Page 92 of 307

ESC SYSTEM (Electronic Stability
Control)This is an electronic system that controls car
stability in the event of tyre grip loss, helping
maintain directional control. The system is
capable of recognising potentially dangerous
situations in terms of the stability and intervenes
automatically on the brakes in a differentiated
manner for the four wheels in order to provide a
stabilizing torque.
The ESC system also includes the following
subsystems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒HBASYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the flashing of theESCwarning
light on the instrument panel, to inform the driver
that the car is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on automatically when
the engine is started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following
instances:
❒uphill: car stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed
and gearbox in neutral or gear (other than
reverse) engaged;
❒downhill: car stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running, brake
pressed and reverse gear engaged.
90GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Page 94 of 307

WARNING
For the ESC and ASR systems to
function correctly, all four tyres must,
above all, be the type, brand and size
prescribed, of the same brand and type, and
must be in excellent condition.
WARNING
The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used.
Always remember that the space-saver
wheel, being smaller than the original
wheel, provides less grip.
WARNING
Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC
and ASR systems. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.BRAKE ASSIST
The system, which cannot be turned off,
recognises emergency braking (on the basis of the
brake pedal operating speed) and speeding up
the response of the braking system. The Brake
Assist device is deactivated if there is a ESC
system failure.
MSR SYSTEM
(Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
This system is an integral part of the ABS, that
intervenes, if there is sudden downshifting,
restoring torque to the engine, thereby preventing
excessive drive at the drive wheels which,
especially in poor grip conditions, could lead to a
loss in stability of the car.
92GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Page 153 of 307

In addition to the electrical branches, the car's
electrical system can be connected only to the
supply cable for an electric brake and to the cable
for an internal trailer light, though not more
than 15 W. To connect, use the preset control unit
with a battery cable with cross-section no less
than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT The use of auxiliary loads other
than external lights (electric brake, winch, etc.)
must occur with engine running.
IMPORTANT To install a tow hook contact a
Lancia Dealership.
WARNING
The ABS with which the car may be
equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution is
required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of
the car to control the trailer brake.
The trailer braking system must be fully
independent of the car’s hydraulic system.
SNOW TYRESUse snow tyres of the same size as the normal
tyres provided with the car.
A Lancia Dealership will be happy to provide
advice concerning the most suitable type of tyre
for the customer's requirements.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation pressures
and the specifications of snow tyres, follow the
instructions given in paragraph "Wheels" in
section "Technical specifications".
The winter performance of these tyres is
considerably reduced when the tread thickness is
less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
Due to their specific features, the performance of
snow tyres is much lower than that of normal
types in normal conditions or long motorway
stretches. Their usage should therefore be
restricted in accordance with their type approval.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a
maximum speed index below the one that can be
reached by the car (increased by 5%), place a
notice in the passenger compartment, plainly in
view, which states the maximum speed allowed by
the snow tyres (as per EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and
track) to ensure greater safety when driving and
braking and better driveability. Remember that
you should not change the rotation direction of the
tyres.
151GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX