Alfa Romeo Giulia Dashboard Warning Lights
The Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo launched the stylish and sporty Giulia in early 2016. As with most cars, the Alfa Romeo Giulia uses warning light that display on the dashboard that indicate either a utility is active, the vehicle has a maintenance issue that requires attention soon, or that there’s a malfunction or immediate safety issue.
It’s advisable to never ignore a warning light, particularly if it’s red or red/flashing. Risk to vehicle damage may occur and driver / passenger safety may be compromised. Detailed below are the Alfa Romeo Giulia dashboard warning lights, along with each symbol meaning and recommended action to take.
BRAKE Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia BRAKE warning light monitors various brake functions, which includes brake fluid levels and the parking brake. If the light comes on, it may indicate either the parking brake is on, low brake fluid or there’s a fault with the anti-lock brake system reservoir. If the problem is related to the Brake Booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
Ensure parking brake is disengaged and that the brake fluid level is at the maximum level marker in the master cylinder reservoir. If both of these are correct, it may indicate a possible brake hydraulic system failure or a fault with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
EBD Warning Light
EBD stands for Electronic Braking Force Distribution. If the BRAKE light (red) along with the ABS light 
(amber) illuminate simultaneously when the engine is running, it indicates wither a failure with the EBD system or that the system if offline and is unavailable. In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking abruptly. Drive very carefully to a repair station to have the fault diagnosed immediately.
Airbag Warning Light
Under normal operating circumstances, the Alfa Romeo Giulia air bag warning light will come on for between 4 to 8 seconds as a standard bulb check with the ignition in the ON/RUN position. If during engine ignition the light does not come on or comes on when driving or when an audible chime is heard, there’s a fault with the air bag system. The air bag may not be deployed in the event of an accident. Have your vehicle checks as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Warning Light
With the ignition key set to the ON/RUN position, the seat belt warning light along with an audible chime will alert vehicle passengers to buckle their seat belts. If a vehicle passenger or driver fails to secure their belt, the light will begin flashing and a chime will sound. Buckle up and wear your seat belt for safety reasons and depending on your location, it may be a legal requirement.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia oil temperature warning light comes on indicating that the oil temperature has reached a dangerously high level. If this red symbol illuminates while driving, pull over as soon as safely possible and immediately turn off the engine. Allow 15 minutes or so for oil to cool. Check oil levels and top up if required. Continue driving and avoid pushing the engine too harshly. If the problem persists, have vehicle checked.
ABS Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia ABS dashboard symbol stands for ‘Anti-Lock Brake System’ and should come on when the ignition key is switched to ON/RUN for four seconds. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking under heavy braking. If this symbol comes on when driving or fails to come on at all with ignition, ABS has a fault and is not functioning. Conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the brake indicator light is not on. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible to restore ABS. In the meantime, avoid heavy braking where possible as a skid is more likely due to the wheels potentially locking.
TPMS Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia TPMS dashboard symbol stands for ‘Tyre Pressure Monitoring System’ and is displayed on the dashboard along with a message informing that the tyre pressure is lower than the stored valued in the system. Driving with tyres under the recommended pressure will increase fuel usage and tyre wear.
Check tyre pressure label, often located on the inside or the driver door for correct pressures and inflate tyres as soon as possible. Driving for long distances may result in tyre failure. Check tyre pressures at least once each month when tyres are cold.
ESC Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia ESC symbol stands for ‘Electronic Stability Control’ and should come on when the ignition is set to ON/RUN and shortly go out. ESC helps to stabilize the vehicle when a potential loss of control is detected. The ESC flashing indicates that the system is working and is currently in use. ESC or Hill Start Assist system failure is indicated by the the light staying on. Drive carefully if the light stays on due to ESC being unavailable. Have vehicle checked as soon as possible.
MIL Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Engine Check / Malfunction Indicator (MIL) symbol should come on for a short time only when ignition is switched to ON/RUN. If the light does not come on at all or comes on during driving, there is a fault in the system. Many faults including vehicle sensors can be associated with the MIL light. Often the case is with exhaust emission control.
