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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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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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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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“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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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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The catalytic converter
reaches high temperatures
during normal operation. Do not
park the on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable materi-
al: fire hazard.
WARNING
DIESEL PARTICULATE 
FILTER (DPF) 
(for versions/markets where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechan-
ical filter, integral with the exhaust system,
that physically traps particulates present
in the exhaust gases of diesel engines.
The diesel particulate filter is needed to
eliminate almost all particulates in com-
pliance with current/future legislation.
During normal use of the vehicle, the en-
gine control unit records a set of data (e.g.
travel time, type of route, temperatures,
etc.) and it will then calculate how much
particulate has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particu-
late, it should be regenerated (cleaned)
at regular intervals by burning the carbon
particles.
The regeneration procedure is handled
automatically by the engine control unit
according to the filter conditions and ve-
hicle use conditions.During regeneration, there may be: a lim-
ited increase in minimum revs, a slight in-
crease in fumes and high exhaust temper-
atures. These are not faults; they do not
impair vehicle performance or damage the
environment.
If the dedicated message is displayed, re-
fer to the “Warning lights and messages”
section.
The diesel particulate filter
(DPF) reaches high temper-
atures during normal operation. Do
not park the vehicle on grass, dry
leaves, pine needles or other flam-
mable material: fire hazard.
WARNING
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SAFETY
MANUAL DEACTIVATION 
OF FRONT AND SIDE CHEST/
PELVIS PASSENGER AIRBAGS 
(for versions/markets where provided)
Whenever a child needs to be carried on
the front seat, the passenger’s front and
side chest/pelvis airbags (for versions/ mar-
kets where provided) must be deactivated.
The warning light on the instrument pan-
el stays on steadily until the passenger’s
front and side chest airbags (for versions/
markets where provided) are re-activated.
WARNING: Do not put child
seats facing backwards on
the front seat if the passen-
ger’s airbag is enabled
(ON). Deployment of the
airbag in an accident could
cause fatal injuries to the baby.
Should it be absolutely necessary to
place a child seat on the front seat,
always deactivate the passenger
airbag. Also, the passenger seat
should be as far back as possible to
avoid contact between the child seat
and the dashboard. Although this is
not mandatory by law, the airbag
should be immediately reactivated
when children are no longer carried
to ensure better protection for adults.
WARNING
To manually deactivate the
passenger’s front and side
chest/pelvis airbags (for versions/mar -
kets where provided), refer to para-
graphs “Digital display” and “Mul -
tifunction display” in the section
“Dashboard and controls”.
WARNING
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SAFETY
GENERAL WARNINGS
If when turning the key to
MAR the warning light ¬does not turn on or if it stays on when
travelling (together with the message
on the multifunction display, where
provided), there could be a failure in
the safety systems; in this event,
airbags or pretensioners may not trig-
ger in case of impact or, in a minor
number of cases, they could trigger
accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship immediately to have the system
checked.
WARNING
Do not cover the backrest of
front and rear seats with
trims or covers that are not suitable
to be used with side bags. 
WARNING
Never travel with objects on
your lap, in front of your
chest or with a pipe, pencil, etc. be-
tween your lips; serious injury may re-
sult in the event of the airbag being
triggered.
WARNING
Always drive with your hands
on the steering wheel rim so
that the airbag can inflate freely if
needed. Do not drive with your body
bent forward. Keep your back straight
against the backrest.
WARNING
If the key is turned to MAR,
even if the engine is switched
off, airbags may be deployed when
the car is stationary and hit by an-
other vehicle. For this reason, children
must never occupy the front seat,
even if the car is not moving. Con-
versely, remember that when the key
is inserted in the STOP position, no
safety device (air bag or pretension-
ers) will activate following an impact;
non-activation of these devices in such
cases cannot therefore be considered
an indicator of system malfunction.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been sub-
ject to theft or a theft at-
tempt, or if it has been affected by
vandalism or flooding, have the airbag
system checked at a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
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