2015 FIAT 500X ABS

USE OF THE OWNER HANDBOOKOPERATING INSTRUCTIONSEach time direction instructions (left/right or forwards/backwards) about the vehicle are given, these must be understood as
regarding an occupant in the driver's seat. Special cases not complying with this rule will be specified as appropriate in the text.
The figures in the Owner Handbook are provided by way of example only: this might imply that some details of the image do
not correspond to the actual arrangement of your vehicle. In addition, the Handbook has been conceived considering vehicles
with steering wheel on the left side; it is therefore possible that on vehicles with steering wheel on the right side, the position
or construction of some controls is not exactly mirror-like with respect to the figure.
To identify the chapter with the information needed you can consult the index at the end of this Owner Handbook.
Chapters can be rapidly identified with dedicated graphic tabs, at the side of each odd page. A few pages further there is a key
for getting to know the chapter order and the relevant symbols in the tabs. There is in any case a textual indication of the
current chapter at the side of each even page.WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONSWhile reading this Owner Handbook you will find a series ofWARNINGSto prevent procedures that could damage your
vehicle.
There are alsoPRECAUTIONSthat must be carefully followed to prevent incorrect use of the components of the vehicle,
which could cause accidents or injuries.
Therefore allWARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSmust always be carefully followed.
WARNINGSandPRECAUTIONSare recalled in the text with the following symbols:
personal safety;vehicle safety;environmental protection.
NOTE These symbols, when necessary, are indicated besides the title or at the end of the line and are followed by a number.
That number recalls the corresponding warning at the end of the relevant section.
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NOTE The ignition device does NOT
activate if the electronic key is inside
the boot and this is open.
NOTE With the ignition device at MAR,
if 30 minutes pass with the vehicle
stationary (versions with manual
gearbox) or with the gear lever at P
(Park) (versions with automatic
transmission) and the engine off, the
ignition device will automatically move
to the STOP position.
NOTE With engine started, it is possible
to go away from the vehicle taking the
electronic key with you. The engine
will still be running. The vehicle will
indicate the absence of the key
on board when the door is closed.
For more information on the engine
start-up, see the description in the
"Starting the engine" paragraph, in the
"Starting and driving" chapter.
4) 5)
STEERING LOCK
ActivationVersions with key without remote
control: with the device at STOP,
remove the key and turn the steering
wheel until it locks.IMPORTANT If the ignition key has
been moved from the MAR to the
STOP position, the steering lock cannot
engage until the key is removed from
the ignition device.
Versions with electronic key: the
steering lock engages when the driver
door is opened, with the ignition device
button at STOP and speed below 3
km/h.
DeactivationVersions with key without remote
control: slightly moving the steering
wheel, turn the key to the MAR
position.
Versions with electronic key: the
steering lock disengages when the
ignition device is pressed and the
electronic key is recognised.
6) 7)
WARNING
2)If the ignition device is tampered with
(e.g.: attempted theft), have it checked
over by a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
3)When getting out of the vehicle, always
take the key with you to prevent any
occupants from accidentally activating the
controls. Remember to engage the electric
parking brake. Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.4)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any
after-market operation involving steering
system or steering column modifications
(e.g.: installation of anti-theft device).
This could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also
result in the non-compliance of the vehicle
with type-approval requirements.
5)Never remove the key without remote
control while the vehicle is moving. The
steering wheel will automatically lock as
soon as it is turned. This also applies
to cases in which the vehicle is towed.
6)Before exiting the vehicle, ALWAYS
engage the parking brake, steer the
wheels, engage the first gear if uphill and
the reverse if downhill. On versions with
automatic transmission, bring the gear
lever to P (Park) and press the ignition
device to bring it to STOP. If the vehicle is
parked on a steep slope, chock the wheels
with wedges or stones. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock all the doors by
pressing the dedicated button on the
handle (see "Keyless Entry" in the "Doors"
paragraph).
7)On versions equipped with Full Keyless
system, do not leave the electronic key
inside or near the vehicle or in a place
accessible to children. Do not leave the
vehicle with the ignition device in the MAR
position. A child could operate the electric
windows, other controls or even start
the vehicle.
10
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
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Downward adjustment: press button A
fig. 20 and lower the head restraint.RemovalProceed as follows to remove the head
restraint:
❒raise the head restraint to its
maximum height;
❒press buttons A and B fig. 20 at the
side of the two supports, then remove
the head restraint.
IMPORTANT Always reposition the
head restraints if they have been
removed before starting to drive
normally.
WARNING
14)The head restraints must be adjusted
so that the head, rather than the neck,
rests on them. Only in this case can they
protect your head correctly. Any removed
head restraints must be repositioned
correctly, in order to protect the occupants
in the event of impact: follow the
instructions above.
STEERING WHEEL
15) 16)
ADJUSTMENTSThe steering wheel can be adjusted
both in height and axially.
