Alfa Romeo GIULIA Giulia 2018-2022 Gear Lever Operation Car Owner Manuals

Gear Lever Operation

The letter corresponding to the selected mode lights up on the instrument panel display. To select a mode, move the lever forwards or backwards while pressing the brake pedal. To engage R (Reverse) mode, press the pedal and button (3) Fig. 156. To shift from P (Park) to D (Drive), or from R to D and vice versa, also press button (3).

The lever functions like a joystick and returns automatically to the center. P (Park) mode is enabled by pressing the P button Fig. 155. Sequential mode can be activated by moving the lever from D to the left, then forward (-) or backward (+).

To exit P, or move from N to D or R when stopped or moving slowly, press the brake pedal. Warning: Do not accelerate while shifting; wait a few seconds after selecting a gear, especially with a cold engine.

Transmission Operating Modes

Park (P)

• Transmission is locked; engine can be started.
• Warning: Never engage P while the vehicle is moving. Ensure P mode is engaged and parking brake is on before leaving the vehicle.
• On flat surfaces, engage P first, then parking brake. On uphill, engage parking brake before P mode.
• Check P is illuminated on display.
• N (Neutral) cannot be selected from P mode.

Automatic Activation of P Mode

P mode is automatically activated if:

• D or R mode is active
• Vehicle speed is near 0 and brake pedal is released
• Driver seatbelt is unfastened
• Driver's door is open

Reverse (R)

Select this mode only when the vehicle is at a standstill.

Neutral (N)

Corresponds to neutral in manual transmission. Engine can be started in N. Engage N during prolonged stops with engine running. Also engage the electric parking brake.

Drive (D) - Automatic Forward Gear

Use D in normal driving conditions. Shift from D to P or R only after releasing accelerator, vehicle at standstill, and brake pressed. Transmission automatically selects optimal forward gears for fuel economy and performance.

AutoStick - Manual (Sequential) Mode

Recommended for frequent gear shifting, sport driving, towing, or heavy load. Shift from D to sequential mode at any speed. Activation:

• Move lever left (-/+ indicator) from D; gear appears on display.
• Shift by moving lever forward (-) or backward (+).
• Optional: Use steering wheel paddles Fig. 157 (+ to upshift, – to downshift).
• To deactivate, return lever to D.

Warning: Avoid downshifting on slippery surfaces. Use engine braking by pressing lever forward (-). Vehicle retains selected gear until safety conditions change.

Transmission Emergency Function

If a transmission fault occurs, "transmission emergency" activates: transmission stays in 4th gear; P, R, N still function. Contact Alfa Romeo Dealership immediately. Temporary failures may be cleared by:

1. Stop the car
2. Engage P
3. Ignition to STOP, wait 10s, restart engine
4. Select desired gear; operation restored if problem clears

Warning: Contact dealership for any temporary failure.

Gear Engagement Disabling System Without Brake Pressed

Prevents moving gear lever from P unless brake is pressed. Ignition must be AVV (engine on).

Park Engagement Disabling When Engine Stopped

To inhibit automatic P mode activation (e.g., pushing, car wash): car at standstill, N engaged, press ignition >3s. Automatic parking brake settings can also be changed in Connect system: Settings → Driver Assistance → Automatic Parking Brake.

Important Notes

• Select P only at standstill.
• Select R or change from R only at standstill with engine idling.
• Do not shift P, R, N, or D at speeds above idling without fully pressing brake.
• Warning: