Alfa Romeo 4C (2018 year). Manual — part 9

CAUTION!

If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.

SIX-SPEED ALFA TWIN CLUTCH
TRANSMISSION

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to shift out of NEUTRAL if the

engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine
is running.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Before exiting the vehicle, always come to a

complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into FIRST gear or REVERSE,
turn the engine OFF, remove the key fob, and lock
the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

Using The Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a Six-Speed Alfa Twin

Clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted shift

paddles.

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STARTING AND OPERATING 133

When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis-

sion controls (shift paddles on the steering wheel, and

gear selector buttons on the center console) are dis-

abled.
When the key is turned to the ON position, the current

transmission gear will be displayed in the instrument

cluster, along with the

⬙AUTO⬙ indicator. This indicates

the transmission is in Automatic mode.

Operating Modes
The transmission has two normal operating modes

(except when the “Race” mode is selected on the DNA

switch):
• MANUAL mode: The driver must shift gears manu-

ally (using the steering wheel mounted shift

paddles).

• Automatic (AUTO) mode: The system shifts between

all forward gears automatically.

When the “Race” mode is selected via the DNA selector,

the only allowed transmission operating mode is

MANUAL.

MANUAL Mode

In this operating mode, the driver is responsible for

choosing the best gear to engage, depending on the

vehicle’s operating conditions. The current gear is dis-

played in the instrument cluster.
To activate/deactivate MANUAL mode, push the A/M

button on the center console when the transmission is in

any forward gear.
Use the “+” shift paddle to engage a higher gear, or the

“–” paddle to engage a lower gear.

Transmission Gear Selector

134 STARTING AND OPERATING

If a requested gear shift is not allowed (typically,

because it would cause engine overspeed or lugging),

an acoustic signal will sound and the transmission will

remain in the existing gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift during

closed-throttle decelerations, to prevent engine lugging.

When coming to a stop, the transmission will automati-

cally select FIRST (1st) gear. The driver must manually

upshift the transmission (by tapping the + shift paddle)

as the vehicle accelerates.
NOTE:

To provide better comfort, the transmission will

up-shift to the next available gear if the engine speed

limit is reached. This feature is only available in NATU-

RAL and ALL WEATHER Modes.

AUTO Mode

In AUTO mode the transmission shifts gears automati-

cally depending on vehicle speed, engine RPM, and

accelerator pedal position.
AUTO is the default operating mode at startup. When

in AUTO mode,

⬙AUTO⬙ appears in the instrument

cluster, adjacent to the current gear display.
To toggle between AUTO and MANUAL modes, push

the A/M button on the center console.

Accelerating From A Stop

FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) can only be engaged (at a

stop) when the brake pedal is pressed.
To drive, press the brake pedal, and select 1 (1st) or R

(REVERSE) using the transmission gear selector buttons

on the center console. Then release the brake pedal and

smoothly press the accelerator pedal.
NOTE:
• The vehicle will not “creep” when the brake pedal is

released, and may in fact roll down on an incline.

Leaving from a stop, the accelerator pedal must be

pressed to transmit driving torque to the wheels.

• When starting on a fairly steep incline, it may be

helpful to engage the parking brake.

• The vehicle can only be launched (from a stop) in

FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). Second gear (or higher)

cannot be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.

• If the brake pedal is not depressed (and the vehicle is

stationary for a period of time), the transmission will

automatically engage NEUTRAL (N).

• FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) gears can only be

engaged at vehicle speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h). At

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STARTING AND OPERATING 135

speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift

from 1 to R (or R to 1) will only be allowed if the

vehicle speed drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h)

threshold within three seconds of the request; other-

wise, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL (N).

The driver should then repeat the request for 1st or R

once the vehicle has come to a stop.

Shift Paddles

In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift

paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission

shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to

the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will

downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is

displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift

would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request

will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily

place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and execute

the requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The

transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a

brief interval.

Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission

one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not

command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed

multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.

Neutral (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-

longed periods with the engine running. Always apply

the parking brake if you must exit the vehicle.
At engine startup, the transmission will automatically

select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal

must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,

turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine

running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N

button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), push-

ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless

of whether the brake pedal is pressed.

136 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. Coasting in NEUTRAL
and turning off the ignition while coasting severely
limit your ability to respond to changing traffic or
road conditions. Failure to follow this WARNING
may result in loss of vehicle control, collision, and
serious injury or death.

With the vehicle in motion, to engage a gear from the

NEUTRAL (N) position, push the 1 button on the

transmission control panel (it is not necessary to press

the brake pedal). The transmission will engage the

correct gear according to the vehicle’s speed.
Acoustic Signal

If the vehicle is stationary with the engine running and

FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) engaged, the system acti-

vates an acoustic signal and automatically places the

transmission in NEUTRAL (N) when:
• The accelerator and/or brake pedal are not operated

for at least three minutes.

• The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 min-

utes.

• The driver’s door is opened and the accelerator pedal

or the brake pedal are not operated for at least one

and a half seconds.

• A fault has been detected in the transmission.
Parking The Vehicle
When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as

follows:
1. Make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete

stop.

2. With the brake pedal depressed, put the vehicle into

either a forward or reverse gear by pushing 1 or R.

(The vehicle may already be in 1 or R if you were just

driving.)

3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn off and remove the key.
5. Release the brake pedal.
When parking on an incline, turn the front wheels

toward the curb on a downhill slope and away from the

curb on an uphill slope. Always chock the wheels when

parking on steep grades.

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STARTING AND OPERATING 137

General Notes

When the vehicle is stopped and in gear, always keep

the brake pedal pressed until you decide to set off, then

release the brake and accelerate gradually.
During prolonged stops with the engine running, it is

advisable to keep the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
When stopped on an incline, always hold the vehicle in

place using the brakes. On steep inclines, Hill Start

Assist (HSA) will temporarily hold the vehicle in posi-

tion when the brake pedal is released. If the accelerator

pedal is not applied after a short time, the vehicle will

roll back. Either reapply the brake (to hold the vehicle)

or press the accelerator to climb the hill.
Only shift between FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) when

completely stopped, with the brake pedal pressed.
When necessary, it is possible to engage FIRST (1),

REVERSE (R) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine off, the

key at MAR-ON and the brake pressed. In this case,

wait at least five seconds between one gear change and

the next, in order to safeguard the operation of the

hydraulic system, and the pump in particular.

For uphill departures, accelerate gradually but fully,

immediately after releasing the parking brake or the

brake pedal; this allows the engine speed to increase to

provide more torque at the wheels.

ALFA DNA SYSTEM (DYNAMIC VEHICLE
CONTROL SYSTEM)
This vehicle is equipped with a “Alfa DNA” system

lever (located on the center console). There are four

modes of operation to be selected according to driving

style and road conditions:
• Dynamic (This mode alters the transmission’s auto-

matic shift schedule for sportier driving [D]).

• Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions [N]).
• All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip condi-

tions, such as rain and snow [A]).

• Race (sports driving mode [D]).

138 STARTING AND OPERATING

This also acts on the dynamic vehicle control systems

(engine, gearbox/transmission, ESC system).

Driving Modes
The Alfa DNA system lever will always return to the

center position after use.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-

sponding LED switching in the panel and by an indi-

cation on the display.

Dynamic Mode
Activation

Move the Alfa DNA system lever 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 and engine oil temperature screen is displayed

automatically. When released, the Alfa DNA system

lever will return to the central position.
NOTE:

Dynamic Mode will be inhibited until the

vehicle has accumulated 155 miles (250 km).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:

The ESC and ASR system ensures more enjoyable,

sportier driving while guaranteeing the stability of the

vehicle.
Electronic Q2 system:

The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating

on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.

