
75
SAFETY
STARTING 
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICE 
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
BRAKE ASSIST (integrated ESP
emergency braking assistance) 
(for versions/markets where provided)
This system (which is compulsory) recog-
nises emergency braking according to the
speed of operation of the brake pedal and
provides additional hydraulic braking pres-
sure to support that applied by the driver.
This allows faster and more powerful op-
eration of the braking system.
The Brake Assist is deactivated on ver-
sions equipped with ESP, in the event of
an ESP system failure (indicated by warn-
ing light 
áswitching on together with the
message in the multifunctional display, for
versions/markets where provided).
ESP SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Program) 
(for versions/markets where provided)
This is an electronic system that controls
car stability in the event of tyre grip loss,
helping to maintain directional control.
The ESP system is therefore particularly
useful when road surface grip changes.
In addition to the ESP system, ASR system
and Hill Holder, the MSR system (adjusting
the engine braking torque) and the HBA
system (improving the braking force dur-
ing emergency braking) are also provided
(for versions/markets where provided).
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by the flashing of warn-
ing light 
áon the instrument panel, to in-
form the driver that the car is in critical
stability and grip conditions.When the ABS cuts in and
you feel the brake pedal pul-
sating, do not remove your foot, but
keep the pedal pushed down; in do-
ing so you, will stop in the shortest
distance possible under the road con-
ditions at the time.
WARNING
EBD failure
This is indicated by the 
>and xwarn-
ing lights on the instrument panel togeth-
er with the dedicated message on the mul-
tifunction display (for versions/markets
where avaible) coming on (see “Warning
lights and messages” section).
In this case, the rear wheels may sudden-
ly lock and the vehicle may swerve when
braking sharply. Drive carefully to the
nearest Fiat Dealership to have the system
checked.
If only the xwarning light
on the instrument panel
lights up (together with a message in
the multifunction display, for ver-
sions/markets where provided) stop
the vehicle immediately and contact
the nearest Fiat Dealership. Fluid
leaking from the hydraulic system will
compromise the operation of the
braking system, whether it is of the
conventional type or with ABS. 
WARNING
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SAFETY
STARTING 
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LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICE 
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
SYSTEM ACTIVATION 
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
FAILURE INDICATIONS 
In the event of a failure, the ESP will be au-
tomatically switched off and the 
áwarn-
ing light will come on permanently on the
instrument panel along with a message on
the multifunction display (for versions/
markets where provided) (see “Warning
lights and messages” section). The LED on
the ASR OFF button will also light up.
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as pos-
sible if this happens.
Do not take unnecessary
risks, even if your vehicle is
fitted with an ESP system. Your dri-
ving style must always be suited to the
road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always ultimately re-
sponsible for road safety.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM 
This is an integral part of the ESP system,
making hill-starts easier.
It is automatically activated in the follow-
ing conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with
a gradient higher than 5%, engine run-
ning, brake pedal pressed and gearbox
in neutral or gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pedal pressed and re-
verse gear engaged.
At pick-up, the ESP system control unit
will maintain the braking pressure at the
wheels until the necessary engine torque
for moving away is reached or, in any case,
for a maximum of 2 seconds in order to
move easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle has not departed after this
time, the system will deactivate automat-
ically by gradually releasing the brake
force.
At release, the typical brake disengage-
ment noise indicating that the car is go-
ing to move will be heard.Failure indications
System failure is indicated by the turning
on of warning light *on the instrument
panel with digital display and warning light
áon the instrument panel with multi-
function display (for versions/markets
where provided) (see section “Warning
lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never leave
the vehicle without having engaged the
handbrake, turned the engine off and se-
lected first gear.
For the correct operation of
the ESP and ASR systems,
the tyres must be the same make and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tion and, above all, of the type, make
and size recommended.
WARNING
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77
SAFETY
STARTING 
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICE 
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
MSR system 
(engine braking regulation)
This is an integral part of the ASR system
that, in case of sudden gear shifting, cuts
in to provide torque to the engine, thus
preventing excessive driving wheel drag
that, especially in poor grip conditions, can
lead to loss of stability.
Switching the system on/off fig. 97
The ASR system switches on automatically
each time the engine is started. 
When travelling, the ASR can be switched
off and on again by pressing button Alo-
cated on the dashboard fig. 97. If the system is off, the LED on the button
lights up together with a message shown
on the multifunction display (for versions/
markets where provided).
