brakes Alfa Romeo Giulia 2019 Owner's Manual

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing an Alfa Romeo.
We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the features of your car and use it in the best possible way. This car is
intended for daily use as well as for specific uses. Please take your time to familiarise with all the dynamic features of your car.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best performance
from the technical features of your Alfa Romeo.
You are advised to read it right through before taking to the road for the first time, to become familiar with the controls and above all
with those concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the vehicle behaviour on different road
surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care and
maintenance of your Alfa Romeo over time.
After reading it, you are advised to keep the handbook inside the vehicle, for an easy reference and for making sure it remains on
board the vehicle should it be sold.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find the description of the Services that Alfa Romeo offers to its customers, the
Warranty Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new car and the service provided by the people at Alfa
Romeo.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!
IMPORTANT
This Owner Handbook describes all car versions. Options, equipment dedicated to specific Markets or versions are not explicitly
indicated in the text: as a consequence, you should only consider the information related to the version that you have
purchased. Any content introduced throughout the production of the model, outside the specific request of options at the time
of purchase, will be identified with the wording(where provided).
All data contained in this publication are intended to help you use your car in the best possible way. Alfa Romeo S.p.A. aims at a
constant improvement of the vehicles produced. For this reason it reserves the right to make changes to the model described
for technical and/or commercial reasons.
For further information, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.

WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Possible detailed messages and/or acoustic signalling can be matched to a few warning lights and symbols.
Red warning lights
Warning
lightWhat it means
INSUFFICIENT BRAKE FLUID / ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE ON
The warning light switches on when the ignition device is brought to ON, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light turns on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly due to a leak in
the circuit.
Go to an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked as soon as possible.
Electric parking brake on
The warning light switches on when the electric parking brake is engaged.
Release the electric parking brake, then check that the warning light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT If the car is parked on a gradient of more than 30% and/or the temperature of the brakes is greater than 662 °F
(350 °C), when the parking brake is engaged, the warning light will flash to indicate a potentially unsafe condition.
EBD FAILURE
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red) and(amber) warning lights with the engine on indicates either a failure of the
EBD system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when
braking sharply.
Drive very carefully to the nearest Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system inspected immediately.
52
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes);
DTC (Drive Train Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HSA (Hill Start Assist);
AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque);
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping in all
road surface conditions, irrespective of
the intensity of the braking action,
ensuring that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may be
more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system completes the system
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake by wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the brake pedal
command given by pressing the brake
pedal is not transmitted hydraulically but
electronically, therefore, the light
pulsation that could be felt on the pedal
with the traditional system is no longer
perceptible.33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38)
DTC (Drive Train Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
Some versions of this vehicle are
equipped with an automatically
activated/deactivated four-wheel drive
system (AWD), which offers an optimal
drive for countless driving conditions and
road surfaces. The system reduces the
slipping of the tyres to a minimum,
automatically redistributing the torque
to the front and rear wheels, as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the car with
AWD automatically passes to rear-wheel
drive (RWD) when the road and
environmental conditions are such that
they would not cause the tyres to slip.When the road and environmental
conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically goes to AWD mode.
39)
IMPORTANT If the system failure symbol
switches on, after starting the engine or
while driving, it means that the AWD
system is not working properly. If the
warning message activates frequently, it
is recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
40)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car in various
driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the car to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the car’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
vehicle’s understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the car is
72
SAFETY

AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque)SYSTEM
56)
The AST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the AST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring)
SYSTEM
The dynamic drive control is used to
optimize and balance the drive torque
between the wheels of the same axis. The
ATV system improves the grip in turns,
sending more drive torque to the external
wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels
of the car travel more than the internal
ones and therefore turn faster, sending a
higher thrust to the external rear wheel
allows for the car to be more stable and
to not suffer a phenomenon called
"understeer". Understeer occurs when,
during a turn, a car tends to widen the settrajectory, in this situation the lateral
acceleration the car is subjected to
becomes higher that the grip of the tyres,
which are unable to maintain the car in
the trajectory set by the driver through
the steering angle determined by turning
the steering wheel.
WARNING
33)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km
(310 miles) is required: during this period it
is advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
34)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
35)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
36)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
37)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.
38)For the correct operation of the ABS, the
tyres must of necessity be the same make
and type on all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the prescribed type and
dimensions.
39)There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tyre slipping event.40)When a DTC system failure symbol
appears, the driver must be aware of the
different driving reaction and therefore
reduce the speed. The symbol
warns the
driver not to drive in areas that require
four-wheel drive or on snow-covered roads.
41)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
42)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
43)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
44)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and size.
45)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
46)For the correct operation of the TC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
47)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
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SAFETY

