Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2017 Repair Manual

The chapter that you are about to read is very important: it
describes the safety systems with which the car is equipped and
provides instructions on how to use them correctly.
SAFETY
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS........................60
iTPMS System (indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) .....62
SEATBELTS .................................64
SBR SYSTEM (Seat Belt Reminder)...................65
PRE-TENSIONERS..............................66
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY......................68
FITTING "UNIVERSAL" CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(with seat belts)...............................69
ISOFIX CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM SETUP..............72
FRONT AIRBAGS...............................75
SIDE AIRBAGS (SIDE BAGS - WINDOW BAGS) .............79

ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
ABS SYSTEM
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 vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: this is entirely normal with
the system operating.
33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39)
ASR (AntiSlip Regulation)SYSTEM
40) 41) 42)
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.System intervention
The system operates on the engine
power and brakes.
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.
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment
Regelung)SYSTEM
The system prevents the drive wheels
from possibly locking, which could
happen, for example, if the accelerator
pedal is released suddenly or in the case
of a sudden downshifting in conditions of
poor grip.
In this conditions, the engine braking
effect could cause the drive wheels to
slip, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability.
In these situations, the system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist)SYSTEM
43) 44) 45)
The HBA system is designed to improve
the car’s braking capacity during
emergency braking: the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS system.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by continuously
pressing the brake pedal very quickly.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering
Torque)
46)
The DST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
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.
ESC SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car in various
driving conditions.
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SAFETY

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 vehicle.
28) 29) 30) 31) 32)
The ESC system comprises the active
safety systems such as: ABS, EBD, ASR,
HILL HOLDER, etc.
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.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)SYSTEM
This 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.
HILL HOLDERSYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on uphill or
downhill slopes by operating the brakes:
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).
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.
“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.
WARNING
28)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
29)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
30)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.
31)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.
32)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.
61

33)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.
34)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.
35)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.
36)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
37)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
38)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.
39)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.
40)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
41)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.42)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.
43)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.
44)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
45)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.
46)DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.iTPMS System (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 in any case
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 needs an initial "self-learning"
phase (with length depending on the
driving style and road conditions: optimal
conditions being driving on a straight
road at 80 km/h for at least 20 minutes)
which starts when the RESET procedure
is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried out:
each time tyre pressure is modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
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SAFETY

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" chapter).
If the RESET is not carried out, in all
above cases, the
warning light may
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. 40 on the
dashboard for 2 seconds; after the
RESET, the display shows a dedicated
message, indicating that "self-learning"
has started.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52)
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 or partial in
detecting the contemporary deflation of
more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
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 NOTES
WARNING
47)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the pressure on all
four tyres.
48)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not to be
considered a system to replace maintenance
or a safety system.
49)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.
50)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (for example when a tyre
bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle, braking
with caution and avoiding abrupt steering.
51)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate them.
52)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration and
may affect the capacity to drive safely.
40A0K0608C
63

SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the seat belts, hold the tongue
1 fig. 41 and insert it into the buckle 3,
until it clicks into place.
On removal of the belt, if it jams, let it
rewind for a short stretch, then pull it out
again without jerking.
To unfasten the seat belts, press button
2 and guide the seat belt with your hand
while it is rewinding, to prevent it from
twisting.
53)
The retractor may lock when the vehicle
is parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal.Furthermore, the reel mechanism locks
the belt if it is pulled sharply or in the
event of sudden braking, collisions and
high-speed bends.
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
Wear the rear seat belts as illustrated in
fig. 42.
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT The backrest
is correctly secured when the red band 1
fig. 43 on the backrest folding handles
2 disappears. This red band indicates
that the backrest is not secured.IMPORTANT When putting the rear seats
back to their normal position, make sure
the seat belts are positioned so they are
ready to use.
55)
WARNING
53)Never press button 2 when travelling.
54)Remember that, in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
55)Make sure that the backrest is correctly
secured on both sides (red bands not visible)
to prevent it from moving forward in the
event of sharp braking, causing injuries to
occupants.41A0K0659C42A0K0921C
43A0K0628C
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SAFETY

SBR SYSTEM (Seat Belt
Reminder)
This system comprises an acoustic
warning which, in conjunction with the
warning lights
flashing on the
instrument panel, warns the front seat
passengers if their seat belt has not been
fastened.
On some versions there is also a panel
fig. 44 (provided as an alternative to the
warning light on the instrument panel)
located above the rear-view mirror, which
warns the front and back seat
passengers via acoustic and visual
signals if their seat belts have not been
fastened.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
deactivate this acoustic warning
permanently.The acoustic warning can be reactivated
at any time through the Setup Menu (see
"Menu options" paragraph in the
“Knowing the instrument panel” chapter).
The warning lights fig. 44 may be red or
green and operate as follows:
1 = front left seat (driver status for
left-hand drive versions)
2 = rear left seat (passenger);
3 = rear centre seat (passenger)
4 = rear right seat (passenger);
5 = front right seat (passenger status
for left-hand drive versions).
FRONT SEATS (warning light 1 = driver
and 5 = passenger)
Driver
If the driver is the only occupant and the
seat belt is not fastened, when 20 km/h
is exceeded or when travelling at a speed
from 10 to 20 km/h for longer than
5 seconds, a buzzer sequence will be
started (front seats) consisting of a tone
for 6 seconds followed by a 90 second
beep.The warning light will blink.
The warning lights will stay on constantly
at the end of the cycle until the engine is
stopped. The acoustic signal will be
interrupted immediately when the
driver’s seat belt is fastened and the
warning light will turn green.The reminder cycle (acoustic and visual)
will be repeated as described above and
the red warning light will flash if the seat
belt is unfastened again while travelling.
Passenger
A similar solution applies for the front
passenger, with the difference that the
warning light turns green and the signal is
interrupted also when the passenger
leaves the car.
It both front seat belts are unfastened
while the vehicle is travelling a few
seconds apart, the acoustic indication
will refer to the most recent event and
the two warning lights will proceed with
the visual indication independently.
REAR SEATS (warning light 2, 3 and 4)
The reminder cycle is run only when any
seat belt is unfastened (red blinking).
In this condition, the warning light for the
seat belt which has been unfastened will
start flashing red for approximately
30 seconds. An acoustic signal is also
emitted.
The visual indication (blinking red) will
start and end independently for each
warning light if several seat belts are
unfastened. The warning light will
become green when the relevant seat
belt is fastened again.
44A0K0075C
65

