Auto User Guide

2016 Alfa Romeo 4c Adjusting Seat Belt Instructions

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2016 Alfa Romeo 4c Seat Belt Instructions 

In 2016, a unique and sporty two-seater sports car called the Alfa Romeo 4C came with a full set of seat belt rules to protect both the driver and the passenger. These rules cover many topics, such as how to correctly use and adjust seat belts, how important it is to wear a seat belt at all times while driving or going in a car, and how important it is to follow seat belt safety rules to lower the risk of injury during sudden stops or collisions. The company Alfa Romeo stressed how important seat belts are for keeping people safe and how following these rules is essential for a safe and enjoyable driving experience in the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Seat Belt Systems

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and could cause a collision that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times.

Driver And Passenger BeltAlert (If Equipped)
BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the driver and outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat beltAlert) to buckle their seat belts. The Belt Alert feature is active whenever the ignition switch is in the AVV/START or MAR/RUN position.

Initial Indication
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first turned to the AVV/START or MAR/RUN position, a chime will signal for a few seconds. If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first turned to the AVV/START or MAR/ RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until both outboard front seat belts are buckled. The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.

BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when the vehicle is moving above a specified vehicle speed range and the driver or outboard front seat passenger is un-buckled (the outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied). The BeltAlert warning sequence starts by blinking the Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert warning sequence has been completed, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will remain on until the seat belts are buckled. The BeltAlert warning sequence may repeat based on vehicle speed until the driver and occupied outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled. The driver should instruct all occupants to buckle their seat belts.

Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while the vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning sequence will begin until the seat belts are buckled again. The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the outboard front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed. BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by your authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend deactivating BeltAlert.
NOTE: If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or outboard front seat passenger is unbuckled the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the driver and outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.

Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with lap/shoulder belts. The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. However, in a collision, the seat belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle.
WARNING

  1. Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, the airbags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt even though you have airbags.
  2. In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
  3. It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
  4. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
  5. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.
  6. Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of the seat belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.
  7. Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in a collision, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.
  8. A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of injury in a collision. The seat belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap part of your seat belt as low as possible and keep it snug.
  9. A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly. In a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the seat belt is flat against your body, without twists. If you can’t straighten a seat belt in your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immediately and have it fixed.
  10. A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your seat belt into the buckle nearest you.
  11. A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you properly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
  12. A seat belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A seat belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.
  13. A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belts are meant to be used together.
  14. A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat belt system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

  1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat.
  2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front seat, and next to your arm in the rear seat (for vehicles equipped with a rear seat). Grasp the latch plate and pull out the seat belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat belt to go around your lap.Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-FIG-1
  3. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-FIG-3
  4. Position the lap belt so that it is snug and lies low across your hips, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug seat belt reduces the risk of sliding under the seat belt in a collision.Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-FIG-4
  5. Position the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest with minimal, if any slack so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the shoulder belt.
  6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the seat belt to retract fully.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/shoulder belt.

  1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point.
  2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the seat belt webbing 180 degrees to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.
  3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate.
  4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing and the seat belt is no longer twisted.

Seat Belts And Pregnant WomenAlfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-fig-4Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including pregnant women: the risk of injury in the event of an accident is reduced for the mother and the unborn child if they are wearing a seat belt. Position the lap belt snugly and low below the abdomen and across the strong bones of the hips. Place the shoulder belt across the chest and away from the neck. Never place the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.

Seat Belt Pretensioner
The front seat belt system is equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices may improve the performance of the seat belt by removing slack from the seat belt early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be worn snugly and positioned properly.

The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). Like the airbags, the preten-sioners are single-use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed airbag must be replaced immediately.

Energy Management Feature
This vehicle has a seat belt system with an Energy Management feature in the front seating positions that may help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision. This seat belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in a controlled manner.

