2017 FIAT 500X Owner handbook (in English)

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
DTC (Drag Torque Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HHC (Hill Hold Control);
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque);
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation);
TSC (Trailer Sway Control).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.
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 and optimising
stopping distances.
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 system also improves control andstability of the vehicle when braking on
a surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
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.
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The DTC (Drag Torque Control) system
prevents the drive wheels from possibly
locking, which could happen, for
example, if the accelerator pedal is
released suddenly or in the case of a
sudden downshifting in conditions of
poor grip. In this conditions, the engine
braking effect could cause the drive
wheels to slip, resulting in a loss of car
stability. In these situations, the DTC
system intervenes, restoring torque to
the engine in order to conserve car
stability and increase car safety.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
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 wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the
trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective trajectory. When the
real trajectory deviates from the desired
trajectory, the ESC system intervenes to
counter the vehicle’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.
71

System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
38) 39) 40) 41) 42)
TC (Traction Control)
SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in
the event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on
slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on
one or more drive wheels. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which
is slipping (the behaviour of a
self-locking differential is simulated).
This will increase the engine torque
transferred to the wheel which isn't
slipping. This function remains active
even if the "Systems partially disabled"
and "Systems disabled" modes are
selected (see description in the
following pages).System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
43) 44) 45) 46) 47)
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’s braking capacity during
emergency braking.
The system detects emergency braking
by monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the PBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system. Do not reduce
pressure on the brake pedal until
braking is not necessary anymore.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
48) 49) 50)
HHC (Hill Hold Control)
SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
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 engine
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 it is possible to hear a
typical mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of
the vehicle.
51) 52)
72
SAFETY

DST SYSTEM (Dynamic
Steering Torque)
The DST function uses the integration
of the ESC system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety
level of the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes
and steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
53)
ERM (Electronic Rollover
Mitigation) SYSTEM
The system monitors the tendency of
the wheels to rise from the ground if the
driver performs extreme manoeuvres
like quick steering to avoid an obstacle,
especially in poor road conditions.
If these conditions occur, the system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce the possibility that the
wheels are raised from the ground. It is
not possible to avoid tendency to roll
over if the phenomenon is due toreasons such as driving on high side
gradients, collision with objects or other
vehicles.
54)
TSC (Trailer Sway
Control) SYSTEM
The system employs a series of sensors
located on the vehicle to identify
excessive swerving of the trailer and
take the necessary precautions to
eliminate it.
To counteract the effect of trailer sway,
the system can reduce the engine
power and intervene on the wheels
involved. The TSC system activates
automatically once excessive sway of
the trailer is detected.
System intervention
When the system is active, the
warning light flashes on the
instrument panel, the engine power is
reduced and braking can be felt on the
individual wheels, following the attempt
to eliminate the swerving of the trailer.
55) 56)
WARNING
31)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on
the current road conditions.
32)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.
33)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.
34)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
35)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36)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.
37)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.
38)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
73

39)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)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.
41)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
42)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
43)For the correct operation of the TC
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 dimensions.
44)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
45)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
46)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.47)The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
48)The PBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
49)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
50)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.
51)The Hill Hold Control system is not a
parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the electric
parking brake, 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).
52)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle
laden, in which the Hill Hold Control system
may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.
53)DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.
54)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.55)When towing trailers, the utmost
caution at the wheel is recommended.
Never exceed the maximum permitted
loads (see the description in the "Weights"
paragraph in the "Technical Specifications"
chapter).
56)The TSC system cannot prevent
swerving for all trailers. If the system
activates during driving, reduce the speed,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and arrange
the load correctly to prevent the trailer from
swerving.
74
SAFETY

DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
The vehicle can feature the following
driving assistance systems:
BSA (Blind Spot Assist);
FBC (Full Brake Control);
iTPMS (indirect Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
BSA (Blind Spot Assist)
SYSTEM
The vehicle can be equipped with the
BSA (Blind Spot Assist) system for blind
spot monitoring. The BSA system uses
two radar sensors, located in the rear
bumper (one for each side - see
fig. 57 ), to detect the presence of
vehicles (vehicles, trucks, motorbikes,
etc.) in the rear side blind spots of the
vehicle.The system warns the driver about the
presence of vehicles in the detection
area by lighting up, on the relevant side,
the warning light located on the door
mirror fig. 58, along with an acoustic
warning.
When the vehicle is started the warning
light turns on to signal the driver that
the system is active.
Sensors
The sensors are activated when any
forward gear is engaged at a speed
higher than about 10 km/h, or when
reverse is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated
with vehicle at a standstill and the gear
lever in position P (Park - versions with
57F1B0093C
58F1B0094C
75

automatic transmission), or with vehicle
at a standstill and electric parking brake
engaged (versions with manual
gearbox).
The detection area of the system
covers about a lane on both sides of
the vehicle (around 3 metres).
This area begins from the door mirror
and extends for about 6 metres
towards the rear part of the vehicle.
When the sensors are active the system
monitors the detection areas on both
sides of the vehicle and warns the
driver about the possible presence of
vehicles in these areas.
While driving the system monitors the
detection area from three different input
points (side, rear and front) to check
whether a signal needs to be sent to
the driver. The system can detect the
presence of a vehicle in one of these
three areas.
IMPORTANT The system does not
signal the presence of fixed object (e.g.
safety barriers, poles, walls, etc.).
However, in some circumstances, the
system may activate in the presence of
these objects. This is normal and does
not indicate a system malfunction.
IMPORTANT The system does not
warn the driver about the presence ofvehicles coming from the opposite
direction, in the adjacent lanes.
57)
Important
If a trailer is hitched to the vehicle, the
system must be manually deactivated
using the relevant menu, in order to
avoid false warnings.
For the system to operate correctly, the
rear bumper area where the radar
sensors are located must stay free from
snow, ice and dirt gathered from the
road surface.
Do not cover the rear bumper area
where the radar sensors are located
with any object (e.g. adhesives, bike
rack, etc.).
Rear view
The system detects vehicles coming
from the rear part of your vehicle on
both sides and entering the rear
detection area with a difference in
speed of less than 50 km/h with
respect to your vehicle.
Overtaking vehicles
If another vehicle is overtaken slowly
(with a difference in speed of less than
about 25 km/h) and this stays in the
blind spot for about 1.5 seconds, the
warning light on the door mirror of the
corresponding side lights up.If the difference in speed between the
two vehicles is greater than about
25 km/h, the warning light does not
light up.
RCP (Rear Cross Path detection)
system
This system helps the driver during
reverse manoeuvres in the case of
reduced visibility.
The RCP system monitors the rear
detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle, to detect objects moving
towards the sides of the vehicle at a
minimum speed between about 1 km/h
and 3 km/h and objects moving at a
maximum speed of 35 km/h, as
generally happens in parking areas.
The system activation is signalled to the
driver by means of a visual and acoustic
warning.
IMPORTANT If the sensors are covered
by objects or vehicles, the system will
not warn the driver.
Operating mode
The system can be activated/
deactivated by operating on the display
Menu, or via theUconnect™system
(for further information see the
dedicated Supplement).
76
SAFETY

