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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.
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
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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
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WARNING
95) When travelling with the device
active, never move the gear lever
to neutral.
96) In the event of device faults or
failures, turn the ring nut A to
OFF and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
TRACTION PLUS
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions
(snow, ice, mud, etc.) which allows the
drive force to be distributed in the
best way over the front axle when one
wheel is slipping.
Traction Plus acts by braking the
wheels with poor grip (or those slipping
more than the others), thereby
transferring the drive force to those
which have greater grip on the ground.
This function can be activated manually
by pressing the A fig. 151 button on
the control panel and operates under
50 km/h. When this speed is exceeded,
it is automatically deactivated and it is
reactivated again when the speed
falls below 50 km/h.Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system press the A fig. 151 button.
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.
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