ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
❒ABS;
❒EBD system;
❒Brake Assist system;
❒ESP system;
❒ASR system;
❒Hill Holder system;
❒MSR system;
For the operation of the systems,
see the following pages.
ABS
This 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 EBD system (Electronic Braking
Force Distribution) completes the
system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To get 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.
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 vehicle speed should be altered
to suit the type of road surface.
53) 54) 55)
FAULT INDICATIONS
ABS failure
This is indicated by the
warning
light in the instrument panel coming
on (together with the appropriate
message on the multifunction
display on some versions) (see the
“Warning lights and messages”
chapter).
In this case, the braking system will
still be effective, although without
the extra capacity offered by the
ABS.
Drive carefully to the nearest Fiat
Dealership to have the system
checked.
EBD failure
This is indicated by the
and
warning lights in the instrument
panel coming on (together with
the appropriate message on the
multifunction display on some
versions) (see the “Warning lights
and messages” chapter).
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SAFETY
In this case, the rear wheels may
suddenly lock and the vehicle may
swerve when braking sharply. Drive
carefully to the nearest Fiat
Dealership to have the system
checked.
56)
BRAKE ASSIST
(integrated ESP
emergency braking
assistance)
(for versions/markets, where
provided)
This system (which cannot be
deactivated) recognises emergency
braking conditions according to
the speed of operation of the brake
pedal 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.
Brake Assist is deactivated on the
versions equipped with ESP, in
the event of ESP system failure
(indicated by the
warning light
coming on together with the
message in the multifunction display,
where provided).
57)
WARNING
53) 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.
54) If the ABS intervenes, it is a sign
that the grip between tyre and the
road surface has reached the
limit: you must slow down to
adapt the speed to the road grip
available.
55) 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.56) If only the
warning light
lights up in the instrument panel
(with a message in the display
on some versions), stop the
vehicle immediately and contact
the nearest Fiat Dealership. Fluid
leaking from the hydraulic system
will compromise the operation
of the braking system, whether it
is of the conventional type or
with ABS.
57) 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.
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ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where
provided)
IN BRIEF
This is an electronic system that
controls vehicle stability in the
event of tyre grip loss, helping to
maintain directional control.
The ESC system is therefore
particularly useful when grip
conditions of road surfaces
change.
The MSR system (adjustment of
the engine braking torque during
gear changes) and the HBA
system (automatic increase in the
braking pressure during
emergency braking) are present
with ESC, ASR and Hill Holder
systems (for versions/markets
where provided).SYSTEM
INTERVENTION
This is signalled by the flashing of
the
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 is automatically
activated when the vehicle is
started.
FAULT INDICATIONS
In the event of a fault, the ESC will
be automatically switched off and
the
warning light will come on
permanently on the instrument panel
along with a message on the
multifunction display (for versions/
markets where provided) (see
"Warning lights and messages"
section). The LED on the ASR OFF
button will also light up. Contact
a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
58)
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 at the wheels until the
torque necessary for starting is
reached, or in any case for a
maximum of 1.75 seconds, allowing
your right foot to be moved easily
from the brake pedal to the
accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after
1.75 seconds, the system will
deactivate automatically by gradually
releasing the brake force.
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SAFETY
During this release stage, the typical
brake disengagement noise
indicating that the vehicle is going to
move imminently will be heard.
Fault indications
Any system fault is indicated by the
turning on of the
warning light on
the instrument panel with digital
display and the
warning light on
the instrument panel with
multifunction display (for versions/
markets where provided) (see
section “Warning lights and
messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system
is not a parking brake, therefore
do not leave the vehicle without
activating the handbrake, switching
off the engine and engaging first
gear.
59)
ASR SYSTEM (Antislip
Regulator)
This is a traction control system that
cuts in automatically every time
one or both drive wheels slip.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.
The action of the ASR system is
particularly helpful in the following
circumstances:
❒slipping of the inner wheel on bends
due to dynamic variations in the load
or excessive acceleration;
❒excessive power transmitted to the
wheels, also in relation to road
surface conditions;
❒acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
road surfaces;
❒loss of grip on wet road surfaces
(aquaplaning).
MSR system (engine
drive regulation)
This is a system that, in the event of
a sudden gear down shift, cuts in
and provides torque to the engine
thus preventing excessive drive
wheel drive which, especially in poor
grip conditions, can lead to a loss
of stability.
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
fig. 118 button on the dashboard.
Switching off is shown by the
warning light on the instrument
panel switching on and a dedicated
message shown in the multifunction
display, where provided.
If the ASR is switched off when
driving, it is automatically switched
on again when the vehicle is started
up.
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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.
60)
For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must absolutely
be the same make and type on
all wheels, in perfect condition and,
above all, of the type, make and size
specified.FAULT INDICATIONS
In the event of a fault, the ASR will
be automatically switched off and
the
warning light will appear
permanently on the instrument panel
along with a message on the
multifunction display, where
provided (see “Warning lights and
messages”). In this case, contact a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
WARNING
58) Do not take unnecessary risks,
even if your vehicle is fitted with
an ESC system. Your driving style
must always be suited to the
road conditions, visibility
and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.
59) 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.60) Do not take unnecessary risks,
even if your vehicle is fitted with
this system. Your driving style
must always be suited to the road
conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible
for road safety.
118F0V0576
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SAFETY
Below is a summary of
the main safety rules
to be followed when
carrying children:
❒install the child restraint systems on
the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of an
accident;
❒if you need to deactivate the
passenger airbag, always check that
the
warning light above the front
courtesy light is on constantly to
make sure that it has actually been
deactivated;
❒carefully follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint system,
which the manufacturer must supply
by law. Keep the instructions in the
vehicle along with the other papers
and this handbook. Do not install
second-hand child restraint systems
without instructions.
❒always check that the seat belt is well
fastened by pulling on it;
❒only one child is to be strapped into
each restraint system; never carry
two children using one child restraint
system;
❒always check that seat belts do not
rest on the child’s neck;
❒while travelling, do not let the child sit
incorrectly or release the belts;❒never carry children on your lap, even
newborns. No-one can hold a child in
the event of an accident.
❒in the event of an accident, replace
the child restraint system with a
new one.
73)
WARNING
72) Fit the child restraint system only
when the vehicle is stationary.
The child restraint system is
correctly fixed to the brackets
when you hear the click. Follow
the instructions for assembly,
disassembly and positioning that
the Manufacturer must supply
with the child restraint system.
73) When an active passenger
airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front seat. Always
deactivate the passenger airbag
when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the
front passenger seat.
FRONT AIRBAGS
The vehicle is fitted with front airbag
for the driver and, for versions/
markets where provided, front
airbag for the passenger.
FRONT AIRBAGS
The front driver/passenger airbags
(for versions/markets where
provided) have been designed to
protect the front-seat occupants in
the event of head-on crashes of
medium-high severity, by placing the
bag between the occupant and the
steering wheel or dashboard.
Non-activation in other types of
crash (side-on collisions, rear
shunts, roll-overs, etc.) is therefore
not a sign of system malfunction.
An electronic control unit will make
the bag inflate in the event of a
frontal impact.
The bag will inflate instantaneously
placing itself between the front
occupants' body and the structures
which could cause injury. It will
deflate immediately afterwards.
127
Front driver/passenger airbags (for
versions/markets where provided)
are not a replacement for, but rather
a complement to, the seat belts,
which should be worn at all times as
specified by law in Europe and
most non-European countries.
In the event of an impact, those not
wearing a seat belt are projected
forwards, and may come into
contact with the bag which is still
inflating. The protection offered
by the cushion is compromised in
such a case.
Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
❒frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the vehicle (e.g.
wing collision against guard rail, etc.);
❒vehicle wedging under other vehicles
or protective barriers (e.g. trucks or
guard rails);
they may not provide any additional
protection compared with seat belts,
so their activation would not be
appropriate. In these cases,
non-deployment does not indicate a
system malfunction.
74)
The driver's and passenger's front
airbags have been designed and
calibrated to protect front seat
occupants wearing seat belts.
At their maximum inflation, their
volume fills most of the space
between the steering wheel and the
driver and between the dashboard
and the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the
event of minor front collisions (for
which the restraining action of
the seat belts is sufficient). It
is therefore always necessary to
wear seat belts.
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT
AIRBAG
This consists of an instantly inflating
cushion contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 133.PASSENGER SIDE
FRONT AIRBAG
(for versions/markets, where
provided)
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special recess
in the dashboard: this bag has
a larger volume than that of the
driver's.fig. 134
133F0V0511
134F0V0512
128
SAFETY
WARNING
74) Do not apply stickers or other objects to the steering wheel, the dashboard in the passenger side airbag area and
the seats. Never put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the passenger side of the dashboard since they could interfere
with correct inflation of the passenger airbag and also cause serious injury to the passengers.
75) When an active passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install rearward facing child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident could cause fatal injuries to the child regardless of the severity of the
impact. Therefore, always deactivate the passenger side airbag when a rearward facing child restraint system is
installed on the front passenger seat. The front passenger seat must also be positioned back as far as possible in
order to prevent the child restraint system from coming into contact with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate the
passenger airbag as soon as the child restraint system has been removed.
131