when that vehicle is at a greater distance,
thus providing the possibility of acting on
the brakes more lightly and gradually.
This setting provides the drivers with the
maximum possible reaction time to
prevent a potential accident.
With the option set to "Near", the system
will warn the driver of a possible accident
with the vehicle in front when that vehicle
is close. This setting offers the driver a
lower reaction time compared to the
"Med" and "Far" settings, in the event of a
potential accident, but permits more
dynamic driving of the car.
The system sensitivity setting is kept in
the memory when the engine is switched
off.
System limited operation warning
If the dedicated message is displayed, a
condition limiting the system operation
may have occurred. The possible reasons
of this limitation are something blocking
the camera view or a fault.
In this condition it will still be possible to
drive the car normally, but automatic
braking will not be available in the event
of an impending collision.
If an obstruction is signalled, clean the
area of the windscreen indicated in
fig. 61.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to normaland complete operation. Should the fault
persist, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
System failure warning
If the system switches off and a
dedicated message is shown on the
display, it means that there is a fault on
the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the
car, but you are advised to contact an
Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as
possible.
Radar warning not available
If conditions are such that the radar
cannot detect obstacles correctly, the
system is deactivated and a dedicated
message appears on the display. This
generally occurs in the event of poor
visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily.
The system can also be temporarily
dimmed due to obstructions such as mud,
dirt or ice on the bumper. In such cases, a
dedicated message will be shown on the
display and the system will be
deactivated. This message can
sometimes appear in conditions of high
reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with reflective
tiles or ice or snow). When the conditions
limiting the system functions end, this
will go back to normal and complete
operation.In certain particular cases, this dedicated
message could be displayed when the
radar is not detecting any vehicles or
objects within its view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the real
reason behind this message, check if the
sensor is dirty. It could be necessary to
clean or remove any obstructions in the
area shown in fig. 60.
If the message appears often, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such
as snow, rain, mud or other obstructions,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership for a
sensor alignment check.
In the absence of visible obstructions,
cleaning the radar surface, by manually
removing the decorative cover trim,
could be required. Have this operation
performed at an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT It is recommended that you
do not install devices, accessories or
aerodynamic attachments in front of the
sensor or darken it in any way, as this can
compromise the correct functioning of
the system.
79

IMPORTANT It is dangerous to leave the
device activated when it is not used.
There is a risk of inadvertently activating
it and losing control of the vehicle due to
unexpected excessive speed.
Pausing / Deactivating
With the device enabled (speed not set),
press the
button.
With the device activated (speed set),
press the
button to enter the Paused
state. The display shows the white icon
with the speed in brackets. Press the
button again to deactivate the device
completely.
SETTING THE DESIRED SPEED
The speed can be set from a minimum of
30 km/h (or 20 mph for markets with
instrument panels in mph) to a maximum
of 180 km/h (or 110 mph for markets
with instrument panels in mph).
When the car reaches the desired speed,
raise/lower the SET fig. 105 switch and
release it to activate the device. When
the accelerator is released, the vehicle
will keep the selected speed
automaticallyWhile the accelerator pedal is pressed:
the device will not be able to control
the distance between the vehicle and the
one ahead. In this case the speed will be
determined only by the position of the
accelerator pedal.
The device will return to normal
operation as soon as the accelerator
pedal is released.
The systemcannotbe set:
when pressing the brake pedal;
when the brakes are overheated;
when the electric parking brake has
been operated;
when either P (park), R (reverse) or N
(neutral) is engaged;
when the engine rpm is above a
maximum threshold;
when the vehicle speed is not within
the settable speed range;
when the ESC (or ABS or other
stability control systems) are operatingor have just operated;
when the ESC system is off;
when the Forward Collision Warning
Plus system (where provided) is braking
automatically;
in the event of device failure;
when the engine is off;
in case of obstruction of the radar
sensor (in this case the bumper area
where it is located must be cleaned).
In case of system set, the conditions
described above also cause a
cancellation or deactivation of the
system with times that may vary
according to the conditions.
IMPORTANT The device will not be
deactivated when speeds higher than
those set are reached by pressing the
accelerator pedal (180 km/h or 110 mph,
the latter for instrument panels set to
miles per hour). In these conditions, the
device may not work correctly and it is
advisable to deactivate it.
CHANGING SPEED
Speed increase
Once the device has been activated, you
can increase the speed by lifting the SET
switch. Each time it is operated, the
speed increases by 1 mph (1 km/h).
By holding the button up, the set speed
will increase in steps of 6 mph (10 km/h)
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123

