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

STARTING AND DRIVING
70
TCT TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION
Alfa 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. 43
are pressed, irrespective of the pressure
applied to the brake pedal.
43A0L0067
Therefore, the transmission will remain in
the condition that it was in when the
engine was switched off.
With car stationary and key at MAR
(ignition-operated electrical services
activated), the screen displays the gear
engaged and the active operating mode
(automatic = AUTO or manual = no
display).
OPERATING MODE
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
ratio 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 transmission, the system will not
allow it.
44A0L0146

STARTING AND DRIVING
72
The shifting up or down is only permitted
if the engine revs allow it.
STARTING THE ENGINE
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 the 1 button on the
transmission control panel (or the “+”
steering wheel stalk) to engage 1st gear
or the R button to engage reverse.
When 1st gear is engaged, the system
sets itself to AUTO mode.
Neutral (N) can be engaged again by
pressing the N button with the brake
pedal pressed.
When the 1, N or R buttons 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 notes
To start in presence of a gearbox fault
(see “Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in the “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter), run the
“Delayed start-up” procedure:
turn the key to the AVV position for at
least 7 seconds with the brake depressed
and the engine will start.
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).
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.
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 the 1 button 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 button R on the
gearbox panel;
❒ release the brake pedal and press the
accelerator pedal.
When reverse is engaged on some
versions, the system emits an acoustic
signal.
If the brake pedal is not depressed (and
the vehicle is stationary), the display will
show a dedicated message and the
system will automatically engage neutral
(N).

73
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 the speed 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 (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 letter N
together with the active operating mode.To engage a speed from the neutral (N)
position, press button 1 on the gearbox
panel (it is not necessary to press the
brake pedal):
the gearbox will immediately choose the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s
speed.
With car stationary and ignition key at
MAR (irrespective of the condition of the
engine), 1
stgear 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 “–” paddle behind the
steering wheel;The car will start off at maximum
acceleration when the brake pedal is
released.
Keeping the accelerator pressed, the
system will automatically upshift once
the best engine speed has been achieved
for shifting gears.
78)
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 (AUTO or
MANUAL). The indications on the display
have the following meanings:
N = neutral;
1 = first gear;
2 = second gear
3 = third gear;
4 = fourth gear;
5 = fifth gear;
6 = sixth gear;
R = reverse.

75
❒ When necessary, with the engine
switched off, it is possible to engage the
1st speed, reverse (R) or neutral (N) with
key in MAR position and brake pressed.
In this case, gear shifts must be made
allowing at least 5 minutes to elapse
between one gear shift and the next to
safeguard the operation of the hydraulic
system and the pump in particular.
❒ For uphill departures, it is advisable to
accelerate gradually but fully
immediately after releasing the
handbrake or the brake pedal;
this allows the engine to temporarily
increase the number of revs and tackle
the steepest gradients with more torque
at the wheels.CRUISE CONTROL
(where provided)
This is an electronically controlled driving
assistance device that allows the desired
vehicle speed to be maintained, without
having to press the accelerator pedal.
This device can be used at a speed above
30 km/h on long stretches of dry, straight
roads with few variations
(e.g. motorways).
It is therefore not recommended to use
this device on extra-urban roads with
traffic. Do not use it in town.
ACTIVATING THE DEVICE
Turn ring 1 fig. 48 to .
48A0L0022
78)The Launch control function is only
available in Race mode. Regardless of
what is explicitly indicated in the
description of these modes, the ESC and
ASR systems are deactivated during
operation of the Launch Control function.
This means that vehicle dynamic control
is the sole responsibility of the driver.
Therefore pay the utmost attention when
using the Launch Control. Take into
account traffic and road surface
conditions and during manoeuvres make
sure there is enough room in the area
concerned.
IMPORTANT
The cruise control cannot be engaged in
1st or reverse gear: it is advisable to
engage it in 5th gear or higher.
When travelling downhill with the device
engaged, the car may slightly exceed the
stored speed.
When the device is activated, the
digital warning light switches on together
with the relevant message on the display.
SETTING THE DESIRED SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❒ turn ring nut 1 fig. 48 to and press
the accelerator to reach the desired
speed;
❒ move the stalk upwards (+) for at least
1 second, then release it: the car speed is
now stored and you can therefore release
the accelerator.
If needed (when overtaking for instance),
you can accelerate simply by pressing the
accelerator; when you release the pedal,
the car goes back to the speed stored
previously.