Vehicle will require diagnostics equipment to be connected to diagnose fault. Failure to remedy fault may result in catalytic converter damage. Drive vehicle at moderate speed only and avoid heavy acceleration.
FCW Warning Light
The Alfa Romeo Giulia FWC symbol stands for ‘Forward Collision Warning’ and if light comes on, it indicates the the FCW alarm is not functioning. Ensure vehicle is cleaned as cameras and sensors may be obscured by dirt. If light remains on, have vehicle checked.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The low fuel warning light illuminates when about 2.4 gallons (9 litres) of fuel is remaining in the tank. If vehicle does not require refueling, the fuel level sensor is faulty. Refuel the vehicle as soon as possible.
Low Oil Pressure
The Alfa Romeo Giulia oil can symbol indicates that the engine has low oil pressure. This is not an indication of low oil level. An audible sound will also alert the driver.
As soon as possible, pull over and turn off the engine. Do not attempt to restart the engine. Restarting the engine or continual driving is likely to result in severe engine damage. Arrangements will need to be made for vehicle recovery.
High Coolant Temp
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red thermometer symbol indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high and the engine is or has overheated. Pull over and stop as soon as possible. Turn off engine and allow to cool down for 15 to 20 minutes. Check coolant level and if below the Min. mark on the coolant header tank, fill to the Max. level. Check for any visual signs of a leak. Continue to drive without exerting too much stress on the engine.
Power Steering Failure
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red steering wheel and exclamation mark symbol indicate a failure with the power steering. Normal steering is possible but you will notice an increase in the force required to steer. If the battery has been disconnected, power steering will need to be reinitialized as indicated by the fault light. Simply turn the steering all the way left-lock, then to right-lock and back to centre.
Auto Gearbox Failure
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red cog and exclamation point symbol indicate an automatic transmission failure. A audible alarm chime is also used to signal the fault. Stop and turn off engine as soon as safely possible. Continual driving with this symbol illuminated can cause severe gearbox damage. Overheating of oil may also result in fire. Make arrangements for vehicle to be recovered. If the symbol is amber, slow down and avoid working the gearbox hard. Wait for symbol to go out.
ETC
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red lightening / electricity symbol indicates a fault with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). The warning light may either illuminate constantly or flash.
Illuminates constantly: Place the gear selector in the P (Park) position and switch the ignition to the OFF position. The warning light should now go out. If the warning light stays on with the engine running, the vehicle can still be driven, but have vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Flashing: Take vehicle to repair station immediately. Irregular and unpredictably engine actions, including the engine stopping may occur.
Alternator
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red battery light indicates a failure with the alternator. The alternator charges the battery whilst driving. It’s normal for the battery light to illuminate for a short period at startup, but should do out shortly.
Vehicle engine is likely to fail soon. Avoid turning off the engine and switch off any electrical equipment such as heaters, demisters, USB chargers etc. Take vehicle immediately to be repaired.
Low Oil Level
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red oil can dashboard symbol indicates that the engine has insufficient oil. Continual driving with low oil levels can result in engine damage.
Stop as soon as you can, ideally on a flat, even road surface and switch off engine. Check engine oil levels and top if necessary. Top up, ensuring you do not overfill by using the maximum marker on the dip stick.
AST
The Alfa Romeo Giulia red steering wheel, exclamation mark with AST indicates a fault with Alfa Steering Torque. The automatic steering correction system has a failure. Have vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Immobilizer
The Alfa Romeo Giulia car with a lock symbol illuminates to either indicate:
- The engine immobilizer system has a fault.
- There’s been an attempted break-in detected by the alarm system.
- The engine has started but the key has not been recognised by the system.
- There is a fault with the vehicle alarm system.
In the event of engine immobilizer or alarm failure, have vehicle checked. If the vehicle does not recognise they keys, check batteries in key fob.
Fuel Cut-Off
The Alfa Romeo Giulia amber fuel light with a cross through it illuminates to indicate that the fuel supply has been cut-off due to an accident. The fuel-cut off system will need to be reactivated. For this procedure, see: Alfa Romeo Giulia Enhanced Accident Response System Reset Procedure.