Alfa DNA Mode Selector

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STARTING AND OPERATING 139

Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:

The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for

sportier shifting.
NOTE:

In Dynamic mode, the engine response to the

accelerator pedal position increases considerably. Con-

sequently, driving is less fluid and comfortable.
Deactivation

To deactivate Dynamic mode and return to Natural,

move lever downwards (to letter “A”) and hold for half

a second.
The LED corresponding to Natural mode will light up

and the Natural mode activation indication will appear

on the display.
Race Mode
Activation

Starting in Dynamic mode, move the Alfa DNA system

lever upwards (to the letter “D”) and hold in this

position for five 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).
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:

These 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. To deactivate

the ESC and ASR systems, reactivate Race mode.
Electronic Q2 system:

The system increases vehicle stability while accelerating

on bends, improving the agility of the vehicle.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:

The system adjusts the transmission shift calibration for

sportier shifting.
NOTE:

In Race mode, the sensitivity of the accelerator

pedal increases considerably. Consequently, driving is

less fluid and comfortable.

140 STARTING AND OPERATING

In Race mode, the transmission only works in

MANUAL mode.
Deactivation

To deactivate Race mode and return to Dynamic mode,

move the Alfa DNA system lever downwards (to letter

“A”) and keep it in this position for half a second.
The LED corresponding to Dynamic mode will light up

and the Dynamic mode activation indication will ap-

pear on the display.
Natural Mode
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:

ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at providing

comfort and safety in normal grip and driving condi-

tions.
Electronic Q2 system:

The system is calibrated to ensure the best driving

comfort.
Engine And Gearbox/Transmission:

Standard response shifting.

All Weather Mode
Activation

Move the Alfa DNA system lever 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 dis-

play.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-Slip
Regulation (ASR) systems:

ESC and ASR system thresholds are aimed at ensuring

maximum 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 shifting.
Deactivation

To deactivate All Weather mode and return to Natural

mode, move the Alfa DNA system lever upwards (to

letter “D”) and keep it in this position for half a second.

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STARTING AND OPERATING 141

NOTE:
• When the engine is next started, All Weather mode or

Natural mode will be retained when the vehicle is

restarted.

• When the engine is next started, Race mode or

Dynamic mode previously selected is not retained.

The system will reactivate in Natural mode.

• It is not possible to go directly from Dynamic mode

to All Weather mode and 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 the gear

selector, 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.
Please contact your authorized dealer for service.
Launch Control
The Launch Control strategy permits high-performance

acceleration from stand still.

This strategy can be activated with vehicle at a stand-

still, Race mode selected and FIRST (1st) gear engaged.
The sequence of operations to perform is as follows:
1. Press the brake pedal and hold it down.
2. Press the accelerator pedal and hold it down.
3. Press the

⬙–⬙ paddle behind the steering wheel. (This

allows the engine to rev above the 3000 RPM limit.)

When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle will start

with maximum acceleration. Despite the MANUAL

mode, the vehicle will automatically shift the gear to

guarantee maximum acceleration, once the correct shift-

ing speed has been reached.

WARNING!

Launch Control is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. Use Launch Control only in a
controlled and dry track environment; within the
limits of the law. Actual Launch Control perfor-
mance may change depending on the surface and
current traction conditions. The capabilities of the

(Continued)

142 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

vehicle as measured by the performance pages must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-
ner, which can jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death.

To discontinue the strategy, simply interrupt the above

sequence of operations or release the accelerator pedal.

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelera-

tor operations at speeds greater than 18 mph (30 km/h),

up to the maximum speed of 105 mph (170 km/h).
The Speed Control Lever is located on the left side of the

steering column.

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed

Control system has been designed to shut down if

multiple speed control functions are operated at the

same time. If this occurs, the Speed Control system can

be reactivated rotating the end of the multifunction

lever (on/off) and resetting the desired vehicle set

speed.

To Activate
Rotate the end of the multifunction lever upward to the

first detent, indicated by the speed control icon, to

Speed Control Lever

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STARTING AND OPERATING 143

activate the Speed Control. The Cruise Control Indica-

tor Light in the instrument cluster display will illumi-

nate. To turn the system off, rotate the end of the

multifunction lever to the O (off) position. The Cruise

Control Indicator Light will turn off. The system should

be turned off when not in use.

WARNING!

Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in
use is dangerous. You could accidentally set the
system or cause it to go faster than you want. You
could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system off when you are not using it.

To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has

reached the desired speed, move the speed control lever

upward (+), and release. Release the accelerator, and the

vehicle will operate at the set speed.
NOTE:

The vehicle should be traveling at a steady

speed, and on level ground before setting the speed

control.

