traction control Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2018 Owner's Manual

ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
Traction Control System (TCS)
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
Hill Start Assist (HSA) System
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
System
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) System
For system operation, see the following
pages.
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System
An integral part of the braking system,
the ABS prevents one or more wheels
from locking and slipping in all road
surface conditions, regardless of the
intensity of the braking action. The
system ensures that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking, allowing the driver to optimize
stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions where locking may be
more frequent. The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, such as in a corner.
The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system works with the ABS,
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System Intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake-By-Wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the command given by
pressing the brake pedal is not
transmitted hydraulically, but electrically.
Therefore, the light pulsation that is felt
on the pedal with the traditional system
is no longer noticeable.Warning!
The ABS contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio
transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified
professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead to a
collision. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal
when you need to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Some models of this vehicle are equipped
with an All-Wheel Drive system (AWD),
which offers an optimal drive for
countless driving conditions and road
surfaces. The system reduces tire
slipping to a minimum, automatically
redistributing the torque to the front and
rear wheels as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the vehicle with
AWD automatically passes to rear-wheel
drive (RWD) when the road and
environmental conditions are such that
they wouldn't cause the tires to slip.
When the road and environmental
conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically switches to AWD
mode.
104
SAFETY

Note:
There may be a brief delay in shifting
to AWD mode after a tire slipping event
occurs.
If the system failure symbol switches
on, after starting the engine or while
driving, it means that the AWD system is
not working properly. If the warning
message activates frequently, it is
recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the vehicle in
various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the path that
the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the vehicle’s effective
path. When the real path deviates from
the desired path, the ESC system
intervenes to counter the vehicle’s
understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer occurs when the vehicle is turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
Warning!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (hydroplaning), and acceleration on
one or both drive wheels on roads that
are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the Brake Limited
Differential (BLD) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behavior of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
105

Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’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 PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
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 no longer
necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.Warning!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. PBA
cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns,
driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The capabilities of a
PBA-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner,
which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) System
This is an integral part of the ESC system
that facilitates starting on slopes,
activating automatically in the following
cases:
Uphill: the vehicle is stationary on a
road with a gradient higher than 5%, the
engine is running, the brake is pressed,
and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N)
or a gear other than REVERSE (R) is
engaged.
Downhill: the vehicle is stationary on a
road with a gradient higher than 5%, the
engine is running, the brake is pressed,
and the transmission is in REVERSE (R). When starting from a stop, 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 two
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator.
The system will automatically deactivate
after two seconds without starting,
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 vehicle.
Warning!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight
rolling may occur, such as on minor hills or
with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a
trailer. HSA is not a substitute for active
driving involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive to distance to
other vehicles, people, and objects, and most
importantly brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is
always required while driving to maintain
safe control of your vehicle. Failure to follow
these warnings can result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
106
SAFETY

Caution!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a
bristle brush, metal polishes or oven cleaner.
These products may damage the wheel's
protective finish. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar Wheel
Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
Note:If you intend parking or storing
your vehicle for an extended period after
cleaning the wheels with wheel cleaner,
drive your vehicle and apply the brakes to
remove the water droplets from the
brake components. This activity will
remove the red rust on the brake rotors
and prevent vehicle vibration when
braking.
Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin
Chrome, or Low Gloss Clear Coat Wheels
Caution!
If your vehicle is equipped with these
specialty wheels, DO NOT USE wheel
cleaners, abrasives, or polishing compounds.
They will permanently damage this finish
and such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH
ONLY USING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH
A SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this
is all that is required to maintain this finish.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and
Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the M+S,
M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire
sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets
of four; failure to do so may adversely
affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If
Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both
wet and dry conditions, and are not
intended to be driven in snow or on ice. If
your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 45°F (7°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter. Snow
tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire
sidewall.
If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four;
failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally equipped
with your vehicle and should not be
operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
239

DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. The specific grade
rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these
grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a
comparative rating, based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement, as measured
under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat,
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoorlaboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by
law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
241

Replacement.............236
Safety ............. .226,233
Sizes ................. .227
Snow Tires .............. .239
Spare Tire .............. .237
Spare Tires ............237,238
Spinning ............... .235
Tread Wear Indicators ........236
To Open Hood ................57
Towing Disabled Vehicle ...........204
Towing Eyes ............... .206
Towing The Vehicle ............206
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ................ .114
Traction Control System (TCS) .....105Transmission
.............. .249
Transporting Pets ............141
Tread Wear Indicators ..........236
Turn Signals .................41
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ......241
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt. . . .120
Use Of The Owner’s Manual ........6
Vehicle Changes/Alterations .......4
Vehicle Identification Number .....246
Vehicle Loading ...........182,230
Vent Operation ...............47
Warning Flasher, Hazard ........188
Warning, Roll Over ..............3 Warranty Information
..........264
Washer Fluid For Windshield/Headlights ........217
Washers, Windshield ............44
Weights ................. .254
Wheel And Wheel Tire Care .......238
Wheel And Wheel Tire Trim .......238
Wheels And Tires .............226
Windows (Cleaning) ...........243
Windshield Defroster ..........142
Windshield

Wiper .............44
Replacing Blades ...........222
Windshield Wiper/Washer Smart Washing Function .......45
Windshield Wipers .............44
Wrecker Towing ..............204
INDEX