"Blind Spot Assist", "Visual" mode
When this mode is active, the BSA
system sends a visual warning to the
door mirror relating to the object
detected.
However, when operating in RCP
mode, the system sends visual and
acoustic warnings when the presence
of an object is detected.
When an acoustic warning is sent, the
Uconnect™volume is lowered.
"Blind Spot Assist", "Visual and
acoustic" mode
When this mode is active, the BSA
system sends a visual warning to the
door mirror relating to the object
detected.
If the direction indicator on the side
where an obstacle has been detected is
activated, an acoustic warning is
emitted as well.
When a direction indicator is active and
an object is simultaneously detected on
the same side, both the acoustic and
visual warnings are emitted. The
Uconnect™volume is also lowered.
During "RCP" operating mode, the
system sends acoustic and visual
warnings if the presence of an object is
detected. When an acoustic warning is
sent, theUconnect™volume is also
lowered."Blind Spot Assist" function
deactivation
When the system is deactivated ("Blind
spot alert" mode at "OFF"), the BSA or
RCP systems will not emit neither
acoustic nor visual warnings.
The BSA system will store the operating
mode running when the engine was
switched off. Each time the engine is
started, the operating mode stored
previously will be recalled and used.
IMPORTANT The system is an aid for
vehicle driving, it DOES NOT warn the
driver about incoming vehicles outside
of the detection areas. The driver must
always maintain a sufficient level of
attention to the traffic and road
conditions and for controlling the
trajectory of the vehicle.
FULL BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM
58) 59) 60) 61)
21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29)
The vehicle can be equipped with the
"Full Brake Control" system. This is a
driving assistance system which
comprises a radar located behind the
front bumper fig. 59 and a camera
located in the central part of the
windscreen fig. 60.In the event of an imminent collision the
system intervenes by automatically
braking the vehicle to prevent the crash
or reduce its effects.
The system provides the driver with
acoustic and visual signals through
specific messages on the instrument
panel display.
The system may lightly brake to warn
the driver if a possible frontal accident is
59F1B0095C
60F1B0096C
77

detected (limited braking). Signals and
limited braking are intended to allow the
driver to react promptly, in order to
prevent or reduce the effects of a
potential accident.
In situations with the risk of collision, if
the system detects no intervention by
the driver, it provides automatic braking
to help slow the vehicle and mitigate
the potential frontal collision (automatic
braking). If intervention by the driver on
the brake pedal is detected but not
deemed sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve the
reaction of the braking system,
therefore reducing vehicle speed further
(additional assistance in braking stage).
Versions equipped with Start&Stop
system: at the end of the automatic
braking, the Start&Stop system will
activate as described in paragraph
"Start&Stop system" of the "Starting
and driving" chapter.
Versions with manual gearbox:at
the end of the automatic braking the
engine may stall and turn off, unless the
driver presses the clutch pedal.
Versions with automatic
transmission / twin clutch
automatic transmission: at the end
of the braking, the latest stored gear is
engaged: the vehicle may thereforerestart after a few seconds from the
automatic stop.
IMPORTANT Both on versions
equipped with manual gearbox and on
those with automatic transmission, after
the vehicle is stopped the brake
callipers may be stuck for about
2 seconds for safety reasons. Make
sure you press the brake pedal if the
vehicle moves slightly forwards.
Activation/deactivation
The Full Brake Control system can be
deactivated (and then reactivated) via
theUconnect™system (see the
description in the dedicated
supplement).
The system can be deactivated even
with the ignition device at MAR.
IMPORTANT The system status can be
changed with vehicle at a standstill only.
The Full Brake Control system can be
set to three activation levels through the
Uconnect™system:
System active: the system (if active),
in addition to the visual and acoustic
warnings, provides limited braking,
automatic braking and additional
assistance in braking stage, where the
driver does not brake sufficiently in the
event of a potential frontal impact;
System partially active: the system (if
active) does not provide limited braking,but guarantees automatic braking or
additional assistance in braking stage,
where the driver does not brake at all or
not sufficiently in the event of a potential
frontal impact. The visual and acoustic
warnings are deactivated, and will not
be provided;
System deactivated: the system
does not provide visual and acoustic
warnings, limited braking, automatic
braking or additional assistance in
braking stage. The system will therefore
provide no indication of a possible
accident.
Activation/deactivation
If the Full Brake Control system has
been correctly activated with the
Uconnect™system, this will be active
each time the engine is started.
Following a deactivation, the system will
not warn the driver about the possible
collision with the preceding vehicle,
regardless of the setting selected with
theUconnect™system.
The system deactivation status will not
be stored when the engine is switched
off: if the system is deactivated when
the engine is switched off, it will be
active when it is next started.
This function is not active at a speed
lower than 7 km/h or higher than
200 km/h.
The system is only active if:
78
SAFETY