If the ASR is switched off when travelling,
it will turn on again automatically the next
time the engine is started.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn the
ASR off: in fact, in these conditions, the
driving wheels skidding when moving off
makes it possible to get better traction.
For the correct operation of
the ESP and ASR systems,
the tyres must be the same make and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tion and, above all, of the type, make
and size recommended.
WARNING
fig. 97
ASR
OFF
F0M0109m
ASR SYSTEM (Anti-slip Regulator)
This function controls car drive and cuts
in automatically every time one or both
driving wheels skid. 
Depending on how skiddy the road is,
two different control systems are acti-
vated:
❒if the skidding involves both drive
wheels, the ASR function intervenes
by reducing the power transmitted by
the engine;
❒if the skidding involves only one dri-
ving wheel, the ASR system cuts in by
automatically braking the wheel that
is sliding. 
The ASR system is particularly helpful in
the following circumstances:
❒skidding of the inner wheel when cor-
nering due to the effect of dynamic
load changes or excessive acceleration;
❒too much power transmitted to the
wheels in relation to the conditions of
the road surface;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or
icy surfaces;
❒loss of grip on a wet surface (aqua-
planing).
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78
SAFETY
STARTING 
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICE 
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
Do not take unnecessary
risks, even if your vehicle is
fitted with this system. Your driving
style must always be suited to the
road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
WARNING
For correct operation of the ASR system,
the tyres must be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of the type, brand and size
recommended.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of a failure, the ASR system
will be automatically switched off and
warning light 
áwill appear permanently
on the instrument panel along with a mes-
sage on the multifunction display (for ver-
sions/markets where provided) (see
“Warning lights and messages”). In this
case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible. 
EOBD SYSTEM
The EOBD (European On Board Diagno-
sis) system allows continuous diagnostics
of the emission-related components of the
car.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on the
Uwarning light on the instrument panel
(together with a relevant message in the
multifunction display, for versions/markets
where provided) (see “Warning lights and
messages” section), when these compo-
nents are no longer in peak condition.
The goal of the system is to:
❒keep the system efficiency under con-
trol;
❒warn when a fault causes emissions lev-
els to increase;
❒warn of the need to replace non-per-
forming components.
The system also has a connector that can
be interfaced with appropriate equipment,
which makes it possible to read the er-
ror codes stored in the control unit, to-
gether with a series of specific parameters
for engine operation and diagnosis. This
check can also be carried out by traffic 
authorities.IMPORTANT After resolving the prob-
lem, to check the system completely, Fi-
at Dealerships are obliged to run a bench
test and, if necessary, road tests which
may call for a long journey.
If, when the ignition key is
turned to the MAR position,
the Uwarning light either
does not come on or, when
driving, it comes on permanently or
flashes (along with a message in the
multifunction display for versions/mar -
kets where provided), contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible. The
operation of the Uwarning light may
be checked by traffic police using ap-
propriate equipment. Follow the laws
in force in the country where you are
driving.
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79
SAFETY
STARTING 
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WARNING
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MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
“DUALDRIVE”
ELECTRIC
POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
The car is equipped with an electrically
controlled power steering system called
“Dualdrive”, working only with the igni-
tion key at MARand the engine running,
that customises steering force according
to the driving conditions.
ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
(CITY function)
To activate/deactivate the function, press
the button on the dashboard.
Activation is indicated by:
❒the word CITYon the instrument
panel (for versions with multifunction
display);
❒the word CITYlit up on the button 
after it has been pressed fig. 98.When the CITYfunction is on, the steer-
ing wheel effort is lighter, making parking
easier: therefore, this function is particu-
larly useful for driving in city centres.
For the Sport version, this function guar-
antees improved driving comfort because
the accelerator pedal is better calibrated
for gradual acceleration/deceleration.
fig. 98F0M0111m
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SAFETY
STARTING 
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LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
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AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
FAILURE INDICATIONS
Any failure of the electric power steering
system is indicated by instrument panel
warning light 
gcoming on together with
a message on the multifunction display (for
versions/markets where provided) (see
section “Warning lights and messages”).
In the event of electric power steering sys-
tem failure, the car can be driven with me-
chanical steering.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, fac-
tors independent of the electric power
steering could cause the 
gwarning light
in the instrument panel to come on.
In this case, stop the car immediately,
switch off the engine for about 20 seconds
and then restart the car. If the warning
light 
gis still on, along with the message
on the multifunction display (for ver-
sions/markets where provided), contact
a Fiat Dealership.IMPORTANT The steering may become
stiffer during parking manoeuvres that re-
quire a lot of turns of the wheel. This is
normal and is caused by the electric con-
trol motor overheating protection system.
No repairs are needed. The power steer-
ing system will start working properly
again the next time the car is used. 
It is absolutely forbidden to
carry out any after-market
operation involving steering system or
steering column modifications (e.g. in-
stallation of anti-theft device) that
could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and
also result in the car failing to com-
ply with regulations.
WARNING
Before servicing the car,
switch off the engine and re-
move the key from the ignition to ac-
tivate the steering lock. This is espe-
cially important when the car wheels
are not touching the ground. If this
is not possible (for example if the key
needs to be turned to MAR or the en-
gine must be running), remove the
main fuse that protects the electric
power steering.
WARNING
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83
SAFETY
STARTING 
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INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
RADIO TRANSMITTERS 
AND MOBILE PHONES 
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle mo-
bile phones, CB radios, amateur radio etc.)
shall not be used inside the car unless
a separate aerial is mounted on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices in-
side the passenger compartment (without
a separate aerial) may cause the vehicle
electrical systems to malfunction. This
could compromise safety in addition to
constituting a potential hazard for pas-
sengers’ health.
In addition, transmission and reception of
these devices may be affected by the
shielding effect of the car body.
With regard to EC-approved mobile
phones (GSM, GPRS, UMTS), you should
adhere strictly to the instructions provid-
ed by the mobile phone’s manufacturer.
Take care when fitting addi-
tional spoilers, alloy wheels
or non-standard wheel hubs: they
could reduce the ventilation of the
brakes and affect efficiency under
sharp, repeated braking or on long
descents. Make sure that nothing ob-
structs the pedals (mats, etc.)
WARNINGINSTALLING ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC DEVICES 
Electrical and electronic devices installed
after buying the car in the context of af-
ter-sales service must carry the following
label:
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorises the installation
of transceiving devices provided that they
are installed by a specialised centre ac-
cording to rules of good engineering prac-
tice in compliance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not al-
low the car on the road if devices have
been installed which modify the features
of the car. This may also cause invalida-
tion of warranty in relation to faults
caused by the change or either directly or
indirectly related to it.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. shall not be liable for dam-
age caused by the installation of acces-
sories either not supplied or recom-
mended by Fiat Auto S.p.A. and/or not
installed in compliance with the provided
instructions.
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SAFETY
STARTING 
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LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
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INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
REFUELLING THE CAR
PETROL ENGINES
Use only unleaded petrol.
To avoid mistakes, the diameter of the fu-
el tank opening is too small to insert the
nozzle of a leaded petrol pump. The petrol
octane rating (RON) must not be lower
than 95.
IMPORTANT An inefficient catalytic con-
verter leads to harmful exhaust emissions,
thus contributing to air pollution.
IMPORTANT Never use leaded petrol,
even in small amounts or in an emergency,
as this would damage the catalytic con-
verter beyond repair.DIESEL ENGINES
If the outside temperature is very low, the
diesel thickens due to the formation of
paraffin clots and could clog the diesel fu-
el filter.
In order to avoid these problems, differ-
ent types of diesel are distributed ac-
cording to the season: summer type, win-
ter type and arctic type (cold, mountain
areas).
If refuelling with diesel fuel whose speci-
fications are not suitable for the usage
temperature, it is advisable to mix in the
TUTELA DIESEL ART additive in the pro-
portions shown on the container. Pour
the additive into the tank before the fuel.
When using or parking the vehicle for
a long time in the mountains or cold ar-
eas, it is advisable to refuel using locally
available diesel.
In this case, it is also advisable to keep the
tank over 50% full.For diesel engines, use only
diesel fuel for motor vehicles
in accordance with EN590
European specifications. The
use of other products or mixtures may
damage the engine beyond repair and
consequently invalidate the warranty,
depending on the damage caused. If
you accidentally introduce other types
of fuel into the tank, do not start the
engine. Empty the tank. If the engine
has run, even for a very short time, you
will need to have the entire fuel system
emptied in addition to the tank.
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