Page 77 of 284

WARNING
When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not raise
your 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 intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres
on the road is nearing its limit .You must slow
down to a speed compatible with the available
traction.
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.MECHANICAL BRAKE ASSIST (emergency
braking assistance)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which cannot be deactivated, recognises
emergency braking conditions (according to the
brake pedal operation speed) and provides an
additional hydraulic braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows faster and more
powerful operation of the braking system.
WARNING
When the Mechanical Brake Assist
intervenes, noises may be heard from
the system.This is normal. In any case, keep the
brake pedal firmly depressed while braking.
73GETTING TO
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Page 78 of 284

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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Page 79 of 284

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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Page 80 of 284

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.
76GETTING TO
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Page 82 of 284

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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Page 94 of 284

DUALDRIVE ELECTRIC POWER
STEERINGThis only operates with the key turned to MAR and
the engine started. The steering allows the force
required at the steering wheel to be adjusted to suit
driving conditions.
IMPORTANT When turning the ignition key quickly,
full power steering functionality can be achieved after
a few seconds.
CITY FUNCTION ACTIVATION/
DEACTIVATION
Press button CITY fig. 78 to activate/deactivate the
function. The activation of the function is signalled by
the word CITY on the display (in some versions it
is signalled by the word CITY appearing on the
instrument panel).When the CITY function is on, the steering wheel
effort is lighter and parking operations are easier:
therefore this function is particularly useful for
driving in city centres.
WARNING
It is absolutely forbidden to carr y out
any after-market operation involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g.: installation of anti-theft
device) that could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate warranty and also result in
non-compliance of the car with type approval
requirements.
IMPORTANT During parking manoeuvres requiring a
lot of steering, the steering may become harder;
this is normal and is due to the intervention of the
system to protect the electric steering motor from
overheating, so no intervention is required. When
the car is used again later on, the power steering will
work normally.
fig. 78
F0W0082
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Page 95 of 284

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 (for example
if the key needs to be turned to MAR or the
engine must be running), remove the main fuse
that protects the electric power steering.
WIRING FOR RADIO SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
If no car radio was requested at the time of
purchase, the car is provided with a compartment on
the dashboard fig. 79.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The system consists of:
❒radio supply leads;
❒radio housing;
Remove door panels to install the speakers. Have
this operation carried out at a Fiat Dealership.
The car radio must be fitted in the special
compartment A fig. 79, which can be accessed by
pressing the two retaining tabs B in the
compartment itself; power supply cables are located
in this area.
fig. 79
F0W0052
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Page 100 of 284
❒open the luggage compartment and take adapter B
located in the tool box (versions equipped with
space-saver wheel - for versions/markets, where
provided) fig. 83 or in the Fix&Go Automatic
container (versions equipped with Fix&Go
Automatic) fig. 84;❒open the flap A pulling it outwards;
❒insert adapter B in the filler as shown in fig. 85 and
refuel;
❒after refuelling, remove the adapter and close the
flap;
❒reintroduce the adapter in the box and put this
back in the luggage compartment.
fig. 82
F0W0085
fig. 83
F0W0242
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