ESP Alfa Romeo 4C 2016 Owner handbook (in English)

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 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
The ESC system also includes the
following systems:
ABS
EBD
CBC
DTC
ASR
HILL HOLDER
HBA
“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
"PRE-FILL" (RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system activates automatically
when the engine is started and can only
be deactivated by selecting "Race"
mode. For more details, refer to the
"Alfa DNA system" paragraph in this
chapter.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the flashing of thewarning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
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.
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
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.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of
the ABS system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear
wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the vehicle, preventing sudden
locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.
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.
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and intervenes in the case of
sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring
torque to the engine and thus
preventing excessive drag at the drive
wheels, which may lead the wheels to
lock and a loss of car stability, above all
in low-grip conditions.
41

ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
29) 30) 38) 39) 40)
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
transmission in neutral or gear otherthan 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 the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise, indicating that
the car is going to move imminently,
can be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the
engine off and engaged first gear, so
that the vehicle is parked in safe
conditions (for further information read
the "Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
IMPORTANT There may be situations
on small gradients (less than 8%), with
vehicle laden, in which the Hill Holder
system may not activate, causing a
slight reversing motion and increasingthe risk of collision with another vehicle
or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assistant) SYSTEM
41) 42) 43)
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 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 HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
“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
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

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” or "Race" 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.
WARNING
26)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
27)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
28)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.29)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.
30)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and ASR
systems. Your driving style must always be
suited to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic. The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
31)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on
the current road conditions.
32)To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
33)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
34)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
35)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.37)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
38)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
39)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
41)The HBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
42)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
43)The features of the HBA system must
never be tested in imprudent or dangerous
ways, with the possibility of putting the
safety of the driver, occupants or other
road users at risk.
43

“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Dynamic car
control system)
This device allows, using lever A
fig. 47 (on the central tunnel), four car
response modes to be selected
according to driving style and road
conditions:
d=DynamicorRace(sports driving
mode);
n=Natural(mode for driving in
normal conditions);
a=All Weather(mode for driving in
poor grip conditions, such as rain and
snow).
The device also acts on the dynamic
car control systems (engine,
gearbox/transmission, ESC system).
DRIVING MODES
Lever A is monostable type. In other
words, it always remains in a central
position.
The selected driving mode is indicated
by the corresponding LED switching on
in the panel and by an indication on the
display.
“Natural” MODE
It is a manufacturer-recommended
mode aimed at comfort and safety in
normal grip and driving conditions.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at providing comfort
and safety in normal grip and driving
conditions.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to ensure the best driving
comfort.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
standard response.
“Dynamic” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 upwards (to the
letter “d”) and hold in this position for
half a second, until the corresponding
LED lights up and the "Dynamic" mode
activation indicator appears on the
display.
When "Dynamic" mode is activated, the
turbocharger pressure (bar) and engine
oil temperature (°C) screen is displayed
automatically fig. 49:
When released, lever A will return to the
central position.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds that ensure more enjoyable,
sportier driving whilst guaranteeing the
stability of the car.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to increase traction whilst
accelerating on bends, improving the
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

