ABS Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2017 Owner's Manual

Locking/Unlocking Doors From The Inside
Push the Lock LED Indicator button. The button
has an LED that indicates whether the doors are
locked or unlocked.
Pushing the Lock LED Indicator buttonagain cen-
trally unlocks all doors and switches off the LED.
Pushing the Lock LED Indicator buttonagain cen-
trally locks all the doors. The doors will be locked
only if all the doors are properly shut.
Once the doors have been locked using the remote
control or the key, it will no longer be possible to unlock
them by pushing the Lock LED Indicator button
.
NOTE: In the absence of electrical power supply (blown
fuse, battery disconnected, etc.), it is still possible to
lock the doors manually.
Emergency Door Locking Device
Passenger Side Door
The passenger side door has a device to lock it when
there is no current.
To lock it, place the metal insert of the ignition key in
housing #1 and turn it clockwise. To restore the starting condition of the door locks (only
if battery charge restored), proceed as follows:
•
Push the Unlock button
on the Key Fob;
•Push the door locking/unlocking LED indicator but-
ton
on the dashboard; or
•Introduce the metal insert of the ignition key in the
front door pawl; or
• Pull the internal door handle.
Emergency Door Lock Function
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

Red Telltale Indicator Lights
Brake Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
United States
Canada
Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reser-
voir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is
at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic sys-
tem malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light
will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the Brake
Booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may
be felt during each stop.
NOTE:
Brake Warning Light may illuminate due to excessive wear to brake pads.
100 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by placing the ignition in the MAR/ON/RUN position.
The light should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless the
parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If
the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by
an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition placed in the MAR/ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 101

Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
After the ignition is turned on, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) light illuminates to indi-
cate function check at vehicle startup. If the light remains on after startup or comes on and
stays on at road speeds, it may indicate that the ABS has detected a malfunction or has be-
come inoperative. The system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light are on, see an authorized
dealer immediately. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109

▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) ............................158
▫ Cornering Brake Control System (CBC) .....159
▫ Drag Torque Control System (DTC) .......159
▫ AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR) ........160
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................161
▫
Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA) . . . .162
▫ Electronic Q2 System (E-Q2) ............162
▫ Ready Alert Brake System (RAB) .........162
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ............163
▫ Tire Markings .......................163
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........166
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions .........167
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ..........168
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION .......173
▫ Tire Pressure .......................173
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................174 ▫
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .175
▫
Radial Ply Tires .....................175
▫ Tire Types ..........................176
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped ............177
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ..............177
▫ Tire Spinning .......................180
▫ Tread Wear Indicators .................180
▫ Life Of Tire ........................181
▫ Replacement Tires ....................182
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) ......183
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .184
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .......184
▫ Treadwear ..........................184
▫ Traction Grades ..................... .184
▫ Temperature Grades ...................185
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS) ............................ .185
138 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.
NOTE:In Dynamic mode, the engine response to the
accelerator pedal position increases considerably. Con-
sequently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,
move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and hold for half
a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up
and the Natural mode activation indication will appear
on the display.
Race Mode
Activation
Starting in Dynamic mode, move the Alfa DNA system
lever upwards (to the letter “D”) and hold in this
position for five seconds, until the Race mode activation
indicator appears on the display. When Race mode is activated, the longitudinal/lateral
accelerometer indicator screen (G-meter information) is
displayed automatically. This considers gravitational
acceleration (G).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip Regu-
lation (ASR) systems:
These systems are deactivated in order to ensure the
fullest sensation of sport, leaving the driver in full
control of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in unstable
conditions, the ESC reactivates automatically when the
brake pedal is pressed until the ABS intervenes, thus
returning the vehicle to stable conditions. To deactivate
the ESC and ASR systems, reactivate Race mode.
Electronic Q2 system:
The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating
on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:
The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for
sportier shifting.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 149

WARNING!(Continued)
in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety of others.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the handling
characteristics of your vehicle, and may nega-
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
Changes to the steering system, suspension, brak-
ing system, tire type and size or wheel size may
adversely affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also de-
grade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifica-
tion or poor vehicle maintenance that reduces the
effectiveness of the ESC system can increase the
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
The ESC system uses sensors installed on the vehicle to
determine the trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the vehicles effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory deviates from the
desired trajectory, the ESC system intervenes to counter
the vehicles understeer or oversteer. •
Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle is turning more
than it should according to the angle of the steering
wheel.
• Understeer: occurs when the vehicle is turning less
than it should according to the angle of the steering
wheel.
This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control
System (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC),
AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA),
ELECTRONIC Q2 system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake
(RAB). All of the systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving condi-
tions, and are commonly referred to as ESC.
System Activation
The ESC system activates automatically when the en-
gine is started and can only be deactivated by selecting
Race mode. Refer to the Six-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch
Transmission in this section for further information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 157

System Intervention
This 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.
Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
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 vehicle,
preventing sudden locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer
to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel
lock-up and to help avoid skidding on slippery sur-
faces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turn-
ing the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if
the fault detected was only momentary.
WARNING!
•
When the ABS intervenes and you feel the brake
pedal pulsating, do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and confidently; in doing so
you will brake in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
• For maximum efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 311 miles (500 km) is
required: during this period it is advisable to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
• If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that the grip
of the tires on the road is nearing its limit: you
must slow down to a speed compatible with the
available grip.
• The ABS can’t overrule the natural laws of phys-
ics, and can’t increase the grip available according
to the condition of the road.
(Continued)
158 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those due to excessive speed on corners, driving
on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
• 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.
• For the correct operation of the ABS, the tires
must of necessity be the same make and type on
all wheels, in perfect condition and, above all, of
the prescribed type and dimensions.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
the use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop
as the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
System Intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and noise indicates
the intervention of the ABS: this is completely normal
when the system intervenes.
Cornering Brake Control System (CBC)
The system acts when braking on corners, optimizing
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 vehicle) from
locking, ensuring better stability and direction for the
vehicle.
Drag Torque Control System (DTC)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and inter-
venes in the event 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 vehicle stability, above all in low-grip conditions.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 159

Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA)
WARNING!
•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.
• The HBA system cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those due to excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
• 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.
The HBA system is designed to improve the vehicles
braking capacity during emergency braking. The sys-
tem detects emergency braking by monitoring the
speed and force with which the brake pedal is pressed,
and consequently applies the optimal brake pressure.
This can reduce the braking distance, the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA system is obtained
pressing the brake pedal very quickly. In addition, the brake pedal should be pressed continuously during
braking, avoiding intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal until braking
is no longer necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when the brake pedal is
released.
Electronic Q2 System (E-Q2)
The
Electronic Q2 system intervenes during accelera-
tion on corners, braking the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer wheel (which bears
more of the vehicles weight): the torque is thus distrib-
uted optimally between the drive wheels in accordance
with the driving conditions and road surface, permit-
ting particularly effective, sporty driving.
Ready Alert Brake System (RAB)
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 subse-
quent braking.
162 STARTING AND OPERATING