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

PRETENSIONERS
The car is equipped with seat belt
pretensioners, which draw back the
seat belts by several centimetres in the
event of a strong frontal impact. This
guarantees the perfect adherence of
the seat belts to the occupant's bodies
before the retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not in harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership to
have it replaced.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase protection, the seat belt
retractors contain a device which
controls the force acting on the chest
and shoulders during the belt
restraining action in the event of an
accident.
WARNING
68)The pretensioner may be used only
once. After its activation, contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership to have it replaced.
69)Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by
qualified and authorised technicians.
Always contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
IMPORTANT
7)Operations which lead to impacts,
vibrations or localised heating (over 100°C
for a maximum of six hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may cause
damage or make it deploy. Contact the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership if there is
the need to operate on those components.
CARRYING
CHILDREN SAFELY
Alfa Romeo 4C is a sporty car that can
be driven in town every day, provided
its driver and passengers fasten their
seat belts. Carrying a child on the
passenger's seat is also allowed,
provided the child weighs more than
9 kg and a suitable child restraint
system is used.
Children must be suitably restrained
inside the vehicle according to their
weight. Several child restraint system
types are available; always choose the
one most suitable for the child:
70)
When over 1.50 m in height, from the
point of view of restraint systems,
children are considered as adults and
have to wear the standard seat belts.
All child restraint devices must bear the
certification data, together with the
control mark, on a label solidly fixed to
the seat which must never be removed.
Child restraint systems are available
from Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo. These
products have been designed and
tested specifically for Alfa Romeo
vehicles.
86
SAFETY
68)69)
7)

STARTING THE
ENGINE
Procedure84) 85) 86)
press the brake pedal;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
9)
If the engine does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating the procedure.
If, when the ignition key is at
MAR-ON, the
instrument panel
warning light stays on together with the
warning light, turn the key to STOP
and then back to MAR-ON; if the
warning light stays on, try the other
keys provided with the vehicle. If it is
still not possible to start the engine,
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
Do not leave the ignition key at
MAR-ON when the engine is stopped.
WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceduredrive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
do not demand full performance at
first. It is advisable to wait until the
digital engine coolant temperatureindicator starts moving.
SWITCHING OFF THE
ENGINE
Procedure
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
keep the engine idling for at least a
couple of minutes before stopping it, in
order to permit the temperature inside
the engine compartment to lower.
WARNING
84)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
85)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to
apply much more force than usual to the
brake pedal.
86)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
8)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your car (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at maximum
rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.)
when it is first used.9)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR
position to prevent useless current
absorption from draining the battery.
10)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
95
8)10)

suitable power and torque for the
acceleration requested by the driver.
When implementing the "Kick Down"
function, the system ensures varying
transmission management in
accordance with the selected DNA
mode.
LEVERS ON THE
STEERING WHEEL
These enable sequential gear shifting
fig. 79.
– steering wheel stalk "+(pulling stalk
towards driver, see fig. 80 ): engage
higher gear;
– steering wheel stalk "–(pulling stalk
towards driver, see fig. 80 ): engage
lower gear.The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine rpm
allow it.
STARTING THE CAR
To start the engine press the brake
pedal: the system engages neutral (N)
automatically.
After the starting procedure, 1st gear (
1) or reverse (R) can be engaged.
Irrespective of the mode selected (
AUTO/MANUAL), to engage 1st gear
or reverse (R), it is necessary to press
the brake pedal and press the1button
on the transmission control panel (or
the "+" steering wheel stalk) to engage
1st gear or theRbutton to engage
reverse.
When 1st gear is engaged, the system
sets itself toAUTOmode.
Neutral (N) can be engaged again by
pressing theNbutton with the brake
pedal pressed.When the1,NorRbuttons are
pressed (or "+" steering wheel stalk is
operated) without pressing the brake
pedal, no gear change request is
implemented by the system.
IMPORTANT Reverse cannot be
engaged by pressing the "-" stalk on
the steering wheel.
Important information
If starting is requested with a
transmission failure (see "Warning lights
and messages" paragraph), carry out
the “Delayed start-up” procedure: when
the key is turned to AVV for at least 7
seconds with brake pedal pressed, the
engine will be started. The system will
remain in “recovery” condition.
If the engine does not start, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
When the driver's door is opened, the
system activates the hydraulic
components so that they are prepared
for the subsequent engine starting.
MOVING THE CAR
The car can set off both in 1st gear and
reverse (R).
Notes (concerning car start-up)
The gears can only be engaged by
pressing the brake pedal. If the brake
pedal is not depressed, the display will
show a dedicated message.
It is not possible to set off in a higher
gear than 1st: if this is attempted, the
display shows a dedicated message.
79A0L0071
80A0L0072
98
STARTING AND DRIVING

