2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Lights and Wipers Instruction
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s lighting and wiper systems are very important for safety and sight. They make sure that drivers can see clearly in all kinds of weather. These systems include many lights, like headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers. All of these lights are very important for making driving safer and more comfortable. This complete guide explains in great detail how to use and take care of the lighting and wiper systems. It covers everything from controlling the headlights and using the high beams to setting up the windshield wipers and keeping the washer fluid in good shape. Car owners of the Stelvio can drive safely and enjoyably in a variety of weather and lighting conditions if they understand and follow these instructions properly.
EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Headlight Switch
The headlight switch is located to the left of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. This switch controls the operation of the headlights, parking lights, instrument panel lights, instrument panel light dimming, interior lights, and rear fog lights.
In addition, there are buttons for parking sensors deactivation and stop/start. Refer to “Starting And Operating” for further information.
Headlight Switch
- Parking Sensors Deactivation Button
- Parking Light, Daylight Running Lights, Headlight Switch
- Instrument Panel Dimmer
- Rear Fog Light Button
- Stop/Start Button
The exterior lights can be activated only when the ignition is in the ON mode, except for the parking lights. Refer to
“Parking Lights” in this section for more information.
The instrument panel and the various controls on the dashboard will be illuminated when the exterior lights are turned on.
Automatic Headlights
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off according to ambient light levels.
Function Activation
From the O (off) position, rotate the light switch to the 
(auto) position.
Note: The function can only operate with the ignition position cycled to ON.
Function Deactivation
To deactivate the function, rotate the light switch to a position other than the (auto) position.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
With the ignition cycled to ON, and the light switch turned to the position, if the dusk sensor detects sufficient external light, the Daytime Running Lights will turn on automatically while the other lights remain off. If the turn signals are operated, the brightness of the corresponding Daytime Running Lights will be decreased for as long as the turn signals are on. If equipped, the DRL can be activated/deactivated from the Information and Entertainment System, by selecting the following functions in sequence on the main MENU:
- “Settings.”
- “Lights.”
- “Daytime Lights.”
Note: The Daytime Running Lights cannot be deactivated in Canadian markets.
Rear Fog Lights
The rear fog light switch is located within the headlight switch. Push the 
button, located in the center of the headlight switch, to turn the rear fog lights on/off. The rear fog lights turn on only when the headlights or parking lights are also turned on. The lights can be turned off by pushing the button again or by turning the headlight switch to the O (off) position.
When the engine is stopped with the rear fog lights on, they will be off the next time the engine is started.
Parking Lights
With the ignition in STOP mode, rotate the headlight switch to the 
position to turn the parking lights on. All of the parking lights will turn on for eight minutes, and opening the door activates an audible warning. Leave only the lights on one side (right/left) illuminated, you must move the multifunction lever (located on the left side of the steering wheel) to the side that you want to remain on. With the parking lights on, the warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate.
Note: Cycling the ignition to ON mode turns off the parking lights, which were only illuminated on one side.
Headlight Off Delay
The “Headlight Off Delay” function delays the turning off of the headlights after the vehicle’s engine has been stopped.
The function can be activated from the Information and Entertainment System by selecting the following functions in sequence on the main menu:
- “Settings.”
- “Lights.”
- “Headlight Off Delay.”
The side lights and the headlights stay on for a time that can be set between 30, 60, and 90 seconds.
Function Activation
With the headlights on, cycle the ignition to STOP mode and the timer will start.
Note: To activate this function, the headlights must be deactivated within two minutes after the ignition has been cycled to the STOP mode.
Function Deactivation
This function is deactivated by turning on the headlights, and the side lights, or by cycling the ignition to ON mode.
Adaptive Headlight System (AFS)
This is a system combined with Xenon headlights (Bi-Xenon 35 W headlamp if equipped) which directs the headlights horizontally and continuously and automatically adapts them to the driving conditions around bends or when cornering. The system directs the headlights to light up the road in the best way, taking into account the speed of the vehicle and the bend or corner angle, as well as the speed of steering. The adaptive lights are automatically activated when the vehicle is started.
High Beam Headlights
To activate the fixed high beam headlights, push the multifunction lever, located on the left side of the steering wheel, towards the instrument panel. The headlight switch must first be turned to the (auto) or 
position. With high-beam headlights on, the High Beam Indicator on the instrument panel will illuminate.
The high beam headlights are turned off by pulling the multifunction lever rearward to its original position. The warning light/icon will turn off in the instrument panel when the high beams are turned off.
Flashing The Headlights
Pulling the multifunction lever toward the steering wheel will activate the high-beam headlights manually. The lights will remain on as long as the lever is held. Once the lever is released, the lights will resume the previous setting.
Automatic High Beam Headlights — If Equipped
The Automatic High Beam Headlights system provides increased forward lighting at night by automating high beam control through the use of a digital camera mounted on the windshield. This camera detects vehicle-specific light and automatically turns from high beams to low beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view. This function is enabled with the Information and Entertainment System, and can only be activated with the light switch turned to the (auto) position. If the high-beam headlights are on, the blue icon/warning light will illuminate the instrument panel. When the speed is higher than 37 mph (60 km/h) and the function is active, the lights will turn off if the multifunction lever is pushed again. When the speed is lower than 15 mph (25 km/h) and the function is active, the function turns the high beam headlights off. If the high beam headlights are operated again (pushing the multifunction lever towards the instrument panel), the warning light/icon will illuminate the instrument panel, and the main beam headlights will be on until the speed exceeds 37 mph (60 km/h).
When the speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) is exceeded again, the automatic functioning is reactivated. If the multifunction lever is pushed again with the Automatic High Beam Headlights activated, the function deactivates. This feature can also be deactivated by rotating the headlight switch to the position.
Note: If the system recognizes heavy traffic areas, the automatic functions remain disabled independently of the vehicle’s speed.
Turn Signals
To activate the turn signals, move the multifunction lever, located on the left side of the steering wheel, up or down until it reaches the detent. Moving the lever upward flashes the right turn signal and moving the lever downward will flash the left turn signal. The 
turn signal will blink on the instrument panel. The turn signals turn off automatically when the vehicle is brought back onto a straight course.
“Lane Change” Function
Tap the lever up or down once, without moving beyond the detent, and the turn signal (right or left) will flash five times. Then, the turn signal (right or left) will automatically turn off. To turn off the flashing before the end of the cycle, move the lever in the opposite direction until the first click (about halfway).
Front Map Reading Lights
The front map/reading and overhead lights are mounted in the overhead console. Each light can be turned on by pushing the corresponding switch on the console. These switches are backlit for nighttime visibility. To turn the lights off, push the switch a second time.
Overhead Console
- Driver’s Reading/Map Light Switch
- Rear Overhead Lights Switch
- Overhead Lights Switch
- Overhead Lights On/Off When Doors Open
- Passenger’s Reading/Map Light Switch
- Passenger’s Reading/Map Light
- Center Reading/Map Light
- Driver’s Reading/Map Light
Note: Before exiting the vehicle, ensure that the overhead lights are off. This will prevent the battery from discharging once the doors are closed. If a light is left on accidently, the overhead lights will turn off automatically approximately 15 minutes after the engine has been cycled OFF.
Overhead Light Timing
On certain models, to assist getting in and out of the vehicle at night or in poorly-lit areas, two timed modes have been provided.
Timing While Getting Into The Vehicle
The overhead lights turn on according to the following modes:
- Will illuminate for a few seconds when the doors are unlocked.
- Will illuminate for approximately three minutes when one of the doors is opened.
- Will illuminate for a few seconds when the doors are locked.
- Timing is interrupted when the ignition is cycled to ON mode.
Three Modes Are Available For Turning Off Overhead Lighting
- When all doors are closed after entering the vehicle, the three-minute timer will stop and a seconds timer will start for the interior lights. This timing will stop when the ignition is cycled to ON mode.
- When doors are locked (either with the key fob or with the key inserted on the driver’s side door), the overhead light turns off.
- The interior lights will turn off after 15 minutes to preserve the battery.