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
The seat belt in the passenger seating position is equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint system. For additional information, refer to “Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child Restraints” section of this manual. The table below defines the type of feature for each seating position.Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-FIG-10

  • ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR and is being used for normal usage, only pull the seat belt webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound as the seat belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click”.
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child restraint is installed in a seating position that has a seat belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in a vehicle with a rear seat.
WARNING

  • Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an airbag. A deploying Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rear-facing child restraint.
  • Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with a rear seat.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

  1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
  2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire seat belt is extracted.
  3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the seat belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle-sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

WARNING

  • The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt function is not working properly when checked according to the procedures in the Service Manual.
  • Failure to replace the seat belt assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
  • Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to restrain occupants who are wearing seat belts or children who are using booster seats. The locked mode is only used to install rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints that have a harness for restraining the child.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Air Bag System Components
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following airbag system components:

  • Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
  • Air Bag Warning Light
  • Steering Wheel and Column
  • Instrument Panel
  • Knee Impact Bolsters
  • Advanced Front Air Bags
  • Supplemental Side Air Bags
  • Supplemental Knee Air Bags
  • Front and Side Impact Sensors
  • Seat Belt Pretensioners
  • Seat Belt Buckle Switch
  • Seat Track Position Sensors

Advanced Front Air Bags
This vehicle has Advanced Front airbags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the airbag covers.

Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-FIG-8

  1. Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bags
  2. Passenger Knee Bolsters
  3. Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag/Driver Knee Bolster

WARNING

  • Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment could cause serious injury, including death. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
  • Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an airbag. A deploying Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rear-facing child restraint.
  • Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with a rear seat.

Advanced Front Air Bag Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver and front passenger airbags. This system provides output appropriate to the severity and type of collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive information from the front impact sensors or other system components.
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an impact that requires airbag deployment. A low energy output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is used for more severe collisions.
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether the driver or front passenger seat belt is buckled. The seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags.

WARNING

  • No objects should be placed over or near the airbag on the instrument panel or steering wheel because any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
  • Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to open them manually. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags may no longer be functional. The protective covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
  • Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, airbags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belts even though you have airbags.

Advanced Front Air Bag Operation
Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional protection by supplementing the seat belts. Advanced Front Air Bags are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover collisions. The Advanced Front Air Bags will not deploy in all frontal collisions, including some that may produce substantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and location of impact, Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial deceleration.
Because airbag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not good indicators of whether or not an airbag should be deployed. Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions, and also are needed to help keep you in position, away from an inflating airbag. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Advanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front Air Bags. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The Advanced Front Air Bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.

Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the driver and front passenger, and position the front occupants for improved interaction with the Advanced Front Air Bags.
WARNING

  • Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact bolsters in any way.
  • Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.

Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument panel below the steering column. The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag provides enhanced protection during a frontal impact by working together with seat belts, pretensioners, and Advanced Front Air Bags.

Supplemental Door-Integrated Side Air Bags
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Door-Integrated Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs). SABICs may help reduce the risk of head and other injuries to front outboard occupants in certain side impacts, in addition to the injury reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body structure. The SABICs are located in the door trim below the side windows. The trim covering the SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”

Supplemental Door-Integrated Side Air Bag Label
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in certain side impact events. The SABICs deploy upward, covering the side windows. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside edge of the trim out of the way and covers the window. The SABICs inflate with enough force to injure occupants if they are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children are at an even greater risk of injury from a deploying airbag.
SABICs are designed to activate certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint Controller (“ORC”) determines whether the deployment of the SABIC in a particular impact event is appropriate, based on the severity and type of collision. The side impact sensors aid the ORC in determining the appropriate response to impact events. The system is calibrated to deploy the SABIC on the impact side of the vehicle during impacts that require SABIC occupant protection. In side impacts, the SABICs deploy independently; a left-side impact deploys the left side SABIC only, and a right-side impact deploys the right side SABIC only. Vehicle damage by itself is not a good indicator of whether or not SABICs should be deployed.
SABICs will not deploy in all side collisions, including some collisions at certain angles, or some side collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger compart-ment. SABICs may deploy during angled or offset frontal collisions where the Advanced Front Air Bags deploy. SABICs are a supplement to the seat belt restraint system. SABICs deploy in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. Occupants, including children, who are up against or very close to SABICs can be seriously injured or killed. Occupants, including children, should never lean on or sleep against the door, side windows, or area where the side air bags inflate, even if they are in an infant or child restraint. Seat belts (and child restraints where appropriate) are necessary for your protection in all collisions. They also help keep you in position, away from an inflating SABIC. To get the best protection from the SABICs, occupants must wear their seat belts properly and sit upright with their backs against the seats. Children must be properly restrained in a child restraint or booster seat that is appropriate for the size of the child.
WARNING

  • Your vehicle is equipped with left and right supplemental door-integrated Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs). Do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the deployment of the SABICs. The door trim below the side windows where the SABIC and its deployment path are located should remain free from any obstructions.
  • SABICs need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
  • Being too close to the SABICs during deployment could cause you to be severely injured or killed.
  • Relying on the SABICs alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The SABICs work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, SABICs won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt even though you have SABICs.

NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious to you, but they will open during airbag deployment.

If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate immediately after deployment.
NOTE: Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in all collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.

If you do have a collision that deploys the airbags, any or all of the following may occur:

  • The airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
  • As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the non-toxic gas used for airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
  • Do not drive your vehicle after the airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will not be in place to protect you.

WARNING: Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot protect you in another collision. Have the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and seat belt retractor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer immediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller System serviced as well.

NOTE

  • Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during airbag deployment.
  • After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immediately.

Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication network remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending on the nature of the event, the ORC will determine whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response System perform the following functions:

  • Cut off fuel to the engine.
  • Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or until the hazard light button is pushed. The hazard lights can be deactivated by pushing the hazard light button.
  • Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power or for 15 minutes from the intervention of the Enhanced  Accident Response System.
  • Unlock the power door locks.

Enhanced Accident Response System Reset Procedure
After the event occurs, when the system is active, a message regarding fuel cutoff is displayed. Turn the ignition switch from ignition AVV/START or MAR/ACC/ON/RUN to ignition STOP/OFF/LOCK. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel tank before resetting the system and starting the engine.
Depending on the nature of the event the left and right turn signal lights, located in the instrument panel, may both be blinking and will continue to blink. In order to move your vehicle to the side of the road, you must follow the system reset procedure.

Customer Action

Customer Will See

1. Turn Ignition OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must

Be Placed In Neutral State).

 

2. Turn Ignition ON.

Left Turn Light Is OFF. Right Turn Light BLINKS.

3. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON.

Right Turn Light Is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light BLINKS.

4. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON.

Left Turn Light Is ON SOLID. Right Turn Signal Light BLINKS.

5. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON.

Right Turn Light Is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light BLINKS.

Customer Action

Customer Will See

6. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON.

Left Turn Light Is ON SOLID. Right Turn Light Is ON SOLID.

7. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must Be Placed In

Neutral State).

Left Turn light Is OFF. Right Turn Light is OFF.

8. Turn the Ignition OFF.

 

9. Turn Hazard Flashers OFF (Manually).

The system is now reset and the engine may be started.

If a reset procedure step is not completed within 60 seconds, then the turn signal lights will blink and the reset procedure must be performed again in order to be successful.

Air Bag Warning Light
The airbags must be ready to inflate for your protection in a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated with the airbag system’s electrical components. The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the airbag system whenever the ignition switch is in the AVV/START or MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch is in the STOP/OFF/LOCK position the airbag system is not on and the airbags will not inflate. The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or becomes disconnected prior to deployment. The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch is first turned to the MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is detected that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction. While the air bag system is designed to be maintenance-free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.

  • The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned to the MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position.
  • The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight-second interval.
  • The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving.

NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine-related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. In this condition, the airbags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.
WARNING: Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.

Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING

  • Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, or vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
  • It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
  • Do not attempt to modify any part of your airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any airbag system service. If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer-approved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify the airbag system for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.

Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crashes or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

  • How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
  • Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
  • How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
  • How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

Child Restraints
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all times, including babies and children. Every state in the United States, and every Canadian province, requires that small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it. Children 12 years or younger should ride properly buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING: In a collision, an unrestrained child can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold even an infant on your lap could become so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you are. The child and others could be badly injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s size.

