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 93 of 307

When setting off, the ESC system control unit
maintains braking pressure on the wheels until the
torque required for starting is reach or, in any
case, for a maximum of 2 seconds so that the right
foot can be moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator pedal.
When 2 seconds have elapsed, without any
departure having taken place, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release stage, a
typical mechanical brake release noise can
be heard, indicating that the car is about to move.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a
parking brake, therefore do not leave the vehicle
without activating the handbrake, switching
off the engine and engaging first gear.
ASR SYSTEM (AntiSlip Regulation)
It is an integral part of the ESC system. It
automatically operates in the event of one or both
drive wheels slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration on slippery, snowy
or icy roads, etc…
Depending on the slipping conditions, two
different control systems are activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the
ASR intervenes reducing the power transmitted
by the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the drive
wheels, it intervenes automatically braking
the wheel that is slipping.Activation/deactivation of the ASR system
The ASR system activates automatically each time
the engine is started.
Whilst driving, the ASR can be deactivated and
subsequently activated again by pressing the ASR
OFF button fig. 70.
On some versions, the intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the display.
When the system is not active, the LED on the
button ASR OFF turns on and, on some versions,
a message appears on the display.
When the ASR is deactivated whilst driving, the
next time the car is started the ASR is
automatically activated.
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
moving off makes it possible to obtain better
traction.
fig. 70
L0F0040
91GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
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