Timing While Getting Out Of The Vehicle
After cycling the ignition to STOP mode, the overhead lights will turn on as follows:
- For a few seconds after the engine stops.
- For approximately three minutes one of the doors is opened.
- For a few seconds, the last door is closed.
The timing stops automatically when the doors are locked.
Vanity Mirror Lights — If Equipped
On the driver and passenger sun visor, there is a light that illuminates the sun visor mirror when the sun visor is folded down and the mirror cover is lifted.
The courtesy light turns on automatically by lifting the cover.
Glove Compartment Light
This light turns on automatically when the glove compartment is opened and turns off when it is closed. The light turns on and off regardless of the ignition status.
Interior Ambient Lighting
The brightness of the interior passenger compartment lights can be adjusted through the Information and Entertainment System.
To access the adjustment function, on the main menu select the following items in sequence:
- “Settings.”
- “Interior Ambient Lighting.”
- “Lights.”
The lights can be adjusted to seven different levels of brightness.
Door Light
This vehicle is equipped with a courtesy door light that illuminates the entry for the driver or passenger when the door is opened and turns off when it is closed. The light turns on and off regardless of the ignition status.
On vehicles equipped with a “Passive Entry” system, another light can be found under each exterior door handle.
Rear Overhead Light
The rear overhead lights are activated or deactivated by on/off switches located on the front overhead console or within the rear overhead lights themselves.
- Right Side Rear Overhead Light
- Left Side Rear Overhead Light
- Left Side Rear Overhead Light Switch
- Right Side Rear Overhead Light Switch
The light turns on when a door is opened.
Note: The light will turn off automatically after a few minutes if a door is left open. To turn it on again, open another door or close and reopen the same door.
Luggage Compartment Courtesy Lights
The luggage compartment features two courtesy lights. These courtesy lights turn on automatically when the liftgate is opened and turn off when it is closed.
The courtesy lights will turn on and off regardless of the ignition position.
Note: If the liftgate is left open, the lights will automatically turn off after 15 minutes to prevent the discharging of the battery.
Instrument Panel Dimmer Control
With the daytime running lights or headlights on, rotate the dimmer control upward to increase the instrument panel brightness and the control button icons. Rotate the dimmer control downward to decrease brightness.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Windshield Wiper Stalk
The windshield wiper stalk is located on the right side of the steering wheel. The windshield wipers will only operate with the ignition cycled to ON.
Caution
- Turn the windshield wipers off when driving through an automatic car wash. Damage to the windshield wipers may result if the wiper control is left in any position other than off.
- In cold weather, always turn off the wiper switch and allow the wipers to return to the “Park” position before turning off the engine. If the wiper switch is left on and the wipers freeze to the windshield, damage to the wiper motor may occur when the vehicle is restarted.
- Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents the windshield wiper blades from returning to the off position. If the windshield wiper control is turned off and the blades cannot return to the off position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.
Windshield Wiper/Washers
Operation: The switch on the wiper stalk can be set to the following positions:
- 0 Windshield Wiper Off.
Low Sensitivity Rain Sensing.
High Sensitivity Rain Sensing.
Low Continuous Wiper Speed.- High Continuous Wiper Speed.
Windshield Wiper Operation
Rotating the switch to the 
position activates the first (low) level continuous speed of the windshield wipers in manual mode. Rotating the switch to the position activates the second (high) level continuous speed of the windshield wipers in manual mode.
Rain Sensors
Rotating the switch to the position activates the first, less sensitive level of the rain-sensing function. Rotating the switch to the position activates the second, more sensitive level of the rain-sensing function. Refer to “Rain Sensor” in this section for more information on how this system functions.
Windshield Washer Operation
Pull the stalk toward the steering wheel to operate the windshield washer. Keep the stalk pulled to activate both the windshield washer jet and the windshield wiper with a single movement. The wipers and washers will continue to operate until the stalk is released. The windshield wiper stops working three strokes after the stalk is released, followed by a final stroke six seconds later to complete the cycle.