until the button is released, then the new
speed will be stored.
Decreasing speed
Once the device has been activated, you
can decrease the speed by lowering the
SET switch. Each time it is operated, the
speed decreases by 1 mph (1 km/h).
By holding the button down, the set
speed will decrease in steps of 6 mph
(10 km/h) until the button is released,
then the new speed will be stored.
IMPORTANT Moving the SET switch
allows you to adjust the speed according
to the selected unit of measurement
("metric" or "imperial") set on the
Connect system (see dedicated
supplement).
Important notes
By keeping the accelerator pedal
depressed, the car can continue to
accelerate beyond the set speed. In this
case, use the SET switch to set the speed
to the vehicle’s current speed.
When the SET button is pressed to
reduce the speed, the braking system
intervenes automatically if the engine
brake does not slow the car down
sufficiently to reach the set speed. The
device holds the set speed uphill and
downhill; however a slight variation is
entirely normal, particularly on slight
gradients.The automatic transmission could change
to a lower gears when driving downhill or
when accelerating. This is normal and
necessary to maintain the set speed.
The device is switched off while driving if
the brakes overheat.
ACCELERATING WHEN OVERTAKING
When driving with the device active and
following a vehicle, the device provides
additional acceleration to facilitate
overtaking, when travelling over a given
speed and switches on the left direction
indicator (of the right indicator for
right-hand drive versions).
In left-hand traffic, the overtaking assist
function is only active when the left-hand
lane is used for overtaking the vehicle
ahead (the opposite activation logic is
used in right-hand traffic countries).
The device detects the direction of
traffic automatically when the vehicle
passes from left-hand traffic to
right-hand traffic. In this case, the
overtaking assist function is only active
when the reference vehicle is overtaken
on the right. The additional acceleration
is activated when the driver uses the
right direction indicator.
In this condition, the device no longer
provides the overtaking assist function
on the left-hand side until it determinesthat the vehicle has returned to left-hand
traffic conditions.
RECALLING THE SPEED
Once the system has been cancelled but
not deactivated, if a speed was
previously set simply press the RES
button and remove your foot from the
accelerator to recall it.
The system will be set to the last stored
speed.
Before returning to the previously set
speed, bring the speed close to that
value, then press the RES button and
release it.
IMPORTANT The recall function must
only be used if the road and traffic
conditions so allow. Recalling an
excessively high or low speed for the
current traffic and road conditions could
cause an acceleration or a deceleration
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124
STARTING AND DRIVING

of the vehicle. Failure to comply with
these precautions may cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
SETTING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN
VEHICLES
The distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead may be set to 1 bar
(short), 2 bars (medium), 3 bars (long),
4 bars (maximum) fig. 107.
The distances from the vehicle ahead are
proportional to speed.
The interval of time with respect to the
vehicle ahead remains constant and
varies from 1 second (for the short
distance 1-bar setting) to 2 seconds (for
the maximum distance 4-bar setting).
The set distance is shown on the display
by a dedicated icon.
The setting is 4 (maximum) the first time
the device is used. After the distance hasbeen modified by the driver, the new
distance will be stored also after the
system is deactivated and reactivated.
To decrease the distance
Press and release the fig. 108 button to
decrease the distance setting. The
distance setting decreases by one bar
(shorter) every time the button is
pressed.
The set speed is held if there are no
vehicles ahead. Once the shortest
distance has been reached, a further
press of the button will set the longest
distance.
If a slower car is detected in the same
lane, the car icon on the display turns
from grey to white. The device
automatically adjusts the car’s speed to
keep the set distance, independently of
the set speed.
The vehicle holds the set distance until:
the vehicle ahead accelerates to a
speed higher than the set speed;
the vehicle ahead leaves the lane or
the detection field of the Active Cruise
Control device sensor;
the distance setting is changed;
the Active Cruise Control device is
deactivated/paused.
IMPORTANT The maximum breaking
applied by the device is limited. The
driver may apply the brakes in all cases if
needed.
IMPORTANT If the device predicts that
the braking level is insufficient to hold
the set distance, either “BRAKE!” or a
dedicated message is displayed to warn
the driver of approaching the vehicle
ahead. An acoustic signal is also emitted.
In this case, it is advisable to brake
immediately as necessary to hold a safe
distance from the vehicle ahead.
IMPORTANT The driver is responsible for
ensuring that there are no pedestrians,
other vehicles or objectives along the
direction of the vehicle. Failure to comply
with these precautions may cause
serious accidents and injuries.
IMPORTANT The driver is fully
responsible for holding a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead respecting the
highway code in force in the respective
country.
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125

“STOP AND GO” STRATEGY
The “Stop and Go” operating strategy
allows you to maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead until the car has
completely stopped. It will also restart
the car automatically if the vehicle ahead
moves off within two seconds, otherwise
it is necessary to press the accelerator
pedal or the RES button to restart.
DEACTIVATION
The device is deactivated and the set
speed is cancelled if:
if thebutton on the Active Cruise
Control is pressed (with the device
enabled or paused);
the ignition device is in the STOP
position;
RACE mode is activated.
The device is cancelled (the set speed
and distance are stored):
when the device is paused (see the
“Activating / Deactivating Active Cruise
Control” paragraph);
when the conditions shown in the
“Setting the desired speed” paragraph
occur;
SYSTEM LIMITED OPERATION
WARNING
If the dedicated message is shown on the
display, a condition limiting the system
operation may have occurred.
The possible reasons of this limitationare something blocking the camera view
or a fault. If an obstruction is signalled,
clean the area of the windscreen
indicated in fig. 102 and check that the
message has disappeared.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to normal
and complete operation.
Should the fault persist, contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE DRIVING
The device may not work correctly in
some driving conditions (see below): the
driver must control the car at all times.
Towing a trailer
Use of the device is not recommended
while towing a trailer.
VEHICLE not aligned
The device may not detect a vehicle
travelling on the same lane but which is
not aligned along the same direction of
travel or a vehicle which is cutting in from
a side lane. Sufficient distance from the
vehicles ahead may not be guaranteed in
these cases.
The non-aligned vehicle can weave in and
out of the driving direction causing the
vehicle to brake or accelerate
unexpectedly.Steering and bends
When cornering with the device set, it
could limit speed and acceleration to
guarantee vehicle stability even if no
vehicles are detected ahead. When
leaving the bend, the device resets the
previously set speed.
IMPORTANT In case of narrow curves,
the performance of the device could be
limited. In this case, it is advisable to
deactivate the device. Moreover,
remember that the device only limits the
speed DURING a bend and not BEFORE
it, so always take great care.
Using the device on gradient
When driving on roads with variable
gradient, the device may not detect the
presence of a vehicle on the lane. Device
performance could be limited according
to speed, load, traffic conditions and
gradient steepness.
Lane change
The device may not detect the presence
of a vehicle until it is fully in your lane. In
this case, sufficient distance from the
vehicle which is changing lane may not be
guaranteed: it is advisable to pay the
utmost attention at all times and be
always ready to press the brakes if
needed.
126
STARTING AND DRIVING

Small cars
Some narrow cars (e.g. bicycles and
motorcycles) travelling near the outer
edges of the lane or which enter the lane
from kerbside are not detected until they
are fully in the lane.
Sufficient distance from the cars ahead
may not be guaranteed in these cases.
Stationary objects and vehicles
The device cannot detect the presence of
stationary vehicles or objects. For
example, the device will not operate if
the vehicle ahead leaves the lane and a
vehicle ahead of that one is standing on
the lane. Pay the utmost attention at all
times and be always ready to press the
brakes if needed.
Objects and cars moving in opposite or
crosswise direction
The device cannot detect the presence of
objects or vehicles travelling in opposite
or at right-angles and consequently will
not be operated.
WARNING
117)Pay the utmost attention while driving
at all times and be always ready to press the
brakes if needed.118)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
119)The device is not activated in presence
of pedestrians, oncoming vehicles in the
opposite direction of travel or moving in the
crosswise direction and stationary objects
(e.g. a vehicle standing in a queue or a broken
down vehicle).
120)The device cannot take account of
road, traffic and weather conditions, and
conditions of poor visibility (e.g. fog).
121)The device does not always fully
recognise complex driving conditions that
could cause it to determine the safe distance
to be held incorrectly or not at all.
122)The device cannot apply the maximum
braking force: the car will not be stopped
completely.
IMPORTANT
41)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such as:
heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
42)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with adhesives,
auxiliary headlights or any other object.
43)Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front geometry,
tyre change, or a heavier load than the
standard load of the vehicle.44)Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may alter
the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership for any operation of this
type.
45)Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of a
sensor failure, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
46)Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical connector.
47)Be careful in the case of repairs and new
paintings in the area around the sensor
(panel covering the sensor on the left side of
the bumper). In the event of a frontal impact
the sensor may automatically deactivate
and display a warning to indicate that the
sensor needs to be repaired. Even without a
malfunction warning, deactivate the system
operation if you think that the position of the
radar sensor has changed (e.g. due to
low-speed frontal impact as during parking
manoeuvres). In these cases, go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership to have the radar sensor
realigned or replaced.
127