ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 2021 Owners Manual

89

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine
and permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the cord to a 110-115 Volt AC elec-
trical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten -
sion cord.
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
the engine block heater is recommended. For
ambient temperatures below -20°F (-29°C),
the engine block heater is required.
Follow the steps below to properly use the
engine block heater:
1. Locate the engine block heater cord (access door on the passenger side wiper
cowl).
2. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a grounded, three-wire exten -
sion cord.
3. After the vehicle is running, properly stow away behind access door on the
passenger side wiper cowl.
NOTE:

The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not
equipped, heater cords are available from
an authorized dealer.

The engine block heater will require 110 Volts
AC and 6.5 Amps to activate the heater
element.

The engine block heater must be plugged in
at least one hour to have a warming effect
on the engine and at least four hours to
have a warming effect when ambient
temperatures are below -20°F (-29°C).
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
Engine Break-In
For both engines, use the following engine
break-in recommendations:

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera
-
tion. This should be considered a normal part
of the break-in period and not interpreted as
an indication of a problem. Please monitor
your oil level during the break-in period and
add oil as required.
It is recommended for the operator to observe
the following driving behaviors during the new
vehicle break-in period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 160 km):
Do not allow the engine to operate at idle for
an extended period of time.

Press the accelerator pedal slowly and not
more than halfway to avoid rapid acceleration.

Avoid aggressive braking.

Drive with the engine speed less than
3,500 RPM.

Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph
(88 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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100 to 300 miles (160 to 483 km):
Press the accelerator pedal slowly and not
more than halfway to avoid rapid accelera-
tion in lower gears (FIRST to THIRD gears).
Avoid aggressive braking.

Drive with the engine speed less than
5,000 RPM.

Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph
(112 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
Exercise the full engine RPM range, shifting
manually (paddles or gear shift) at higher
RPM when possible.
Do not perform sustained operation with
the accelerator pedal at wide open throttle.
Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph
(136 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
For the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km):
Do not participate in track events, sport
driving schools, or similar activities during
the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km).

NOTE:

Monitor engine oil with every refueling and add
if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher through the first oil change interval.
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
The EPB features a switch located on the
center console, a caliper with motor for each
rear wheel, and an electronic control module.
Electric Park Brake Switch
The EPB can be engaged in two ways:
Manually, by pulling the switch on the
center console.
Automatically, in “Safe Hold” or “Auto Park
Brake” conditions.

NOTE:

Normally, the EPB is engaged automatically
when the engine is stopped. This function can
be deactivated/activated on the Information
and Entertainment system by selecting the
following items in sequence on the main
menu: “Settings”, “Driver Assistance” and
“Automatic Parking Brake”. In addition to engaging the EPB, along with
steering and positioning chocks in front of the
wheels (when on a steep slope), you must
always place the vehicle in the PARK (P) mode
before leaving.

Should the vehicle battery be faulty, the battery
must be replaced in order to unlock the EPB.

Engaging The EPB Manually
Briefly pull the switch located on the center
console to manually engage the EPB when the
vehicle is stationary.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle when engaging the EPB.
A slight movement of the brake pedal may be
detected when engaging the EPB with the
brake pedal pressed.
With the EPB engaged, the BRAKE warning
light on the instrument panel and the switch
will illuminate. CAUTION!
With the EPB failure warning light on, some
functions of the EPB are deactivated. In this
case the driver is responsible for brake
activation and vehicle parking in complete
safety conditions.
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91

(Continued)

If, under exceptional circumstances, the use of
the brake is required with the vehicle in motion,
keep the switch on the center console pulled as
long as the brake action is necessary.

The BRAKE warning light may turn on with the
hydraulic system temporarily unavailable; in
this case braking is controlled by the motors.
The brake lights will also automatically turn on
in the same way as for normal braking with the
use of the brake pedal.
Release the switch on the center console to
stop the braking action with the vehicle in
motion.
If, through this procedure, the vehicle is
braked until a speed below 1.9 mph (3 km/h)
is reached and the switch is kept pulled, the
parking brake will definitively engage.

NOTE:

Driving the vehicle with the EPB engaged, or
using it several times to slow down the vehicle,
may cause severe damage to the braking
system.Disengaging The EPB Manually
In order to manually release the parking brake,
the ignition should be in the ACC mode. Press
the brake pedal, and then push the switch on
the center console briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the
vehicle, and a slight movement of the brake
pedal may be detected during disengagement.
After disengaging the Electric Park Brake, the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
and the light on the switch will turn off.
If the BRAKE warning light on the instrument
panel remains on with the EPB disengaged,
this indicates a fault: in this case, contact an
authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat
-
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle or in a location accessible to chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

Be sure the parking brake is fully disen -
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
Never use gear position PARK (P) instead of
the EPB. Always engage the EPB when
parking the vehicle to prevent injury or
damage caused by the unexpected
movement of the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
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(Continued)
Electric Park Brake (EPB) Operating Modes
The EPB may operate as follows:
“Dynamic Operating Mode”: this mode is
activated by pulling the switch repeatedly
while driving.
“Static Engagement and Release Mode”:
with the vehicle stationary, the EPB can be
activated by pulling the switch on the center
console once. Push the switch and the
brake pedal at the same time to disengage
the brake.
“Drive Away Release”: the EPB will automat-
ically disengage with the driver side seat
belt fastened and the detection of an action
performed by the driver to move the vehicle
(forward gear or reverse gear). This feature
can be turned on or off in the Information
and Entertainment System.