Mist
Use this feature when weather conditions make occasional usage of the wipers necessary. Push the stalk upward to the MIST position and release for a single wiping cycle. This function is useful to remove small deposits of dust from the windshield or morning dew.
Note: This function does not activate the windshield washer. To spray windshield washer fluid onto the windshield, the washing function must be used.
Warning: Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield could lead to a collision. You might not see other vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of the windshield during freezing weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before and during windshield washer use.
Rain Sensor
The Rain Sensor is located behind the interior rear-view mirror. This feature senses moisture on the windshield and automatically activates the wipers for the driver.
The feature is especially useful for road splash or overspray from the windshield washers of the vehicle ahead. The sensor has an adjustment range that varies progressively from wiper still (no stroke) when the windshield is dry, to wiper at continuous speed (fast operation) with intense rain.
Activation
Rotating the wiper switch to position or activates the rain sensor. The activation of the rain sensor system is done by tapping the wiper stalk upwards while the switch is in the or position. The variation in sensitivity during rain sensor operation is also signaled by a stroke of the wiper (command acquired and implemented). This stroke is also executed with the windshield dry. If the windshield washer is used with the rain sensor activated, the normal washing cycle is performed, after which the rain sensor resumes its normal automatic operation.
Note: Keep the glass in the sensor area clean.
Deactivation
Use the wiper switch or cycle the ignition to STOP mode. In the event of malfunction of the rain sensor, while it is active, the windshield wiper operates intermittently at a speed consistent with the sensitivity setting of the rain sensor, whether or not there is rain on the glass for as long as the sensor failure is indicated on the display. The sensor continues to operate and it is possible to set the windshield wiper to continuous mode or. The failure indication remains on for as long as the sensor is active.
The rain sensor is able to recognize and automatically adjust itself in the presence of the following conditions:
Presence of dirt on the controlled surface (e.g. salt, dirt, etc.).
The presence of streaks of water is caused by the worn window wiper blades.
Difference between day and night.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Shifting the vehicle into REVERSE with the windshield wiper operating activates a single cycle of the rear window wiper. Activation of the rear window wiper/washer can be done by moving the stalk to one of the following positions:
- Pushing the stalk toward the instrument panel activates the rear window washer (a brief push activates one washing cycle, keeping the stalk pushed washes continuously until the stalk is released).
- Pushing the stalk downward activates or deactivates continuous rear wiper operation.
FAQ’s
Answer: To turn on the headlights, locate the headlight control switch, typically on the left side of the steering column, and rotate it to the appropriate setting.
Answer: DRLs enhance visibility during the day. In many Stelvio models, they are automatically activated when the engine is running.
Answer: High beams are used for better visibility on dark roads with no oncoming traffic. Activate them by pushing the headlight control stalk away from you.
Answer: To switch from high beams to low beams, pull the headlight control stalk towards you.
Answer: Locate the fog light switch on the headlight control and turn it to activate the fog lights when needed for improved visibility in adverse weather conditions.
Answer: Typically, a lever or dial on the right side of the steering column controls the windshield wipers and washer fluid. Push or rotate it to activate the wipers and washer fluid.
Answer: Yes, you can usually adjust the wiper speed and intermittent settings using the wiper control on the steering column.
Answer: Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged, and ensure the windshield and wiper blades are clean.
Answer: Yes, there is a rear wiper. You can usually control it using the same wiper control stalk on the steering column.
Answer: Headlight washers are used to clean the headlights. They are typically activated when the windshield washer is used.
Answer: Some Stelvio models may offer automatic light and rain-sensing wiper features, which activate the lights and wipers as needed based on lighting and weather conditions.
Answer: Check the washer fluid level regularly and refill it as needed, especially before long trips or in areas with heavy road salt use.
Answer: To prevent freezing, use an appropriate windshield washer fluid with antifreeze properties, and consider lifting the wipers away from the windshield when parking in freezing conditions.
Answer: The sensitivity of these features can often be customized in the vehicle settings menu. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Answer: Detailed instructions for using and managing the lights and wipers can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or obtained from authorized Alfa Romeo dealers who can provide expert guidance on their usage and customization.