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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.
HYDRAULIC 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 Hydraulic Brake Assist is deactivat-
ed on versions equipped with ESP, in the
event of an ESP system failure (indicated
by warning light
áswitching on together
with the message in the multifunctional
display, for versions/markets, where pro-
vided).
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 systemon/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 buttonAlo-
cated on the dashboardfig. 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/mar-
kets, where provided) (see “Warning
lights and messages” section), when these
components are no longer in peak con-
dition.
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,
theUwarning 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 theUwarning 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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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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SOUNDSYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
For the operation of the radio with CD/
MP3 player (for versions/markets, where
provided), read the Supplement attached
to this Owner’s Handbook.
SOUND SYSTEM READINESS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The system consists of:
❒sound system power cables
❒cables to connect front and rear
speakers
❒aerial power cable
❒2 tweeters on front doors (30 W max
power each);
❒2 mid-woofers on front doors
(165 mm diameter, 40 W max power
each);
❒2 full-range speakers on rear doors
and rear valance panels (130 mm
diameter, 40 W max power each);
❒radio aerial cable.Sound system installation
The sound system must be installed in the
place occupied by the central storage
compartment because this is where you
will find the preset cables.
To extract the compartment, press in the
points shown in the diagramfig. 109cor-
responding to the retainer systems.
fig. 109F0M0114m
For connection to the preset
cables, contact a Fiat Deal-
ership to prevent any problem that
could impair car safety.
WARNING
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other occupants
of the car also respect, the local laws in
force in relation to the use of the seat
belts. Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.Seat belts are also to be worn by expec-
tant mothers: the risk of injury in the event
of an accident is greatly reduced for them
and the unborn child if they are wearing
a seat belt.Of course, mothers-to-be must position
the lower part of the belt very low down
so that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen fig. 5.
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SAFETY
fig. 5F0M0043mfig. 6F0M0044mfig. 7F0M0045m
The belt must not be twist-
ed. The upper part must
cross the shoulder and the chest di-
agonally. The lower part must adhere
to the hips fig. 6, not to the abdomen.
Do not use devices (clips, etc.) to hold
the seat belt away from your body.
WARNING
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SAFETY
FRONT AIRBAGS
The car is fitted with front airbags for the
driver and the passenger, and with a knee
bag on the driver’s side (for versions/mar -
kets, where provided).
The front driver/passenger airbags and the
driver’s knee bag (for versions/markets,
where provided) have been designed to
protect the occupants of the front seats
in the event of head-on crashes of medi-
um/high severity, by placing the bag be-
tween the occupant and the steering
wheel or dashboard.
Non-activation in other types of crash
(side-on collisions, rear shunts, roll-overs,
etc.) is therefore not a sign of system mal-
function.
An electronic control unit causes the bag
to inflate in the event of a head-on crash.
The bag will inflate instantaneously, placing
itself between the front occupant’s body
and the structures which could cause in-
jury. It will deflate immediately afterwards.
The front driver/passenger airbags and the
driver’s knee bag (for versions/markets,
where provided) are not a replacement
for, but rather complement the use of,
seat belts, which should always be worn,
as specified by law in Europe and most
non-European countries.The volume of the front airbags at maxi-
mum inflation fills most of the space
between the steering wheel and the dri-
ver and between the dashboard and the
passenger.
In the event of an impact, someone not
wearing a seat belt will move forward and
come into contact with the bag which is
still in the opening stage. The protection
offered by the bag is reduced in such
a case.
Front airbags may not be activated in the
following situations:
❒in collisions against highly strainable ob-
jects that do not affect the front surface
of the car (e.g. bumper collision against
guard rail, piles of gravel etc.);
❒jamming of the car underneath other
vehicles or protective barriers (e.g. un-
derneath a truck or a guard rail); in this
case, the bags would offer no addition-
al protection with respect to the seat
belt and their deployment is unneces-
sary. In these cases, non-deployment of
the airbag does not necessarily indicate
a system malfunction.
Do not apply stickers or oth-
er objects on the steering
wheel, passenger side airbag cover or
upper side upholstery. Do not place
objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the
passenger side dashboard because
these could interfere with the correct
opening of the airbag and cause se-
vere injury to occupants.
WARNING
The airbags are not deployed in the event
of minor collisions (for which the with-
holding action of the seat belts is suffi-
cient). For this reason, the seat belt must
be worn at all times. In the case of side-
on collisions, the seat belts hold occupants
in the correct position and prevent them
from being thrown out of the car by a very
violent collision.
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STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a long drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes
fuel and is especially damaging to tur-
bocharged engines.WARMING UP THE ENGINE
AFTER IT HAS JUST STARTED
(petrol and diesel versions)
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly at medium revs, and ac-
celerate smoothly;
❒do not demand maximum performance
for the first few kilometres. Wait until
the engine coolant gauge starts moving.
Remember that the brake
booster and power steering
are not operational until the
engine has been started, so
you need to apply much more force
than usual to the brake pedal and
steering wheel.
Never jump start the engine
by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. This could cause fu-
el to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
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