ESC SYSTEM (Electronic Stability
Control)(for versions/markets, where provided)
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
❒HBA
❒ABS
❒EBD
SYSTEM 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.
When setting off, the ESC system control unit
maintains braking pressure on the wheels until the
torque required for starting is reached 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.
NOTE: the Hill Holder system is not active with
engaged parking brake.
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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 engaged the first gear, so that the parked vehicle
is in safe conditions (further read the paragraph
"When parked" in the chapter "Starting and driving").
ASR SYSTEM (AntiSlip Regulation)
It is an integral part of the ESC system. It
automatically operates in the event of 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 switched off and
subsequently switched on again by pressing the ASR
OFF button fig. 67.
fig. 67
F0W0040
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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.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESC
and ASR systems it is vital that the tyres
are the same make and the same type on all
the wheels, in perfect condition and, above all,
the recommended type, make and size.
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.
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HBA SYSTEM
(Hydraulic Brake Assist)
The HBA system is designed to improve the car's
braking capacity during emergency braking. The
system detects an emergency braking by monitoring
the speed and strength with which the brake pedal
is pressed, thereby applying the optimal brake
pressure.
This can reduce the stopping distance, the HBA
system therefore completes the ABS.
Max. assistance from the HBA system is obtained
pressing the brake pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed continuously during
braking, avoiding intermittent presses, to obtain
benefits from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal until
braking is not necessary anymore.
The HBA system is deactivated when the brake pedal
is released.
WARNING
The HBA system cannot increase tyre
grip on the road over the limits imposed
by laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road surface.
WARNING
The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due
to excessive speed on bends, travelling on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
WARNING
The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention
while driving.The responsibility always rests
with the driver.The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or dangerous
ways, with the possibility of putting the safety
of the driver, occupants or other road users
at risk.
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TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful for setting off in
poor grip conditions (snow, ice, mud, etc.) which
allows the drive force to be distributed in the best
way over the front axle when one wheel is slipping.
In effect, Traction Plus acts by braking the wheels
with poor grip (or those slipping more than the
others), thereby transferring the drive force to those
which have more grip on the ground.
This function can be activated manually by pressing
the button T+ close to the gear lever fig. 68 and
operates under 30 km/h. When this speed is
exceeded, it is automatically deactivated (the LED on
the button is still on) and it is reactivated again
when the speed is below 30 km/h.Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when starting. To activate
the Traction Plus system, press the T+ button fig. 68:
the LED on the button switches on; the display
shows a dedicated message.
The activation of the Traction Plus system causes the
differential locking effect on the front axle, through
the braking system, to improve traction on irregular
grounds.
If the Traction Plus system is faulty, theESCwarning
light on the instrument panel switches on
constantly.
fig. 68
F0W0309
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START&STOP SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
INTRODUCTION
The Start&Stop system automatically stops the
engine when the car is stationary and starts it again
when the driver wants to move off. This reduces
consumption, the emission of harmful gases and
noise pollution.
OPERATING MODES
Engine stopping mode
With the car stopped, the engine stops with gearbox
in neutral and clutch pedal released.
Restarting the engine
Press the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
NoteThe engine can only be stopped automatically
after driving at a speed of more than about 10 km/h,
to prevent the engine from being repeatedly stopped
when driving at walking pace.
The symbol
appears on the display when the
engine stops.
MANUAL SYSTEM ACTIVATION/
DEACTIVATION
To activate/deactivate the system manually, press the
fig. 69 button on the dashboard control trim.Start&Stop system activation
When the Start&Stop system is activated, the LED
above button
is off.
Start&Stop system deactivation
When the Start&Stop system is deactivated, the LED
above the
button is on.
ENGINE STOPPING FAILURE CONDITIONS
When the system is operating, due to comfort,
emission control and safety reasons, the engine does
not stop in some conditions, among which:
❒engine still cold;
❒especially cold outside temperature;
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒particulate filter regeneration (DPF) in progress
(diesel engines only);
fig. 69
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❒driver's door not shut;
❒driver's seat belt not fastened;
❒reverse gear engaged (for example, for parking
manoeuvres);
❒for versions equipped with automatic climate
control (for versions/markets, where provided), if
an adequate level of thermal comfort has not
been reached or with MAX-DEF activation;
❒during the first period of use for a new car, to
initialise the system.
If climate comfort is to be favoured, the
Star t&Stop system can be disabled, for
continuous operation of the climate
control system and avoidance of, for example, the
windows misting up.
ENGINE RESTARTING CONDITIONS
For reasons of comfort, limiting harmful emissions
and safety purposes, the power unit can restart
automatically without any action on behalf of the
driver if certain conditions are met, including:
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒reduced braking system vacuum (e.g. if the brake
pedal is pressed repeatedly);
❒car moving (e.g. when driving on roads with a
gradient);❒engine stopping by Start&Stop system for over 3
minutes;
❒for versions equipped with automatic climate
control (for versions/markets where provided), to
enable suitable thermal comfort or with MAX-DEF
activation.
If a gear in engaged during stopping with Start&Stop,
the automatic restarting of the engine is only
permitted by fully depressing the clutch pedal.
The driver is informed by a message on the display
and - for versions/markets, where provided - by
the flashing of the
symbol.
If the clutch is not pressed, about 3 minutes after the
engine stops, the engine can be restarted only using
the ignition key.
In cases of undesired engine stops, due for example
to the clutch pedal being released abruptly with a
gear engaged, if the Start&Stop system is activated,
the engine can be restarted by fully depressing
the clutch pedal.
SAFETY FUNCTIONS
When the engine is stopped by the Start&Stop
system, if the driver releases his/her seat belt and
opens the driver's or passenger's door, the engine
can be restarted only using the ignition key.
The driver is informed by a buzzer and by the
flashing of the symbol
on the display; on some
versions, a message is displayed as well.
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"ENERGY SAVING" FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, after automatic engine restarting, the driver does
not carry out any action on the car for an extended
period (about 3 minutes), the Start&Stop system
stops the engine definitively, to prevent fuel
consumption. In these cases, the engine can only be
restarted using the ignition key.
NoteIn any case, it is possible to keep the engine
running by deactivating the Start&Stop system.
IRREGULAR OPERATION
In the event of malfunction, the Start&Stop system is
deactivated. The driver is informed about the fault
through the flashing of the
symbol on the display
(for some versions together with the display of a
message). In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership.
CAR INACTIVITY
In the event of car inactivity, special attention must
be paid to the disconnection of the battery power
supply.
Proceed as follows: detach the connector A fig. 70
(by pressing button B) from sensor C for monitoring
the status of the battery installed on the negative
battery pole D. This sensor should never be
disconnected from the pole except if the battery is
replaced.
WARNING
When replacing the batter y, always go
to a Fiat Dealership. Replace the battery
with one of the same type (HEAVY DUTY) and
with the same specifications.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP,
wait at least 1 minute before disconnecting the
electrical supply to the battery.
fig. 70
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