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
STARTING THE
ENGINE
The vehicle is fitted with an electronic
engine lock device: if the engine fails to
start, see the paragraph “The Fiat
CODE system” in section “Know your
vehicle”.
Before starting the vehicle, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors,
the door mirrors and fasten the seat
belts correctly. Never press the
accelerator pedal for starting the
engine.
115)
14) 15)
PROCEDURE FOR
VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake;
put the gear lever into neutral;
turn the ignition key to theMAR
position: the warning lights
and
on the instrument panel will turn on;
wait for the warning lightsand
to turn off, which will happen faster
the warmer the engine is;
fully depress the clutch pedal
without touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to the AVV
position as soon as the warning light
turns off. Waiting too long will waste
the heating work carried out by the
plugs.
Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
PROCEDURE FOR
VERSIONS WITH
COMFORT MATIC
TRANSMISSION
The system allows the engine to be
started both with a gear engaged and
with the gearbox in neutral (N);
however, the brake pedal must be
pressed first with a gear engaged.
It is advisable to place the gear lever in
neutral (N) before starting the engine.
16)
PROCEDURE FOR
NATURAL POWER
VERSIONS
(For versions/markets, where provided)
The various engine cranking methods
are described below:
METHANE tank not on reserve –
petrol tank not empty:
the engine is always started in methane
mode;
METHANE tank empty – petrol tank
not empty:the engine is forced to start on petrol
and it will not switch to methane until
the methane tank has been filled. At the
same time, the reserve warning light
will turn on and the "REFUELLING
REQUIRED" message will be shown on
the instrument panel display;
METHANE tank not on reserve –
petrol tank empty:
the engine is always started in methane
mode.
17) 18) 19) 20) 21)
WARNING
115)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in
oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
WARNING
14)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessive intense braking,
etc.) during the initial period of use.
15)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
115
16)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by a buzzer.
17)If the warning light
flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates a
problem in the glow plug preheating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
18)Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational until the
engine has been started, so you need to
apply much more force than usual to
the brake pedal and steering wheel.
19)Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
20)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
21)In some cases, when the engine
switches off, the fan could activate for max.
120 seconds.
WHEN PARKED
116)
22)
Proceed as follows when parking and
leaving the vehicle:
engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill
or reverse if it is facing downhill) and
leave the wheels steered;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope, it is advisable to block the
wheels with a wedge or stone.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission (Comfort matic), wait
for the letterPto appear on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANTNEVERleave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
(Comfort matic) transmission, before
putting the shift lever in thePposition).HANDBRAKE
Handbrake engagement:The
handbrake lever is located to the left of
the driver's seat. Pull the lever upwards
to engage the handbrake and ensure
that the vehicle does not move.
Handbrake disengagement:slightly
raise the lever, hold the button A
pressed and check that the
warning light switches off on the
instrument panel.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the vehicle
from moving accidentally.
WARNING
116)Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
WARNING
22)If the vehicle is equipped with
self-levelling air suspension, always check
that there is sufficient space above the roof
and around the vehicle when parking.
Indeed, the vehicle could raise (or lower)
automatically depending on load or
temperature changes.
116
STARTING AND DRIVING
MANUAL MODE
IMPORTANT To use the system
correctly, it is advisable to only use your
right foot to operate the pedals.
Press the brake pedal;
start the engine;
if AUTO is on the display, move the
shift lever to A/M to select MANUAL
mode;
push the shift lever towards(+)(shift
up) to engage first gear (if starting
fromNorR, simply move the lever to
the middle position), or R to engage
reverse;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal;
when driving, push the shift lever
towards(+)to engage a higher gear or
towards(–)to engage a lower gear.AUTOMATIC MODE
IMPORTANT To use the system
correctly, it is advisable to only use your
right foot to operate the pedals.
Press the brake pedal;
start the engine;
if AUTO is not on the display, move
the shift lever to A/M to select
AUTOMATIC mode;
push the shift lever toA/Mto enable
automatic mode; push the shift lever
towards(+)(shift up) to engage first
gear (if starting fromNorR, simply
move the lever to the middle position),
orRto engage reverse.
