ADJUSTING THE
HEADLIGHTS WHEN
ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are
aligned for operation in the country
where the vehicle was originally
purchased. When in countries where
you drive on the other side of the road,
you need to alter the beam direction
by affixing a specially designed
self-adhesive film in order not to dazzle
the vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction. Such film is provided by
Lineaccessori Fiat and is available at
Fiat Dealerships.
ABSThis is an integral part of the braking
system, which prevents one or more
wheels from locking or slipping
regardless of the road surface
conditions and braking intensity,
ensuring control of the vehicle even
during emergency braking.
The system intervenes when braking
and the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.
The ABS ensures the direction of the
vehicle while braking and optimises the
braking distances at the same time.
The system also improves control and
stability of the car when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or when braking on
corners.
The system is completed by EBD
(Electronic Braking Force Distribution),
which distributes the braking action
between the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum
efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 500 km is
needed: during this period it is better to
avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged
braking.
46)
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can feel that the ABS has
come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: it means that the car
speed should be altered to suit the type
of road surface.
47) 48) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53)
MSR SYSTEM
(Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
This system is an integral part of the
ABS and 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 vehicle.
WARNING
46) The ABS exploits the grip
available to the full, but it cannot
improve it. Therefore, you should
take great care when driving on
slippery surfaces, without taking
unnecessary risks.
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KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
47) When the ABS intervenes and
you notice the brake pedal
pulsating, keep the pedal pushed
down and don’t be alarmed. This
will help you to stop in the
shortest distance possible,
depending on the road conditions.
48) If the ABS intervenes, it means
you have almost reached the grip
limit between the tyres and the
road surface: slow down to make
sure that you drive in accordance
with the available grip
49) The ABS can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t
increase the grip available
according to the condition of the
road.
50) The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
51) The capability of the ABS must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as
to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
52) For the correct operation of the
ABS, it is essential that the tyres
are of the same make and type on
all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the specified
type and dimensions.53) If the space-saver wheel (for
versions/markets, where
provided) is used, the ABS keeps
operating. Always remember
that the space-saver wheel, being
smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses the sensors in
the vehicle to determine the trajectory
required by the driver through steering
and compares it with the real trajectory
of the vehicle. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
car’s understeer or oversteer.
❒Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
❒Understeer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning less than it should
according to the angle of the steering
wheel
The ESC system also includes the
following subsystems:
❒Hill Holder
75
❒ASR
❒HBA
❒DST
❒ERM
54) 55) 56)
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by the flashing of
warning light
in the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle 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 automatically activated in the
following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle 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: vehicle 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 the braking
pressure on the wheels until the torque
necessary for starting is reached, or
in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise indicating that the
vehicle is going to move imminently
will be heard.
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 first gear,
so that it is parked in safe conditions
(for further information read the
"Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
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.
58)
Engagement/ disengagement of the
ASR system
The ASR system switches on
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. 124.
57)
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KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
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.
If the ASR is disengaged during driving,
it is automatically reactivated when
the vehicle is next started.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels slipping when
moving off gives you better traction.HBA SYSTEM
(Hydraulic Brake Assist)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects 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 braking distance:
the HBA system therefore completes
the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition,
the brake pedal must be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to benefit 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.
59) 60) 61)
ERM ELECTRONIC ROLLOVER
MITIGATION SYSTEM
(Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
The system monitors the tendency of
the wheels to rise from the ground if the
driver performs extreme manoeuvres
like quick steering to avoid an obstacle,
especially in poor road conditions.
If these conditions occur, the system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce the possibility that the
wheels are raised from the ground.
It is not possible to avoid the tendency
to roll over if this is due to reasons
such as driving on high side gradients,
collision with objects or other vehicles.
62)
HILL DESCENT CONTROL
(HDC) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC and is
aimed at keeping the vehicle at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time. In this
way the vehicle stability and completely
safe driving are guaranteed, above all
in poor grip conditions and/or steep
descents.
124
F1A0324
77
To activate the system reach a speed
slower than 25 km/h and press the
dedicated key A fig. 125; the LED on
the button turns on and the display
gives a specific message.
After reaching the desired speed,
release the accelerator and brake
pedals completely (the LED on the
button flashes). If you want to
increase/decrease the speed, press the
accelerator/brake pedals again.
IMPORTANT Do not use the device
with the gearbox in neutral position.
IMPORTANT It is important to engage a
gear suitable for the set speed, to
prevent the engine from stalling.
While the HDC system is operating it is
also possible to take control of the
vehicle again by pressing the brake and
accelerator pedals.If the function is not made available
when the button is pressed, this could
be due to brake overheating. In this
case, wait a few minutes before using
the function again.
IMPORTANT The system is available for
speeds below 25 km/h.
IMPORTANT Above 25 km/h the HDC
system deactivates but is still ready
to operate (the LED on the button
remains on) when the speed is again
below 25 km/h. If the speed exceeds
50 km/h, the HDC system deactivates
completely (the LED on the button
switches off) and the function does not
operate autonomously on the brakes
anymore. To reactivate it, press the
dedicated button again when the speed
is again below 25 km/h.
7)
WARNING
54) The ESC system can’t overrule
the natural laws of physics, and
can’t increase the grip available
according to the condition of
the road.55) The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on corners,
driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
56) The capability of the ESC system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise personal safety
and the safety of others.
57) The performance of the ESC and
ASR systems must not encourage
the driver to take unnecessary
risks. Driving style must always be
adapted to road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe
driving.
58) For the ESC and ASR systems to
function correctly, all four tyres
must be the same brand and type,
must be in excellent condition
and, above all, must be of the
prescribed type and size.
59) 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.
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F1A0300
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KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
60) The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to
excessive speed on bends,
travelling on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
61) 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.
62) The performance of a vehicle
with ERM must never be tested
in imprudent or dangerous ways,
with the possibility of putting
the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
IMPORTANT
7) Prolonged use of the system may
overheat the braking system. If
the brakes overheat, the HDC
system, when active, will be
gradually deactivated after
suitably informing the driver (the
LED on the button turns off): it
can be reactivated only when the
brakes have cooled sufficiently.
The distance that can be covered
depends on the temperature of
the brakes and therefore on the
gradient, load and speed of the
vehicle.
TRACTION PLUS
SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions on
non-homogeneous road surfaces
(snow/asphalt, ice/asphalt, mud/
asphalt, etc.), which allows the drive
force to be distributed adequately
on the engine axle when one of the two
drive wheels slips.
Traction Plus acts by braking the wheel
with poor grip (or slipping more than
the others), thereby transferring the
drive force to that which has greater
grip on the ground.
This function can be activated manually
by pressing button A on the dashboard
fig. 126 and operates under 50 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 falls
below 30 km/h.
63) 64)
79
Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press button A fig. 126: the
LED on the button switches on.
The activation of the Traction Plus
system involves the following functions
being switched on:
❒inhibition of the ASR function, in
order to fully exploit the engine
torque;
❒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, the
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the Traction Plus on and thus inhibiting
the ASR function: in fact, in these
conditions, slipping of the drive wheels
when moving off makes it possible to
obtain better traction.
WARNING
63) The Traction Plus system acts
effectively only on road surfaces
that are not homogeneous and/or
differentiated between the two
drive wheels.
64) Until the setting off manoeuvre is
terminated, fully depress the
accelerator pedal in order to
transfer all the drive torque to the
wheel with the best grip.
TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)(for versions/markets, where provided)
65) 66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71) 72) 73)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the
vehicle.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the vehicle stand
for at least three hours or a travel
shorter than 1.6 km after an interval of
three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure value printed on the side of
the tyre.
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F1A0325
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KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
14) Always use genuine spare parts
when replacing the bulbs of the
headlights. Other bulbs may
reduce the system performance.
15) Clean the windscreen from
foreign matters such as bird
droppings, insects, snow or ice.
EOBD SYSTEMThe EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) allows continuous diagnosis
of emission-related components on
the vehicle to be made.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on
the
warning light in the instrument
panel (together with relevant message
in the multifunction display, for
versions/markets where provided) when
these components are no longer in
peak condition (see “Warning lights and
messages” paragraph).
The aim of the system is to:
❒monitor system efficiency;
❒indicate an increase in emissions due
to vehicle malfunction;
❒indicate the need to replace
components which have
deteriorated.
The system also has a connector that
can be interfaced with appropriate
equipment, which makes it possible to
read the error codes stored in the
control unit together with a series of
specific parameters for engine
operation and diagnosis. This check
can also be carried out by traffic control
authorities.IMPORTANT After eliminating the
failure, to check the system completely,
Fiat Dealerships run a bench test and,
if necessary, road tests which may
also call for a long journey.
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