To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed

by tapping the speed control lever up (+).
The speed increment shown is dependant on the speed

of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h) units:

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Tapping the speed control lever up (+) once will

result in a one mph increase in set speed. Each

subsequent tap of the lever results in an increase of

one mph.

• If the lever is continually help up, the set speed will

continue to increase until the lever is released, then

the new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Tapping the speed control lever up (+) once will

result in a two km/h increase in set speed. Each

subsequent tap of the lever results in an increase of

two km/h.

• If the lever is continually help up, the set speed will

continue to increase until the lever is released, then

the new set speed will be established.

144 STARTING AND OPERATING

To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed

by tapping the speed control lever down (-).
The speed decrement shown is dependant on the speed

of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h) units:

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Tapping the speed control lever down (-) once will

result in a one mph decrease in set speed. Each

subsequent tap of the lever results in a decrease of

one mph.

• If the lever is continually held down, the set speed

will continue to decrease until the lever is released,

then the new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Tapping the speed control lever down (-) once will

result in a two km/h decrease in set speed. Each

subsequent tap of the lever results in a decrease of

two km/h.

• If the lever is continually held down, the set speed

will continue to decrease until the lever is released,

then the new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the

pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RESUME

button, located on the end of the speed control stalk,

and release. Resume can be used at any speed above

18 mph (30 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL/

RESUME button on the end of the stalk, or normal

brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will deactivate

the Speed Control without erasing the set speed

memory. Rotating the end of the multifunction lever to

the O (off) position, or turning the ignition switch to

OFF, erases the set speed memory.

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STARTING AND OPERATING 145

PARKING SENSORS — IF EQUIPPED
The vehicle’s parking sensors are located in the rear

bumper, and will detect the presence of any obstacles

near the rear part of the vehicle while moving in

REVERSE gear. The driver is then informed through an

intermittent acoustic signal.

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 vehicle and ob-

stacle decreases, culminating in a continuous acous-

tic signal when the distance is less than approxi-

mately 12 inches (30 cm).

• Decreases if the distance from the obstacle increases,

until the signal ceases entirely.

• Remains constant if the distance between vehicle and

obstacle remains unchanged; if this situation con-

cerns the side sensors, the signal will stop after

approximately 3 seconds, for example, in the event of

manoeuvres along a wall.

If several obstacles are detected by the sensors, only the

nearest one is considered.

Parking Sensors

146 STARTING AND OPERATING

Indications On Display — If Equipped
When the sensors are activated, the parking sensor

display screen appears in the instrument cluster.

Obstacle presence and distance information is therefore

provided both by the acoustic signal and the instrument

cluster 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 vehicle.

If an obstacle is detected in the rear central area, the

instrument cluster 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 color on the instrument cluster display depends on

the distance from and position of the obstacle.
The vehicle is close to the obstacle when the instrument

cluster display shows a single constant arc and emits a

continuous sound.
If there are several obstacles, the closest one is indi-

cated.
Activation/Deactivation
The sensors are automatically activated when REVERSE

gear is engaged. As the obstacle behind the vehicle gets

closer, the acoustic signal becomes more frequent.

Parking Sensor Display Screen

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STARTING AND OPERATING 147

Fault Indication
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be indicated when

REVERSE gear is engaged by the switching on of the

warning light in the instrument cluster display.

General Warnings
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 vehicle 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 vehicle,

rain, strong wind, hail) may cause the sensor to

detect a non-existent obstacle (“echo interference”).

• The presence of ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic

brake systems of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the

vehicle could alter the signals sent by the sensor.

• The variation in sensor position, caused by variation

in ride (due to suspension component wear), chang-

ing tires, overloaded vehicle, or tuning that lowers

the vehicle, for example, may affect parking sensor

system performance.

NOTE:

The sensor must be free from mud, dirt snow or

ice in order for the system to operate correctly. 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 car 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 4 inches (10 cm) away. Also, do not

apply stickers to the sensors.

WARNING!

Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the Parking Sensor system. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle, and be sure to
check for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, ob-
structions, or blind spots before backing up. You
are responsible for the safety of your surroundings

(Continued)

148 STARTING AND OPERATING