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.
74GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SNOW TYRESUse snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres
provided with the car.
Fiat 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 the specific characteristics of snow tyres, in
normal weather conditions or on long motorway
journeys, the performance of these tyres is lower
than that of standard tyres. 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 good driveability. Remember that you should not
change the rotation direction of the tyres.
WARNING
The maximum speed for snow tyres
marked "Q" is 160 km/h, while it is 190
km/h for "T" tyres and 210 km/h for "H" tyres.
The highway code speed limits must however
always be complied with.
129GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
