wheel Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2019 User Guide

SAFETY FEATURES
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 surfaces.
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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
• 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.
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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.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control System)
The ESC system improves the directional control and
stability of the vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle understeer and
oversteer, distributing the brake force on the appropri-
ate wheels. The torque supplied by the engine can also
be reduced in order to maintain control of the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot pre-
vent all collisions, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot pre-
vent collisions resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent collisions. The capabilities of
an ESC equipped vehicle must never be exploited
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
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SAFETY 89

WARNING!(Continued)
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 “Starting And Operating.”
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.
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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.
AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR)
WARNING!
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot pre-
vent all collisions, including those resulting from
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot pre-
vent collisions resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent collisions. The capabilities of
an ESC equipped vehicle must never be exploited
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.
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SAFETY 91

This is an integral part of the ESC system and automati-
cally operates in the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydroplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
•If the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR
system intervenes, reducing the power transmitted
by the engine.
• If the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels,
it also intervenes automatically, braking the wheel
that is slipping.
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.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in the fol-
lowing cases: •
Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse
engaged.
• Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradi-
ent higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed
and reverse (R) gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system control unit maintains
the braking pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is reached, or in any case
for a maximum of two seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator.
When the two seconds have elapsed, without starting,
the system is automatically deactivated, gradually re-
leasing the braking pressure. During this release stage,
the typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that
the vehicle is going to move imminently, can be heard.
NOTE:
• HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.
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•There may be situations on small gradients (less than
8%), with vehicle laden, in which the Hill Holder
system may not activate, 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.
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.
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SAFETY 93

68°F (20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately 23 psi
(158 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough
to turn ON the TPMS Warning Light. Driving the
vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to approxi-
mately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS Warning Light
will still be ON. In this situation, the TPMS Warning
Light will turn OFF only after the tires are inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value.
CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels
can cause sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire
sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) sensor to become inoperable.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recom-
mended that you take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Sensor.
NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
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SAFETY 95

correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres-
sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire
pressure in the tire.
Base System
This is the TPMS warning indicator located in
the instrument cluster.
The TPMS uses wireless technology with
wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part
of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the
Receiver Module.
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle regularly
and to maintain the proper pressure. The TPMS consists of the following components:
•
Receiver Module.
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The TPMS Warning Light will illuminate in the instru-
ment 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.
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Check TPMS Warnings
The TPMS Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and remain on solid when a system fault is
detected, the “TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING UN-
AVAILABLE” text message will display. If the ignition
key is cycled, this sequence will repeat providing the
system fault still exists. The TPMS Warning 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 tofacilities 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.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure
warning limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a
chime will sound and the TPMS Warning 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 TPMS Warn-
ing 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 TPMS Warning 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 TPMS Warning 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
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SAFETY 97

WARNING!
•The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the
switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
feature or any other seat belt function is not
working properly when checked according to the
procedures in the Service Manual.
• Failure to replace the seat belt assembly could
increase the risk of injury in collisions.
• Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to re-
strain occupants who are wearing the seat belt or
children who are using booster seats. The locked
mode is only used to install rear-facing or
forward-facing child restraints that have a har-
ness for restraining the child.
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this section
may be standard equipment on some models, or may be
optional equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask
an authorized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a
collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors the internal circuits and interconnecting wir-
ing associated with the electrical Air Bag System Com-
ponents. Your vehicle may be equipped with the fol-
lowing Air Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
•
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Supplemental Knee Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Track Position Sensors
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