Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2020, Owner'S Manual

Page: 79 / 164

STARTING AND OPERATING 77
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
manually (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 displayed 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.
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 automatically 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 avail -
able in NATURAL and ALL WEATHER Modes.
AUTO Mode
In AUTO mode the transmission shifts gears
automatically 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 accel -
erator 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 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; otherwise, 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.
5
20_4C_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77