suspension Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018 Owner's Manual

SymbolWhat It Means What To Do
GENERIC INDICATION
Signals information and failures.
The accompanying messages describe the failure.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILURE
This telltale will illuminate to report a four wheel drive
system failure.Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the failure eliminated.
AFS SYSTEM FAILURE
The telltale will illuminate to indicate the automatic
directional light system failure.
Go to an authorized dealer to have the system checked.
SOFT SUSPENSION CALIBRATION INSERTION — IF
EQUIPPED
The telltale will illuminate when the most comfortable
suspension setting is activated.
SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILURE (ADC) — IF EQUIPPED
While driving, if the telltale illuminates, it signals a failure
in the suspension system.Contact an authorized dealer to have the system checked.
WINDSHIELD WASHER LIQUID LEVEL
The telltale will illuminate to indicate that the level of the
windshield and headlight washing fluid (if any) is low.To refill the liquid, refer to “Engine Compartment” in
“Servicing And Maintenance.” Always use liquid with the
features indicated in the “Fluids And Lubricants” section
in “Technical Specifications.”
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Oversteeroccurs 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.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
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 prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. 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 negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification 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.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (hydroplaning), and acceleration on
one or both drive wheels on roads that
are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the Brake Limited
Differential (BLD) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behavior of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping. System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’s braking capacity during
emergency braking.
The system 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 PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA system
is obtained by 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 PBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.
Warning!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle, and
see how you can explore its fullest
potential. We’ll look at how to drive
safely in any situation, making it a
welcome companion with our comfort
and wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE........132
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE ........135
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .....137
ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR ......143
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION (AAS) . .146
STOP/START SYSTEM .........146
SPEED LIMITER .............148
SPEED CONTROL
(CRUISE CONTROL) ..........149
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC) — IF EQUIPPED .........151
PARK SENSORS SYSTEM .......158
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .......161
REAR BACK-UP CAMERA / DYNAMIC
GRIDLINES .............. .163
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .......165
VEHICLE LOADING ...........166
TRAILER TOWING ............167
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING .....168
131

ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR
Alfa DNA Pro System
This vehicle is equipped with a Alfa DNA
Pro system selector (located on the
center console). There are four modes of
operation to be selected according to
driving style and road conditions:
d = Dynamic (sports driving mode).
n = Natural (mode for driving in normal
conditions).
a = Advanced Efficiency (ECO driving
mode for maximum fuel savings).
RACE = track race driving mode.
= Adjusts the calibration of the
active suspension.
Unlike the other modes, the RACE
position does not latch; therefore, by
rotating the selector to RACE, it will
return to its initial position "d". The symbol of the active mode lights up
in red on the selector.
On the instrument panel display, the
different modes are characterized by
different colors:
Natural - Blue
Dynamic - Red
Advanced Efficiency - Green
RACE - Yellow
Each driving mode is graphically different
in frame color and contents of each
individual "performance" screen.
Driving Modes
"Natural" Mode
“Natural” Mode is characterized by
engine and transmission: standard
response. Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to
the letter "n", the displays light up in blue.
The "Performance" screen graphically
reproduces some parameters closely
linked to the efficiency of the driving
style, with a view to limiting consumption.
07076S0004EMAlfa DNA Pro System Selector
07076S0003EMMode Display
07116S0002EMNatural Mode
07116S0001EMNatural Mode Performance Display
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ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION
(AAS)
The vehicle's electronic suspension
management system is aimed at
optimizing the vehicle's performance.
The system continuously monitors the
damping of the suspension through the
actuator installed on each shock
absorber. The calibration of the shock
absorbers can be adjusted to the
conditions of the road surface and to the
dynamic conditions of the vehicle,
improving its comfort and road handling.
The
driver can choose, even while driving,
(only in "d" or "RACE" mode), between two
types of suspension calibration: a more
sporty ride or a more comfortable one.
By pushing the button, the system will
work with the shock absorber calibration
which favors driving comfort.
If the system fails, the following symbol
will appear in the instrument cluster
display
.
STOP/START SYSTEM
Stop/Start System
The Stop/Start system automatically
shuts off the engine during a vehicle stop if
the required conditions are met. Releasing
the brake pedal or accelerator pedal will
automatically restart the engine.
The function was developed to increase
vehicle efficiency by reducing fuel
consumption, gas emissions, and sound
pollution.
Operating Mode
Stopping the Engine
With vehicle at a standstill and brake
pedal pressed, the engine switches off if
the gear selector is in a position other
than REVERSE (R).
The system does not operate when the
gear selector is in REVERSE (R), in order
to making parking maneuvers easier.
In the event of stops uphill, engine
switching off is disabled to make the
"Hill Start Assist" function available
(works only with running engine).
NOTE: The engine can only be
automatically stopped after having run at
about 6 mph (10 km/h). After an
automatic restart, the vehicle only needs
to exceed a speed of 0.3 mph (0.5 km/h)
to stop the engine.
Engine stopping is signaled by the
symbol lighting up on the instrument
cluster display. Restarting the Engine
To restart the engine, release the brake
pedal.
With the brake pressed and the
transmission in automatic mode DRIVE
(D), the engine will restart by shifting
to REVERSE (R), to PARK (P) or to
"AutoStick".
With brake pressed if the gear selector is
in "AutoStick" mode, the engine will
restart by shifting to PARK (P) or by
moving the selector to + or -.
System Manual Activation/
Deactivation
To manually activate/deactivate the
system, push the button located in the
control panel on the left of the steering
wheel.
04306S0001EMAlfa Active Suspension Button
07126S0051EMStop/Start Button
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STARTING AND OPERATING

If several obstacles are detected
simultaneously in the front and rear area,
the display will show all of them,
regardless of the area in which they were
detected.
In general, the vehicle is closer to the
obstacle when a single or several flashing
arcs are shown on the display and the
acoustic signal becomes continuous.
It is not possible to exit from the display
screen while the vehicle is in REVERSE.
Fault Indication
Parking sensor faults, if any, will be
indicated by a message on the display on
the instrument cluster. Refer to "Warning
Lights And Messages" in "Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel" for further
information.
Messages On The Display
In case of system failure, a dedicated
message appears on the instrument
cluster for about five seconds.
Cleaning The Front Or Rear Sensors:
If the display shows a message requiring
the sensors to be cleaned, make sure that
the outer surface and the underside of
the front and rear bumpers are free of
debris (e.g. snow, mud, ice, etc.). Once
these areas are clear, cycle the ignition to
STOP. Then, return it to ON mode. If the
message is still displayed, contact you
authorized dealer.
Audio System Not Available : If the
display shows a message that the audio
system is not available, it means that the
acoustic signal will be emitted by the
instrument panel, and not through the
vehicles speakers.
Note: Some conditions may influence
the performance of the Park Sensors
System:
Reduced sensor sensitivity could be
due to the presence of ice, snow, mud, or
thick paint on the surface of the sensor.
The sensors may detect a false
obstacle (echo interference) due to
mechanical interference, for example
when washing the vehicle or in extreme
weather.
The signals sent by the sensors can
be altered by the presence of ultrasonic
systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems
of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
vehicle.
System performance can be
influenced by the position of the
sensors. For example, due to a change in
the ride setting (caused by wear to the
shock absorbers or suspension), by
changing tires, overloading the vehicle or
operations that require the vehicle to be
lowered.
Be sure not to place bumper stickers
or other adhesives over the sensors as
this will affect system performance.
Warning!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the Parking Sensor system.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or
blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for the safety of your
surroundings and must continue to pay
attention while backing up. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
Caution!
The Parking Sensor system is only a
parking aid and it is unable to recognize
every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected
or not detected at all. Obstacles located
above or below the sensors will not be
detected when they are in close proximity
The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using the Parking Sensor system in order to
be able to stop in time when an obstacle is
detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using the
Parking Sensor system.
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STARTING AND OPERATING

Warning!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped
into a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
Note: If the filler compartment is
washed with a pressure washer, keep it at
a distance of at least 8 inches (20 cm).
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration regulations, your
vehicle has a certification label affixed to
the driver's side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of
manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the
Month, Day and Hour of manufacture.
The bar code that appears on the bottom
of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle including driver,
passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum
capacities of front and rear axle systems
(GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not
exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the
allowable load weight a truck can carry,
including the weight of the driver, all
passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
load on the front and rear axles. The load
must be distributed in the cargo area so
that the GAWR of each axle is not
exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the
components in the system with the
lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or
suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased
durability does not necessarily increase
the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification
Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be
equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for
the tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for
your vehicle for all loading conditions up
to full GAWR.
166
STARTING AND OPERATING

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for
towing a disabled vehicle using a
commercial towing service.
Caution!
The vehicle should be transported with all
four wheels OFF the ground on the flatbed
of a roadside assistance vehicle. Avoid
towing with only the front (or rear) wheels
lifted. When towing with only the front (or
rear) wheels lifted, in addition to damaging
the body, it could damage the transmission.
Do not use sling-type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is
released, and remain released, while being
towed.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
The operators of the assistance vehicle
must be informed of your vehicle's
minimum required height from the
ground, in order to avoid contact
between the ends of the bumpers and the
equipment of the breakdown truck.
The following image illustrates the front
and rear attachment corners of the
vehicle, which are to be taken into
consideration when loading your vehicle
onto the assistance vehicle.
Loading Angles
A — Front Loading
Angle 12.045°
B

— Rear Loading
Angle 11.830°
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Models
It is recommended to tow the vehicle
with all four wheels OFF the ground on
the flatbed of a roadside assistance
vehicle.
Caution!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is
released, and remains released, while being
towed.
If an assistance vehicle with a flatbed is
not available, the vehicle must be towed
with the rear wheels lifted from the
ground using a trailer or special
equipment allowing lifting of the rear
wheels.
08126S0001EMFront And Rear Loading Angles
190
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire
sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found
in the “Tire Safety Information” section of
this manual for more information relating
to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a
tire.
It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever
replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions you
may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index
or capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can result
in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.
Caution!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
Note: For vehicles equipped with Tire
Service Kit instead of a spare tire, please
refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in look
and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear
axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may
be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option,
refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a compact
spare by looking at the spare tire
description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire. Compact spare tire
descriptions begin with the letter “T” or
“S” preceding the size designation.
220
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve
performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires.
Some states prohibit studded tires;
therefore, local laws should be checked
before using these tire types.
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient
tire-to-body clearance. Follow these
recommendations to guard against
damage.
Note:
Traction device must be of proper
size for the tire, as recommended by the
traction device manufacturer
Use on Rear Tires Only
Due to limited clearance, the
following traction devices are
recommended:
For a 265/35R19 98V tire, use of a
zero-clearance snow traction device
recommended.
It is not possible to install traction
devices on 285/30R19 tires.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that
only traction devices in good condition are
used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate device
breakage. Remove the damaged parts of
the device before further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tire Rotations - Do Not Rotate Tires
Due to different size tires and wheels on
front and rear axles tire rotation is not
possible for:
2.9 L V6 Engine Equipped with 19”
tires and wheels
Caution!
Damage to the vehicle may occur if 19” front
and rear tires are rotated
In the case of irregular wear of the tires
identify the cause and correct it as soon
as possible, by contacting an authorized
dealer.
223