light Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2015 Owner's Guide

ESC SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
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 car.
30) 31) 32) 33) 34)
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
car’s understeer or oversteer.
❒Oversteer: occurs when the car is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
❒Understeer: occurs when the car is
turning less than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.The ESC system also includes the
following systems:
❒EBD
❒ABS
❒CBC
❒ASR
❒HILL HOLDER
❒HBA
❒MSR
❒DST
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒"PRE-FILL" (RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of
the ESC system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear
wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the car, preventing sudden locking
of the rear wheels and the consequent
instability of the car.
ABS
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 car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes when braking
and 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 car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
62
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

System intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and
noise indicates the intervention of the
ABS: this is completely normal when
the system intervenes.
35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41)
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control) SYSTEM
The system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the
inside of the corner (less affected by the
weight of the car) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction
for the car.
ASR (Anti-Slip
Regulation) SYSTEM
42) 43) 44)
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and automatically operates in
the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:❒if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, it also intervenes
automatically, braking the wheel that
is slipping.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and gearbox
in neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
❒downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is
reached, or in any case for a maximum
of 2 seconds, allowing your right foot
to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage it is possible to hear a
typical mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of
the car.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the car without having engaged
the handbrake, turned the engine
off and engaged first gear, so that it is
parked in safe conditions (for further
information read the "Parking"
paragraph in the "Starting and driving"
chapter).
63

IMPORTANT There may be situations
on small gradients (less than 8%),
with car laden, in which the Hill Holder
system may not activate, causing a
slight reversing motion and increasing
the risk of collision with another vehicle
or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
45) 46) 47)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car's braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition,
the brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is not necessary
anymore.The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ABS, that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque
to the engine, thereby preventing
excessive drive at the drive wheels
which, especially in poor grip
conditions, could lead to a loss in
stability of the car.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic
Steering Torque)
This function integrates Dual Pinion
active steering into the operation of
ESC. For particular manoeuvres, the
ESC system controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist
the driver in the best possible way.
The system operates the brakes and
steering in a coordinated manner to
increase the suspension and safety
level of the car as a whole. The steering
provides additional torque on the
steering wheel.“ELECTRONIC Q2”
SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer
wheel (which bears more of the car’s
weight): the torque is thus distributed
optimally between the drive wheels
in accordance with the driving
conditions and road surface, permitting
particularly effective, sporty driving.
"PRE-FILL" SYSTEM
(RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
(only with 'Dynamic" mode activated)
This function activates automatically
if the accelerator pedal is released
rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of
preparing the braking system and
enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the
event of subsequent braking.
64
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

“Natural” mode
When “Natural” mode is selected, no
messages or symbols are shown on the
display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at comfort and safety
in normal grip and driving conditions.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" system:the
system is calibrated to ensure the best
driving comfort.
Steering wheel tuning:functions
aimed at comfort in normal conditions
of use.
DST:braking standard control
coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration.
Oversteer compensation: a slight pulse
on the steering wheel encourages the
driver to carry out the most appropriate
manoeuvre.
Engine:standard response.ENGAGEMENT/
DISENGAGEMENT OF
“Dynamic” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A fig. 75 upwards (next to
the letter “d”) and hold in this position
for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding
LED lights up or the word “Dynamic”
appears on the display (see fig. 78).Upon release, lever A returns to the
central position.
ESC and ASR:intervention thresholds
that allow more enjoyable, sportier
driving whilst guaranteeing stability of
the vehicle.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" system:the
system is calibrated to increase traction
whilst accelerating on bends,
improving the vehicle agility
Steering wheel tuning:uses the
sports mode function.
DST:braking standard control
coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration.
Oversteering compensation depending
on the ESC/ASR intervention
thresholds: a slight movement on the
steering wheel encourages the driver to
carry out the most appropriate
manoeuvre.
Engine:prompter response +
Overboost to maximise torque (for
versions/markets, where provided).
RAB:by pre-positioning of the brake
pads (front and rear) following a rapid
release of the accelerator pedal to
reduce braking times, shorten stopping
distances and improve the brake pedal
feeling.
77A0K0592
78A0K1510
67
IMPORTANT For versions/markets,
where provided, switching to "Dynamic"
mode is automatically disabled in the
first kilometres in order to guarantee
correct settling of the mechanical
components. If an attempt to activate
the system is made before this limit, the
display will show a dedicated message
to remind the driver that this request
cannot be fulfilled.

