2008 FIAT SEDICI ABS

160
POWER ASSISTED BRAKES
Your vehicle has power assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and
you can bring the vehicle to a complete
stop by pressing the brake pedal once and
holding it down. The reserve power is
partly used up when you depress the
brake pedal and reduces each time the
pedal is pressed. Apply smooth and even
pressure to the pedal. Do not pump the
pedal.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if equipped)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering con-
trol when braking on slippery surfaces or
when braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenev-
er it senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal moves a lit-
tle while the ABS is operating.
NOTE The ABS will not work if vehicle
speed is under about 6 km/h (4 mph).
BRAKING
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be ap-
proximately 4 times greater than the brak-
ing distance needed at 30 km/h (19 mph).
Start to brake the vehicle when there is
plenty of distance between your vehicle
and the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.
60G165A
If water gets into the brake
drums, brake performance
may become poor and unpredictable.
After driving through water or wash-
ing the underside of the vehicle, test
the brakes while driving at a slow
speed to see if they have maintained
their normal effectiveness. If the
brakes are less effective than normal,
dry them by repeatedly applying the
brakes while driving slowly until the
brakes have regained their normal ef-
fectiveness.
WARNING
Even without reserve power
in the brake system, you can
still stop the vehicle by pressing the
brake pedal harder than normally re-
quired. However, the stopping dis-
tance may be longer.
WARNING
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161
1.ABS warning light Type 1
2.ABS warning light Type 2
3.Brake system warning light
(1) (2)
(3)
65D451
On some types of loose sur-
faces (such as gravel, snow-
covered roads, etc.) the stopping dis-
tance required for an ABS-equipped
vehicle may be slightly greater than
for a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a con-
ventional brake system, skidding tires
are able to “plow” the gravel or snow
layer, shortening the stopping dis-
tance, ABS minimizes this resistance
effect. Allow for extra stopping dis-
tance when driving on loose surfaces.
On regular paved roads, some drivers
may be able to obtain slightly short-
er stopping distances with conven-
tional brake systems than with ABS.
In both of the above conditions, ABS
will still offer the advantage of help-
ing you maintain directional control.
However, remember that ABS will not
compensate for bad road or weath-
er conditions or poor driver judgment.
Use good judgment and do not drive
faster than conditions will safely al-
low.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (( 1)
or (2)) on the instrument
panel comes on and stays on while
driving, there may be a problem with
the ABS system. Ask your Fiat Deal-
ership to inspect the ABS system im-
mediately. If the ABS system becomes
inoperative, the brake system will
function as an ordinary brake system
that has no ABS.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light (( 1)
or (2)) and the Brake system
warning light (3) on the instrument
panel simultaneously stays on or
comes on when driving, both anti-lock
function and rear brake force control
function (Proportioning valve func-
tion) of the ABS system may have
failed. If so, the rear wheels may eas-
ily skid or the vehicle can even spin in
the worst case when braking on a slip-
pery road or when hard braking even
on a dry paved road.
Ask your Fiat Dealership to inspect
the ABS system immediately. Drive
carefully, avoiding hard braking as
much as possible.
WARNING
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162
HOW THE ABS WORKS
A computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle af-
ter a stop you may hear a momentary mo-
tor noise as the system checks itself.
The ABS may not work
properly if tires or wheels
other than those specified in the own-
er’s manual are used. This is because
the ABS works by comparing changes
in wheel speed. When replacing tires
or wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
WARNING
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
PROGRAM (ESP®)
(if equipped)
ESP®is a registered trademark of Daim-
lerChrysler AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®)
helps to control the vehicle during cor-
nering if the vehicle is understeering or
oversteering. It also assists you in main-
taining traction while accelerating on loose
or slippery road surfaces. It does this by
regulating the engine’s output, and by se-
lectively applying the brakes. In addition,
ESP
®helps to avoid skidding by controlling
braking pressure.
The ESP®cannot enhance
the vehicle’s driving stabili-
ty in all situations and does not con-
trol your vehicle’s entire braking sys-
tem. The ESP
®cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, or hy-
droplaning. Only a safe and attentive
driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP
®- equipped ve-
hicle must never be used as a substi-
tute for careful driving.
WARNING
The ESP®has the following three systems:
STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti- lock brakes, traction control, en-
gine control, etc. This system automati-
cally controls the brakes and engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road surface
or when turning the steering wheel
abruptly.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of wheels
when the vehicle is started or accelerated
on slippery road surfaces. The system op-
erates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
operates the front or rear brakes and re-
duces engine power to limit wheel spin.
NOTE You may hear a clicking sound in
the engine compartment for a few seconds
when you start the engine or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This means that
the above systems are in the self-check
mode. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
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163
The ESP may not work prop-
erly if tires or wheels other
than those specified in the Owner’s
Manual are used. When replacing
tires or wheels, use only the size and
type specified in this Owner’s Man-
ual.
The ESP
®may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
The ESP
®may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
The ESP
®may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn. Be sure
to replace tires when the tread wear
indicators in the grooves appear on
the tread surface.
The ESP
®is not a substitute for win-
ter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
WARNING
The ESP®may not work
properly if engine related
parts such as the muffler are not
equivalent to standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion since the ESP
®may not operate
correctly.
WARNING
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering con-
trol when braking on slippery surfaces or
when braking hard. The ABS works au-
tomatically, so you do not have to use any
special braking technique. Just push the
brake pedal down without pumping. The
ABS will operate whenever it senses that
wheels are locking up. You may feel the
brake pedal pulsate while the ABS is op-
erating.
(For more information on ABS, see “Brak-
ing” in the “OPERATING YOUR VEHI-
CLE” section.)
NOTE If the ABS system is activated, you
may hear a clunking noise and/ or feel pul-
sating in the brake pedal. This is normal
and indicates that the brake fluid pressure
is being controlled properly.The ESP®indicator lights are described be-
low:
SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT
66J033
When one of the ESP®systems other than
ABS is activated, the SLIP indicator light in
the instrument cluster blinks 5 times per
second.
IMPORTANT If the SLIP indicator light
comes on and stays on while driving, there
may be a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS). You should have the
systems inspected by an authorized Fiat
Dealership.
NOTE When the SLIP indicator light
comes on and stays on while driving, in-
dicating a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS), the brake system will
function as an ordinary ABS with no ad-
ditional ESP
®functions.
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164
NOTE
When you disconnect and re- connect the
battery, ESP
®system functions other than
ABS will be deactivated and the slip indi-
cator light will blink 1 time per second.
In this case, use the following procedure
to reactivate the ESP
®systems:
❒Drive your vehicle straight ahead with-
out tire slippage at a speed greater than
approximately 15 km/ h (9 mph) for a
few seconds
❒The slip indicator light will go out and
the ESP®systems (other than ABS) will
be re- activated
It may take more than few seconds before
the slip indicator light goes out depending
on the road surface condition.
“ESP” Warning LightIMPORTANT If the “ESP” warning light
comes on, or stays on while driving, there
may be a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS). You should have the
systems inspected by an authorized Fiat
Dealership.
NOTE When the “ESP” warning light
comes on, or stays on while driving, indi-
cating a malfunction of the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS), the brake system will
function as an ordinary ABS that has no
additional ESP
®functions.
“ESP OFF” Indicator Light“ESP OFF” switch
When the “ESP OFF” switch located at
the center of the instrument panel is
pushed and held to turn off the ESP
®sys-
tems (other than ABS), the “ESP OFF” in-
dicator light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
When you have turned the ESP
®systems
(other than ABS) off, make sure to turn
them back on before resuming ordinary
driving.
When you push and hold the “ESP OFF”
switch again, the “ESP OFF” indicator light
will go out and all of the ESP
®systems will
be activated.
ABS Warning Light / Brake
System Warning Light
See “Braking” in the “OPERATING
YOUR VEHICLE” section.66J031
When the ESP®systems (other than ABS)
have a system malfunction, the “ESP”
warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
66J032
You should turn the ESP®on during your
ordinary driving, so that you have the ben-
efits of all of the ESP
®systems.
It may be required to turn the ESP
®sys-
tems (other than ABS) off if your vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow where
wheel spin is necessary.
62J142
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170
IMPORTANT Do not continue rocking
the vehicle for more than a few minutes.
Prolonged rocking can cause engine over-
heating or transaxle damage. IF YOUR VEHICLE GETS STUCK
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow, mud, or
sand, follow the directions below:
❒Shift the transaxle back and forth be-
tween first gear and reverse. This will
create a rocking motion which may give
you enough momentum to free the ve-
hicle. Press gently on the accelerator to
keep wheel spin to a minimum.
Remove your foot from the accelera-
tor while shifting.
Do not race the engine. Excessive
wheel spin will cause the tires to dig
deeper, making it more difficult to free
the vehicle.
❒If your vehicle remains stuck after a few
minutes of rocking, get another vehicle
to pull you out.
Do not allow anyone to
stand near the vehicle when
you are rocking it, and do not spin the
wheels faster than an indicated
40 km/h (25 mph) on the speedome-
ter. Personal injury and/ or vehicle
damage may result from spinning the
wheels too fast.
WARNING
54G074S
In addition to following the
driving tips in this section, it
is important to observe the following
precautions.
Make sure your tires are in good con-
dition and always maintain the spec-
ified tire pressure. Refer to “Tires” in
the “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section for details.
WARNING
Do not use tires other than
those specified by Fiat. Nev-
er use different sizes or types of tires
on the front and rear wheels. For in-
formation regarding the specified
tires, refer to the Tire Information La-
bel located on the driver’s door lock
pillar.
Never use oversized tires or special
shock absorbers and springs to raise
(jack up) your vehicle. This will
change the handling characteristics.
Oversized tires may also rub against
the fender over bumps, causing vehi-
cle damage or tire failure.
After driving through water, test the
brakes while driving at a slow speed
to see if they have maintained their
normal effectiveness. If the brakes are
less effective than normal, dry them
by repeatedly applying the brakes
while driving slowly until the brakes
have regained their normal effective-
ness.
WARNING
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176
– Avoid “riding” the brakes.
This could cause the brakes
to overheat resulting in reduced brak-
ing efficiency. Use engine braking as
much as possible.
– Because of the added trailer weight,
your engine may overheat on hot
days when going up long or steep
hills. Pay attention to your engine
temperature gauge. If it indicates
overheating, pull off the road and
stop in a safe place. Refer to “If the
Engine Overheats” in “EMERGENCY
SERVICE” section.
WARNING
60A186
When parking your vehicle
and connected trailer, al-
ways use the following procedure:
– Apply the vehicle’s brakes firmly.
– Have another person place wheel
chocks under the wheels of the vehi-
cle and the trailer while you are hold-
ing the brakes.
– Slowly release the brakes until the
wheel chocks absorb the load.
– Fully engage the parking brake.
– Manual Transaxle – Shift into Re-
verse or first gear and turn off the en-
gine.
WARNING
When starting out after
parking:
– Depress the clutch and start the en-
gine.
– Shift into gear, release the parking
brake, and slowly pull away from the
chocks.
– Stop, apply the brakes firmly and
hold them.
– Have another person remove the
chocks.
WARNING
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183
IMPORTANT Whenever it becomes nec-
essary to replace parts on your vehicle,
it is recommended that you use genuine
Fiat replacement parts.
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
The following table shows the times when
you should perform regular maintenance
on your vehicle. This table shows in miles,
kilometers and months when you should
perform inspections, adjustments, lubri-
cation and other services. These intervals
should be shortened if driving is usually
done under severe conditions (refer to
“Maintenance Recommended under Se-
vere Driving Conditions”).
IMPORTANT The Programmed Mainte-
nance coupons are specified by the Man-
ufacturer. The failure to have them car-
ried out may invalidate the warranty.
79J004
Vehicle maintenance should
be entrusted to Fiat Dealer-
ship. For routine and minor mainte-
nance operations you wish to carry
out yourself, always make sure you
have the proper equipment, genuine
Fiat spare parts and the necessary flu-
ids; do not however carry out these
operations if you have no experience.
WARNING
54G088
(1) Oxygen sensor
The shock absorbers are
filled with high pressure gas.
Never attempt to disassemble it or
throw it into a fire. Avoid storing it
near a heater or heating device.
When scrapping the absorber, the gas
must be released from the absorber
safely. Ask your Fiat Dealershipfor as-
sistance.
WARNING
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