warning light ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 2021 Repair Manual

SAFETY

168

Front Air Bag Operation
Front Air Bags are designed to provide addi-
tional protection by supplementing the seat
belts. Front air bags are not expected to
reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or roll -
over collisions. The front air bags will not
deploy in all frontal collisions, including some
that may produce substantial vehicle damage
— for example, some pole collisions, truck
underrides, and angle offset collisions.
On the other hand, depending on the type and
location of impact, front air bags may deploy in
crashes with little vehicle front-end damage
but that produce a severe initial deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle
deceleration over time, vehicle speed and
damage by themselves are not good indicators
of whether or not an air bag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in
all collisions, and also are needed to help keep
you in position, away from an inflating air bag.
When the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
detects a collision requiring the front air bags,
it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the front
air bags. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper passenger side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way as the air
bags inflate to their full size. The front air bags
fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink
your eyes. The front air bags then quickly
deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the
knees of the driver and front passenger, and
position the front occupants for improved
interaction with the front air bags.
Supplemental Driver And Front Passenger
Knee Air Bags
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental
Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument
panel below the steering column and a
Supplemental Passenger Knee Air Bag
mounted in the instrument panel below the
glove compartment. The Supplemental Knee
Air Bags provide enhanced protection during a
frontal impact by working together with the
seat belts, pretensioners, and front air bags.
Driver Knee Air Bag
Front Passenger Knee Air Bag
WARNING!
Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee
impact bolsters in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the knee
impact bolsters such as alarm lights,
stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
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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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187
(Continued)
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE
CARGO AREA.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm
your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown
about and possibly injured, or injure a
passenger during panic braking or in a colli-
sion.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if
equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that
are secured by seat belts.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immedi -
ately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have
been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question
regarding seat belt or retractor condition,
replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning light will turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the
light is either not on during starting, stays on,
or turns on while driving, have the system
inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. After the bulb check, this light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault
with the Air Bag System has been detected. It
will stay on until the fault is removed. If the
light comes on intermittently or remains on
while driving, have an authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately
Ú
page 159.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode
and place the blower control on high speed.
You should be able to feel the air directed
against the windshield. See an authorized
dealer for service if your defroster is inoper -
able.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. Only use a floor mat that does not
interfere with the operation of the accelerator,
brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
that is securely attached using the floor mat
fasteners so it cannot slip out of position and
interfere with the accelerator, brake or clutch
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle
in other ways.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly. WARNING!

An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or
stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat
using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT
install your floor mat upside down or turn
your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm
mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
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SAFETY

188

(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel or brake fluid leaks are suspected the
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before
installing any other floor mat. NEVER
install or stack an additional floor mat on
top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured
to your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and
year of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interfer -
ence. If your floor mat interferes with the
operation of any pedal, or is not secure to
the floor, remove the floor mat from the
vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
WARNING! (Continued)
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals then re-install the floor
mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

192

(Continued)
SOS - Emergency Call System Limitations

When the ignition switches to the RUN position,
the Emergency Call system runs a routine check.
During this check, a red indicator will illuminate
for about three seconds. This signal must not be
confused with a fault warning. In the event of a
malfunction, the red indicator would remain on.
If the SOS - Emergency Call system detects a
malfunction, any of the following may occur at
the time the malfunction is detected:

NOTE:

The SOS Call function may not be available for
the first minute after the vehicle is started
The LED next to the SOS button will be
continuously illuminated red.
The Emergency Call system is powered by
its own non-rechargeable battery to ensure
operation, even when the vehicle battery is
discharged or disconnected. When system
battery is discharged, the instrument
cluster display will show a special message,
different than other messages referring to
other types of faults. In this case, the
system works only if powered by the
vehicle’s battery.
The instrument cluster will display a
message alerting you to contact the Service
Network along with a failure warning light.Even if the SOS - Emergency Call system is fully
functional, external or uncontrolled factors
may prevent or stop SOS - Emergency Call
operation. These include, but are not limited
to, the following factors:
The key fob has been removed from the
vehicle, and the delayed accessories mode
is active.
The ignition is in OFF position.
The vehicle’s electrical systems are not
intact.
The SOS - Emergency Call system software
and/or hardware is damaged during a
vehicle collision.
There are network problems that could limit
or impair service operation (e.g., error by
operator, busy network, bad weather, etc.).
If the vehicle battery connection fails due to a
collision or accident, the system can support
an SOS - Emergency Call for a limited period of
time. If the battery is disconnected for service,
the system turns off. In this case, it will be
possible to make an SOS - Emergency Call only
when the battery is reconnected to the
vehicle’s electrical system. System Requirements
Vehicle must have an operable 3G network
connection.
Vehicle must be powered with a properly
functioning electrical system.
The ignition must be in the RUN or ACC posi
-
tion.
WARNING!
Never place anything on or near the
vehicle’s 3G and GPS aerials. You could
prevent 3G and GPS signal reception,
which can prevent your vehicle from
placing an emergency call. An operable
3G network connection and a GPS signal
is required for the SOS-Emergency Call
system to function properly.
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193

(Continued)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens if I accidentally push the SOS -
Emergency Call Button? You have 10 seconds
after pushing the emergency button to cancel
the call. To cancel the call, push the button
again.
What type of information is sent when I make
an SOS - Emergency Call from my vehicle?
Certain vehicle information, such as the VIN, is
transmitted along with last known GPS loca-
tion. Also note that emergency service opera -
tors may record conversations and sounds
within your vehicle once a connection is made,
and by using the service you consent to having
this information shared.
When can I use the SOS - Emergency
Call button? You can ONLY Use the
SOS - Emergency Call button to
make a call if you or someone else
needs emergency assistance.

Do not add any aftermarket electrical
equipment to the vehicle’s electrical
system. This may prevent your vehicle from
sending a signal to initiate an emergency
call. To avoid interference that can cause
the SOS-Emergency Call system to fail,
never add aftermarket equipment (e.g.,
two-way mobile radio, CB radio, data
recorder, etc.) to your vehicle’s electrical
system or modify the antennas on your
vehicle. IF YOUR VEHICLE AND SYSTEM
LOSES BATTERY POWER FOR ANY REASON
(INCLUDING DURING OR AFTER AN ACCI -
DENT) THE SOS FEATURES, APPS AND
SERVICES AMONG OTHERS WILL NOT
OPERATE.

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
turns on the air bag warning light in the
instrument cluster if a malfunction in any
part of the air bag system is detected. If
the air bag warning light is illuminated, the
air bag system may not be working prop -
erly and the SOS-Emergency Call system
may not be able to send a signal to an
emergency service operator. If the air bag
warning light is illuminated, contact the
Service Network to have the air bag
system checked immediately.
WARNING! (Continued)
Ignoring the LED on the SOS-Emergency
Call button could mean you will not have
emergency call services if needed. If the
LED on SOS-Emergency Call button is illu -
minated red, contact the Service Network
to have the emergency call system
checked immediately.
If anyone in the vehicle could be in danger
(e.g., fire or smoke is visible, dangerous
road conditions or location), do not wait
for voice contact from an emergency
service operator. All occupants should exit
the vehicle immediately and move to a
safe location.
Failure to perform scheduled mainte -
nance and regularly inspect your vehicle
may result in vehicle damage, accident or
injury.
WARNING! (Continued)
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197

12. Apply the adhesive label from the sealantbottle where it can be easily seen by the
driver as a reminder that the tire has been
treated with a Tire Service Kit, as well as
not to exceed the speed restriction for the
treated tire.Checking And Restoring Tire Pressure
The compressor can also be used to check
and, if necessary, restore the tire pressure.
Proceed as follows:
1. Release the quick connector and connectit directly to the valve of the tire to be
inflated.
2. Push the air release button.
Air Compressor Components
Sealant Cartridge Replacement

NOTE:

Only use original cartridges, which can be
purchased at an authorized dealer.
Proceed as follows:
1. Remove the sealant cartridge by pushingthe release button located on the side of
the compressor.
2. Insert the new sealant cartridge by pushing downward firmly.
Sealant Cartridge Replacement
WARNING!
Do not adhere the speed restriction sticker
to the padded area on the steering wheel.
Adhering the speed restriction sticker to the
padded area on the steering wheel is
dangerous because the air bag may not
operate (deploy) normally resulting in
serious injury. In addition, do not adhere
the sticker to areas where warning lights or
the speedometer cannot be viewed.
7 — Air Release Button
8 — Quick Connector
9 — Release Button
1 — Sealant Cartridge
9 — Release Button
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

200

Cable Disconnection
Once the engine is started, remove the
connection cables in reverse sequence, as
described below:
1. Disconnect the negative (-) jumper cablefrom the remote negative (-) post of the
discharged vehicle.
2. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable from the negative (-) post of
the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the opposite end of the posi -
tive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+)
post of the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start
your vehicle, you should have the battery and
charging system inspected at an authorized
dealer.Bump Starting
Never jump start the engine by pushing,
towing or coasting downhill.

NOTE:

You cannot start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission by pushing it.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
Engine overheating may occur in situations of
extreme environmental temperatures,
frequent engine stops/starts, or driving in
heavy traffic. If the engine becomes over -
heated, the Engine Temperature Warning
Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
along with a dedicated message
Ú
page 73.
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the
transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not
increase engine idle speed.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control
to maximum heat, the mode control to floor
and the blower control to high. This allows
the heater core to act as a supplement to
the radiator and aids in removing heat from
the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s
battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular
phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough without engine operation, the
vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent the
engine from starting.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge
reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service.
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204

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Correct servicing permits the performance of
the vehicle to be maintained over time, as well
as limited running costs and safeguarding the
efficiency of the safety systems.
This chapter explains how.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for guaranteeing a
long life for the vehicle under the best condi-
tions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has planned a
series of checks and services for your vehicle
at fixed intervals based on distance and time,
as described in the Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Before each service, it is always necessary to
carefully follow the instructions in the Sched -
uled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically check
level of fluids, tire pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by an autho -
rized dealer according to a set time schedule.
If, during each operation, in addition to the
ones scheduled, the need arises for further
replacements or repairs, these may be carried
out with the owner’s explicit consent only.

NOTE:

Scheduled Servicing intervals are required by
FCA US LLC. Failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
You are advised to inform an authorized
dealer of any small operating irregularities
without waiting for the next service.
Periodic Checks
Every month or every 600 miles (1,000 km) or
before long trips check and, if necessary, top
off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level (if insufficient, see an
authorized dealer as soon as possible).
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.

Operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights,
etc.).

Operation of windshield washing/wiping
system and positioning/wear of wiper
blades.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Oil consumption of the engine depends on
conditions and driving style. For this reason,
the engine oil level must be checked every
1,860 miles (3,000 km), and top off if neces -
sary
Ú
page 213.
Heavy Usage Of The Vehicle
If the vehicle is used under one of the following
conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated journeys less than 4 miles
(7 km) at sub-zero outside temperatures.
Engine often idling or driving long distances
at low speeds or long periods of inactivity.
In the event of a long period of inactivity.
The following checks must be carried out more
often than indicated in the Scheduled
Servicing Plan:
Check cleanliness of hood and trunk locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of: engine, trans -
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust/fuel
system/brakes) and rubber elements
(sleeves/bushes, etc.).
Check battery charge and battery fluid level
(electrolyte).
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory
drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change engine oil
and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace cabin air
filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace engine air
cleaner.
Severe Duty All Models
Vehicles that are operated in a dusty and
off-road environment, or predominately at idle
or very low engine RPM are known as Severe
Duty vehicles. It is recommended that you
change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)
or 350 hours of engine run time.
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205

Maintenance Plan — 2.0L Engine
Thousands of miles102030405060708090100110120130140150
Years123456789101112131415
Thousands of kilometers163248648096112128144160176192208224240
SOS back up battery replacement (if equipped)1●●●
Check battery charge status with the proper
instrument
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary. Check the tire repair kit recharge
condition and expiration date
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlights,
direction indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid,
passenger compartment, glove compartment,
instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Check engine control system operation (via
diagnostic tool) and, if equipped, engine oil
degradation
2●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel
system, brakes), rubber elements (sleeves, bushes,
etc.)
●●●●●●●
Check position/wear of front windshield wiper blade●●●●●●●●
Check operation of the windshield wiper/washer
system and adjust nozzles, if necessary
●●●●●●●●
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