There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s Manual to make sure you have the correct seat for your child. Carefully read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the child restraint Owner’s Manual and on all the labels attached to the child restraint.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. You should also make sure that you can install it in the vehicle where you will use it.
NOTE

Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles

 

Child Size, Height, Weight or Age

Recommended Type of Child Restraint

Infants and Toddlers

Children who are two years old or younger and who have not reached the height or weight limits of their child restraint

Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible Child Restraint, facing rearward in the rear seat of the vehicle

Small Children

Children who are at least two years old or who have out-grown the height or weight limit of their rear-facing child restraint

Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a five-point Harness, facing forward in the rear seat of the vehicle

Larger Children

Children who have out-grown their forward-facing child restraint, but are too small to properly fit the vehicle’s seat belt

Belt-Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle seat belt, seated in the rear seat of the vehicle

Children Too Large for Child Restraints

Children 12 years old or younger, who have out-grown the height or weight limit of their booster seat

Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in the rear seat of the vehicle

Infant and Child Restraints
Safety experts recommend that children ride rear-facing in the vehicle until they are two years old or until they reach either the height or weight limit of their rear-facing child restraint. Two types of child restraints can be used rear-facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats. The infant carrier is only used rear-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children from birth until they reach the weight or height limit of the infant carrier. Convertible child seats can be used either rear-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rear-facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be used rear-facing by children who have outgrown their infant carrier but are still less than at least two years old. Children should remain rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their convertible child seat.
WARNING

  • Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an airbag. A deploying Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rear-facing child restraint.
  • Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with a rear seat.

Older Children And Child Restraints
Children who are two years old or who have outgrown their rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children who are over two years old or who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their rear-facing convertible child seat. Children should remain in a forward-facing child seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the child seat.
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against the seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt-positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the seat belt.
WARNING

  • Improper installation can lead to the failure of an infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.
  • After a child restraint is installed in the vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat forward or rearward because it can loosen the child restraint attachments. Remove the child restraint before adjusting the vehicle seat position. When the vehicle seat has been adjusted, reinstall the child restraint.
  • When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH anchor-ages, or remove it from the vehicle.
  • Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. A sudden stop or accident, could strike the occupants or seatbacks and cause serious personal injury.

Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, should use the seat belt in a rear seat. Use this simple 5-step test to decide whether the child can use the vehicle’s seat belt alone:

  1. Can the child sit all the way back against the back of the vehicle seat?
  2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front of the vehicle seat – while they are still sitting all the way back?
  3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder between their neck and arm?
  4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child’s thighs and not their stomach?
  5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If the answer to any of these questions was “no,” then the child still needs to use a booster seat in this vehicle. If the child is using the lap/shoulder belt, check the seat belt fit periodically and make sure the seat belt buckle is latched. A child’s squirming or slouching can move the belt out of position. If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle, or use a booster seat to position the seat belt on the child correctly.
WARNING: Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back. In a crash, the shoulder belt will not protect a child properly, which may result in serious injury or death. A child must always wear both the lap and shoulder portions of the seat belt correctly.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) that is designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR retractor can be “switched” into a locked mode by pulling all of the webbing out of the retractor and then letting the webbing retract back into the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will make a clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back into the retractor. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for additional information on ALR.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems For Installing Child Restraints In This Vehicle

Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-FIG-110

  • ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
  • Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

What is the weight limit (child’s weight + weight of the child re- restraint) for using the Tether Anchor with the seat belt to attach a for- ward facing child restraint?

Weight limit of the Child Restraint

Always use the tether anchor when using the seat belt to install a for- ward facing child restraint, up to the recommended weight limit of the child restraint.

Can the head restraints be re-moved?

No

 

Can the buckle stalk be twisted to tighten the seat belt against the belt path of the child restraint?

No

Do not twist the buckle stalk in a seating position with an ALR re- tractor.