After about 30 seconds from the last
indication, the warning lights for rear
seats will switch off, irrespective of the
belt conditions (red or green).
IMPORTANT NOTES
All warning lights will remain off if all the
seat belts (front and rear) are already
fastened when the key it turned to MAR.
All the warning lights will come on when
at least one belt changes from fastened
to unfastened status or vice versa.PRE-TENSIONERS
56) 57)
The vehicle is equipped with front 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 (fitted 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 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 an Alfa Romeo Dealership
to have it replaced.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which allows the force acting on the chest
and shoulders to be modulated during the
belt restraining action in the event of a
frontal impact.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
Respect and ensure that all the other
occupants of the vehicle comply with the
local laws in force regarding the use of
seat belts. Always fasten the seat belts
before starting off.
58) 59)
Seat belts must also be worn by pregnant
women: the risk of injury in the event of
an accident is reduced for them and the
unborn child if they are wearing a seat
belt.
Pregnant women must position the lower
part of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the
abdomen fig. 45.
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SAFETY

The belt must not be twisted. The upper
part must pass over the shoulder and
cross the chest diagonally. The lower part
must adhere to the pelvis fig. 46, not to
the abdomen of the occupant. Never use
devices (clips, clamps, etc.) that hold the
seat belt away from your body.Each seat belt must be used by only one
person. Never travel with a child sitting
on a passenger’s lap using a single belt to
protect them both fig. 47. In general, do
not place any objects between the person
and the belt.
SEAT BELTS MAINTENANCEAlways use the seat belt well
stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without obstructions;
replace the belt after an accident of a
certain severity even if it does not appear
to be damaged. Always replace the belt if
the pretensioners were deployed;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when there is
wear or cuts.
WARNING
56)The pretensioner may be used only once.
After its activation, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it replaced.
57)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.
58)For maximum safety, keep the backrest
upright, lean back into it and make sure the
seat belt fits closely across your chest and
pelvis. Always fasten the seat belts for both
the front and rear seats! Travelling without
wearing seat belts will increase the risk of
serious injury and even death in the event of
an accident.
59)If the belt has been subjected to high
levels of stress, for example after an
accident, it should be changed completely
together with the attachments, attachment
fixing screws and the pretensioner. In fact,
even if the belt has no visible defects, it may
have lost its resilience.
IMPORTANT
20)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 an Alfa Romeo
Dealership should intervention be necessary
on these components.
45A0K0250C
46A0K0012C
47A0K0013C
67

CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of an
impact, all occupants must be seated and
wearing adequate restraint systems,
including newborn and other children!
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
Children below the height of 1.50 metres
and up to 12 years must be protected
with suitable restraint systems and be
seated on the rear seats. Statistics on
accidents indicate that the rear seats
offer greater safety for children.
Compared with an adult, a child's head is
larger and heavier in proportion to their
body and the child's muscular and bone
structures are not fully developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are necessary
to reduce as much as possible the risk of
injuries in case of accident, braking or
sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be seated safely and
comfortably. Depending on the
characteristics of the child restraint
systems used, you are advised to keep
children in rearward facing child restraint
systems for as long as possible (at least
until 3-4 years old), since this is the most
protected position in the event of an
impact.
60) 61) 62) 63)
The choice of the most suitable child
restraint device depends on the weight of
the child; there are various types of child
restraint systems and you are advised
always to choose the one that is most
suitable for the child.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the
point of view of restraint systems,
children are considered as adults and
wear seat belts normally.
In Europe the characteristics of child
restraint systems are ruled by the
regulation ECE-R44, dividing them into
five weight groups:
Group Weight groups
Group 0upto 10 kg in
weight
Group 0+up to 13 kg in
weight
Group 1 9-18 kg
Group 2 15-25 kg
Group 3 22 - 36 kg
All restraint devices must bear the
certification data, together with the
control mark, on a label solidly fixed to
the child restraint system which must
never be removed.
Lineaccessori MOPAR
®includes child
restraint systems for each weight group.
These devices are recommended having
been specifically tested for Alfa Romeo
cars.
WARNING
60)SEVERE DANGER When a front
passenger airbag is fitted, do not install
rearward facing child restraint systems on
the front passenger seat. Deployment of the
airbag in an accident could cause fatal
injuries to the child regardless of the
severity of the collision. It is advisable to
always carry children in a child restraint
system on the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of a collision.
61)On the sun visor there is a label with
suitable symbols reminding the user that it is
compulsory to deactivate the airbag if a
rearward facing child restraint system is
fitted. Always comply with the instructions
on the passenger side sun visor (see the
"Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) -
Airbag" paragraph).
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SAFETY