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere with
our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
You can also use the toll-free number
00 800 2532 4200 to find your nearest
dedicated Alfa Romeo DealershipSTARTING THE ENGINE.......105
REPAIRING A WHEEL.........106
REPLACING A WHEEL........109
CHANGING A BULB..........112
REPLACING EXTERIOR BULBS . . .116
INTERIOR BULB REPLACEMENT. .119
REPLACING FUSES..........120
RECHARGING THE BATTERY. . . .124
RAISING THE CAR...........124
TOWING THE CAR...........125
104
IN AN EMERGENCY

STARTING THE
ENGINE
Contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership immediately ifwarning
light stays on constantly on the
instrument panel.
JUMP STARTING
If the battery is flat, start the engine
using an auxiliary battery with the same
capacity or a little higher than the flat
one.
Proceed as follows to start the car:connect the positive terminals (+ sign
near the terminal) of the two batteries
with a jump lead fig. 81;
with a second lead, connect the
negative terminal(−)oftheauxiliary
battery to an earthing point
on the
engine or the gearbox/transmission of
the car to be started;
start the engine; when the engine
has started, remove the leads, reversing
the order above.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, do not persist but contact the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT Do not connect the
negative terminals of the two batteries
directly! If the auxiliary battery is
installed on another car, check that
there is no accidental contact between
metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT
12)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
WARNING
91)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
81A0L0116
105
91)12)

103)The vehicle's driving characteristics
will be modified with the space-saver wheel
fitted. Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, abrupt steering and fast cornering.
The overall duration of the space-saver
wheel is about 3000 km, after which the
relevant tyre must be replaced with another
one of the same type. Never install a
standard tyre on a rim that is designed for
use with a space-saver wheel. Have the
wheel repaired and refitted as soon as
possible. Using two or more space-saver
wheels at the same time is forbidden. Do
not grease the threads of the stud bolts
before fitting them: they might slip out.
104)The jack is a tool developed and
designed only for changing a wheel, if a
tyre gets punctured or damaged, on the
vehicle with which it is supplied or on other
vehicles of the same model. Any other use,
e.g. to jack up other vehicle models or
different things, is strictly prohibited. Never
use it to carry out maintenance or repairs
under the vehicle or to change
summer/winter wheels and vice versa.
Never position yourself under a jacked
vehicle. If any work under the vehicle is
necessary, contact the Alfa Romeo Service
Network. Incorrectly positioning the jack
may cause the vehicle to fall: use it only in
the positions indicated. Do not use the jack
for loads higher than the one shown on its
label. Never start the engine with vehicle
raised. If the vehicle is raised more than
necessary, everything can become more
unstable, with the risk of the vehicle
dropping violently. Thus, lift the vehicle only
as needed in order to access the spare
tyre.
105)The space-saver wheel cannot be
fitted with snow chains.IMPORTANT
14)Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible to have the
correct tightening of the wheel stud bolts
checked.
15)When turning the jack handle make
sure that it can turn freely without scraping
your hand against the ground. The moving
components of the jack ("worm screw" and
joints) can also cause injuries: avoid
touching them. If you come into contact
with lubricating grease, clean yourself
thoroughly.
CHANGING A BULB
16)
106) 107) 108)
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS
Before changing a bulb check the
contacts for oxidation;
replace blown bulbs with others of
the same type and power;
after replacing a headlight bulb,
always check its alignment;
when a light is not working, check
that the corresponding fuse is intact
before changing the bulb. For the
location of fuses, refer to the paragraph
“If a fuse blows” in this chapter.
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold
or damp or after heavy rain or washing,
the surface of headlights or rear lights,
may steam up and/or form drops of
condensation on the inside. This is a
natural phenomenon due to the
difference in temperature and humidity
between the inside and the outside of
the glass which does not indicate a
fault and does not compromise the
normal operation of lighting devices.
The mist disappears quickly when the
lights are turned on, starting from the
centre of the diffuser, extending
progressively towards the edges.
112
IN AN EMERGENCY

IMPORTANT
19)Be careful to position the lift arms
correctly at the points illustrated, in order to
prevent damage to the carbon fibre chassis
and the bodywork components.
20)To avoid damage to the carbon fibre
chassis, the car cannot be raised with
standard hydraulic jacks, only with suitable
lowered hydraulic jacks. Contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
TOWING THE CAR
21)
The tow hook provided with the car is
located in the tool box in the luggage
compartment.
ATTACHING THE TOW
HOOK
Take tow hook A and tighten it fully onto
the threaded pin fig. 120.
115) 116) 117)
IMPORTANT
21)The tow hook attachment is only
available at the front end of the car.
WARNING
115)Before towing, turn the key to MAR
and then to STOP without extracting it. The
steering column will automatically lock
when the key is removed and the wheels
cannot be steered. Also check that the
transmission is in neutral (N)
116)When towing, remember that the
assistance of the brake servo is absent.
Consequently, more force is required at the
pedal in order to brake. Do not use flexible
cables when towing and avoid jerky
movements. Make sure not to damage
parts in contact with the car while towing.
When towing the vehicle, you must comply
with all specific traffic regulations and
adopt an appropriate driving behaviour. Do
not start the engine while towing the car.
Before tightening the ring, clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Make sure
that the ring is fully screwed into the
housing before towing the car.
117)The tow hook must be used
exclusively for roadside assistance
operations. You are allowed to tow the
vehicle for short distances using an
appropriate device in accordance with the
highway code (a rigid bar), to move the
vehicle on the road in readiness for towing
or transport via a tow truck. Tow hooks
MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off the
road or where there are obstacles and/or
for towing operations using cables or other
non-rigid devices. In compliance with the
above conditions, towing must take place
with the two vehicles (one towing, the other
towed) aligned as much as possible along
the same centre line.
120A0L0107
125

Thousands of kilometres 20 40 60 80 100 120
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72
Check condition and wear of rear brake pads and discs, and
operation of pad wear indicator●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top-up fluid levels (engine cooling,
brakes, windscreen washer, etc.)●●●●●●
Visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belt(s)●
Inspect the conditions of toothed timing drive belt●
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if necessary (or every 12
months)●●●●●●
Use the diagnosis socket to check supply/engine and automatic
transmission management system operation and engine oil
degradation
●●●●●●
Check and possible top up of oil level for the dual clutch
automatic transmission●
Replace spark plugs (#)●●
Replace accessory drive belt(s)●
Replace toothed timing drive belt (*)●
Replace the air cleaner cartridge●●●●●●
(#) The following are essential to ensure correct operation and prevent serious damage to the engine: only use spark plugs of the same make and type whichare
specially certified for such engines (see the information in the “Engine” paragraph in the “Technical specifications” section); strictly comply with the spark plug
replacement interval given in the Scheduled Servicing Plan; for spark plug replacement, it is advisable to contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
(*) Irrespective of the mileage, the timing drive belt must be changed every 4 years for heavy-duty use (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling) or at least
every 5 years.
129

after the check, reinsert the plug B
with the control pipe C in the initial
position;
reposition the engine cover grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A.
WARNING Re-close the plug holding it
horizontally (not directed towards the
engine cover) to prevent the opening
tang from remaining locked in a position
difficult to reach.
It is recommended to check the
windscreen washer fluid regularly, in
particular in driving conditions needing
a heavier use of the windscreen washer.
If the level is not sufficient, namely if
there is no fluid inside the pipe, proceed
as follows:
to avoid any interference during the
procedure, lift the windscreen wiper
blade according to the "Windscreen
wiper" paragraph in the "Maintenance
and care" chapter;
loosen the 4 self-tapping screws A
fig. 124 using the supplied screwdriver.
Remove the engine cover grille;
take the white funnel D fig. 127 fortopping up the windscreen washer
fluid/fuel and its extension pipe from the
service kit in the luggage compartment;
take out the plug B fig. 125 with the
fluid control pipe through the engine
cover opening on the grille;
introduce the funnel D fig. 127 and
its extension pipe in the reservoir neck
and top up;
after topping up, remove the funnel
D with the extension pipe;
refit the plug B with the dipstick;
reposition the engine cover grille and
tighten the 4 self-tapping screws A.
BRAKE FLUID
125) 126)
26) 27)
To check the brake fluid level, proceed
as follows:
loosen the 2 self-tapping screws E
125A0L0131
126A0L0147
127A0L0148
135

WEIGHTS
Versions1750 Turbo Petrol
Unladen weight (with all fluids, fuel tank 90% full
and without optional equipment):920
Payload including the driver:
(*)255
Maximum permitted loads
(**)
- front axle:490
– rear axle:755
- total:1175
Towable loads (kg)
- braked trailer:0
- non-braked trailer:0
Maximum load on roof: 0
Maximum load on ball joint (braked trailer): 0
(*) If special equipment is fitted, the unladen vehicle weight increases, thus reducing the specified payload.
(**) Loads not to be exceeded. The user is responsible for arranging goods in the luggage compartment within the maximum permitted loads.
161