service ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 2021 User Guide

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

84

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM
Operation
The Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD) carries
out a continuous diagnosis of the components
of the vehicle related to emissions.
It also alerts the driver of when these compo-
nents are no longer in peak condition by
switching on the warning light on the instru -
ment panel
Ú
page 73.
The aim of the OBD system (Onboard Diag -
nostic) is to:
Monitor the efficiency of the system
Indicate an increase in emissions
Indicate the need to replace damaged
components The vehicle also has a connector, which can
interface with appropriate tools, that makes it
possible to read the error codes stored in the
electronic control units together with a series
of specific parameters for engine operation
and diagnosis. This check can be carried out
by an authorized dealer.

NOTE:

After eliminating a fault, to check the system
completely, an authorized dealer is obliged to
run tests and, if necessary certain road tests.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information
related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may
need to access this information to assist with
the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to read the VIN,
diagnose, or service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems,
could be impaired or a loss of vehicle
control could occur that may result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access,
information stored in your vehicle
systems, including personal informa-
tion.
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85

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal require-
ment to pass an inspection of your vehicle's
emissions control system. Failure to pass
could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M), this check
verifies the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The
OBD II system may not be ready if your vehicle
was recently serviced, recently had a depleted
battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II
system should be determined not ready for the
I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated
test, which you can use prior to going to the
test station. To check if your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready, you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON posi -
tion, but do not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:

If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over. 2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to
the ON position, you will see the Malfunc -
tion Indicator Light (MIL) symbol come on
as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds
and then return to being fully illumi-
nated until you turn OFF the ignition or
start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is not ready and
you should not proceed to the I/M
station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will
remain fully illuminated until you place the ignition in the off position or start
the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready and you
can proceed to the I/M station. If your

OBD II system is
not ready, you should
see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If
your vehicle was recently serviced or had a
battery failure or replacement, you may need
to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as
you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above
test routine may then indicate that the system
is now ready .
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation you should
have your vehicle serviced before going to the
I/M station. The I/M station can fail your
vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
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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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SAFETY

158

TPMS Temporarily Disabled:
TPMS Check Message
When a system fault is detected, the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds, and then
remain on solid. The system fault will also
sound a chime. If the ignition is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, provided that the system
fault still exists. The Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light will turn off when the
fault condition no longer exists. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:
Jamming due to electronic devices or
driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors.
Installing some form of aftermarket window
tinting that affects radio wave signals.
Packed snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
Using tire chains on the vehicle.
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors.
After the punctured tire has been repaired
with the original tire sealant contained in the
Tire Kit, the previous condition must be
restored so that the Warning Light is off
during normal driving. TPMS Deactivation
The TPMS can be deactivated by replacing all
four wheel and tire assemblies (road tires)
with wheel and tire assemblies that do not
have TPMS sensors, such as when installing
winter wheel and tire assemblies on your
vehicle.
To deactivate the TPMS, first replace all four
wheel and tire assemblies (road tires) with
tires not equipped with Tire Pressure Moni
-
toring System sensors. Then, drive the vehicle
for 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The
TPMS will chime, the TPMS Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on. The instrument cluster will display
the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message and
then display dashes (--) in place of the pres -
sure values.
Beginning with the next ignition switch cycle,
the TPMS will no longer chime or display the
“SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message in the
instrument cluster. Instead, dashes (--) will
remain in place of the pressure values.
To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires
equipped with TPMS sensors. Then, drive the
vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h). The TPMS will chime, the TPMS
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then turn off. The instrument cluster will display the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message and then display pressure
values in place of the dashes. On the next igni
-
tion switch cycle the "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM"
message will no longer be displayed, as long
as no system fault exists.

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 pres -
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire will
cause the tire to overheat, and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi -
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if
underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire
Ú
page 273.
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159

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
Occupant Restraint Systems Features
Seat Belt Systems
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air
Bags
Child Restraints

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.

Important Safety Precautions
Please pay close attention to the information
in this section. It tells you how to use your
restraint system properly, to keep you and
your passengers as safe as possible.

Here are some simple steps you can take to mini -
mize the risk of harm from a deploying air bag:

1. Children 12 years old and under should always ride buckled up in the rear seat of
a vehicle with a rear seat.
2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly must be secured
in the appropriate child restraint or
belt-positioning booster seat in a rear
seating position
Ú
page 174. 3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a
rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the
front passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible and use the proper child
restraint
Ú
page 174.
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
5. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that
you are using it properly.
6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly.
7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical
to allow the front air bags room to inflate.
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side air bags, and deploy -
ment occurs, the side air bags will inflate
forcefully into the space between occu -
pants and the door and occupants could
be injured.
9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate a disabled
person, see
Ú
page 270 for customer
service contact information.
Seat Belt Systems
Buckle up even though you are an excellent
driver, even on short trips. Someone on the
road may be a poor driver and could cause a
collision that includes you. This can happen far
away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives,
and they can reduce the seriousness of inju -
ries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries
happen when people are thrown from the
vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of
ejection and the risk of injury caused by
striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a
motor vehicle should be belted at all times.
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint
in that vehicle.
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165

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking
Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt
and allow it to retract completely to disengage
the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.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 wiring associated with the
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your
vehicle may be equipped with the following 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
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition
switch is in the OFF position or in the ACC posi -
tion, the air bag system is not on and the air
bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system
even if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.

