Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
blueMAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
The warning light switches on when the main
beam headlights are turned on.
104
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
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).
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)
106
SAFETY
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.
107
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.
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)
108
SAFETY
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. 122 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 slipping when
moving off gives you better traction.
60)
109
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.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
The most important safety equipment
of the vehicle comprises the following
protection systems:
❒seat belts;
❒SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
❒head restraints;
❒child restraint systems;
❒front airbags and side bags.
Read the information given the
following pages with the utmost care. It
is of fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
122F0V0576
110
SAFETY
63)
ADJUSTING THE SEAT
BELT HEIGHT
64) 65)
The seat belt height can be adjusted to
various positions using the regulator
on the central pillar.
Always adjust the height of the seat
belts to fit the person wearing it: this
precaution could greatly reduce the risk
of injury in the event of collision.
Correct adjustment is obtained when
the belt passes approximately half way
between the shoulder and the neck.
WARNING
61) Never press button C fig. 123
when travelling.
62) Remember that, in the event of a
violent collision, back-seat
passengers not wearing seat belts
represent a serious danger to
the front-seat passengers as well
as to themselves.63) Make sure that the backrest is
correctly secured on both sides
(red bands B not visible) to
prevent it from moving forward in
the event of sharp braking,
causing injuries to passengers.
64) The height of the seat belts must
be adjusted with the vehicle
stationary.
65) After the height adjustment,
always check that the regulator is
locked in one of the preset
positions. To do this, push
downwards to enable the locking
device to click if the grip has
not been released in one of the
possible positions.
SBR SYSTEM
This system consists of a device which,
through the
warning light coming
on the instrument panel and,
depending on vehicle conditions, an
acoustic signal, warns the driver and
front passenger if their seat belts have
not been fastened (for versions where
provided).
If the driver side and/or the passenger
side seat belts are not fastened (with
passenger seated), when 20 km/h
is exceeded or when travelling at
a speed between 10 and 20 km/h for
longer than 5 seconds, an acoustic
signal sequence will be started
(continuous acoustic signal for the first
6 seconds followed by about 90
seconds of intermittent beeping and the
warning light will flash).
At the end of the cycle the
warning
light will stay on fixed until the engine is
switched off or the seat belts are
fastened.
For permanent deactivation, contact a
Fiat Dealership.
The SBR system can also be
reactivated through the setup menu.
112
SAFETY
PRETENSIONERS
To increase the protective efficiency of
the front seat belts, the vehicle is fitted
with pretensioners. These devices, in
the event of a violent head-on crash or
side impact, rewind the seat belts a
few centimetres. In this way, they
ensure that the belts fit tightly to the
wearer before the restraining action
begins.
The seat belt retractor locks to indicate
that the pretensioner has cut in; the
seat belt cannot be drawn back up
even when guided manually.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
keeping it tight to the chest and pelvis.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not indicate any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication. Anything
that modifies its original conditions
invalidates its efficiency. If, due to
unusual natural events (floods, sea
storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and mud, it must
absolutely be replaced.
66)
16)
LOAD LIMITERS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To increase passenger safety, the
front and rear seat belt retractors (for
versions/markets where provided)
contain a load limiter which controls the
force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining
action in the event of a frontal collision.
GENERAL WARNINGS
FOR USING THE SEAT
BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting
(and ensuring that all the other
passengers also respect) the local laws
in force regarding the use of seat belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
Seat belts must also be worn by
pregnant mothers: the risk of injury in
the event of an accident is greatly
reduced for them and the unborn child
if they are wearing a seat belt. Pregnant
women must position the lower part
of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the
abdomen (see fig. 127 ).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. 128)
rather than the abdomen of the
passenger. Never use devices (clips,
clamps, etc.) that hold the seat belt
away from your body.
67)
127F0V0106
128F0V0107
113