towing Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2016 Owner's Manual

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash de-
pending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be driv-
able; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and
you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/
RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
126 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Tire Types .......................... .221
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............223
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............223
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .226
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................226
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .227
▫ Replacement Tires .....................228
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......229
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....230
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS) ............................. .231
▫ Base System ........................ .233
▫ General Information ...................236 
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — 1750 Turbo .......236
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................237
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............237
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......238
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................238
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................238
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................239
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............240
 ADDING FUEL/SMART FUEL .............241
 TRAILER TOWING .....................244
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................244
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .244
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 175

NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating” sec-
tion of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here. Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas- sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount ofcargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will
be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (294 kg) (since 5 x 150 lbs (68 kg) = 750 lbs
(340 kg), and 1400 lbs (635 kg) – 750 lbs (340 kg) =
650 lbs [294 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4. NOTE:
•
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The follow-
ing table shows examples on how to calculate total
load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations and num-
ber and size of occupants. This table is for illustration
purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating
and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
• For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 215

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFFthe
ground.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
• Do not dolly tow this vehicle. Use of a towing dolly
can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the GroundAlfa Twin Clutch Transmission
Flat Tow NoneNOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOK
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
code (a rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for
a short distance to the nearest service location.
• Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off
the road or where there are obstacles.
• In compliance with the above conditions, towing
with a tow eye must take place with two vehicles
(one towing, the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line. Damage to
your vehicle may occur if these guidelines are not
followed.
• When towing, only use a facility that can tow
vehicles with low ground clearances as extensive
damage can result by using a standard tow truck
platform.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER — IF EQUIPPED
The fire extinguisher is located under the dashboard in
front of the passenger side seat.
Fire Extinguisher
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 261

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and Alfa Twin
Clutch Transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to
266 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had
time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)..........5,348
Paint Care ............................. .298
Parking Brake ........................... .195
Passing Light .............................94
Pets ....................................66
Pets, Transporting ..........................66
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ..........213
Power Door Locks ............................22
Mirrors ...............................77
Windows ..............................25
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ...............39
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................39
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .220
Radio Frequency General Information ...................14, 21 Radio Operation
......................... .165
Reclining Front Seats .......................87
Recorder, Event Data .......................55
Recreational Towing ...................... .244
Reformulated Gasoline .....................237
Refrigerant ............................. .276
Reminder, Seat Belt .........................32
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................18
Unlock The Doors .......................19
Replacement Bulbs ....................... .310
Replacement Keys .........................14
Replacement Parts ........................ .269
Replacement Tires ........................ .228
Reporting Safety Defects ....................347
Restraint, Head ...........................88
Restraints, Child ...........................56
Restraints, Infant ..........................59
Restraints, Occupant ........................30
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INDEX 363