
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 ESC system failure (indicated
by the
warning light coming on
together with a message in the
multifunction display, where provided).
WARNING
53)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot, but keep the pedal pushed
down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road
conditions at the time.
54)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is nearing its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with the
available traction.55)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
56)If only the
instrument panel
warning light comes on (with a message in
the multifunction display on some
versions), stop the vehicle immediately and
contact the nearest Fiat Dealership. Any
loss of fluid will affect the brake system
functionality, both conventional and
ant-lock wheels.
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.
101

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.
57)
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.
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.
58)
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;
in the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning).
102
SAFETY

MSR system (engine drive
regulation)
The system prevents the drive wheels
from possibly locking, which could
happen, for example, if the accelerator
pedal is released suddenly or in the
case of a sudden downshifting in
conditions of poor grip.
In this conditions, the engine braking
effect could cause the drive wheels
to slip, resulting in a loss of vehicle
stability. In these situations, the MSR
system intervenes, restoring torque to
the engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.
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. 119 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.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 skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
59)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 the Fiat Service
Network as soon as possible.
WARNING
57)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is always
responsible for road safety.
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)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.
119F0V0576
103

While pregnancy progresses, the driver
must adjust both seat and steering
wheel to have full control over the
vehicle (pedals and steering wheel must
be easy to access). The maximum
clearance should be kept between the
abdomen and the steering wheel.
IMPORTANT The belt must not be
twisted. The upper part must pass over
the shoulder and cross the chest
diagonally. The lower part must adhere
to the pelvis (as shown in fig. 125)
rather than the abdomen of the
passenger. Never use devices (clips,
clamps, etc.) that hold the seat belt
away from your body.
66)
Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by
qualified and authorised technicians.
Always go to a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never travel with a child
sitting on the passenger's lap with a
single belt to protect them both fig.
126. Do not fasten other objects to the
body.
67)
SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, carefully observe the
following warnings:
always use the seat belt well
stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without
obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
replace the belt after an accident of
a certain severity even if it does not
appear to be damaged. Always replace
the belt if the pretensioners were
deployed;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when it shows
wear or cuts.
124F0V0106
125F0V0107
126F0V0108
107

80)If a Universal ISOFIX child seat system
is not fixed to all three anchorages, it will
not be able to protect the child correctly. In
a crash, the child could be seriously or
fatally injured.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.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.
81) 82) 82) 84) 85)
116
SAFETY

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 frontal impacts (for
which the restraining action of the seat
belts is sufficient). It is therefore always
necessary to wear seat belts.
FRONT AIRBAG DRIVER'S
SIDE
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 134.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 fig. 135.FRONT PASSENGER SIDE
AIRBAG AND CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
86)Rearward facing child restraint systems
must NEVER be fitted on the front
seat with an active passenger side
airbag since in the event of an impact
the airbag activation may cause fatal
injuries to the transported child.
ALWAYS comply with the instructions
on the label fig. 136 stuck on the
passenger side sun visor.
134F0V0511
135F0V0512
136F0T0950
117

WARNING
81)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.
82)Always drive with your hands on the rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag can inflate freely if required. Do not drive with your body
bent forward. Keep your back straight against the backrest.
83)The airbag deployment threshold is higher than that of the pretensioners. For collisions in the range between the two thresholds, it is
normal for only the pretensioners to be activated.
84)The airbag does not replace seat belts but increases their efficiency. Because front airbags are not deployed for low-speed crashes, side
collisions, rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are protected, in addition to any side bags, only by their seat belts, which must therefore
always be fastened.
85)In some versions, in the event of a failure of the
LED (located on the front courtesy light), thewarning light on the instrument panel
turns on and the passenger side airbags are deactivated.
86)When there is an active passenger airbag, 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.
120
SAFETY

19)
WARMING UP THE
ENGINE JUST AFTER IT
HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
drive off slowly, letting the engine
turn at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
do not demand full performance at
first. Wait until the engine coolant
temperature gauge starts moving.
EMERGENCY STARTING
If the instrument panel warning light
stays on steadily, you can perform
an emergency starting by using the
code on the CODE card (see the “In an
emergency” section).
20)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch
its breath” before turning it off by letting
it idle to allow the temperature in the
engine compartment to fall.
WARNING
17)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessively intense braking,
etc.) during the initial period of use.
18)When the engine is off, do not leave
the key turned to MAR to prevent
unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.
19)If the indicator flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates
a problem in the glow plug preheating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
20)Never start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. This could
cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
WARNING
95)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
HANDBRAKE
The handbrake lever is located between
the front seats. Pull the lever upwards
to engage the handbrake and ensure
that the vehicle does not move. The
vehicle should be secured after several
clicks of the lever. If it is not, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it adjusted.
96)When the handbrake lever is engaged
and the ignition key is in MAR position,
the instrument panel warning light
will switch on.
Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
slightly lift the lever and press
release button A fig. 140;
keep button A pressed and lower
the lever. The
warning light in the
instrument panel will switch off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the vehicle
from moving accidentally.
PARKING
Proceed as follows:
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill
or reverse if it is facing downhill) and
leave the wheels steered.
125