agility of the car.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
adoption of sports mapping.
IMPORTANT In "Dynamic", the
sensitivity of the accelerator pedal
increases considerably. Consequently,
driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation
To deactivate “Dynamic” mode and
return to “Natural”, move lever A
fig. 47 downwards (to letter “a”) and
keep it in this position for half a second.
In this case, the LED corresponding to
“Natural” mode will light up and the
“Natural” mode activation indication will
appear on the display.
“Race” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 upwards (to the
letter “d”) and hold in this position for 5
seconds, until the "Race" mode
activation indicator appears on the
display. When "Race" mode is
activated, the longitudinal/lateral
accelerometer indicator screen
(G-meter information) is displayed
automatically. This considers
gravitational acceleration (G) fig. 50.ESC and ASR systems:the systems
are deactivated in order to ensure the
fullest sensation of sport, leaving the
driver in full control of the vehicle. When
the vehicle is in unstable conditions, the
ESC reactivates automatically when the
brake pedal is pressed until the ABS
intervenes, thus returning the vehicle to
stable conditions.
"Electronic Q2" system:the system
is calibrated to increase traction whilst
accelerating on bends, improving the
agility of the car.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
adoption of sports mapping.
IMPORTANT In "Race", the sensitivity of
the accelerator pedal increases
considerably. Consequently, driving is
less fluid and comfortable.
IMPORTANT In "Race" mode the
transmission only works in MANUAL
mode. For further details, refer to the"Using the transmission" section in
chapter "Starting and driving".
Deactivation
To deactivate "Race" mode and return
to "Dynamic", move lever A
fig. 47 downwards (to letter “a”) and
keep it in this position for half a second.
In this case, the LED corresponding to
"Dynamic" mode will light up and the
"Dynamic" mode activation indication
will appear on the display.
“All Weather” MODE
Activation
Move the lever A fig. 47 downwards (to
the letter “a”) and hold in this position
for half a second, until the
corresponding LED lights up and the
“All Weather” mode activation indicator
appears on the display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at ensuring maximum
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45

safety in low-grip driving conditions. It is
advisable to select "All Weather" mode
in the presence of low-grip road
surfaces.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" SYSTEM: the
system is deactivated.
Engine and gearbox/transmission:
standard response.
Deactivation
To deactivate “All Weather” mode and
return to “Natural”, move lever A
fig. 47 upwards (to letter “d”) and keep
it in this position for half a second.
IMPORTANT
During the first 250 km of usage of
the car, the Dynamic and Race modes
are inhibited. Within this first interval of
start-up mileage it is advisable to refrain
from an aggressive driving style, so that
the best gear shifting quality can be
achieved over time.
When the engine is next started, the
"All Weather" or "Dynamic" mode
selected previously is retained. The
system will reactivate in "All Weather" or
"Dynamic" mode, depending on which
mode was selected before the engine
was switched off.
When the engine is next started, the
"Race" mode selected previously is not
retained. The system will reactivate in
"Dynamic" mode.
It is not possible to go directly from
“Dynamic” mode to “All Weather” modeand vice versa. You must always first go
back to “Natural” mode and then select
the other mode.
System failure
In the event of system failure or a fault
with lever A fig. 47, no driving modes
can be selected.
The display will become grey (same
screen as "Natural" mode) but without
an indication of the Alfa DNA setting.
The display will also show a warning
message.
EOBD SYSTEM
(European On
Board Diagnosis)
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 efficiency of the system;
indicate an increase in emissions;
indicate the need to replace
deteriorated 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
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership is
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
When reverse gear is engaged and
there is an obstacle behind the vehicle,
an acoustic signal is emitted which
varies according to the distance of the
bumper from the obstacle.
The frequency of the acoustic signal:
increases as the distance between
car and obstacle decreases,
culminating in a continuous acoustic
signal, when the distance is less than
approximately 30 cm;
decreases if the distance from the
obstacle increases, until the signal
ceases entirely;
remains constant if the distance
between car and obstacle remains
unchanged; if this situation concerns
the side sensors, the signal will stop
after approximately 3 seconds to avoid,
for example, indications in the event of
manoeuvres along a wall.
If several obstacles are detected by the
sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.
INDICATIONS ON
DISPLAY
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the sensors are activated, the
screen in fig. 54 appears on the display.Obstacle presence and distance
information is therefore provided both
by the acoustic signal and the
instrument panel display.
The system indicates a detected
obstacle by displaying an arc in one or
more positions according to the
distance of the obstacle and its position
in relation to the car.
If an obstacle is detected in the rear
central area, the display shows all the
arcs in the rear central area, up to the
one that corresponds to the position of
the obstacle itself.
The signal is similar for obstacles in the
rear left or right area.
The arc that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle will flash.
The colour on the display depends on
the distance from and position of the
obstacle.
The car is close to the obstacle when
the display shows a single constant arcand emits a continuous sound.
If there are several obstacles, the
closest one is indicated.
FAULT INDICATION
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be
indicated when reverse is engaged by
the switching on of the
warning
light on the instrument panel together
with the message on the display (see
“Warning lights and messages”
chapter).
GENERAL WARNINGS
45)
4)
When parking, take the utmost care
over obstacles that may be above or
under the sensor.
Under certain circumstances, objects
close to the vehicle are not detected by
the system and could therefore cause
damage to the car or be damaged
themselves.
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking sensors:
the presence of ice, snow, mud or
multiple layers of paint on the sensor
surface may cause reduced sensitivity
of the sensor itself and therefore reduce
the system performance;
mechanical interference (e.g.
washing the car, rain, strong wind, hail)
may cause the sensor to detect a
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49

non-existent obstacle ("echo
interference");
the presence of ultrasonic systems
(e.g. pneumatic brake systems of
trucks or pneumatic drills) near the car
could alter the signals sent by the
sensor;
the variation in sensor position,
caused by variation in ride (due to
suspension component wear),
changing tyres, overloaded car, or
tuning that lowers the car, for example,
may affect parking sensor system
performance.
WARNING
45)Parking manoeuvres, however, are
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The parking sensors are used
to assist the driver, who must never allow
his attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds.
IMPORTANT
4)For correct operation of the system,
sensors must always be clean from mud,
dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not to scratch
or damage the sensors while cleaning
them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The sensors must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of vehicle
shampoo if necessary. When using special
washing equipment such as high pressure
jets or steam cleaning, clean the sensors
very quickly keeping the jet more than 10
cm away. Also, do not apply stickers to the
sensors.
TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the car.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the car at a
standstill for at least three hours or a
travel shorter than 1.6 km after an
interval of three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum inflation pressure
value printed on the side of the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the car: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.
The TPMS continues to advise the
driver of the low tyre pressure condition
until this is corrected; the warning
continues until the pressure
corresponds or exceeds the pressure
prescribed for the cold tyres. When the
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

Average speed
This value shows the car's average
speed based on the overall time
elapsed since the start of the new
journey.
Trip time
Time elapsed since the start of the new
journey.
Indications on display
Each time a value is selected, the
following information is shown:
the word “Trip” (or “Trip A” or “Trip
B”) (A fig. 62 );
name, value and unit of measure of
the selected value (e.g. "Range
520 km") (B fig. 62 ).
After a few seconds, the name of the
selected value is replaced by the
corresponding icon (see example
fig. 63 ).
TRIP RESET button
The TRIP RESET button is located on
the right stalk fig. 64. With the ignition
key at MAR-ON, it allows you to view
the values described previously and
also reset them to begin a new journey:
brief press: display various values;
long press: reset values and start a
new journey.
New journey
This begins after a reset:“manual” resetting by the user, by
pressing the relevant button;
“automatic” resetting, when the “trip
distance” reaches 99999.9 km or when
the “trip time” reaches 999:59 (999
hours and 59 minutes);
after disconnection/reconnection of
the battery.
IMPORTANT The reset operation, when
"Trip A" or "Trip B" details are being
displayed, only resets the values
associated with the journey displayed.
Start of journey
procedure
With the ignition key at MAR-ON, reset
by holding the TRIP RESET button
down for more than 2 seconds.
Trip exit
The Trip function ends automatically
once all the values have been
displayed. You can exit manually by
holding the SET/
button down for
more than 1 second.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
amberTPMSIMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more
flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop the
car, avoiding sharp braking and steering. Repair
immediately using the dedicated kit (see "Repairing a
wheel" paragraph in the "In an emergency" chapter)
and contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership as
soon as possible.
TPMS failure
The warning light switches on when a fault is
detected in the TPMS.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without
sensors, the display will show a warning message
until initial conditions are restored.
In this case, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible.
Low tyre pressure - See manual
The warning light switches on, together with a
dedicated message on the display, to indicate that
the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended
value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In
these circumstances, optimal tyre duration and fuel
consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should two or more tyres be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tyre in sequence.
In any situation in which the message on the display is
"See manual", it is ESSENTIAL to refer to the contents
of the "Wheel" paragraph in the "Technical data"
chapter, strictly complying with the indications that
you find there.
71