towing Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2017 Owner's Manual

Oil Pressure Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle
and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red Telltale
Light What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depend-
ing on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and com-
pletely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and
you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/
RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
102 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the MAR/ON/RUN position before engine start.
If the bulb does not come on when turning the key from STOP/OFF/LOCK to MAR/ON/
RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in nor-
mal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if
(Continued)
WARNING!
(Continued)
you drive slowly or park over flammable sub-
stances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 111

▫Base System ........................187
▫ General Information ..................189
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS — 1750 TURBO .....189
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................190
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends .............190
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ......191
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications . . . .191
▫ MMT In Gasoline ....................191 ▫
Materials Added To Fuel ...............191
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................192
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............193
 ADDING FUEL/SMART FUEL ............193
 TRAILER TOWING ....................195
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ..................195
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind
Another Vehicle .....................195
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 139

WARNING!(Continued)
cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuck
holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control. Always drive with each
tire inflated to the recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure.
Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle.
You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if
you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold
tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Load-
ing Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the
“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and
rear axles must not be exceeded. For further informa-
tion on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing,
refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Oper-
ating” section of this manual.
Tire And Loading Information Placard
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 169

To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never ex-
ceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount
of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there
will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
170 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The
following table shows examples on how to calculate
total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of
your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate
for the seating and load carry capacity of your
vehicle. •
For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 171

4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior toputting back in the storage area.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank
is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and may cause the “Malfunction In-
dicator Light” to turn on.
• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the
ground while filling.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFFthe
ground.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
• Do not dolly tow this vehicle. Use of a towing
dolly can cause significant damage to your ve-
hicle. Damage from improper towing is not cov-
ered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 195

Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground Alfa Twin
Clutch Transmission
Flat Tow NoneNOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOK
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow eyes.
•Do not use a chain with a tow eye. Chains may
break, causing serious injury or death.
• Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye. Tow straps
may break or become disengaged, causing serious
injury or death.
• Failure to follow proper tow eye usage may cause
components to break resulting in serious injury
or death.
CAUTION!
•The tow eye must be used exclusively for road-
side assistance operations. Only use the tow eye
with an appropriate device in accordance with the
highway code (a rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the
vehicle for a short distance to the nearest service
location.
• Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off
the road or where there are obstacles.
• In compliance with the above conditions, towing
with a tow eye must take place with two vehicles
(one towing, the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line. Damage to
your vehicle may occur if these guidelines are not
followed.
• When towing, only use a facility that can tow
vehicles with low ground clearances as extensive
damage can result by using a standard tow truck
platform.
Tow Eye Warning Label
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 211

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and Alfa
Twin Clutch Transmission control systems. When these
systems are operating properly, your vehicle will pro-
vide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)”. It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emis-
sions tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emis-
sions controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle and emissions system.
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE