2014 FIAT 500X brake

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking
capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the
hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake
system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which
will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master
cylinder has dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have
failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You
could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD).
CAUTION!
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
134 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by placing the ignition in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the
parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If
the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by
an authorized dealer.The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition placed in the MAR (ACC/
ON/RUN) position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake applica-
tion.
Battery Charge Warning Light
Red Telltale Light What It Means
Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the en-
gine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting” in “In Case Of Emergency.”
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 135

Service Stop/Start System Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Service Stop/Start System Indicator Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly and
service is required.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the igni-
tion is placed in the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is required. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally if the brake warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 147

Electric Park Brake Fail Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Electric Park Brake Fail Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Electric Park Brake is not functioning properly and
that service is required. Contact your authorized dealership.
Exterior Bulb Failure Indicator Light
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Exterior Bulb Failure Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when there is a malfunction in one of the exterior bulbs.
148 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SAFETY
CONTENTS
BRAKE SYSTEM ..................... .154
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . .154
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) . . .155
▫ Brake System Warning Light .............155
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...........155
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ...........156
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ..............157
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................157
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ...........159
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .........159
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .........161
▫ Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) ..........161
 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ........162▫
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ......162
▫ Important Safety Precautions ............162
▫ Seat Belt Systems ....................163
▫ Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ......174
▫ Child Restraints .....................188
▫ Transporting Pets ....................205
 SAFETY TIPS ....................... .205
▫ Transporting Passengers ................205
▫ Exhaust Gas ....................... .206
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle .......................... .207
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ..................209
6

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses
normal capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion. However, there will be some loss of overall brak-
ing effectiveness. This will be evident by increased
pedal travel during application and greater pedal force
required to slow or stop the vehicle. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by a leak in the hydraulic system,
the “Brake Warning Light” will turn on as the brake
fluid level drops in the master cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine OFF) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required
to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that
required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
•Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot rest-
ing or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
• Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light”
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance or vehicle stability during braking
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the
vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to con-
trol. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control system (EBC). This system includes Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start
Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). These systems
work together to enhance both vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
154 SAFETY

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting
braking pressure to the rear axle. This is done to prevent
overslip of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability,
and to prevent the rear axle from entering ABS before
the front axle.
Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the brake
system is not functioning properly and that immediate
service is required. If the “Brake System Warning Light”
does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, have the light repaired as soon as
possible.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under mostbraking conditions. The system automatically prevents
wheel lock, and enhances vehicle control during brak-
ing.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the
ABS is working properly each time the vehicle is started
and driven. During this self-check, you may hear a
slight clicking sound as well as some related motor
noises.
ABS is activated during braking when the system
detects one or more wheels begins to lock. Road condi-
tions such as ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks,
loose debris, or panic stops may increase the likelihood
of ABS activation(s).
You also may experience the following when ABS
activates:
•
The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop).
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
• Brake pedal pulsations.
•A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
6
SAFETY 155

WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capa-
bility. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner that could jeopardize the user ’s safety or
the safety of others.
ABS is designed to function with the OEM tires. Modi-
fication may result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
The yellow “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will turn
on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally if the “Brake
System Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the brake
system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore
the benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake
156 SAFETY