ESP SYSTEM (Electronic Stability
Program)(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that controls vehicle
stability in the event of tyre grip loss, helping to
maintain directional control.
The ESP system is therefore particularly useful when
the 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 ESP, ASR and
Hill Holder systems (for versions/markets where
provided).SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the instrument panel
warning light
, to inform the driver that the car
is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Switching the system on
The ESP system is automatically activated when the
vehicle is started and cannot be de-activated.
Failure indications
In the event of a failure, the ESP 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.WARNING
Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ESP
system.Your driving style should always take
road conditions, visibility and traffic into
account .The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
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HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
It's integral to the ESP system. It automatically
activates with the following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pedal
pressed and gearbox in neutral or gear other than
reverse;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running, brake
pedal pressed and reverse gear engaged.
At pickup, the ESP system control unit will keep
braking pressure on the wheels until reaching the
required torque for starting or, in any case, for
a maximum of 2 seconds in order to move easily the
right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator
pedal. 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.Failure indications
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 the first gear.
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size recommended.
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ASR SYSTEM (Anti-Slip Regulation)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is a traction control system that cuts in
automatically every time one or both drive wheels
slip.
Depending on how slippery the road is, two different
control systems are activated:
❒if slipping involves both driving wheels, the ASR
function 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 especially useful in
the following conditions:
❒slipping of the inner wheel round bends due to
dynamic variations in the load of 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).
WARNING
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size recommended.
MSR SYSTEM (engine drive regulation)
This is an integral part of the ASR 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.
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Engagement/ disengagement of the ASR
system
The ASR system switches on automatically each time
the engine is started.
When travelling, the ASR can be switched off and on
again pressing button fig. 91 located among the
controls in the dashboard.
The switching off is shown by the LED in the actual
switch coming on together with a message shown
in the multifunction display (for versions/markets,
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.
WARNING
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.
FAILURE INDICATIONS
In the event of a failure, the ASR system will be
automatically switched off and warning light
will
appear permanently on the instrument panel along
with a message on the multifunction display (for
versions/markets where provided) (see “Warning
lights and messages” section). In this case, contact a
Fiat Dealership as soon as possible.
fig. 91
F0T0317
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TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a help with driving and setting off in
poor grip conditions (snow, ice, mud, etc.) which
allows the drive force to be evenly distributed over
the same axle when both wheels are slipping.
In effect, 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 more grip on the ground.
This function can be turned on manually by pressing
the T+ button fig. 92 on the dashboard and works
below a level of 30 km/h. Over this speed, it is
automatically deactivated (the LED on the button is
still on) and it is reactivated again when the speed
is below 30 km/h.Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when starting up. To
activate the "Traction Plus" system, press the button
(T+ fig. 92): 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 "general
failure" instrument panel warning light
comes on
steady.
fig. 92
F0T0311
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EOBD SYSTEMThe EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis)
allows continuous diagnosis of emission-related
components on the vehicle.
It also alerts the driver, by turning on instrument
panel warning light
(together with the relevant
message in the display, on some versions), when
these components are no longer in peak condition
(see “Warning lights and messages” section).
The aim of the system is to:
❒monitor system efficiency;
❒warn about increased emissions due to a vehicle
malfunction;
❒to warn of the need to replace deteriorated
components.
The system also has a connector that can be
interfaced with appropriate equipment, which makes
it possible to read the error codes stored in the
control unit, together with a series of specific
parameters for engine operation and diagnosis.
This check can also be carried out by traffic police.
IMPORTANT After resolving the problem, to check
the system completely, Fiat Dealerships are obliged
to run a bench test and, if necessary, road tests
which may call for a long journey.
WARNING
Go to a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible if warning light
either does
not light up when the key is turned to MAR to if
while travelling the warning lights comes on
either steady or blinking (along with a message
on the display).The operation of warning light
may be checked by the traffic police using
specific devices. Follow the laws in force in
the country where you are driving.
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INSTALLING ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC DEVICESElectrical and electronic devices installed after buying
the vehicle must carry the following label:
FGA S.p.A. authorises the installation of transceiving
devices provided that they are installed by a
specialised centre according to rules of good
engineering practice and in compliance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
IMPORTANT Traffic authorities may not allow the
vehicle on the road if devices are fitted that involve
modifications to the features of the vehicle. This may
also cause lapse of the warranty in relation to faults
caused by the change or either directly or indirectly
related to it.
FGA S.p.A. shall not be liable for damage caused by
the installation of accessories either not supplied
or recommended by FGA S.p.A. and/or not installed
in compliance with the provided instructions.RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND CELLULAR
PHONES
Transceiver apparatus (e.g. mobile phones, CB radios
etc.) should not be used inside the vehicle unless a
separate antenna is mounted on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of such devices inside the
passenger compartment (without an external
antenna) may, in addition to potential damage to the
health of the passengers, cause malfunctions in the
vehicle electronic systems, compromising the safety
of the vehicle.
In addition, the transmission and reception of these
devices may be affected by the shielding effect of
the vehicle body.
With regard to EC-approved mobile phones (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), you should adhere strictly to the
instructions provided by the mobile phone
manufacturer.
fig. 95
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REFUELLING THE VEHICLEDIESEL ENGINES
Operation at low temperatures
If the outside temperature is very low, the diesel
thickens due to the formation of paraffin clots with
consequent defective operation of the fuel supply
system.
In order to avoid these problems, different types of
diesel are distributed according to the season:
summer type, winter type and arctic type
(cold/mountain areas). If refuelling with diesel fuel
whose specifications are not suitable for the usage
temperature, it is advisable to mix TUTELA DIESEL
ART additive in the proportions shown on the
container with the fuel. Pour the additive into the
tank before the fuel.
When using or parking the vehicle for a long time in
the mountains or cold areas, it is advisable to refuel
using locally available diesel.
In this case, it is also advisable to keep the tank over
50% full.
For diesel engines, use only diesel fuel for
motor vehicles in accordance with EN590
European specifications.The use of other
products or mixtures may damage the engine
beyond repair and consequently invalidate the
warranty, due to the damage caused. If you
accidentally introduce other types of fuel into the
tank, do not start the engine. Empty the tank. If
the engine has been run for even an extremely
limited amount of time, you must not only drain
the fuel tank, but the rest of the supply circuit
as well.