Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2015 User guide

OWNER HANDBOOK
Alfa Services
ENGLISH
COP ALFA 4C LUM GB 11/07/13 10.29 Pagina 1

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing an Alfa Romeo. We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the
features of your car and use it in the best possible way. You should read it right through before taking to the road for the first time.
You will find information, tips and important warnings regarding the driving of your car to help you derive the maximum from your Alfa Romeo's
technological features. It also provides a description of special features and essential information for the care and maintenance of your Alfa
Romeo over time as well as for safe driving.
We urge you to read the warnings and indications found throughout the text with care, marked with the following symbols:
personal safety;
car safety;
environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are reported at the end of each paragraph and are followed by a number. That number recalls the
corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find a description of the Services that Alfa Romeo offers to its customers, the Warranty
Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new car and the service provided by the people at Alfa Romeo.
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a truly exclusive car in terms of content and technology; for this reason and to guarantee the highest level of service, Alfa
Romeo has provided a dedicated Dealership for 4C customers. Up-to-date information on service centres is available on freephone number
00 800 2532 4200 (should this number be unavailable, use the international toll number [phone], or anyway refer to the instructions
in the Warranty Booklet).
Enjoy reading and happy motoring!
This Owner Handbook describes all versions of the Alfa Romeo 4C; please consider only the information relevant to your
car’s trim level, engine and version. All data contained in this publication is purely indicative. Fiat Group Automobiles can
modify the specifications of the vehicle model described in this publication at any time, for technical or marketing
purposes. For further information, contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION!
REFUELLING
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95, in compliance with the European specification EN228. In
particular, the 4C’s engine has been designed to comply with all emission limits while simultaneously guaranteeing minimal consumption and
maximum performance, using premium-quality unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) of 98 or higher. The use of petrol that does not
conform to the specification indicated may cause the warning light to switch on and the irregular operation of the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged. Press the brake pedal and, without pressing the accelerator, turn the ignition key to AVV; release it
as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other
flammable material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after purchasing the car, you want to install accessories that require an electrical supply (with the risk of gradually draining the battery),
contact the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership which will calculate the overall electrical consumption and check that the car’s electrical system
can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness
and low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS…
... important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and maintenance of your car over time. Special attention must
be paid to the symbols provided (personal safety) (environmental protection) (car integrity).

4
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GRAPHICAL INDEX
.
HEADLIGHTS
❒Bulb types ..........................................127
❒Daytime running lights ......................... 28
❒Side lights/dipped headlights .............. 28
❒Main beam headlights ......................... 28
❒Bulb replacement ................................126
WHEELS
❒Rims and tyres ....................................171
❒Tyre pressure ......................................174
❒Wheel repair .......................................119
DOOR MIRRORS
❒Adjustment ......................................... 18
❒Folding ............................................... 18
DOORS
❒Central opening/closing ...................... 37
SCREEN WASHER / BRAKE FLUID
❒Checking levels ...................................145
WINDSCREEN WIPERS
❒Operation ........................................... 29
❒Blade replacement ..............................154
TOW HOOK
❒Attachment .........................................137
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.
REAR LIGHTS
❒Bulb types ..........................................127
❒Bulb replacement ................................126
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT /
ENGINE COVER
❒Opening/closing .................................. 39
ENGINE
❒Checking levels ...................................145
❒Technical data .....................................165
FUEL CAP
❒Opening/closing .................................. 58
2A0L0121
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GRAPHICAL INDEX

.
AIR VENTS
❒Climate control ................................... 19
LEFT STALK
❒Exterior lights ...................................... 28
INSTRUMENT PANEL
❒Control panel and instruments ............ 62
❒Warning lights ..................................... 73
RIGHT STALK
❒Window cleaning ................................ 29
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
❒Operation ...........................................100
DASHBOARD CONTROLS
❒Rear fog lights .................................... 33
❒Door locking ....................................... 35
❒Door mirror demisting ......................... 27
HEATER/CLIMATE CONTROL
❒Climatic comfort ................................. 21
❒Heating and ventilation ........................ 22
❒Manual climate control ........................ 25
STEERING WHEEL
❒Adjustment ......................................... 17
❒Driver side front airbag ........................ 99
CONTROL BUTTONS
❒Set-up menu ...................................... 64
❒Menu options ...................................... 66
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.
SEATS
❒Lengthwise adjustment ....................... 15
❒Backrest adjustment ........................... 16
ELECTRIC WINDOWS
❒Operation ........................................... 0
GEARBOX/TRANSMISSION
❒Using the gearbox/transmission ..........106
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
❒Operation ........................................... 33
ALFA DNA SYSTEM
❒Operation ........................................... 46
HANDBRAKE
❒Operation ...........................................105
POWER SOCKET / CIGAR
LIGHTER
❒Power socket ..................................... 35
❒Cigar lighter ........................................ 35
SEAT BELTS
❒Use ..................................................... 92
❒Important information .......................... 92
4A0L0009
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GRAPHICAL INDEX

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
In-depth knowledge of your new car
starts here.
The booklet that you are reading simply
and directly explains how it is made
and how it works.
That’s why we advise you to read it
seated comfortably on board, so that
you can see what is described here for
yourself.
SYMBOLS ...................................... 10
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM ....... 10
THE KEYS....................................... 11
ALARM ........................................... 13
IGNITION SWITCH .......................... 14
SEATS ............................................ 15
STEERING WHEEL ......................... 17
REAR VIEW MIRRORS.................... 18
CLIMATE CONTROL ....................... 20
CLIMATIC COMFORT ..................... 20
HEATING AND VENTILATION.......... 22
MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL........ 25
EXTERIOR LIGHTS ......................... 28
WINDOW CLEANING...................... 29
CRUISE CONTROL......................... 30
ROOF LIGHT................................... 32
CONTROLS .................................... 33
INTERIOR FITTINGS ....................... 34
DOORS........................................... 37
ELECTRIC WINDOWS .................... 38
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT /
ENGINE COVER.............................. 39
HEADLIGHTS.................................. 41
ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL) SYSTEM....................... 42
“ALFA DNA” SYSTEM (DYNAMIC
CAR CONTROL SYSTEM)............... 46
EOBD SYSTEM (EUROPEAN ON
BOARD DIAGNOSIS) ...................... 49
RADIO SYSTEM.............................. 50
ACCESSORIES PURCHASED BY
THE OWNER .................................. 50
PARKING SENSORS....................... 51
TPMS (TYRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM) ................. 54
REFUELLING THE CAR .................. 58
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT .............................. 59
9

SYMBOLS
Some car components have coloured
labels whose symbols indicate
precautions to be observed when using
this component. Under the engine
cover there is also a label that
summarises all the symbols.
ALFA ROMEO CODE
SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
This is an electronic engine locking
system which increases protection
against attempted thefts of the car. It
is automatically activated when the
ignition key is removed.
There is an electronic device in each
key which can identify the signal
emitted, when the engine is started,
from an aerial built into the ignition
switch. The signal, which changes
each time the engine is started, is the
“password” by means of which the
control unit recognises the key and
enables starting. 1)
Operation
Each time the car is started by turning
the ignition key to MAR-ON, the Alfa
Romeo CODE system control unit
sends an acknowledgement code to
the engine management control unit to
deactivate the inhibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit has
recognised the code transmitted by the
key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOP, the Alfa Romeo CODE system
deactivates the functions of the engine
management control unit.
Irregular operation
If, during starting, the code is not
correctly recognised, the digital
warning light switches on in the display.
In this case, turn the key to STOP and
then to MAR-ON; if it is still locked,
try again with the other keys that come
with the vehicle. If it is still not possible
to start the engine, contact the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Activation of warning
light while driving
❒If the digital warning light on the
display switches on, this means that
the system is running a self-diagnosis
(for example due to a voltage drop).
❒If the digital warning light remains
on, contact the dedicated Alfa
Romeo Dealership.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

IMPORTANT
1) The electronic components inside
the key may be damaged if the
key is subjected to sharp knocks.
In order to ensure complete
efficiency of the electronic
devices inside the key, it should
never be exposed to direct
sunlight.
THE KEYS
KEY WITHOUT REMOTE
CONTROL
Operation
The metal insert A fig. 5 operates:
❒the ignition switch;
❒the door lock.
KEY WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
Operation
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The metal insert A fig. 6 operates:
❒the ignition switch;
❒the door lock.
Press button B to open/close the metal
insert. 1)
Door unlocking
Briefly press button : unlocking of
doors, timed switching on of internal
roof light and double flashing of
direction indicators (for versions/
markets, where provided).
The doors are unlocked automatically if
the fuel cut-off system intervenes.
If when locking the doors, one or more
doors are not closed correctly, the
LED flashes quickly together with the
direction indicators.
Door locking
Briefly press button : locking of
doors, switching off of internal roof light
and single flashing of direction
indicators (for versions/markets, where
provided).
5A0L0005
6A0L0006
11

If one or more door are open, the doors
will not be locked. This is indicated by
a rapid flashing of the direction
indicators (for versions/markets, where
provided). The doors will be locked if
the tailgate is open however.
When a speed of more than 20 km/h is
reached, the doors will be locked
automatically if this specific function
was set.
When the doors are locked from
outside the car (using the remote
control), LED A fig. 7 will switch on for a
few seconds and then start flashing
(deterrent function).
When the doors are locked from inside
the car (by pressing the button
on the dashboard) the LED will remain
on constantly.
REQUESTING
ADDITIONAL REMOTE
CONTROLS
The system can recognise up to 8
remote controls. Should a new remote
control be necessary, go to the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership,
taking an ID document and the car
ownership documents.
REPLACING THE
BATTERY IN THE KEY
WITH REMOTE CONTROL
Procedure
❒press button A fig. 8 and move the
metal insert B to opening position;
turn screw C to using a fine
bit screwdriver;
❒remove battery compartment D and
replace battery E, respecting the
polarity; reinsert compartment D in
the key and secure it by turning
screw C to .
1)
WARNING
1) Press button B fig. 6 only with the
key away from your body,
especially your eyes and from
objects which could get damaged
(e.g. your clothes). Do not leave
the key unattended, to prevent
people, especially children, from
inadvertently pressing the button.
7A0L0007
8A0L0008
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

IMPORTANT
1) Used batteries may be harmful to
the environment if not disposed of
correctly. They must be disposed
of as specified by law in the
special containers or taken to the
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership,
which will take care of their
disposal.
ALARM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Operation
The alarm activates in the following
cases:
❒wrongful opening of one of the doors
or the tailgate (perimeter protection);
❒wrongful operation of the ignition
switch (key turned to MAR-ON);
❒cutting of the battery leads;
❒movement inside the passenger
compartment (volumetric protection);
❒anomalous lifting/tilting of the car.
Operation of the alarm is indicated by
an acoustic and visual signal (flashing of
the direction indicators for several
seconds). The alarm activation modes
may vary according to the market.
There is a maximum number of
acoustic/visual cycles. When this is
reached the system returns to normal
operation.
IMPORTANT The engine locking
function is guaranteed by the Alfa
Romeo CODE, which is automatically
activated when the key is extracted
from the ignition switch.
IMPORTANT The alarm is adapted to
meet requirements in various countries.
Activation
With the doors and tailgate closed and
the ignition key either turned to STOP
or removed, point the key with remote
control towards the car then press
and release the button.
For versions/markets, where provided,
the system emits an acoustic signal
and activates door locking.
A self-diagnosis stage lasting
approximately 30 seconds precedes
the activation of the alarm: during this,
the LED flashes on the dashboard at
a frequency of about one flash per
second.
After the self-diagnosis stage, the LED
flashes at a lower frequency (one flash
every 3 seconds approx.).
If, after the alarm is switched on, a
second acoustic signal is emitted
and/or a visual signal via the LED on
the dashboard, wait about 4 seconds
and switch off the alarm by pressing the
button, check that the doors and
tailgate are closed correctly and then
reactivate the system by pressing
the button.
If the alarm emits an acoustic signal
even when the doors and tailgate are
closed correctly, a system malfunction
has occurred: in this case, contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
13

Deactivation
Press the button.
The following operations are performed
(for versions/markets, where provided):
❒two brief flashes of the direction
indicators;
❒unlocking of the doors.
IMPORTANT If the central door locking
system is released using the metal
insert of the key, the alarm is not
disabled.
IMPORTANT In the event of accidental
activation of the alarm, or in any case to
interrupt the acoustic and visual signal
cycle when activated, it is possible
to press the button or turn the
ignition key to MAR-ON for at least 5
seconds, after which the system will
deactivate.
Disabling
To completely disable the alarm (e.g.
during a lengthy period of car inactivity),
lock the car by turning the metal insert
of the key in the door lock.
IMPORTANT If the batteries of the key
with remote control run out or there is a
fault in the system, the alarm can be
switched off by inserting the key in the
ignition switch and turning it to
MAR-ON.
Volumetric/anti-lift
protection
To ensure the correct operation of the
protection, completely close the side
windows.
To disable the volumetric protection,
turn the ignition key from STOP to
MAR-ON twice in a row, then activate
the alarm within 15 seconds, pressing
the button on the remote control.
When the function is deactivated, this is
indicated by the LED on the dashboard
flashing for several seconds.
To disable the anti-lift protection as well,
the ignition key must be turned from
STOP to MAR-ON three times in a row,
followed by activating the alarm within
15 seconds, pressing the button
on the remote control.
When the function is deactivated, this is
indicated by the LED on the dashboard
flashing for several seconds.
Any disabling of the volumetric/anti-lift
protection must be repeated each
time the instrument panel is switched
off.
IGNITION SWITCH
Operation
The key can be turned to three different
positions fig. 9:
❒STOP: engine off, key can be
removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. radio,
central door locking system, alarm,
etc.) are still available;
❒MAR-ON: driving position. All
electrical devices are available;
❒AVV: engine starting.
The ignition switch is fitted with a safety
system that requires the ignition key
to be turned back to STOP if the engine
does not start, before the starting
operation can be repeated. 2) 3)
9A0L0010
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the
key and turn the steering wheel until
it locks.
Deactivation
Move the steering wheel slightly and
turn the ignition key to MAR-ON. 4) 5)
WARNING
2) If the ignition device has been
tampered with (e.g. an attempted
theft), have it checked over by
the dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership before driving again.
3) Always remove the key when you
leave your car to prevent someone
from accidentally operating the
controls. Remember to engage
the handbrake. Never leave
children unattended in the car.
4) It is absolutely forbidden to carry
out any after-market operation
involving steering system or
steering column modifications
(e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety,
invalidate the warranty and also
result in non-compliance of the
car with type-approval
requirements.
5) Never extract the key while the
car is moving. The steering wheel
would automatically lock as soon
as it is turned. This also applies
to cases in which the car is towed.
SEATS
ADJUSTMENTS
Lengthwise adjustment
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Lift lever A fig. 10 and push the seat
forwards or backwards: in the driving
position your arms should rest on
the rim of the steering wheel.
6) 7)
Alfa Romeo’s advice: the seat must be
adjusted so that the entire sole of the
foot presses on the brake pedal when it
is fully depressed; at the same time,
your right leg must be bent slightly. In
this way, in the event of emergency, the
driver can generate sufficient force to
achieve adequate pressure on the
brake pedal. Moreover, this reduces the
risk of leg injuries in the event of an
accident.
10 A0L0011
15

Backrest angle
adjustment
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Lift lever B fig. 11 and adjust the
backrest angle at the same time.
The backrest angle can be adjusted in
3 positions because of special sports
configuration.
6) 8) 2)
Alfa Romeo’s advice: the backrest must
provide the driver with appropriate
support and lateral containment on
bends. To guarantee correct support,
the backrest must be adjusted so that it
is almost vertical, and the backrest
supports the entire torso.
Height adjustment
(for versions/markets, where provided)
In order to achieve the ideal driving
position, the height of the seats can
also be adjusted. Workshop equipment
is required to make this adjustment:
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
Alfa Romeo’s advice: the seat must be
adjusted to the lowest possible
position, in order to achieve optimum
perception of the car’s movement
and awareness when driving.
The height of the seat must always take
the driver’s stature into account: the
optimal awareness attainable through a
low driving position must never
compromise external visibility from
inside the car. Should it be necessary, it
is advisable to adjust first the height of
the seat, before concentrating, in the
following order, on lengthwise
adjustment, backrest angle adjustment
and finally steering wheel position
adjustment.
WARNING
6) All adjustments must be made
solely with the car stationary.
7) After releasing the adjustment
lever, always check that the seat
is locked on the guides by trying
to move it back and forth. Failure
to lock the seat in place could
result in the seat moving suddenly
and the driver losing control of
the car.
8) For maximum protection, keep the
backrest upright, lean back into it
and make sure the seat belt fits
closely across your chest and
pelvis.
11 A0L0117
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR