check engine light Alfa Romeo 4C 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

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.

25
CLOSING
Procedure
19)
❒ hold the tailgate up with one hand and
use the other to remove rod 2 fig. 23
from housing 4 fig. 24 and reinsert it in
its locking device 3 fig. 23;
❒ lower the tailgate to approximately
20 centimetres from the engine
compartment and let it drop. Make sure
that the tailgate is completely closed and
not only fastened in safety position by
trying to open it. If it is not completely
closed, do not press the bonnet down,
but raise it and repeat the procedure.
IMPORTANT Always check that the
tailgate is closed correctly to prevent it
from opening while
the car is travelling.
HEADLIGHTS
LIGHT BEAM DIRECTION
The correct orientation of the headlights
is important for the driver’s comfort and
safety as well as for all other road users.
This is also covered by a specific rule of
the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly
directed to ensure the best visibility
conditions for all drivers.
Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the headlights
checked and adjusted.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLIGHTS ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are aligned
to comply with the regulations of the
country of purchase.
When in countries where you drive on the
other side of the road, you need to alter
the beam direction in order not to dazzle
the vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction, proceeding as follows:
❒ open the protective flap 1 fig. 25 on
the inner wheel arch; it can be located by
steering the wheel completely;
15)The maximum permitted load in the
luggage compartment, in addition to the
kits provided, is 15 kg.
16)When accessing the rear boot,
take care with parts that may be hot,
owing to the adjacent engine
compartment. Danger of serious burns.
17)Perform these operations only when
the car is stationary.
18)The tailgate may drop
suddenly if the supporting rod
is not positioned correctly.
19)For safety reasons, the tailgate must
always be closed properly while the car is
travelling.
Therefore, always make sure that the
tailgate is closed properly and that the
lock is engaged. If you realise during
travel that the lock is not fully engaged,
stop immediately and close the tailgate in
the correct manner.
IMPORTANT

37
Warning lights on panelMeaning What to do
In this case release the accelerator pedal to lower the
engine speed until the warning light stops flashing.
Continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to avoid
driving conditions that may cause further flashing and
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
If the Uwarning light flashes, it means that the catalytic
converter may be damaged.
3)
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling
at moderate speed without demanding excessive effort
from the engine. Prolonged use of the car with the warning
light on constantly may cause damage.
Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible. INJECTION / EOBD SYSTEM FAILURE
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to
MAR the Uwarning light switches on, but it should
switch off as soon as the engine is started.
The operation of the Uwarning light may be checked by
traffic police using appropriate equipment.
Comply with the laws and regulations of the country
where you are driving.
If the Uwarning light stays on or switches on when
driving, it means that the injection system is not working
properly; in particular, if the warning light comes on
constantly, this indicates a malfunction in the
supply/ignition system that could cause excessive
exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor
driveability and high fuel consumption.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated
message.
The Uwarning light switches off if the malfunction
disappears, but is still stored by the system.

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
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
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.

95
INFLATION PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
107)
❒ engage the handbrake, unscrew the
tyre valve cap, take out filler hose
1 fig. 80 and tighten ring nut 2 on the tyre
valve;
80A0L0078
❒ make sure that switch 1 fig. 81 for the
compressor is in position 0 (off), start the
engine, insert the plug into the cigar
lighter socket on the central tunnel
(see fig. 82) and switch on the
compressor by bringing switch 1 fig. 81
to I (on);
82A0L0080
❒ inflate the tyre to the pressure
indicated in the “Wheels” paragraph in the
“Technical data” chapter. In order to
obtain a precise reading, check the
pressure on pressure gauge 1 fig. 81 with
the compressor off;
❒ if after 5 minutes it is impossible to
reach at least 1.8 bar,
❒ disconnect the compressor from the
valve and power socket, then move the
car forwards approximately 10 metres in
order to distribute the sealant inside the
tyre evenly, then repeat the inflation
operation;
❒ if you still cannot obtain a pressure of
at least 1.8 bar within 5 minutes from the
compressor switching on, do not drive off
and contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership;
❒ after driving for about 10 minutes
stop and check the tyre pressure again;
remember to engage the handbrake;
❒ if a pressure value of at least 1.8 bar
is detected, restore the correct pressure
(with the engine running and the
handbrake engaged), resume driving and
drive with great care to a dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
108) 109) 110)
81A0L0079
1
A

IN AN EMERGENCY
98
❒ with a second cable, connect the
negative terminal (–) of the auxiliary
battery to an earthing point
Eon the
engine or the transmission of the car to
be started;
❒ start the engine; when the engine has
started, remove the leads, reversing the
order above.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not persist but contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not connect the negative
terminals of the two batteries directly!
If the auxiliary battery is installed on
another car, check that there is no
accidental contact between metallic
parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
OPERATION
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
❒ the fuel supply cut-off with the engine
consequently switching off;
❒ automatic door lock release;
activation of all lights inside the car;
❒ the switching on of the hazard
warning lights.
The digital warning light and the
dedicated message on the display
indicate the intervention of the system.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks,
for instance in the engine compartment,
under the vehicle or near the tank area.
112)
111)This procedure must be performed
by qualified personnel as incorrect
actions may cause high-intensity
electrical discharge. Furthermore,
battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive:
avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep
naked flames and lighted cigarettes away
from the battery and do not cause sparks.
IMPORTANT
13)Never use a fast battery charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems and the ignition and
engine supply control units.
WARNING

103
2436486072
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
1750 Turbo Petrol VERSIONS
Thousands of km
Months
40
12
206080100120
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Check battery charge status and possibly recharge
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure, if necessary
Check operation of lighting system (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, luggage compartment, passenger compartment,
glove compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check vehicle fastenings
Check mechanical components fastenings
Check operation of windscreen washer system and adjust jets if necessary
Check position/wear of windscreen wiper blade
Check cleanliness of luggage compartment lock, cleanliness and lubrication of linkages
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, carbon monocoque, aerodynamic
bottom, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel supply system, brakes), rubber elements
(boots, driveshaft boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check condition and wear of front brake pads and discs,
and operation of pad wear indicator
Check condition and wear of rear brake pads and discs,
and operation of pad wear indicator
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine cooling, brakes,
windscreen washer, etc.)