The device still remains active, without
the need to press the CANCEL/RESUME
button to return to the previous condition
once acceleration is concluded.
78) 79)
Automatic deactivation
The device is automatically switched off
in the following cases:
❒ if the ABS or ESC systems intervene;
❒ with vehicle speed under the
established limit; in case of fault to the
system.
STARTING AND DRIVING
76
RESTORING THE STORED SPEED
If the device has been deactivated, for
example by pressing the brake pedal, the
stored speed can be restored as follows:
❒ accelerate gradually until a speed
approaching the one stored is reached;
❒ engage the gear selected at the time
of speed memorising;
❒ press the CANCEL/RESUME button
(2 fig. 48).
INCREASING THE STORED SPEED
This can be done in two ways:
❒ by pressing the accelerator and then
storing the new speed reached;
or
❒ by moving the stalk upwards (+) until
the new speed, which will be stored
automatically, is reached.
Each operation of the stalk will
correspond to a slight increase in speed
(about 1 km/h), while keeping the stalk
upwards will correspond to a continuous
speed increase.
REDUCING THE STORED SPEED
This can be done in two ways:
❒ by deactivating the device and then
storing the new speed
or
❒ by moving the stalk downwards (–)
until the new speed, which will be stored
automatically, is reached.
Each movement of the stalk will
correspond to a slight reduction in speed
of about 1 km/h, while keeping the stalk
held downwards will decrease the speed
continuously.
DEACTIVATING THE DEVICE
The device can be switched off in the
following ways:
❒ by turning the ring nut 1 fig. 48 to
;
❒ by turning the engine off;
❒ by pressing the CANCEL/RESUME
button;
❒ by pressing the brake pedal or the
accelerator; in this last case the system is
not completely deactivated but gives
priority to the acceleration request.
79)When driving with device active, do
not press the “N” button on the
transmission control panel.
80)If operation of the device is faulty or
in the case of failure, turn ring nut
1 fig. 48 to
and contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT

STARTING AND DRIVING
78
IMPORTANT NOTES
81)
8)
During parking manoeuvres, pay the
utmost attention to any obstacles that
could be located above or below the
sensors.
Under certain circumstances, objects
close to the vehicle are not detected by
the system and could therefore cause
damage to the car or be damaged
themselves.
The following conditions may influence
the performance of the parking sensors:
❒ the presence of ice, snow, mud or
think paint on the sensor surface may
cause reduced sensitivity of the sensor
itself and therefore reduce the system
performance;
❒ the sensor may detect a non-existent
obstacle (“echo interference”) due to
mechanical interference, for example
when washing the vehicle, in rain (strong
wind), hail;
❒ the signals sent by the sensor can also
be altered by the presence of ultrasonic
systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems
of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
vehicle;
❒ the variation in sensor position,
caused by variation in ride (due to
suspension component wear), changing
tyres, overloaded car, or tuning that
lowers the car, for example, may affect
parking sensor system performance.
81)The responsibility for parking and
other dangerous manoeuvres always and
in every case lies with the driver.
While carrying out these manoeuvres,
always make sure that no people
(especially children) or animals are in the
area concerned. The parking sensors are
used to assist the driver, who must never
allow his attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
IMPORTANT
8)The sensor must be clean of mud, dirt,
snow or ice in order for the system to
operate correctly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage the sensors while
cleaning them. Avoid using dry, rough or
hard cloths. The sensors must be washed
using clean water, with the addition of
vehicle shampoo if necessary. When using
special washing equipment such as high
pressure jets or steam cleaning, clean the
sensors very quickly keeping the jet more
than 10 cm away. Also, do not apply
stickers to the sensors.
WARNING

IN AN EMERGENCY
82
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
OPERATION
Press switch 1 fig. 54 to turn the lights
on/off.
Warning lights Ÿand Δon the panel are
lit up when the hazard warning lights are
on.
85)
54A0L0023
REPLACING A BULB
86) 87) 88)
9)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
❒ Check that the corresponding
contacts are not oxidised and 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.
❒ replace blown bulbs with others of the
same type and power;
❒ after replacing a headlight bulb,
always check its alignment.
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold or
damp or after heavy rain or after
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 turning the lights on,
starting from the centre of the diffuser,
extending progressively towards the
edges.
85)The use of hazard warning lights is
governed by the Highway Code of the
country you are driving in: comply with
legal requirements.
IMPORTANT
86)Modifications or repairs to the
electric system that are not carried out
properly or do not take the system
technical specifications into account can
cause malfunctions leading to the risk of
fire.
87) Halogen bulbs contain pressurised
gas, in the case of breakage they may
burst causing glass fragments to be
projected outwards.
88) Due to the high supply voltage, gas
discharge bulbs (Bi-Xenon) should only be
replaced by specialised personnel: danger
of death! Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
IMPORTANT
9)Halogen bulbs must be handled by
holding the metallic part only. Touching
the transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the
emitted light and even reduce the lifespan
of the bulb. In the event of accidental
contact, wipe the bulb with a cloth
moistened with alcohol and let the
bulb dry.
WARNING

REPLACING AN
EXTERIOR BULB
FRONT LIGHT CLUSTERS
These contain the bulbs for the side
lights/daytime running lights (DRL),
dipped beam headlights, main beam
headlights and direction indicators.
The bulbs are arranged as follows
in fig. 55:
1 Side lights/daytime running lights
2 Dipped/main beam headlights
3 Direction indicators.
55A0L0091
To replace the bulbs for the dipped and
main beam headlights and for the
direction indicators open the
corresponding protective flaps on the
inner wheel arch
fig. 56 that can be located by steering
the wheel completely.
1 direction indicator bulb protective
flap
2 dipped/main beam headlight bulb
protective flap.
SIDE LIGHTS/DAYTIME
RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL)
These are LEDs. For the replacement,
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
56A0L0092
DIPPED/MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
❒ steer the wheel completely;
❒ open the protective flap
2 fig. 56 by rotating the fixing screw;
❒ take out the electric connector
1 fig. 57 and then rotate the bulb holder 2
clockwise and remove it;
❒ remove the bulb and replace it;
❒ refit the new bulb, making sure that it
is locked correctly, and reconnect the
connector 1;
❒ close the protective flap 2 fig. 56.
57A0L0093
IN AN EMERGENCY
84

The number identifying the electrical
component corresponding to each fuse
is shown on the back of the cover.
After replacing the fuse, make sure you
close cover 2 on the fuse box.
11)
67A0L0104
Dashboard fuse box
This is located under the dashboard in
the area in front of the passenger seat.
To access the fuse box fig. 69 remove
the protective panel, following the
procedure described below:
❒ undo the four screws 1 fig. 68;
68A0L0105
❒ to locate the fifth fastening screw,
remove the block 2 and remove the
plastic cover 3;
❒ at this point undo the fifth screw 4
and remove the protective panel to
locate the fuse box.
69A0L0106
IN AN EMERGENCY
88

91
❒ insert the operating rod 3 fig. 72 in
the housing on the device 1 fig. 71;
71A0L0184
72A0L0186
❒ push the jack under the car using the
rod until the wording “STOP” on the rod
corresponds with the side skirt:
“FRONT” when replacing the front wheel,
“REAR” when replacing the rear wheel
(see fig. 73, 74 );
❒ fit the suitable tool 4 in Fig. 72 on the
operating rod;
IMPORTANT As shown in fig. 73,74, on
the operating rod there is the indication
of max. limit for front and rear insertion
under car that must coincide with the 
mark on the side skirts.
73A0L0189
❒ operate the device 1 fig. 71 so as to
extend the jack, until the upper part
2 Fig. 71 rests correctly in one of the
lifting points shown in fig. 75- fig. 76,
otherwise, reposition the jack.
74A0L0190
75A0L0185