Ice
The Alfa Romeo Giulia ice on road (snowflake) symbol will illuminate when the outside temperature falls to or below 37°F (3°C).
Parking Sensors
The Alfa Romeo Giulia parking sensors system has a failure or is unavailable due to the amber exclamation mark. Ensure the location of the parking sensors is clear of obstruction such as dirt. If this is not the case, have vehicle checked.
Oil Change
The Alfa Romeo Giulia amber oil can indicates that the engine oil requires changing. If the light begins to flash, this indicates the oil requires changing more urgently. Short journeys result in the engine oil requiring more changes.
Oil Level Sensor
The Alfa Romeo Giulia amber oil can with exclamation mark indicates that the engine oil level sensor has a fault. Have vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
Oil Pressure Sensor
The Alfa Romeo Giulia amber oil can with a exclamation point indicates that the engine oil pressure sensor is faulty. Have sensor replaced soon.
Dusk Sensor
The Alfa Romeo Giulia amber light bulb with exclamation mark indicates a failure with the dusk sensor (automatic low beam alignment). Sensor requires replacement.
Start/Stop
The Alfa Romeo Giulia amber ‘A’ along with an exclamation mark indicates a failure with the start/stop system. The start / stop system requires certain conditions to be met for engine stop to work. For possible reasons why the system fails to operate, see Alfa Romeo start / stop not working.
Fuel Level
The fuel tank and exclamation mark in amber indicate a fault with the fuel level sensor. Have sensor replaced as soon as possible as it is not possible to accurately gauge fuel levels.
FCW
The Forward Collision Warning Dashboard amber light along with an exclamation mark indicates a system failure with FCW. Have system diagnosed and repaired.
Rain Sensor
The Alfa Romeo Giulia rain cloud with exclamation mark indicates a fault with the fain sensor. Windscreen wipers will fail to operate automatically and manual operation is required until fixed.
Blind Spot
This symbol indicates a failure with the blind spot monitoring system.
Exterior Lights
The light bulb and amber exclamation mark indicate an exterior lights failure on the following lights: daytime running lights (DRLs) / parking lights / trailer turn signal indicators (if present) / trailer lights (if present) / side lights / turn signal indicators / rear fog light / reversing light / brake lights / license plate lights. The failure may be caused by a blown bulb, a blown protection fuse, or an interruption of the electrical connection.
Keyless Entry
This symbol indicates a failure with the keyless entry system.
Lane Departure
Lane departure warning system has malfunctioned.
High Beams
The headlight symbol alongside an exclamation point indicates a failure with the automatic high beams system. Manual operation is required until system is repaired.
Speed Limiter
This symbol indicates a failure with the speed limiter system.
Audio System
This symbol indicates a failure with the audio system.
Fuel Cap
This symbol warns of a loose fuel filler cap. Stop and soon as safe to do so and tighten the cap.
Dynamic Drive
This Alfa Romeo Giulia symbol warns of a failure in the Dynamic Drive Control System.
Wipers
The illumination of this symbol informs of a failure with the windscreen wipers.
Brake Pads
The brake pads are worn and are approaching their limit. Contact repair station or change brake pads as soon as possible.
Generic Failure
The triangle that contains an exclamation mark symbol represents a generic failure. A message should appear alongside the light indicating what the failure is.
Low Coolant
This indicator light informs of low engine coolant level. Top up as soon as possible to the maximum marker on the coolant header tank.
Fuel Cut-off
The Alfa Romeo Giulia crossed out fuel tank with an exclamation mark symbol indicates a fault with the fuel cut-off system. This should be fixed as soon as possible due to potential fuel leak as a result of an accident.
Amber warning light stop/ start staying on
The failure of the start stop system is usually a symptom of a fault elsewhere in the vehicle. Could be anything from battery faults, sensors, thermostats etc. You will need to have diagnostic equipment hooked up to read fault codes.
what about amber spanner light??