2009 FIAT PANDA wheel

When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not raise foot,
but keep it pressed; in doing so you will stop in the
shortest amount of space possible depending on
the current road conditions.
WARNING
If the ABS system cuts in, it means that the
grip between the tyre and the road surface
is close to its limit: you must slow down to match
the speed to the road grip available.
WARNING
The ABS make the best use of the avail-
able grip but cannot increase it. You
should always drive carefully on slippery surfaces
and avoid any unnecessary risks.
WARNING
ABS SYSTEM (for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which is an integral part of the braking sys-
tem, prevents one or more wheels from locking and slip-
ping in all road surface conditions, irrespective of the
intensity of the braking action, ensuring that the vehicle can
be controlled even during emergency braking.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force Distribution)
completes the system allowing the brake force to be dis-
tributed between the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To get the maximum efficiency of the brak-
ing system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km is need-
ed: during this period it is better to avoid sharp, repeat-
ed and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can feel the ABS system has come into action
because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the system gets
noisier: it means that the car speed should be altered to suit
the type of road surface.
74
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If only the
x
warning light on the instru-
ment panel lights up – together with
a message in the reconfigurable multifunction dis-
play (for versions/markets, where provided) – stop
the car immediately and contact the nearest
Fiat Dealership. Leakage of hydraulic fluid from
the braking system will compromise the operation
of the braking system, whether it is of the con-
ventional type or with ABS.WARNING
FAILURE WARNING
ABS failure fig. 86
It is indicated by the
>
warning light on the instrument
panel - together with the dedicated message in the re-
configurable multifunction display (for versions/markets,
where provided) - coming on (see “Warning lights
and messages” chapter).
In this case, the braking system will still be effective, al-
though without the extra capacity offered by the ABS sys-
tem. Drive carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked.
EBD failure fig. 87
It is indicated by the
>
and
x
warning lights on the in-
strument panel - together with the dedicated message
in the multifunction display (for versions/markets, where
provided) - coming on (see “Warning lights and messages”
chapter).In this case, the rear wheels may suddenly lock and the ve-
hicle may swerve when braking sharply. Drive carefully
to the nearest Fiat Dealership to have the system checked.
fig. 87
F0Z0159m
fig. 86
F0Z0158m
75KNOW YOUR
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WARNING LIGHTS
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065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 75

If the space-saver wheel is used, the ESP
system keeps operating. Always remind
that the space-saver wheel, being smaller than
the original wheel provides less grip.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must absolutely be
the same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and, above all, of the type, make
and size specified.
WARNING
ASR SYSTEM (Antislip Regulation)
This is integral part of the ESP system and controls the car,
intervening automatically automatically every time one or
both driving wheels slip.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different con-
trol systems are activated:❒
if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR func-
tion intervenes by reducing the power transmitted by the
engine;
❒
if the slipping involves only one driving wheel, the ASR
system cuts in automatically braking the wheel that is
slipping.
❒
downhill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient
higher than 2%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal
pressed and reverse gear engaged.
At pickup, the ESP system control unit will keep braking
pressure on the wheels until reaching the required torque
for starting or, in any case, for a maximum of 2 seconds
in order to move easily the right foot from the brake ped-
al to the accelerator pedal.
When two seconds have elapsed, without starting, the sys-
tem is automatically deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release stage, the typical me-
chanical brake release noise can be heard, indicating that
the car is about to move.
Failure indications
A possible system failure is indicated by the *warning
light on the instrument panel – together with the dedicated
message in the reconfigurable multifunction display
(for versions/markets, where provided) – coming on
(see “Warning lights and messages” chapter).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the car without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off and engaged
first gear.
77KNOW YOUR
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065-090 PANDA EN 7-10-2009 13:45 Pagina 77

F0Z0267m
fig. 88
When the ASR is switched off whilst driving, the next time
the car is started up the ASR is automatically switched
on by the system. When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn the ASR off: in fact,
in these conditions, slipping of the drive wheels when mov-
ing off makes it possible to obtain better traction. The action of the ASR system is particularly helpful in
the following circumstances:
❒
slipping of the inner wheel when cornering due to the
effect of dynamic load changes or excessive accelera-
tion;
❒
too much power transmitted to the wheels also in re-
lation to the conditions of the road surface;
❒
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy surfaces;
❒
in the event of loss of grip on a wet surface
(aquaplaning).
MSR system (engine drive regulation)
This is integral part of the ASR system that, in the event
of a sudden gear downshifting, cuts in and provides torque
to the engine thus preventing excessive drive wheel dri-
ve which, especially in poor grip conditions, can lead to
loss of stability.
Switching the ASR system on/off fig. 88
The ASR system switches on automatically each time
the engine is started. Whilst driving, the ASR can be
switched off and subsequently switched on again by press-
ing the C ASR OFF button. When the system is switched
on, this is signalled by a message on the reconfigurable mul-
tifunction display (where provided).
When the system is switched off, this is signalled by
the LED on the ASR OFF button lighting up and by a mes-
sage on the reconfigurable multifunction display (for ver-
sions/markets where provided).
Do not take unnecessary risks, even if your
vehicle is fitted with this system. Your dri-
ving style must always be suited to the road con-
ditions, visibility and traffic. The driver is ulti-
mately responsible for road safety.
WARNING
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F0Z0145m
fig. 90
F0Z0162m
fig. 91
When the CITY function is on, the steering wheel effort
is lighter and thus parking operations are easier: there-
fore this function is particularly useful for driving in city
centres.
FAILURE INDICATIONS fig. 92
Possible power steering system failures are indicated by
the
g
warning light on the instrument panel – together
with the dedicated message in the reconfigurable multi-
function display (for versions/markets, where provided)
– coming on (see “Warning lights and messages” chapter).
In the event of electric power steering system failure,
the car can be driven with mechanical steering.
IMPORTANT In some circumstances, factors independent
of the electric power steering could cause the warning light
g
on the instrument panel to come on.
“DUALDRIVE” ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING SYSTEM (for versions/markets, where provided)
Some versions feature an electric power steering system
which only works with the key at MAR and the engine run-
ning; this system, system called “Dualdrive” can be cus-
tomised by the driver according to the driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning quickly the ignition key,
power steering full functionality can be achieved after
1-2 seconds.
ENGAGEMENT/RELEASE OF CITY
function fig. 90 and 91
Press button A to engage/release the function.
When the function is engaged, the warning light CITY on
the instrument panel comes on.
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F0Z0163m
fig. 92
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
whatever after-market operation involv-
ing steering system or steering column modifica-
tions (e.g.: installation of anti-theft device) that
could badly affect performance and safety, cause
the lapse of warranty and also result in non-com-
pliance of the car with type approval require-
ments.
WARNING
Before starting any servicing operation,
stop the engine and remove the key from
the ignition switch to operate the steering lock,
particularly when the wheels do not touch the
ground. If this is not possible (i.e. if the key must
be kept in the MAR position or the engine must
be kept running), remove the electric power steer-
ing system main fuse.
WARNING
In this case, stop the car immediately, switch off the en-
gine for about 20 seconds and then restart the engine.
If the warning light
g
is still on, along with the message
on the reconfigurable multifunction display (for versions/
markets, where provided), contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT The steering may become stiffer following
parking manoeuvres including a great deal of steering.
This is normal and caused by the system preventing the
electric control motor overheating. No repairs are need-
ed. The power steering system will start working properly
again the next time the car is used.
81KNOW YOUR
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104
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AIR BAGThe car is fitted with front air bags (for versions/markets
where provided) for the driver and the passenger and front
side bags (side bag – window bag).
FRONT AIR BAGS
The front driver/passenger air bags have been designed to
protect the occupants in the event of head-on crashes of
medium-high severity, by placing the cushion between the
occupant and the steering wheel or dashboard.
Front air bags are designed to protect car’s passengers in
head-on crashes and therefore non-activation in other
types of collisions (side collisions, rear shunts, roll-overs,
etc.) is not a system malfunction.
An electronic control unit will make the bag inflate in the
event of a front crash.
The bag will inflate instantaneously placing itself between
the front passengers’ body and the structures which could
cause injury. It will deflate immediately afterwards.
Driver and passenger front airbags are not a replacement
of but complementary to the seat belts, which should al-
ways be worn, as specified by law in Europe and most non-
European countries.
In the event of an impact, those not wearing a seat belt will
move forward and come into contact with the bag which
is still inflating. The protection offered by the air bag cush-
ion is reduced in such a case.Front air bags may not be activated in the following situ-
ations:
❒
in collisions against highly deformable objects not af-
fecting the car front surface (e.g. bumper collision against
guard rail, etc.);
❒
car wedging under other vehicles or protective barri-
ers (e.g. trucks or guard rails);
they could not provide any additional protection compared
with seat belts, so their activation would be improper.
Therefore, failure to come into action in the above cir-
cumstances does not mean that the system is not work-
ing properly.
Do not apply stickers or other objects to
the steering wheel, to the passenger’s side
air bag cover side or on the side roof lining. Nev-
er put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the pas-
senger’s side dashboard since they could interfere
with proper air bag inflation and also cause seri-
ous injury to the passengers.
WARNING
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105KNOW YOUR
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F0Z0693m
fig. 111
F0Z0057m
fig. 112
DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG fig. 111
It consists of an instant inflating bag contained in a special
recess in the centre of the steering wheel.
PASSENGER’S FRONT AIR BAG fig. 112
This consists of an instant inflating bag contained in a spe-
cial recess in the dashboard: this bag has a larger volume
than that of the driver’s. The driver’s and passenger’s front air bags have been de-
signed and calibrated to protect front seat occupants wear-
ing seat belts.
At their maximum inflation, their volume fills most of
the space between the steering wheel and the driver and
between the dashboard and the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the event of minor front
collisions (for which the withholding action of the seat belts
is sufficient). Safety belts must always be worn. In the event
of front crash they guarantee correct positioning of
the passenger.
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