instrument panel Alfa Romeo 4C 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
40
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
LEFT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light turns on when the direction indicator
control lever is moved downwards or, together with the
right indicator, when the hazard warning light button is
pressed.
RIGHT-HAND DIRECTION INDICATOR
The warning light switches on when the direction indicator
control stalk is moved upwards or, together with the left
indicator, when the hazard warning light button is
pressed.
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
This warning light comes on when the main beam
headlights are activated.
SIDE LIGHTS AND DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS
The warning light switches on when the side lights or
dipped headlights are turned on.
FOLLOW ME HOME
The warning light switches on (together with a message
shown on the display) when this device is in use
(see “Follow me home device” paragraph in
“Exterior lights” in the “Knowing your car” chapter).

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
42
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
HOT ENGINE COOLANT
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 associated message appears on the display.
ALTERNATOR FAULT
The digital warning light comes one with the engine
running only when an alternator fault is detected.Contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
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 On particularly demanding journeys, it is
advisable to keep the engine on and slightly accelerated
for a few minutes before switching it off.

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
44
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
FUEL RESERVE / LIMITED RANGE
The digital warning light switches on in the display when
there is approximately 4 - 5 litres of fuel left in the tank.
FUEL RESERVE SENSOR / LIMITED RANGE FAULT
The digital warning light switches on in the display when a
fuel reserve sensor fault is detected.
The associated message appears on the display.
CRUISE CONTROL
(where provided)
The digital warning light comes on when the key is turned
to MAR, but should go out after a few seconds if the
Cruise Control function is off.
The warning light comes on when the Cruise Control wheel
is turned to the ON position (see the “Cruise Control”
paragraph in this chapter).
The associated message appears on the display.
MIRROR DEMISTING / DEFROSTING
The digital warning lights switches on in the display when
the button located on the control panel is pressed.
Contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
24

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.
s è

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
48
20)If, when the key is turned to MAR, the ¬warning light does not come on or if it stays on with the vehicle in motion (together with the
message on the display) there could be a failure in the safety systems; under these circumstances the airbags or pretensioners may not be
triggered in the event of an impact or, more rarely, they could be triggered accidentally. Before proceeding, contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
21)Failure of the
¬warning light is signalled by the flashing for longer than the usual 4 seconds of the “warning light. In addition, the airbag
system automatically disables the passenger side airbag. In this case, the ¬warning light may not indicate failures in the retaining systems.
Before proceeding, contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
22)A failure of the
“warning light is indicated by the ¬warning light. In addition, the airbag system automatically disables the passenger
side airbag.
23)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.
24)If the warning light flashes with the car in motion, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT
3)If, when the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light does not turn on or if it turns on constantly or flashes when travelling
(on certain versions, together with the message on the display), contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
WARNING

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.

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.

59
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder)
SYSTEM
This system comprises an acoustic
warning which, in conjunction with the
panel, advises the driver if their seat belt
has not been fastened.
Contact a 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 items” paragraph in “Knowing the
instrument panel” chapter).
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 approximately
90 seconds of intermittent beeping) and
the
stay on with a fixed light until the car is
turned off. 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.
PRE-TENSIONERS
The car is equipped with seat belt
pretensioners, which draw back the seat
belts by several centimetres in the event
of a strong frontal impact. This
guarantees the perfect adherence of the
seat belts to the occupant’s bodies
before the retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioning device, wear the seat
belt, keeping it close to the chest and
pelvis.

SAFETY
66
61)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.
62)Always drive keeping your hands on
the steering wheel rim so that the airbag
can inflate freely if necessary.
Do not drive with your body bent forward.
Keep your back straight against the
backrest.
63)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).
64)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door to prevent injury during airbag
deployment.
65)Never lean head, arms or elbows out
of window.
IMPORTANT66)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.
67)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.
68) If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
69)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 be deployed 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.70)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.
71)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.
72)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.