key Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2017 Owner's Guide

Using The Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a Six-Speed Alfa Twin
Clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted shift
paddles.
When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmission
controls (shift paddles on the steering wheel, and gear
selector buttons on the center console) are disabled.
When the key is turned to the ON position, the current
transmission gear will be displayed in the instrument
cluster, along with theAUTOindicator. This indicates
the transmission is in Automatic mode.
Operating Modes
The transmission has two normal operating modes
(except when the “Race” mode is selected on the DNA
switch):
• MANUAL mode: The driver must shift gears manu-
ally (using the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles).
• Automatic (AUTO) mode: The system shifts between
all forward gears automatically.
When the “Race” mode is selected via the DNA selector,
the only allowed transmission operating mode is
MANUAL.
MANUAL Mode
In this operating mode, the driver is responsible for
choosing the best gear to engage, depending on the
vehicle’s operating conditions. The current gear is dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
To activate/deactivate MANUAL mode, push the A/M
button on the center console when the transmission is in
any forward gear.
Use the “+” shift paddle to engage a higher gear, or the
“–” paddle to engage a lower gear.
Transmission Gear Selector
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STARTING AND OPERATING 143

•FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) gears can only be engaged
at vehicle speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h). At speeds
below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift from 1 to R
(or R to 1) will only be allowed if the vehicle speed
drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h) threshold within
three seconds of the request; otherwise, the transmis-
sion will shift to NEUTRAL (N). The driver should
then repeat the request for 1st or R once the vehicle has
come to a stop.
Shift Paddles
In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission
shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to
the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will
downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift
would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request
will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily
place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and executethe requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The
transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a
brief interval.
Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission
one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not
command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed
multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.
Neutral (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. Always apply
the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle.
At engine startup, the transmission will automatically
select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal
must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine
running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N
button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), push-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless
of whether the brake pedal is pressed.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 145

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. Coasting in NEUTRAL
and turning off the ignition while coasting severely
limit your ability to respond to changing traffic or
road conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING
may result in loss of vehicle control, collision, and
serious injury or death.
With the vehicle in motion, to engage a gear from the
NEUTRAL (N) position, push the 1 button on the
transmission control panel (it is not necessary to press
the brake pedal). The transmission will engage the
correct gear according to the vehicle’s speed.
Acoustic Signal
If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system acti-
vates an acoustic signal and automatically places the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) when:
• The accelerator and/or brake pedal are not operated
for at least three minutes.
•
The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 minutes.
• The driver ’s door is opened and the accelerator pedal
or the brake pedal are not operated for at least one
and a half seconds.
• A fault has been detected in the transmission.
Parking The Vehicle
When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as
follows:
1. Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, put the vehicle into either a forward or reverse gear by pushing 1 or R.
(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just
driving.)
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake pedal.
When parking on an incline, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill slope and away from the
curb on an uphill slope. Always chock the wheels when
parking on steep grades.
146 STARTING AND OPERATING

General Notes
When the vehicle is stopped and in gear, always keep
the brake pedal pressed until you decide to set off, then
release the brake and accelerate gradually.
During prolonged stops with the engine running, it is
advisable to keep the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
When stopped on an incline, always hold the vehicle in
place using the brakes. On steep inclines, Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will temporarily hold the vehicle in posi-
tion when the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator
pedal is not applied after a short time, the vehicle will
roll back. Either reapply the brake (to hold the vehicle)
or press the accelerator to climb the hill.
Only shift between FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) when
completely stopped, with the brake pedal pressed.
When necessary, it is possible to engage FIRST (1),
REVERSE (R) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine off, the
key at MAR-ON and the brake pressed. In this case,
wait at least five seconds between one gear change and
the next, in order to safeguard the operation of the
hydraulic system, and the pump in particular.For uphill departures, accelerate gradually but fully,
immediately after releasing the parking brake or the
brake pedal; this allows the engine speed to increase to
provide more torque at the wheels.
ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC VEHICLE
CONTROL SYSTEM)
This vehicle is equipped with a “Alfa DNA” system
lever (located on the center console). There are four
modes of operation to be selected according to driving
style and road conditions:
•
Dynamic (This mode alters the transmission’s auto-
matic shift schedule for sportier driving [D]).
• Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions [N]).
• All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip condi-
tions, such as rain and snow [A]).
• Race (sports driving mode [D]).5
STARTING AND OPERATING 147