NOTE:

If the car is equipped with carbon-ceramic
brake discs, it is necessary to fasten the seat
belts or turn off the EPB before starting to
avoid damages to the ceramic brake discs.
“Safe Hold”: if the vehicle speed is lower
than 1.9 mph (3 km/h), the gear selector is
not in PARK (P) position and the driver's
intention of leaving the vehicle is detected,
the EPB will automatically engage to hold
the vehicle in safety conditions.
“Auto Park Brake”: if the vehicle speed is
below 1.9 mph (3 km/h), the EPB will auto -
matically engage when the gear selector is
in PARK (P) position. The light on the switch
located on the center console switches on
together with the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the parking
brake is engaged and applied to the wheels.
Each automatic parking brake engagement
can be canceled by pressing the switch on
the center console and at the same time
moving the gear selector for the transmis -
sion to position PARK (P).
Safe Hold
Safe Hold is a safety function that automati -
cally engages the Electric Park Brake in the
event of a dangerous condition for the vehicle.
The Electric Park Brake engages automatically
to prevent vehicle movement if:
The vehicle speed is below 2 mph (3 km/h).
A transmission operating mode different
from PARK (P) is activated.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
The driver side door is open.
No attempts to apply pressure on the brake
pedal have been detected.
The vehicle is parked on roads with a slope
of more than 4%. The “Safe Hold” function can be temporarily
disabled by pushing the switch located on the
center console and the brake pedal at the
same time, with the vehicle stationary and the
driver side door open.
Once disabled, the function will activate again
when the vehicle speed reaches 12 mph
(20 km/h) or the ignition is cycled to OFF and
then to ACC.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically
controlled 8-speed automatic transmission
where gear shifting automatically takes place,
depending on the vehicle usage instanta
-
neous parameters (vehicle speed, grade, and
accelerator pedal position).
Manual gear shifting can still occur thanks to
the “sequential mode” position for the gear
selector.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
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(Continued)
Display
The following information is shown on the
dedicated area of the display:
In Automatic Mode: the active mode (P, R,
N, D) with "D" as the current gear number.
In Manual Drive Mode (Sequential) : the
mode (M) with the current gear and the
double or single gear shift request, use both
up and down (single or double arrow).
Gear Display
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the igni -
tion is in the OFF mode, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
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Gear Selector
The gear functioning is controlled by the gear
selector, which can assume the following posi-
tions:
P = PARK
R = REVERSE
N = NEUTRAL
D = DRIVE (automatic forward speed)
AutoStick : using + manually shift to higher
gear; – to manually shift to lower gear
The positions diagram is illustrated on the top
of the gear selector.
Gear Selector Center Console
The letter corresponding to the mode selected
on the gear selector lights up and appears on
the instrument cluster display. To select a mode, move the gear selector
forward or backwards, together with pressing
the brake pedal and gear selector button to
engage REVERSE (R).
Gear Selector
The gear selector is a joystick style shifting
mechanism which returns to the center posi -
tion automatically. It can be pushed forward
twice and rearward twice, based on the
starting condition.
The PARK (P) mode can be enabled/disabled
by pushing the PARK (P) button.
To transition the vehicle into REVERSE (R)
mode from DRIVE (D) mode, or into DRIVE (D)
mode from REVERSE (R) mode, it is necessary
to move the gear selector by pushing the gear
selector button. When using AutoStick to change gears, move
the gear selector left from DRIVE (D) and then
forward toward the - symbol or backward
toward the + symbol and the gear is changed.
To shift out of PARK (P), or to pass from posi
-
tion NEUTRAL (N) to position DRIVE (D) or
REVERSE (R), the vehicle must be moving at a
low speed or stopped, and the brake pedal
must also be pressed.

NOTE:
DO NOT accelerate while shifting from posi -
tion PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to another
position.
After selecting a gear, wait a few seconds
before accelerating. This precaution is
particularly important with a engine cold.
Transmission Operating Modes
PARK (P)
The transmission is locked in this mode. The
engine can be started in this mode.

NOTE:

Never try to engage PARK (P) mode when the
vehicle is moving. Before leaving the vehicle,
make sure this mode is engaged (letter P
shown on the display and gear selector) and
that the parking brake is engaged.
When parking on a flat surface, first engage
the PARK (P) mode and then engage the Elec -
tric Park Brake.
1 — Gear Selector
2 — PARK (P) Button
3 — Gear Selector Button
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95

(Continued)
When parking uphill, before activating the
PARK (P) mode, engage the Electric Park
Brake. Otherwise, it could be difficult to
engage the (P) mode.
To check that the PARK (P) mode is actually
engaged, make sure (P) is illuminated on the
display and on the gear selector.REVERSE (R)
Select this mode only with the vehicle at a
standstill.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
The engine may be started in this range. Apply
the Electric Park Brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK (P) if you must leave the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition STOP/OFF. When the
ignition is in the STOP/OFF mode, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the STOP/OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued) CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must push the
ignition button to cycle from STOP/OFF
mode to the ON mode, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the
gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
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DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving conditions.
Shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or
REVERSE (R) modes must take place only after
releasing the accelerator pedal, with vehicle at
a standstill and brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic engagement of
the most suitable gears for driving needs and
maximum fuel economy in terms of consump-
tion.
In this position, the transmission shifts the
gears automatically, selecting the most suit -
able for forward driving among those available
as you go. This ensures the vehicle's optimal
driving characteristics are provided for all
conditions.
AutoStick
In the case of frequent shifting (e.g. for sport
driving, when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load or on slopes), it is recommended to use
the Autostick (sequential shifting) mode to
select and keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, the use of a lower gear
improves vehicle performance, preventing
overheating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D) mode to
sequential mode regardless of vehicle speed. Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D), move the selector to
the left (– and + indication of the trim) to acti
-
vate the sequential drive mode. The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear selector
forwards, towards symbol – or backwards,
towards symbol +.
Steering Wheel Shift Paddles — If Equipped
The gear can also be manually shifted by using
the paddles behind the steering wheel. Pull
the right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel
and release it to engage a higher gear, and
perform the same operation with the left
paddle (-) to engage a lower gear.
Steering Wheel Shift Paddles

NOTE:

If only one manual shift is necessary, the letter
(D) will remain on the display with the engaged
gear next to it. Deactivation
To deactivate the sequential driving mode,
bring the gear selector back in position DRIVE
(D) (“automatic” driving mode).

NOTE:

To select the correct gear for maximum
deceleration (engine brake), just keep the
gear paddle pulled (–): the transmission
goes to an operating mode in which the
vehicle can slow down easily.
The vehicle will keep the gear selected by
the driver until the safety conditions allow it.
This means, for example, that the system
will try to prevent the engine from switching
off, automatically downshifting if the engine
speed is too low.
WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.

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97

Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission
damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated.
In this condition, the transmission stays in
FOURTH gear, regardless of the selected gear.
Positions PARK (P), REVERSE (R) and
NEUTRAL (N) still work.
The symbol might light up in the instrument
cluster.
Temporary failure
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P), if possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N).
3. Push and hold the ignition until the engine turns off.
4. Wait for about 10 seconds, then restart the engine.
5. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the trans -
mission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An
authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could reoccur. If the
transmission cannot be reset, service is
required at an authorized dealer.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system
that holds the gear selector in PARK (P) unless
the brakes are applied.
This system prevents you from moving the
gear selector from position PARK (P) unless
the brakes are applied.
To shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the
ignition must be placed in the ON/RUN mode
(engine running or not) and the brake pedal
must be pressed.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock Disabling
Only if strictly necessary (e.g. pushing the
vehicle, conveyor vehicle washing systems)
inhibit the automatic activation of PARK (P)
mode when stopping the engine, or proceed
as described below:
1. Vehicle at a standstill.
2. NEUTRAL (N) mode activated.
3. Push the ignition button for at least three
seconds. The automatic parking brake engagement
function when the engine is stopped can also
be deactivated on the Information and Enter
-
tainment system by selecting the following
functions on the main menu: “Settings”,
“Driver Assistance” and “Automatic Parking
Brake”.
Important Notes
Failure to comply with what is reported below
may damage the transmission:
Shift into PARK (P) mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill.
Select REVERSE (R) mode, or pass from
REVERSE to another mode only with the
vehicle at a standstill and engine idling.
Do not change between PARK (P), REVERSE
(R), NEUTRAL (N) or DRIVE (D) modes with
engine running at a speed above idling.
Before activating any transmission oper -
ating mode, fully press the brake pedal.

NOTE:

The unexpected movement of the vehicle can
injure the occupants or people nearby. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running:
before getting out of the passenger compart -
ment always engage the Electric Park Brake,
select the PARK (P) mode and stop the engine.
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(Continued)
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a
vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the igni-
tion is in the OFF mode, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued) CAUTION!
Only engage the gear with engine at idling
while fully pressing the brake pedal. If the
transmission temperature exceeds the
normal operating limits, the transmission
control unit may change the gear engage -
ment order and reduce the drive torque. If
the transmission overheats, it could
operate incorrectly until it cools down.
When using the vehicle with extremely low
external temperatures, the transmission
operation may change depending on the
engine and transmission temperature, as
well as vehicle speed. Activation of the
torque converter clutch and of the EIGHTH
gear is inhibited until the transmission oil
is correctly warmed up. Complete opera -
tion of the transmission will be enabled as
soon as the fluid temperature reaches the
predefined value.
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