To adjust, move lever A fig. 21
downwards to position 1, then adjust
the steering wheel to the most suitable
position and lock it in position by
moving lever A to position 2.HEATED STEERING
WHEEL(where provided)
With ignition device at MAR, press the
fig. 22 button on the dashboard.
When the function is enabled, the LED
on the button switches on.
20
F1B0030C
21
F1B0031C
19
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IMPORTANT If this function is activated
with the engine stopped the battery
may gradually run down.
WARNING
15)Any adjustment of the steering wheel
position must be carried out only with
the vehicle stationary and the engine
turned off.
16)It is absolutely forbidden to carry out
any after-market operations involving
steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g. installation of anti-theft
device) that could adversely affect
performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in the vehicle not
meeting type-approval requirements.22
F1B0032C

Warning light What it means
iTPMS
iTPMS failure
The warning light switches on when a failure is detected in the iTPMS. Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the display will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. Repair immediately using the dedicated tyre repair kit (see
the “Fix&Go automatic kit” paragraph in the "In an emergency" chapter) and contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
Tyre pressure low
The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than
the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal tyre duration
and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should two or more tyres be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the indications
corresponding to each tyre.
In any situation in which the dedicated message is shown on the display, it is ESSENTIAL to refer to the
contents of the "Wheels" paragraph in the "Technical data" chapter, strictly complying with the indications
that you find there.
In any situation in which the dedicated message is shown on the display, the sequence of indications
corresponding to each tyre.ABS FAILURE
The warning light switches on to indicate an ABS fault. In this case the braking system will work as normal,
but without the extra performance offered by the ABS. Drive carefully and contact a Fiat Dealership as
soon as possible.
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ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMSThe vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
❒ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
❒DTC (Drag Torque Control);
❒ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
❒TC (Traction Control);
❒PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
❒HHC (Hill Hold Control);
❒DST (Dynamic Steering Torque);
❒ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation);
❒TSC (Trailer Sway Control).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the vehicle
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking
on a surface where the grip of the left
and right wheels varies, or on corners.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
System interventionThe driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEMThe system intervenes in the event of
sudden downshifting, or during ABS
braking, restoring torque to the engine
and thus preventing excessive drag
at the drive wheels, which may lead the
wheels to lock and a loss of vehicle
stability, above all in low-grip
conditions.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEMThe 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 wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the
trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective trajectory. When the
real trajectory deviates from the desired
trajectory, the ESC system intervenes
to counter the vehicle’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.
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System interventionThe intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that
the vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.38) 39) 40) 41) 42)
TC (Traction Control)
SYSTEMThe system automatically operates in
the event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration
on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on
one or more drive wheels. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes,
reducing the power transmitted by the
engine;❒if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which
is slipping (the behaviour of a
self-locking differential is simulated).
This will increase the engine torque
transferred to the wheel which isn't
slipping. This function remains active
even if the "Systems partially disabled"
and "Systems disabled" modes are
selected (see description in the
following pages).
System interventionThe intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that
the vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.43) 44) 45) 46) 47)
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEMThe PBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking.The system detects emergency braking
by monitoring the speed and force
with which the brake pedal is pressed,
and consequently applies the optimal
brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance: the PBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition,
the brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system. Do not reduce
pressure on the brake pedal until
braking is not necessary anymore.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
48) 49) 50)
HHC (Hill Hold Control)
SYSTEMThis is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
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❒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 engine
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 it is possible to hear a
typical mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of
the vehicle.
51) 52)
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic
Steering Torque)The DST function uses the integration
of the ESC system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety
level of the whole vehicle.In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes
and steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
53)
ERM (Electronic Rollover
Mitigation) SYSTEMThe 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 tendency to roll
over if the phenomenon is due to
reasons such as driving on high side
gradients, collision with objects or other
vehicles.
54)
TSC (Trailer Sway
Control) SYSTEMThe system employs a series of
sensors located on the vehicle to
identify excessive swerving of the trailer
and take the necessary precautions
to eliminate it.
To counteract the effect of trailer sway,
the system can reduce the engine
power and intervene on the wheels
involved. The TSC system activates
automatically once excessive sway of
the trailer is detected.System interventionWhen the system is active, the
warning light flashes on the
instrument panel, the engine power is
reduced and braking can be felt on the
individual wheels, following the attempt
to eliminate the swerving of the trailer.55) 56)
WARNING
31)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake
in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
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32)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.
33)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is about to reach its limit. You
must slow down to a speed compatible
with the available grip.
34)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
35)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36)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.
37)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.
38)The ESC system can’t alter the natural
laws of physics, and can’t increase grip
which depends on the condition of the
road.
39)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.40)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.
41)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.
42)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unwarranted risks. Your driving style
must always be suited to the road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver
is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
43)For the correct operation of the TC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.
44)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
45)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
46)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
47)The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.48)The PBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
49)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
50)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.
51)The Hill Hold Control system is not a
parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the electric
parking brake, 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).
52)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle
laden, in which the Hill Hold Control system
may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.
53)DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.
54)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.
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