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the
Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave a manual
transmission in REVERSE or FIRST gear. Failure
to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
Parking Brake Lever
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The TPMS consists of the following components:
•Receiver Module.
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster, an acoustic signal will be
activated, and the “Check left or right front/rear tire”
text message will display when one or more of the four
active road tire pressures are low. Should this occur, you
should stop as soon as possible, check the inflation
pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each
tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure
value. The system will automatically update and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Light will extinguish once the
updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) to receive this information.
Check TPMS Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and remain on solid when a system fault is detected, the “TIRE PRESSURE MONI-
TORING UNAVAILABLE” text message will display. If
the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat
providing the system fault still exists. The Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light will turn off when the fault
condition no longer exists. A system fault can occur
with any of the following scenarios:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the
TPM sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals.
3. Snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
NOTE: Your vehicle may be equipped with a compact
spare wheel and tire assembly.
1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pressure monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not
monitor the tire pressure in the compact spare tire.
188 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a roadtire that has a pressure below the low-pressure
warning limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a
chime will sound and the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light will still turn ON due to the low tire.
3. However, after driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h), the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then remain on solid.
4. This occurs for each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will sound and the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid.
5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact
spare tire, the TPMS will update automatically and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn
OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below the low-
pressure warning limit in any of the four active road
tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20
minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user ’s authority to operate the equipment.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — 1750 TURBO
The 1750 turbo engine is designed to
meet all emissions regulations and pro-
vide excellent fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high-quality premium
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of Only 91 or higher.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 189

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...........233
Adding Fuel ............................193
Adding Washer Fluid .....................227
Additives, Fuel ..........................191
AirBag................................36 Air Bag Operation ......................38
Driver Knee Air Bag .....................39
Enhanced Accident Response ..............212
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............212
If A Deployment Occurs ..................41
Knee Impact Bolsters ....................38
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ...........44
Air Bag Light ........................57, 103
Air Bag Maintenance ......................44
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . .221
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................223
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............223, 224
Air Conditioning System ...................223
Air Pressure, Tires ........................174
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............12
Alfa DNA System (Dynamic Car Control System) ........................147
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission ...........142, 216
Fluid Type ........................240, 265 Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
..............6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............232, 263
Capacities .......................... .263
Disposal ............................ .234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...............158
Appearance Care ........................240
Automatic Door Locks .....................19
Automatic Transaxle ........................9
Automatic Transmission ...................142
Fluid Type .......................... .265
Auto Unlock, Doors .......................19
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ........89
Battery ............................105, 222
Charging System Light ..................105
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ..............16
Belts, Seat ..............................56
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................224
B-Pillar Location ........................ .168
Brake

Fluid ............................265
Brake, Parking ..........................154
Brakes ............................... .236
Brake System ........................156, 236
Anti-Lock (ABS) .......................158
Master Cylinder .......................236
284 INDEX

Heated Mirrors...........................65
Heater ............................ .131, 133
Holder, Cup .............................91
Ignition .................................9
Key .................................9
Ignition Key Removal .......................9
Illuminated Entry .........................14
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................11
Inside Rearview Mirror .....................63
Instrument Cluster ....................105, 113
Instrument Cluster ......................97
Instrument Panel And Controls ...............96
Instrument Panel Cover ....................245
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ..............245
Interior Appearance Care ...................244
Interior Lights ...........................80
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ............81
Introduction .............................4
Jump Starting .......................... .206
Key Fob Lock The Doors ........................15
Unlock The Doors ......................15 Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .16
Key-In Reminder
.........................11
Key, Replacement .........................12
Keys ...................................9
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ...................11
Lane Change Assist .......................78
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................27
Latches ................................59
Lead Free Gasoline .......................189
Leaks, Fluid .............................59
Life Of Tires ............................181
Light Bulbs ..........................59, 251
Lights ...............................59, 77
AirBag...........................57, 103
Brake Warning ........................100
Bulb Replacement ..................... .252
Cruise ...........................114,115
Engine Temperature Warning ..............105
Exterior ..............................59
Hazard Warning Flasher .................198
Illuminated Entry .......................14
Interior ..............................80
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........111
Park ............................ .78,1
14
288 INDEX

Recommendation...................220, 263
Viscosity ............................220
Oil Filter, Change ........................221
Oil Filter, Selection .......................221
Oil Pressure Light ........................102
Onboard Diagnostic System .................216
Operating Precautions .....................216
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................63
Overheating, Engine ..................... .198
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,281
Paint Care ............................ .240
Parking Brake .......................... .154
Passing Light ............................78
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ......168, 169
Power Door Locks ...........................18
Mirrors ..............................64
Windows .............................20
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ..............31
Pretensioners Seat Belts .............................32
Radial Ply Tires ........................ .175Radio Frequency
General Information ..................12, 17
Radio Operation ........................ .130
Reclining Front Seats ......................72
Recreational Towing ..................... .195
Reformulated Gasoline ....................190
Refrigerant ............................ .224
Reminder, Seat Belt ........................25
Remote Keyless Entry Remote Keyless Entry ....................14
Unlock The Doors ......................15
Replacement Bulbs .......................251
Replacement Keys ........................12
Replacement Parts ........................218
Replacement Tires ........................182
Reporting Safety Defects ...................280
Restraint, Head ..........................73
Restraints, Child ..........................46
Rotation, Tires ..........................184
Safety Checks

Inside Vehicle .................56
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ................58
Safety Defects, Reporting ...................280
Safety, Exhaust Gas ........................56
Safety Information, Tire ....................163
290 INDEX