The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight
seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch
is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off.
If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of
the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light,
either momentarily or continuously. A single
chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.

The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illu -
minate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could
affect the air bag system. The diagnostics also
record the nature of the malfunction. While
the air bag system is designed to be mainte - 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 colli-
sions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain 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 harness for
restraining the child.
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SAFETY

166

nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter-
mittently or remains on while driving.

NOTE:

If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be
disabled. In this condition the air bags may not
be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could affect
the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light will illuminate on the instrument
panel. The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
will stay on until the fault is cleared. In addi -
tion, a single chime will sound to alert you that
the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light has
come on and a fault has been detected. If the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving have
an authorized dealer service the vehicle imme -
diately.
For additional information regarding the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light, see

Ú
page 73.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/
shoulder belts for both the driver and front
passenger. The front air bags are a supple -
ment to the seat belt restraint systems. The
driver front air bag is mounted in the center of
the steering wheel. The passenger front air
bag is mounted in the instrument panel, above
the glove compartment. The words “SRS
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air
bag covers. Driver Air Bag
Passenger Air Bag
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t
have the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a
bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if
it comes on as you drive, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
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171

The Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners
will not deploy in all rollover events. The roll-
over sensing system determines if a rollover
event may be in progress and whether deploy -
ment is appropriate. In the event the vehicle
experiences a rollover or near rollover event,
and deployment is appropriate, the rollover
sensing system will deploy the side air bags
and seat belt pretensioners on both sides of
the vehicle.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial
or complete ejection of vehicle occupants
through side windows in certain rollover or
side impact events.
Air Bag System Components

NOTE:

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni -
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting
wiring associated with electrical Air Bag
System Components listed below:
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
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.

NOTE:

Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is
wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air
bags, any or all of the following may occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the
occupants as the air bags deploy and
unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction
rope burns or those you might get sliding
along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are
not caused by contact with chemicals. They
are not permanent and normally heal
quickly. However, if you haven’t healed
significantly within a few days, or if you have
any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a
normal by-product of the process that
generates the non-toxic gas used for air bag
inflation. These airborne particles may irri -
tate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you
have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area
with cool water. For nose or throat irritation,
move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufac -
turer’s instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags
have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you.

NOTE:

Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air
bag deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!

Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners
cannot protect you in another collision. Have
the air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and the
seat belt retractor assemblies replaced by an
authorized dealer immediately. Also, have the
Occupant Restraint Controller System
serviced as well.

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SAFETY

174

Maintaining Your Air Bag System Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time, typically 30
seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better under -
standing of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE:

EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name,
gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforce
-
ment, could combine the EDR data with the
type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the
vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as
law enforcement, that have the special equip -
ment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
Child Restraints
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled
up at all times, including babies and children.
Every state in the United States, and every
Canadian province, requires that small chil -
dren ride in proper restraint systems. This is
the law, and you can be prosecuted for
ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger should ride prop -
erly buckled up in a rear seat, if available.
According to crash statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!

Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you need
it. You could be injured if the air bag system
is not there to protect you. Do not modify the
components or wiring, including adding any
kind of badges or stickers to the steering
wheel hub trim cover or the upper passenger
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify
the front fascia/bumper, vehicle body struc -
ture, or add aftermarket side steps or
running boards.

It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell
anyone who works on your vehicle that it
has an air bag system.
Do not attempt to modify any part of your
air bag system. The air bag may inflate
accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer for any air bag
system service. If your seat, including your
trim cover and cushion, needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment
bolts), take the vehicle to an authorized
dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat
accessories may be used. If it is necessary
to modify the air bag system for persons
with disabilities, contact an authorized
dealer.
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175

There are different sizes and types of
restraints for children from newborn size to
the child almost large enough for an adult
safety belt. Always check the child seat
Owner’s Manual to make sure you have the
correct seat for your child. Carefully read and
follow all the instructions and warnings in the
child restraint Owner’s Manual and on all the
labels attached to the child restraint.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure
that it has a label certifying that it meets all
applicable Safety Standards. You should alsomake sure that you can install it in the vehicle
where you will use it.

NOTE:

For additional information, refer to

http://
www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers
or
call: 1–888–327–4236
Canadian residents should refer to Trans -
port Canada’s website for additional infor -
mation:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/
road/child-car-seat-safety.html

Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child can
become a projectile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on
your lap could become so great that you
could not hold the child, no matter how
strong you are. The child and others could
be badly injured or killed. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint
for the child’s size.
Child Size, Height, Weight Or AgeRecommended Type Of Child Restraint
Infants and Toddlers Children who are two years old or younger
and who have not reached the height or
weight limits of their child restraint Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible Child
Restraint, facing rearward in a rear seat of
the vehicle
Small Children Children who are at least two years old or
who have outgrown the height or weight limit
of their rear-facing child restraint Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a
five-point Harness, facing forward in a rear
seat of the vehicle
Larger Children Children who have outgrown their
forward-facing child restraint, but are too
small to properly fit the vehicle’s seat belt Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle
seat belt, seated in a rear seat of the vehicle
Children Too Large for Child Restraints Children 12 years old or younger, who have
outgrown the height or weight limit of their
booster seat Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in a rear seat of the
vehicle
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