2008 FIAT SEDICI traction control

156
779J002
Reduce your speed and
downshift to a lower gear
before going down a long or steep hill.
A lower gear will allow the engine to
provide braking. Avoid riding the
brakes or they may overheat, result-
ing in brake failure.
When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before downshift-
ing. Excessive and or sudden changes
in engine speed may cause loss of
traction, which could cause you to
lose control.
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before you shift in-
to reverse.
WARNING
79J140
Reverse engagement
Petrol versions: from neutral (N) press the
gear lever down and at the same time
move it rightwards and backwards.
Diesel versions: raise the ring and at the
same time move the gear lever rightwards
and backwards.
To change gears properly
you must push the clutch
pedal fully down. It is therefore es-
sential that there is nothing under the
pedals: make sure the mats are lying
flat and do not get in the way of the
pedals.
WARNING
USING THE
TRANSAXLE
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Starting off
To start off, push in the clutch pedal and
shift into 1st gear. After releasing the park-
ing brake, gradually release the clutch.
When you hear a change in the engine’s
sound, slowly press the accelerator while
continuing to gradually release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet, easy shifting. Always
push in the clutch pedal fully before shift-
ing gears.
For vehicle with tachometer
Keep the engine speed so it does not get
into the red zone of tachometer.
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157
IMPORTANT Do not drive with your
hand resting on the gear lever as the force
exerted, even if slight, could lead over time
to premature wear on the gearbox inter-
nal components.
IMPORTANT
❒To help avoid clutch damage, do not
use the clutch pedal as a footrest while
driving or use the clutch to keep the ve-
hicle stationary on a hill. Depress the
clutch fully when shifting.
❒When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine can
shorten engine life and prevent smooth
shifting.
USING THE 2WD/
4WD SWITCH
(if equipped)
This 4WD system enables you to select the
driving mode according to the driving con-
ditions by operating the 2WD/4WD
switch. With this feature, you can select 3
mode positions, “2WD”, “4WD AUTO”
and “4WD LOCK” by operating the 2WD/
4WD switch even when the vehicle is mov-
ing, provided the front wheels are in the
straight ahead position.
DESCRIPTION OF TRANSFER
CASE POSITIONS
2WD
In this position, engine power is supplied
to the front axle only. Use this position
for normal driving (on dry, hard surfaces).
4WD AUTO
In this position, engine power is supplied
to the front and rear axles at normal
speed, providing greater traction than 2-
wheel drive. Use this position for driving
on paved roads or on slippery roads (icy,
snow- covered, muddy, etc.).In the AUTO mode, the 4WD controller
judges the driving conditions using signals
from sensors.
When slipping of the front wheels is de-
tected, the electronically controlled cou-
pling supplies optimum driving force to the
rear wheels. This function improves dri-
ving stability and running through perfor-
mance on rough roads and stabilizes dri-
ving performance even on a snow covered
up- hill road or the like.
Also, during normal driving on paved
roads, torque distribution to the rear
wheels is reduced to achieve the nearly
front wheel drive condition, thereby fuel
consumption is improved.
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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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169
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
ROADS
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed
and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.
FOR 4-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
MODELS
Your 4WD is designed to get better trac-
tion on slippery roads than 2-wheel drive
models. However, your 4WD will not
have as much traction in deep snow, mud
or sand as multipurpose 4WD vehicles.
You should not attempt to drive your
4WD in deep snow, mud or sand.
SNOW CHAINS
Snow chains should only be used if they
are needed to increase traction or are re-
quired by law. Make sure that the chains
you use are the correct size for your ve-
hicle’s tires. Also make sure that there is
enough clearance between the fenders
and the chains as installed on the tires.Install the chains on the front tires tight-
ly, according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after dri-
ving about 1. 0 km (1/ 2 mile) if necessary.
With the chains installed, drive slowly.
IMPORTANT
❒If you hear the chains hitting against the
vehicle body while driving, stop and
tighten them.
❒If you vehicle is equipped with full wheel
caps, remove the wheel caps before in-
stalling the chains or the wheel caps can
be damaged by the chain bands. IMPORTANT When descending a down
hill, NEVER turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position. Emission control system
damage may result.
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