The activation of the Dynamic mode is
also shown by the change in the
instrument panel lighting that, after
decreasing, reaches the highest
luminosity and then returns to the
previously set values.
Disengagement
To deactivate “Dynamic” mode and
return to “Natural”, repeat the same
movement of the lever within the same
times. In this case, the LED
corresponding to “Natural” mode will
light up and the words “Natural on” will
appear on the display (see fig. 79).ENGAGEMENT/
DISENGAGEMENT OF “All
Weather” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A fig. 75 downwards (to the
letter “a”) and hold in this position for
0.5 seconds until the corresponding
LED lights up or the word “All Weather”
appears on the display (see fig. 80).
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at guaranteeing
the maximum safety in low grip driving
conditions. It is recommended to
activate the "All Weather" mode when
fitting snow chains.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" system:the
system is deactivated.
Steering wheel tuning:maximum
comfort.DST:higher braking control
coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration.
Oversteering compensation depending
on the ESC/ASR intervention
thresholds: a slight movement on the
steering wheel encourages the driver to
carry out the most appropriate
manoeuvre.
Engine:standard response.
Disengagement
To deactivate “All Weather” mode and
return to “Natural”, carry out the same
procedure described for “Dynamic”
mode, but move lever A fig. 75 to “a”.
IMPORTANT
❒It is not possible to switch directly
from “Dynamic” mode to “All
Weather” mode and vice versa. You
must always first go back to “Natural”
mode and then select the other
mode.
❒The driving mode engaged before the
engine stops is maintained when it is
next started.
❒In the event of system failure or a
fault with lever A, no driving modes
can be selected. The display will
show a warning message.
79A0K1059
80A0K1511
68
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

WARNING
48) When replacing the battery,
always contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership. The replacement
battery should be of the same
type (HEAVY DUTY) and should
have the same characteristics.
49) Before opening the bonnet,
make sure that the engine is off
and that the ignition key is in
the STOP position. Follow the
instructions on the dedicated
label on the front crossmember
(fig. 85). We recommend that you
remove the key from the ignition if
other people remain in the car.
The car should always be left after
the key has been removed or
turned to the STOP position.
During refuelling, make sure that
the engine is off (and that the
ignition key is in the STOP
position).
iTPMS (indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The car can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the dedicated
warning light
continuously on and a
warning message on the display.
If one tyre only is flat, the system can
indicate its position: it is anyway
recommended to check the pressure
on all four tyres.
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.
RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS system needs an initial
"self-learning" phase (with length
depending on the driving style and road
conditions: optimal conditions being
RESET procedure is carried out.❒whenever the tyre pressure is
modified;
❒when even only one tyre is changed;
❒when tyres are rotated/inverted;
❒when the space-saver wheel is fitted.
Before carrying out the RESET, inflate
the tyres to the rated pressure values
specified in the inflation pressure table
(see "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" section).
If the RESET is not carried out, in all
above cases, the warning lightmay
give false indications on one or more
tyres.
To carry out the RESET, with the car
stopped and the ignition key at
MAR-ON, press the button
fig. 86 on
the dashboard for 2 seconds; after
the RESET, the display shows a
dedicated message, indicating that the
"self-learning" has started.
86A0K060872
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
which starts when driving
on



a


straight



road




at





80


km/h




for
at least 20 minutes)
the

OPERATING CONDITIONS
50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55)
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads) the signalling may be delayed
Under special conditions (e.g. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go Automatic" kit, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
indications or be temporarily
deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message.
This indication is displayed also after
the engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
WARNING
50) If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the
pressure on all four tyres.
51) iTPMS does not relieve the
driver from the obligation to check
the tyre pressure every month; it
is not even to be considered a
replacing system for maintenance
or a safety system.
52) Tyre pressure must be checked
with tyres cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm
tyres, do not reduce pressure
even though it is higher than the
prescribed value, but repeat the
check when tyres are cold.
53) The iTPMS cannot indicate
sudden tyre pressure drops (for
example when a tyre bursts).
In this case, stop the car, braking
with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.54) The system only warns that the
tyre pressure is low: it is not able
to inflate them.
55) An insufficient tyre inflation
increases fuel consumption,
reduces the tread duration and
may affect the capacity of driving
safely.
73
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.

EOBD SYSTEM
(European On
Board Diagnosis)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Operation
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) carries out a continuous
diagnosis of the components of the car
related to emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by switching on
the
warning light on the instrument
panel, together with a message on
the display, when these components
are no longer in peak condition (see
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in the "Knowing the
instrument panel" chapter).
The aim of the EOBD system (European
On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❒monitor the system efficiency;
❒indicate an increase in emissions;
❒indicate the need to replace
damaged components.The car 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 also be
carried out by the traffic control
authorities.
IMPORTANT After eliminating a fault, to
check the system completely, the Alfa
Romeo Dealership is obliged to run
tests and, if necessary, road tests
which may also require a long journey.
DUAL PINION
ACTIVE STEERING
Operation
This only operates with the key turned
to MAR-ON and the engine started.
The steering allows the force required
at the steering wheel to be adjusted
to suit driving conditions. The different
power assistance modes can be
selected via the d, n, a positions of the
“Alfa DNA System” lever (see paragraph
entitled “Alfa DNA System”).
56)
IMPORTANT After the battery is
disconnected, the steering must be
initialised. The warning light switches on
to indicate this. To carry out this
procedure, simply turn the steering
wheel all the way from one end to the
other or drive in a straight line for about
a hundred metres.
74
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

Opening
Press flap A fig. 94 to release it and
access fuel tank cap B. Then press cap
B and turn it anticlockwise.
61)
The cap is provided with a loss
prevention device C which attaches it
to the flap and prevents it from being
lost. Attach the cap to device D during
refuelling.
Emergency flap opening
In case of emergency, pull the cord A
fig. 95 on the right-hand side of the
boot to open the fuel flap.
Pulling the cord will unlock the flap: it
will then be necessary to press on
the flap to open it.Closure
Release cap B from device D and insert
it in its housing. Then tighten the cap
clockwise until one or more clicks
are heard. Finally, close flap A checking
that it is correctly locked.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing
off, while slackening the cap is
absolutely normal.
WARNING
61) Keep naked flames or lit
cigarettes away from the fuel tank
filler: fire risk. Avoid bringing
your face close to the filler, in
order not to breathe in harmful
vapours.
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
The following devices are used for
reducing petrol fuel engine emissions:
catalytic converter, oxygen sensors and
evaporation control system
The following devices are used for
reducing diesel fuel engine emissions:
oxidising catalytic converter, exhaust
gas recirculation system (EGR) and
particulate filter (DPF).
62)
DIESEL PARTICULATE
FILTER (DPF)
(Diesel Particulate Filter)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a
mechanical filter, integral to the exhaust
system, that physically traps carbon
particles present in the exhaust gases
of diesel engines.
The diesel particulate filter is needed to
eliminate almost all carbon particle
emissions in compliance with
current/future regulations and
standards.94A0K0598
95A0K0599
81

During standard use of the vehicle, the
engine control unit records a set of data
(e.g.: travel time, type of route,
temperatures, etc.) and it will then
calculate how much particulate has
been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps
particulate, it should be periodically
regenerated (cleaned) at regular
intervals by burning carbon particles.
The regeneration procedure is
controlled automatically by the engine
management control unit according
to the filter conditions and vehicle use
conditions.
During the regeneration there may be a
limited increase in the engine idle
speed, fan activation, a limited increase
in fumes and high temperatures at the
exhaust.
These are not faults; they do not impair
normal car performance or damage
the environment. If the dedicated
message is displayed, see contents of
"Warning lights and messages"
paragraph, in chapter "Knowing the
instrument panel".
WARNING
62) The catalytic converter and
particulate filter (DPF) reach very
high temperatures during
operation. Therefore do not park
the car on flammable materials
(e.g. grass, dry leaves, pine
needles, etc.): fire hazard.
82
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR