
SAFETY
The chapter that you are about to read
is very important: it describes the
safety systems with which the car is
equipped and provides instructions on
how to use them correctly.ABS SYSTEM ................................. 81
ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL) SYSTEM ....................... 82
TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM ............. 85
TPMS (TYRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM) ................. 86
DRIVING ADVISOR ......................... 89
SEAT BELTS ................................... 93
SBR SYSTEM ................................. 94
PRE-TENSIONERS ......................... 94
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY ...... 96
SETUP FOR “UNIVERSAL ISOFIX”
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM ..........101
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG................107
80
SAFETY

ABS SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the braking
system, which prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping
regardless of the road surface
conditions and braking intensity,
ensuring control of the vehicle even
during emergency braking.
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 ABS ensures the direction of the
vehicle while braking and optimises the
braking distances at the same time.
The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking
on a surface on which the grip of the
left and right wheels differs, or when
braking while cornering.
The system is completed by EBD
(Electronic Braking Force Distribution),
which distributes the braking action
between the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT For 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.
49)
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.
50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56)
MSR SYSTEM
(Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and prevents the drive wheels
from locking, which could happen,
for example, if the accelerator pedal is
released suddenly or in the case of
shifting down suddenly in conditions of
poor grip. In these conditions, the
engine braking effect could cause the
drive wheels to slip, resulting in a loss
of vehicle stability. In these situations,
the system intervenes, restoring torque
to the engine in order to conserve
vehicle stability and increase safety.
WARNING
49)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.50)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.
51)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.
52)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
53)The ABS system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
54)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.
55)For the correct operation of the ABS,
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.
56)If the space-saver wheel (for
versions/markets, where provided) is used,
the ABS keeps operating. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
81

ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The 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 appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses the sensors in
the vehicle to determine the trajectory
required by the driver through steering
and compares it with the real trajectory
of the vehicle. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
car’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.The ESC system also includes the
following subsystems:
Hill Holder
ASR
HBA
ERM
HDC
57) 58) 59)
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 switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
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 on the wheels until the 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, the typical brake
disengagement noise indicating that the
vehicle is going to move imminently
will be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, 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).
82
SAFETY

HILL DESCENT CONTROL
(HDC) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC and is
aimed at keeping the vehicle at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time. In this
way the vehicle stability and completely
safe driving are guaranteed, above all
in poor grip conditions and/or steep
descents.
To activate the system, reach a speed
slower than 25 km/h and press the
corresponding button A fig. 83; the LED
on the button turns on and the display
shows a dedicated message.
After reaching the desired speed,
release the accelerator and brake
pedals completely (the LED on the
button flashes). If you want to
increase/decrease the speed, press the
accelerator/brake pedals again.IMPORTANT Do not use the device
with the gearbox in neutral position.
IMPORTANT It is important to engage a
gear suitable for the set speed, to
prevent the engine from stalling.
When this function is active the brake
lights turn on automatically.
While the HDC system is operating it is
also possible to take control of the
vehicle again by pressing the brake and
accelerator pedals.
If the function is not made available
when the button is pressed, this could
be due to brake overheating. In this
case, wait a few minutes before using
the function again.
IMPORTANT The system is available for
speeds below 25 km/h.
IMPORTANT On exceeding 25 km/h,
the HDC system is disabled and
remains ready to operate again (the
LED on the button remains on) when
the vehicle returns below 25 km/h.
If the vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h,
the HDC system turns off completely
(the LED on the button turns off) and
any autonomous action on the brakes
is disabled. To reactivate it, press the
dedicated button again when the speed
is again below 25 km/h.
12)
WARNING
57)The ESC system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
58)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
59)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.
60)For the correct operation of the ESC
and ASR system it is vital that the tyres are
the same make and the same type on all
the wheels, in perfect condition and, above
all, the recommended type and size.
61)The performance of the ESC and ASR
systems must not encourage the driver
to take unnecessary risks. Driving style
must always be suitable for road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver
is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
62)The HBA system cannot increase
tyre grip on the road over the limits
imposed by laws of physics: always drive
carefully according to the conditions of the
road surface.
63)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
83F1A0300
84
SAFETY

64)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver. The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver, occupants
or other road users at risk.
65)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.
WARNING
12)Prolonged use of the system may
overheat the braking system. If the brakes
overheat, the HDC system, when active,
will be gradually deactivated after suitably
informing the driver (the LED on the button
turns off): it can be reactivated only when
the brakes have cooled sufficiently. The
distance you can travel depends on the
brake temperature and thus on the slope,
the load and the vehicle speed.
TRACTION PLUS
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions on
non-homogeneous road surfaces
(snow/asphalt, ice/asphalt, mud/
asphalt, etc.), which allows the drive
force to be distributed adequately
on the engine axle when one of the two
drive wheels slips.
Traction Plus acts by braking the wheel
with poor grip (or slipping more than
the others), thereby transferring the
drive force to that which has greater
grip on the ground.
This function can be activated manually
by pressing button A on the dashboard
fig. 84 and operates under 50 km/h.
When this speed is exceeded, it is
automatically deactivated (the LED on
the button is still on) and it is
reactivated again when the speed falls
below 30 km/h.
66) 67)
Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press button A fig. 84: the LED
on the button switches on.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.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the Traction Plus on and thus inhibiting
the ASR function: in fact, in these
conditions, slipping of the drive wheels
when moving off makes it possible to
obtain better traction.
84F1A0325
85

WARNING
66)The Traction Plus system acts
effectively only on road surfaces that are
not homogeneous and/or differentiated
between the two drive wheels.
67)Until the setting off manoeuvre is
terminated, fully depress the accelerator
pedal in order to transfer all the drive
torque to the wheel with the best grip.
TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
68) 69) 70) 71) 72) 73) 74) 75) 76)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the
vehicle.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the vehicle stand
for at least three hours or a travel
shorter than 1.6 km after an interval of
three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure value printed on the side of
the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the vehicle: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.The TPMS continues to advise the
driver of the low tyre pressure condition
until this is corrected; the warning
continues until the pressure
corresponds or exceeds the pressure
prescribed for the cold tyres. When the
low tyre pressure check warning light
turns on continuously, the inflation
pressure must be adjusted until it
reaches the pressure prescribed for
cold tyres. After the automatic update
of the system, the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the vehicle for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE
The TPMS does not replace the
normal tyre maintenance service and
does not indicate any fault in a tyre.
Therefore, the TPMS should not be
used as pressure switch while adjusting
the tyre inflation pressure.
Driving with insufficient tyre pressure
causes their overheating and can
result in tyre failure. The low inflation
pressure reduces fuel efficiency and
tyre tread life and may also affect
handling and braking performance of
the vehicle.
86
SAFETY

WARNING
68)The TPMS is optimised for the original
tyres and wheels provided. TPMS
pressures and alerts have been defined
according to the size of the tyres mounted
on the vehicle. Using equipment with
different size, type or kind may cause
irregular system operation or sensor
damage. Non-original spare wheels can
damage the sensor. Do not use tyre
sealant or balancing weights if the vehicle
is equipped with TPMS as these may
damage the sensors.
69)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the pressure on all
four tyres.
70)The TPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not even to be
considered a replacing system for
maintenance or a safety system.
71)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed
value, but repeat the check when tyres are
cold.
72)The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (for example when a tyre
bursts). In this case, stop the vehicle,
braking with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.73)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
74)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect your ability to drive the
vehicle safely.
75)Always refit the valve stem cap after
inspecting or adjusting tyre pressure. This
prevents dampness or dirt from entering
the valve stem and thus the pressure
control sensor from being damaged.
76)The tyre repair kit (Fix&Go) provided
with the vehicle (for versions/markets,
where provided) is compatible with the
TPMS sensors; using sealants not
equivalent with that in the original kit may
adversely affect its operation. If sealants
not equivalent with the original one are
used, it is recommended to have the
TPMS sensors checked by a qualified
repair centre.
88
SAFETY

DRIVING ADVISOR
(lane crossing warning)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
77) 78) 79)The Driving Advisor is a warning system
that notifies the driver if he/she crosses
the lane because he/she has been
distracted.
A video sensor, fitted on the windscreen
near the interior rear view mirror,
detects the lane demarcation lines and
the position of the vehicle in relation
to them.
IMPORTANT On cars with Driving
Advisor, it is advisable to contact a Fiat
Dealership should the windscreen
need to be replaced. If the repair is
carried out at a specialist window
replacement centre, it is still necessary
to go to a Fiat Dealership to have the
camera calibrated.
OPERATION
The system is always active when the
vehicle is started. It can be deactivated
or re-activated by pressing the button
A fig. 85 on the dashboard (see
following description).
The LED on the button switches on to
confirm that the system has been
activated and a dedicated message
appears on the display.When the system is activated, the LED
on the dedicated button is off. If the
user deactivates the system, the LED
on the button switches on constantly
and a dedicated message appears
on the display to confirm that the
system has been switched off.
The system is enabled each time the
vehicle key is cycled and starts
recognition of the operating conditions
(condition signalled to the driver when
the 2 direction warning lights
and
on the instrument panel turn on).
When the system recognises the
operating conditions, it becomes active,
i.e. it can assist the driver with visual
and acoustic warnings. Therefore, the
two direction warning lights
and
on the instrument panel turn off to
prevent excessively frequent warnings
while driving in towns or on winding
roads at low speeds.IMPORTANT If the operating conditions
are no longer present, the system
remains activated but inactive.
Therefore, the driver is warned by the 2
direction warning lights
andon
the instrument panel turning on
continuously.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
FOR ACTIVATION
Once switched on, the system
becomes active only if the following
conditions are met:
front driving direction (reverse not
engaged);
the system does not detect any
error;
calibration in progress;
vehicle speed between 60 km/h and
the max. vehicle speed;
presence of lane demarcation lines
not deteriorated and visible on both
sides;
suitable visibility conditions;
straight line or wide radius bends;
sufficient field of vision condition
(safety distance from vehicle in front);
direction indicators not activated
in the lane exiting direction (e.g. right
lane exiting direction, right direction
indicator activated);
85F1A0322
89