Installing A Child Restraint With A Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR):

  1. Place the child’s seat in the center of the seating position. Move the vehicle seat as far rearward as possible to keep the child as far from the advanced passenger airbag as possible.
  2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint. Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.
  3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
  4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight against the child’s seat.
  5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part of the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.
  6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is locked, you should not be able to pull out any web-bing. If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.
  7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint while you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle seat.
  8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether strap. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using the Top Tether Anchorage” for directions to attach a tether anchor.
  9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether Anchorage
WARNING:
Do not attach a tether strap for a rear-facing car seat to any location in front of the car seat, including the seat frame or a tether anchorage. Only attach the tether strap of a rear-facing car seat to the tether anchorage that is approved for that seating position, located behind the top of the vehicle seat. See the section “Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) Restraint System” for the location of approved tether anchorages in your vehicle.Alfa-Romeo-Seat-Belt-fig-12

Always use the tether anchor when using the seat belt to install a forward-facing child restraint, up to the recommended weight limit of the child restraint. This vehicle is equipped with a tether anchorage, located behind the front passenger seat, near the floor.

  1. Look behind the seating position where you plan to install the child restraint to find the tether anchorage. You may need to move the seat forward to provide better access to the tether anchorage. If there is no top tether anchorage for that seating position, move the child restraint to another position in the vehicle if one is available.
  2. Route the tether strap around the outboard side of the head restraint to the tether anchorage.
  3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the top tether anchorage as shown in the diagram.
  4. Remove the slack in the tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
    WARNING: An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to increased head motion and possible injury to the child. Use only the anchorage position directly behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap.

FAQ’s

Q: How should I properly wear my seat belt in the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C?

A: Ensure the seat belt is snug across your lap and chest, with the lap belt low over your hips and the shoulder belt over your shoulder and chest.

Q: Are seat belts adjustable in the Alfa Romeo 4C?

A: Yes, the seat belts are adjustable to accommodate passengers of different sizes. Use the adjustable mechanisms to achieve a comfortable yet secure fit.

Q: Can I use a seat belt extender if needed?

A: Alfa Romeo recommends against using seat belt extenders as they may compromise safety. Adjust the seat and belt for a proper fit instead.

Q: Are seat belts equipped with pretensioners in the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C?

A: Yes, the seat belts are equipped with pretensioners, which tighten the belts during a collision to enhance protection.

Q: Can children use seat belts, or do they need child safety seats?

A: Children should use appropriate child safety seats, as per local laws and guidelines until they meet the height and weight requirements for seat belts.

Q: Is it safe to share a seat belt with another passenger?

A: No, seat belts are designed for individual use. Each passenger should have their own properly fastened seat belt.

Q: When should I wear my seat belt in the Alfa Romeo 4C?

A: You should wear your seat belt at all times while the vehicle is in motion, including when in the driver’s seat or any passenger seat.

Q: Are seat belts only necessary on long trips?

A: No, seat belts are necessary for every trip, regardless of distance. Accidents can happen at any time.

Q: What should I do if my seat belt appears damaged?

A: If your seat belt is damaged, consult your Alfa Romeo dealership for inspection and replacement, if necessary.

Q: Can I modify or repair the seat belt myself?

A: No, seat belts should only be serviced and repaired by authorized professionals to ensure safety.

Q: Are seat belts designed to restrain passengers during an accident?

A: Yes, seat belts are designed to restrain passengers and prevent ejection during a collision.

Q: Should I fasten my seat belt even when driving at low speeds?

A: Yes, always fasten your seat belt, regardless of driving speed. Many accidents occur at low speeds, and seat belts provide protection in all scenarios.

Q: Can I deactivate the seat belt reminder chime?

A: Alfa Romeo recommends keeping the seat belt reminder active to encourage safe seat belt usage.

Q: Is the seat belt reminder only for the driver?

A: No, the seat belt reminder applies to all seating positions in the vehicle, reminding all passengers to wear their seat belts.

Q: Can I wear a seat belt over heavy clothing or jackets?

A: It’s essential to wear seat belts directly against your body, so adjust your clothing to ensure a proper and secure fit.

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