ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the vehicle
can be controlled even during
emergency braking.
IMPORTANT To obtain 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.
The ABS also includes the following
systems: EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment Regelung) and MBA
(Mechanical Brake Assist) (for
versions/markets, where provided).
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.ESC SYSTEM (Electronic
Stability Control)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that
controls vehicle stability in the event of
tyre grip loss, helping maintain
directional control. The system is
capable of recognising potentially
dangerous situations in terms of the
stability and intervenes automatically on
the brakes in a differentiated manner
for the four wheels in order to provide a
stabilising torque.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of theESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61)
HH (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
transmission 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
mechanical brake release noise can be
heard, indicating that the vehicle is
about to move.
NOTE: the Hill Holder system is not
active with parking brake engaged.
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, with the vehicle
parked in safe conditions.
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47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55)
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
It is automatically activated in the case
of drive wheels slipping, loss of grip
on wet roads (aquaplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
roads, etc.
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.
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 ASR OFF button
fig. 46.
On some versions, the intervention of
the system is indicated by a dedicated
message shown on the display. When
the system is not active, the LED on the
button ASR OFF turns on and, on
some versions, a message appears on
the display.When the ASR is deactivated whilst
driving, the next time the vehicle is
started the ASR is automatically
activated.
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
setting off gives you better traction.
62) 63) 64) 65) 66)
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
The HBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle's braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects an emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and strength with
which the brake pedal is pressed,
thereby applying the optimal brake
pressure.This can reduce the braking distance:
the HBA system therefore completes
the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition,
the brake pedal must be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to benefit from the
system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is not necessary
anymore.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
67) 68) 69)
ELD (Electronic Locking
Differential) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross and Panda 4x4 versions)
The ELD system allows the drive force
to be evenly distributed over the same
axle when one or both wheels are
slipping. The ELD 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.
The system operates at speeds below
50 km/h. Above this speed, it is
automatically deactivated and it is
reactivated when the speed falls below
50 km/h.
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SAFETY
The activation of the ELD system
involves the following functions being
switched on:
❒inhibition of the ASR function, in
order to fully exploit the engine torque;
❒differential lock effect on the front and
rear axles, via the braking system, to
improve drive on uneven surfaces.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the ELD system
press button A fig. 47 (4x4 versions)
or turn the ring nut fig. 48 to the right
(Cross versions) and keep it in this
position until LED 2 on the selector
lights up.
System intervention
The
warning light on the instrument
panel flashes to signal that the system
has intervened.If the space-saver wheel is used
If the space-saver wheel is used, the
control unit for 4x4 drive detects its
presence (via the wheel speed signals)
and reduces the intervention of the
four-wheel drive mode to a minimum,
while guaranteeing the agility of the
vehicle. No fault/alarm signal is
displayed on the instrument panel or on
the display.
Disabling the system
To disable the system, press button A
fig. 47 (4x4 versions) or turn the ring nut
fig. 48 to the left (Cross versions) and
keep it in this position until LED 1
on the selector lights up.HDC (Hill Descent
Control) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross versions)
It is an integral part of the ESC system
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 HDC function helps the driver
when facing steep gradient roads in
low-grip and/or rough ground
conditions.
Noise and vibrations coming from the
wheel sides (brakes) when the HDC
system is activated are normal.
IMPORTANT The system does not
relieve the driver of the responsibility of
controlling the vehicle and does not
replace attention while driving. The
driver of the vehicle takes the complete
responsibility for the consequences of
their actions and of an incorrect and not
responsible use of the vehicle.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the HDC
system, turn ring nut fig. 49, with LED 2
on, to the right, and keep it in this
position until LED 3 on the selector
lights up. Thewarning light comes
on in the instrument panel and the
dedicated message is displayed.
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63
WARNING
47)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.
48)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.
49)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit. You must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
50)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is required: during this period it is
advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
51)The ABS cannot alter the natural laws
of physics, and cannot increase grip which
depends on the condition of the road.
52)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
53)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.54)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.
55)When the Mechanical Brake Assist
intervenes, noises may be heard from the
system. This is normal. In any case, keep
the brake pedal firmly depressed while
braking.
56)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, 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 size.
57)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
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)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
60)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
61)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.62)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, 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 size.
63)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is ultimately responsible for road
safety.
64)The ASR system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
65)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
66)The capability of the ASR system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
67)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.
68)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
65
69)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.DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
TP (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.
Engagement/disengagement
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press the T+ button fig. 50: the
LED on the button switches on; the
display shows a dedicated message.
To disengage the system press the T+
button again.Operation
This function operates below a
threshold of 30 km/h. When this speed
is exceeded, it is automatically
deactivated (the LED in the button
remains on) and it is reactivated as
soon as the speed goes below the level
of 30 km/h.
The activation of the Traction Plus
system causes 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
ESCwarning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.
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66
SAFETY
Driving in special conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as,
for example:
❒driving close to a bend (see fig. 52);
❒vehicles with small dimensions
and/or not aligned in the driving lane
(see fig. 53);
❒lane change by other vehicles (see
fig. 54);
system intervention can be unexpected
or delayed. The driver must therefore
be very careful, keeping control of
the vehicle to drive in complete safety.
IMPORTANT If you are driving on roads
close to trees with protruding branches
it is advisable to deactivate the system
to prevent the branches at the height
of the bonnet or the windscreen from
interfering with the system.iTPMS (indirect Tyre
Pressure Monitoring
System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
75) 76) 77) 78) 79) 80)
The vehicle can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the dedicated
warning light continuously on and a
dedicated warning message on the
display.
If one tyre only is flat, the system can
indicate its position: it is in any case
recommended to check the pressure
on all four tyres.
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.
Reset procedure
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
❒each time tyre pressure is modified;
❒when even only one tyre is changed;
❒when tyres are rotated/inverted;
❒when the space-saver wheel is fitted.
Before carrying out the Reset
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
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68
SAFETY
If the Reset procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the vehicle stopped and the ignition
device at MAR, use the Main Menu as
follows:
❒briefly press
button: the display will
show Reset;
❒press
button orto select
(“Yes” or “No”);
❒briefly press the
button: the
display will show "Confirm";
❒press
button orto select
("Yes" to reset or "No" to exit the video
page);
❒hold the
button down again to
return to the standard screen or to the
main menu according to where you
are in the menu.
At the end of the Reset procedure the
display will show the "Reset saved"
message, indicating that the self-
learning has been started.
Working conditions
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go Automatic" kit, fitting snow
chains, fitting different tyres on the
axles) the system may give false
indications or be temporarily
deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated
the
warning light flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message.
This indication is displayed also after
the engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
WARNING
70)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver, who must take into account
the traffic conditions in order to drive
in complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front.
71)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
72)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.
73)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.
69
PRETENSIONERS
87) 88) 89) 90)
35)
The vehicle is equipped with front seat
belt pretensioners, which draw back
the seat belts by several centimetres in
the event of a strong frontal impact.
This guarantees the perfect adherence
of the seat belts to the occupant's
bodies before the retention action
begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
towards the retractor. This vehicle is
also equipped with a second
pretensioner (in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.LOAD LIMITERS
To increase occupant safety, the
retractors contain a load limiter to dose
the force acting on the chest and
shoulders during the belt restraining
action in the case of frontal collisions.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other
occupants of the vehicle also respect,
the local laws in force in relation to
the use of the seat belts. Always fasten
the seat belts before setting off.
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of impact 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. 60 ). While
pregnancy increases, the driver must
adjust both seat and steering wheel to
have full control over the vehicle (pedals
and steering wheel should be easily
accessed). The maximum clearance
should be kept between the abdomen
and the steering wheel.The seat 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. 61) rather than the
abdomen of the occupant. Do not use
devices (clips, etc.) to hold the seat belt
away from your body.
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SAFETY