Peugeot 4C (2015 year). Instruction

CAUTION!

If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.

BRAKE SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses
normal capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion. However, there will be some loss of overall braking
effectiveness. You may notice increased pedal travel
during application, greater pedal force required to slow
or stop, and potential activation of the “Brake System
Warning Light.”

In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.

ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)
SYSTEM

The ESC system improves the directional control and
stability of the vehicle in various driving conditions.

The ESC system corrects the car’s understeer and over-
steer, distributing the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the engine can also be
reduced in order to maintain control of the car.

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175

WARNING!

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent

the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
collisions, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inap-
propriate driver input for the conditions. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent col-
lisions.The capabilities of an ESC equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-

tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-
teristics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect
the performance of the ESC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC
performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly
worn tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system can
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.

The ESC system uses sensors installed on the car to
determine the trajectory that the driver intends to follow
and compares it with the car’s effective trajectory. When

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the real trajectory deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the car’s understeer or
oversteer.

• Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle is turning more

than it should according to the angle of the steering
wheel.

• Understeer: occurs when the vehicle is turning less

than it should according to the angle of the steering
wheel.

This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control Sys-
tem (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC), AntiSlip
Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hy-
draulic Brake Assistant System (HBA), ELECTRONIC Q2
system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake (RAB). All of the

systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions, and are commonly
referred to as ESC.

System Activation

The ESC system activates automatically when the engine
is started and can only be deactivated by selecting

⬙Race⬙

mode. Refer to the

⬙Six-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch Trans-

mission

⬙ in this section for further information.

System Intervention

This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.

Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)

The EBD system is an integral part of the ESC system and
intervenes during braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear wheels.

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177

This guarantees greater braking stability for the vehicle,
preventing sudden locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.

Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.

The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.

The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning

the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.

WARNING!

• When the ABS intervenes and you feel the brake

pedal pulsating, do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and confidently; in doing so
you will brake in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.

• For maximum efficiency of the braking system, a

bedding-in period of about 311 miles (500 km) is
required: during this period it is advisable to avoid
sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.

• If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that the grip of

the tires on the road is nearing its limit: you must
slow down to a speed compatible with the avail-
able grip.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• The ABS can’t overrule the natural laws of physics,

and can’t increase the grip available according to
the condition of the road.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those

due to excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

• The capability of the ABS must never be tested

irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety of oth-
ers.

• For the correct operation of the ABS, the tires must

of necessity be the same make and type on all
wheels, in perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.

When you are in a severe braking condition involving the
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.

Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.

System Intervention

A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and noise indicates
the intervention of the ABS: this is completely normal
when the system intervenes.

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179

Cornering Brake Control System (CBC)

The system acts when braking on corners, optimizing the
distribution of brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the inside of the corner
(less affected by the weight of the car) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction for the car.

Drag Torque Control System (DTC)

This is an integral part of the ESC system and intervenes
in the event of sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring torque to the engine
and thus preventing excessive drag at the drive wheels,
which may lead the wheels to lock and a loss of car
stability, above all in low-grip conditions.

AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR)

WARNING!

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-

tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-
teristics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect
the performance of the ESC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect
ESC performance. Improperly inflated and un-
evenly worn tires may also degrade ESC perfor-
mance. Any vehicle modification or poor vehicle
maintenance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

This is an integral part of the ESC system and automati-
cally operates in the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydroplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.

Depending on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:

• If the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR

system intervenes, reducing the power transmitted by
the engine.

• If the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels, it

also intervenes automatically, braking the wheel that is
slipping.

System Intervention

This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the car is
in critical stability and grip conditions.

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181

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

This is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in the follow-
ing cases:

• Uphill: car stationary on a road with a gradient higher

than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and transmis-
sion in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse engaged.

• Downhill: car stationary on a road with a gradient

higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
reverse (R) gear engaged.

When setting off, the ESC system control unit maintains
the braking pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is reached, or in any case for
a maximum of two seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

When the two seconds have elapsed, without starting,
the system is automatically deactivated, gradually releas-
ing the braking pressure. During this release stage, the
typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that the
car is going to move imminently, can be heard.

NOTE:

• HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the

vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.

• There may be situations on small gradients (less than

8%), with vehicle laden, in which the Hill Holder
system may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision with an-
other vehicle or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.

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Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA)

WARNING!

• The HBA system can’t overrule the natural laws of

physics, and can’t increase the grip available ac-
cording to the condition of the road.

• The HBA system cannot prevent accidents, includ-

ing those due to excessive speed on corners, driv-
ing on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.

• The capability of the HBA system must never be

tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a
way as to compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the car or any other road user.

The HBA system is designed to improve the car’s braking
capacity during emergency braking. The system detects
emergency braking by monitoring the speed and force
with which the brake pedal is pressed, and consequently

applies the optimal brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance, the HBA system therefore completes
the ABS.

Maximum assistance from the HBA system is obtained
pressing the brake pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed continuously during
braking, avoiding intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.

Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal until braking
is no longer necessary.

The HBA system is deactivated when the brake pedal is
released.

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183

Electronic Q2 System (E-Q2)

The

⬙Electronic Q2⬙ system intervenes during accelera-

tion on corners, braking the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer wheel (which bears
more of the car’s weight): the torque is thus distributed
optimally between the drive wheels in accordance with
the driving conditions and road surface, permitting par-
ticularly effective, sporty driving.

Ready Alert Brake System (RAB)

This function activates automatically if the accelerator
pedal is released rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of preparing the
braking system and enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the event of subse-
quent braking.

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

1 — U.S. DOT Safety Standards
Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades

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NOTE:

• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary

emergency use only. Temporary high pressure com-
pact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into
the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

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185

Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M,
31x10.5 R15 LT

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or

T or S

= Temporary spare tire or

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215, 235, 145

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

65, 85, 80

= Aspect ratio in percent (%)

– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or

10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

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EXAMPLE:

= Construction code

–

⬙R⬙ means radial construction, or

–

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

15, 16, 18

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

Service Description:

= Load Index

– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

= Speed Symbol

– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to
its load index under certain operating conditions
– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and
posted speed limits)

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187

EXAMPLE:

Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL)
tire:

• XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or

• LL = Light load tire or

• C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load

– Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure

– Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this

tire

Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire,
however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the
date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard
side of the tire.

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EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire
safety standards and is approved for highway use

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

= Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD

= Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 03 means the 3rd week

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 01 means the year 2001
– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year
in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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189

Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located
behind the front door.

Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after
the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three
hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per
square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation
pressure is molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation

Pressure

Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure
as shown on the tire placard.

Tire Placard

A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehi-
cle’s loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the
recommended cold tire inflation pressures.

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Peugeot 4C (2015 year). Instruction - part 12