety systems such as: ABS, EBD, ASR,
HILL HOLDER, etc.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
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.
CBC
(Cornering Braking Control) SYSTEM
This 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.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on uphill or
downhill slopes by operating the brakes:
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake, therefore do not
leave the car without activating the
handbrake, switched the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that the car is
parked in safety conditions (for further
information read paragraph
“When parked” in the chapter “Starting
and driving”).
IMPORTANT There may be situations on
small gradients (less than 8%), with car
laden, in which the Hill Holder system
may not activate thus 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.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The DTC system prevents the drive
wheels from possibly locking, which
could happen, for example, if the
accelerator pedal is released suddenly or
in the case of a sudden downshifting in
conditions of poor grip.
In this conditions, the engine braking
effect could cause the drive wheels to
slip, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability.
In these situations, the DTC system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.

SAFETY
52
“PRE-FILL” SYSTEM
(RAB - Ready Alert Brake)
(only with “Dynamic” mode engaged)
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.
25)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
26)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
27)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.
28)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.
IMPORTANT
29)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and
ASR systems.
Your driving style must always be suited
to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
30)When the ABS intervenes and you
notice the brake pedal pulsating, do not
reduce the pressure, but hold it firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in
the shortest distance possible, depending
on the road conditions.
31)For maximum efficiency of the
braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this
period it is better to avoid sharp,
repeated and prolonged braking.
32)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.
33)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition
of the road.
34)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.35) 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.
36)For the correct operation of the ABS,
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.
37)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition
of the road.
38)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
39) The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously,
in such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
40)The HBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
41)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
42) The capability of the HBA system
must never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any
other road user.

53
TPMS
(Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System)
(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.
The tyre pressure must always be
adjusted according to the cold tyre
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 pressure indicated
on the tyre sidewall.Tyre pressure increases also while
driving: this is a normal condition and no
pressure adjustment is needed.
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 low tyre pressure
warning light
nappears on the
instrument panel, the inflation pressure
must be adjusted up to the prescribed
cold inflation value.
The tyre pressure warning light switches
off after the system refreshes
automatically. 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.
❒ The TPMS must not be used as a
pressure gauge while adjusting tyre
pressure❒ Driving with low tyre pressure causes
overheating and may cause a fault in the
tyres themselves. 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.

57
SEAT BELTS
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
The retractor mechanism operates
locking the belt in the event of sharp
braking or strong deceleration due to an
impact. This allows the belt strap to slide
freely and to adapt to the body of the
occupant. In the event of an accident, the
belt will lock reducing the risk of impact
inside the passenger compartment and
of being projected outside the vehicle.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other occupants
of the vehicle also respect, the local laws
in force in relation to the use of the seat
belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest. To fasten the seat belts, hold
the tongue 1 fig. 33 and insert it into the
buckle 2, until it clicks into place.On removal of the belt, if it jams, let it
rewind for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
To unfasten the seat belts, press button
3 and guide the seat belt with your hand
while it is rewinding, to prevent it from
twisting.
52))
The retractor may lock when the vehicle
is parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel
mechanism locks the belt if it is pulled
sharply or in the event of sudden braking,
collisions and high-speed bends.
33A0L0050
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
Comply with (and make sure all car
passengers follow) the local laws in force
regarding the use of seat belts. Always
fasten the seat belts before setting off.
Seat belts must also be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in the
event of an accident is reduced for them
and the unborn child if they are wearing a
seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the lower
part of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the
abdomen fig. 34.
The belt must not be twisted.
The upper part must pass over the
shoulder and cross the chest diagonally.
34A0L0052

61
FITTING “UNIVERSAL” CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(with seat belts)
Only Group 1, 2 and 3 child restraint
systems, namely forward facing child
restraint systems, can be installed on
Alfa 4C.
This vehicle is NOT compliant for fitting
rear facing child restraint systems on the
passenger seat.
GROUP 1
Children of weight from 9 to 18 kg may
be carried in forward facing child
restraint systems fig. 37.
59)
37A0L0059
GROUP 2
Children from 15 to 36 kg may use the
car seat belts directly, fig. 38.
The child restraint system is used only to
position the child correctly with respect
to the belts so that the diagonal section
crosses the child’s chest and never the
neck, and the horizontal part is snug on
the pelvis not the abdomen.
59)
38A0L0064
58)The car passenger’s seat is not
suitable for carrying rear facing child
restraint systems (Group 0 and 0+).
Therefore, very small children (from 0 to
9 kg) must NOT be carried in this vehicle.
IMPORTANT

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 other
vehicles 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.
FRONT AIRBAG DRIVER’S SIDE
This is located in a dedicated
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 39.
61)
39A0L0055
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG
This is located in a dedicated
compartment in the dashboard fig. 40.
62)
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
It is ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN to install
on the vehicle a child restraint system
backwards the driving direction.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the baby.
ALWAYS comply with the instructions
on the label stuck on the passenger side
sun visor fig. 41.
40A0L0056
IMPORTANT NOTES
The front airbags may activate in the event of
sharp impacts to the underbody of the car
(e.g. impact with steps, pavements, potholes
or road bumps, etc.). When the airbag deploys
it emits a small amount of dust: the dust is
harmless and does not indicate the beginning
of a fire. The dust may irritate the skin and
eyes however: in this case, wash with neutral
soap and water.
Airbag checking, repair and replacement
must be carried out at a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership. If the car is scrapped,
have the airbag system deactivated at a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Pretensioners and airbags are deployed
according to different logic on the basis of
the type of collision. Failure to activate one or
more of the devices does not indicate a
system malfunction.
63) 64) 65) 66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71) 72)
SAFETY
64
41A0L0230

STARTING AND DRIVING
68
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly. Never press the accelerator
pedal for starting the engine.
Procedure
73) 74) 75) 5)
The metal insert 1 fig. 2 operates:
❒ press the brake pedal;
❒ turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating the starting procedure.
❒ If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the
instrument panel warning light stays on
together with the warning light, turn the
key to STOP and then back to MAR; 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
when the engine is stopped.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
Procedure
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
6) 7)
73)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.
74)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.
75)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
5)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.
6)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
7)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
WARNING