2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Transmission Guide

Introducing the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia, where performance and innovation come together flawlessly. This magnificent vehicle’s transmission system is state-of-the-art, flawlessly combining power and accuracy to provide you a driving experience like no other. The 2023 Giulia was built using the most recent developments in automotive engineering, and it comes equipped with a cutting-edge transmission that seamlessly matches the vehicle’s dynamic prowess. A symphony of power delivery and economy that responds to your every command is made possible by the transmission’s clever design, which optimizes gear transitions for smooth acceleration.  The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia has a sophisticated transmission system that shows the brand’s commitment to speed and accuracy. This system takes the driving experience to a whole new level. The transmission is the most important part of this system. You can choose between a smooth automatic transmission or a responsive dual-clutch transmission. These gearbox options have been carefully made to make power delivery and gear changes as smooth as possible, which adds to the Giulia’s dynamic driving style. Also, the Giulia could have different “driving modes” that let drivers change how the transmission works for different kinds of driving, like speedy acceleration or smooth cruising. 

Transmission

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission where gear shifting automatically takes place, depending on the vehicle usage instantaneous parameters (vehicle speed, grade, and accelerator pedal position).
Manual gear shifting can still occur thanks to the “sequential mode” position for the gear selector.

WARNG!

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.

WARNING

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition in the ON/RUN or ACC position. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

DISPLAY
The following information is shown on the dedicated area of the display:

• In Automatic Mode: the active mode (P, R, N, D) with “D” as the current gear number.
• In Manual Drive Mode (Sequential): the mode (M) with the current gear and the double or single gear shift request, use both up and down (single or double arrow).

GEAR SELECTOR
The gear functioning is controlled by the gear selector, which can assume the following positions:

• P = PARK
• R = REVERSE
• N = NEUTRAL
• D = DRIVE (automatic forward speed)
• Auto Stick: using + manually shift to higher gear; – to manually shift to lower gear

The positions diagram is illustrated on the top of the gear selector.

Gear Selector Center Console

1. Gear Selector
2. PARK (P) Button
   The letter corresponding to the mode selected on the gear selector lights up and appears on the instrument cluster display.
   To select a mode, move the gear selector forward or backwards, together with pressing the brake pedal and gear selector button to engage REVERSE (R). Gear Selector
3. Gear Selector Button

The gear selector is a joystick style shifting mechanism which returns to the center position automatically. It can be pushed forward twice and rearward twice, based on the starting condition.
The PARK (P) mode can be enabled/disabled by pushing the PARK (P) button.
To transition the vehicle into REVERSE (R) mode from DRIVE (D) mode, or into DRIVE (D) mode from REVERSE (R) mode, it is necessary to move the gear selector by pushing the gear selector button.
When using AutoStick to change gears, move the gear selector left from DRIVE (D) and then forward toward the – symbol or backward toward the + symbol and the gear is changed.
To shift out of PARK (P), or to pass from position NEUTRAL (N) to position DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R), the vehicle must be moving at a low speed or stopped, and the brake pedal must also be pressed.

NOTE

• DO NOT accelerate while shifting from position PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to another position.
• After selecting a gear, wait a few seconds before accelerating. This precaution is particularly important with a cold engine.

TRANSMISSION OPERATING MODES

PARK (P)
The transmission is locked in this mode. The engine can be started in this mode.

NOTE
Never try to engage PARK (P) mode when the vehicle is moving. Before leaving the vehicle, make sure this mode is engaged (letter P shown on the display and gear selector) and that the parking brake is engaged.
When parking on a flat surface, first engage the PARK (P) mode and then engage the Electric Park Brake.
When parking uphill, before activating the PARK (P) mode, engage the Electric Park Brake. Otherwise, it could be difficult to engage the PARK (P) mode.
To check that the PARK (P) mode is actually engaged, make sure “P” is illuminated on the display and on the gear selector.

WARNING

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.

WARNING

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition STOP/OFF. When the ignition is in the STOP/OFF position, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the STOP/OFF position, remove the key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

WARNING

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition in the ON position. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must push the ignition button to cycle from STOP/OFF position to the ON position, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage the drivetrain.

REVERSE (R)
Select this mode only with the vehicle at a standstill.

NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Apply the  Electric Park Brake and shift the transmission into PARK (P) if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.

DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving conditions.
Shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or REVERSE (R) modes must take place only after releasing the accelerator pedal, with vehicle at a standstill and brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic engagement of the most suitable gears for driving needs and maximum fuel economy in terms of consumption.
In this position, the transmission shifts the gears automatically, selecting the most suitable for forward driving among those available as you go. This ensures the vehicle’s optimal driving characteristics are provided for all conditions.

Auto Stick
In the case of frequent shifting (e.g. for sport driving, when the vehicle is driven with a heavy load or on slopes), it is recommended to use the Auto Stick (sequential shifting) mode to select and keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, the use of a lower gear improves vehicle performance, preventing overheating.
It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D) mode to sequential mode regardless of vehicle speed.

Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D), move the selector to the left (– and + indication of the trim) to activate the sequential drive mode. The gear engaged will be shown on the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear selector forwards, towards symbol – or backwards, towards symbol +.

Steering Wheel Shift Paddles 
The gear can also be manually shifted by using the paddles behind the steering wheel. Pull the right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel and release it to engage a higher gear, and perform the same operation with the left paddle (-) to engage a lower gear.

Steering Wheel Shift Paddles

NOTE
If only one manual shift is necessary, the letter “D” will remain on the display with the engaged gear next to it.

Deactivation
To deactivate the sequential driving mode, bring the gear selector back in position DRIVE (D) (“automatic” driving mode).

WARNING
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or personal injury.

NOTE

• To select the correct gear for maximum deceleration (engine brake), just keep the gear paddle pulled (–): the transmission goes to an operating mode in which the vehicle can slow down easily.
• The vehicle will keep the gear selected by the driver until the safety conditions allow it.
• This means, for example, that the system will try to prevent the engine from switching off, automatically downshifting if the engine speed is too low.

FAQs

Useful Links

View Full PDF: 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Display Instruction Guide