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

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing an Alfa Romeo.
We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your car and how to obtain the best performance from the
technical features of your Alfa 4C.
You should read it right through before taking to the road for the first time to become familiar with the controls and above all with those
concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the behaviour of the car on different road surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care and
maintenance of your Alfa 4C over time.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find the description of the Services that Alfa Romeo offers to its customers, the Warranty
Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new car and the service provided by
the people at Alfa Romeo.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!

VERY IMPORTANT
K


REFUELLINGOnly refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European specification EN228. In particular, the engine of
Alfa 4C has been designed to comply with all emission limits while simultaneously guaranteeing minimal consumption and maximum performance, using
premium-quality unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) 98 or higher. The use of petrol that does not conform to the specification indicated may cause the
Uwarning light to switch on and the irregular operation of the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINEMake sure that the handbrake is engaged. Press the brake pedal and, without pressing the accelerator, turn the ignition key to AVV;
release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIALThe catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the vehicle on grass, dry leaves,
pine needles or other flammable material: risk of fire.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIESIf, after buying the vehicle, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact a Alfa Romeo Dealership.
They can calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the vehicle’s electric system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICINGCorrect maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring it stays in tip-top condition and safeguards its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.
IN THE OWNER HANDBOOK… you will find information, tips and important warnings regarding the safe, driving and looking after your car properly.
Pay particular attention to the symbols (personal safety) (environmental protection) (car safety).
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENTThe car is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission related components in order to help
protect the environment.

11
STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the key
and turn the steering wheel until it locks.
Deactivation 4) 5)
Move the steering wheel slightly and turn
the ignition key to MAR.
2)If the ignition device has been
tampered with (e.g. an attempted theft),
have it checked over by the dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership before driving
again.
3)Always take the key with you when you
leave your vehicle to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the
electric parking brake. Never leave
children
unattended in the vehicle.
4)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of
anti-theft device) that could adversely
affect performance and safety, invalidate
the warranty and also result in non-
compliance of the vehicle with
type-approval requirements.
5)Never extract the mechanical key
while the vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel will automatically lock as soon as it
is turned. This holds true for cars being
towed as well.
IMPORTANT
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM
The Alfa Romeo Code prevents
unauthorised use of the vehicle, disabling
engine starting.
Operation
Each time the car is started by turning
the ignition key to MAR, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit sends an
acknowledgement code to the
Powertrain Control Module to
deactivate the inhibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit has
recognised the code transmitted by the
key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOP, the Alfa Romeo CODE system
deactivates the functions of the
Powertrain Control Module.
Activation of warning light while
driving
❒ If the Ydigital warning light on the
display switches on, this means that the
system is running a self-diagnosis (for
example due to a voltage drop).
❒ If the Ydigital warning light remains
on, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
ALARM SYSTEM
(where provided)
OPERATION OF THE ALARM
Operation of the alarm is indicated by an
acoustic and visual signal (flashing of the
direction indicators for several seconds).
The alarm activation modes may vary
according to the market. There is a
maximum number of acoustic/visual
cycles. When this is reached the system
returns to normal operation.
IMPORTANT The alarm is adapted
by the Manufacturer to meet the
requirements of the various countries
where the vehicle is marketed.
ARM ALARM
With the doors and tailgate closed and
the ignition key either turned to STOP or
removed, point the key with remote
control towards the car then press and
release the Ábutton.
For some versions, the system emits an
acoustic signal and activates door
locking.

KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TOOLS
34
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when
applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to
the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information
in this section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults are
indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning “cycle”. Less serious faults are indicated by a warning “cycle” with a shorter duration.
The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the
malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Warning lights on panelMeaning What to do
Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the warning
light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
Release the handbrake, then check that the warning light
has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE APPLIED
The warning light switches on when the key is turned to
MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid
in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly
due to a leak in the circuit.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light switches on when the handbrake is
engaged.

43
Warning lights on panelMeaningWhat to do
TCT FAULT
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
TCT is faulty.
The warning light or symbol switches on in the case of
transmission overheating, after a particularly demanding
use; engine performance is limited in this case.
DOOR OPEN
(where provided)
The digital warning light on the display switches on when
one or more doors are not properly shut. A buzzer will
sound when doors/tailgate are open and the car is moving.
BRAKE PAD WEAR
(where provided)
The digital warning light switches on when the front or
rear brake pads show signs of wear.
The associated message appears on the display.Replace the pad as soon as possible.
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM FAULT
(where provided)
The digital warning light (or symbol on the display) will
come on (on some versions, with a message on the
display) to indicate an Alfa Romeo CODE system or alarm
fault.Contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
Contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
If you need to start the engine in presence of a faulty
gearbox, follow the procedure shown in the
“TCT twin clutch transmission”, paragraph in the “Starting
the engine” section, “Starting and driving” chapter.

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

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.