Release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
(AUTO with UP function
on)
TheUPfunction can be turned on by
pressing theUPfig. 109 button located
among the dashboard controls. After
turning this function on, the warning
light
on the instrument panel turns
on, together with a confirmation
message on the reconfigurable
multifunction display.With theUPfunction on, the system
will select the most suitable gear
depending on the vehicle speed, the
engine speed and the intensity with
which the accelerator pedal is pressed,
with the aim of tackling roads with
steep gradients in a smooth and
comfortable manner.
If necessary, (for example when
overtaking), after pressing the
accelerator pedal fully, the system shifts
down one or more gears to provide
suitable torque and power for the
acceleration requested by the driver
(this all takes place automatically
whether theUPfunction is on or off).
108F0N0349M
109F0N0348M
118
STARTING AND DRIVING
When the device is turned on, the
warning light turns on together with
the corresponding message on the
instrument panel.
Storing vehicle speed
Proceed as follows:
turn the ring A fig. 110 - fig. 111 to
the ON position or
(depending
on the version) and press the
accelerator pedal to take the vehicle to
the desired speed;
move the stalk upwards (+) for at
least one second, then release it. The
vehicle speed is now stored and you
can therefore release the accelerator
pedal.
Increasing/reducing the stored
speed
Once the Cruise Control is activated,
you can increase the speed by moving
the lever upwards (+) or decrease it
by moving the lever downwards (-).
Each movement of the stalk will
correspond to a slight reduction in
speed of about 1 km/h, while keeping
the stalk held downwards will decrease
the speed continuously.
Turning the device off
The device can be switched off by the
driver in the following ways:
turning ring nut A to OFF orO
(according to the version);
by switching off the engine;
Deactivating the function
The device can be switched off by the
driver in the following ways:
turning ring nut A to OFF orO
(according to the version);
pressing the button B, both with
symbolIIand symbol CANC/RES, the
system pauses;
by switching off the engine;
by pressing the brake pedal or
operating the handbrake;
by pressing the clutch pedal;
requesting a gear shift with an
automatic transmission in sequential
mode;
with the vehicle speed below the set
limit
by pressing the accelerator pedal; in
this case the system is not actually
turned off but the acceleration request
takes priority; the Cruise Control
remains activated, without the need to
press the CANC/RES button to restore
the previous conditions once the
acceleration is over.
The device is automatically switched off
in the following cases:
if the ABS or ESC systems
intervene;
in the event of system failure.
120) 121)
SPEED LIMITER
This device allows the vehicle speed to
be limited to a value set by the driver.
The maximum speed can be set both
with vehicle stationary and in motion.
The minimum speed that can be set is
30 km/h.
110 - Versions without Speed LimiterF1A0364
111 - Versions with Speed LimiterF1A0363
120
STARTING AND DRIVING
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a
type-approved tow hook and adequate
electrical system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation should be carried
out by specialised personnel who
will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the
braking spaces increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle
tow hook will reduce the loading
capacity of the vehicle by the same
amount. Consider the weight of the
trailer fully laden, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do
not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown on the vehicle
registration document).Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in
the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.
You are advised to fit a suitable
stabiliser to the trailer drawbar.
In the vehicles equipped with parking
sensors, after fitting the tow hook
malfunctioning warnings may be
displayed, as some parts (tow bar, ball
tow hook) may be within the sensor
detection range. In this case the
detection range must be adjusted or
the parking assistance function must be
deactivated.
In vehicles equipped with "Comfort-
matic" transmission, make sure that the
gearbox is in neutral (N) (checking that
the vehicle moves when pushed) and
proceed in the same way as for towing
a normal vehicle with manual
transmission. If the gearbox cannot be
put in neutral, do not tow the vehicle
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
136) 137)
INSTALLING THE TOW
HOOK
The towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised technicians
according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the
Manufacturer of the device.
The towing device must meet current
regulations with reference to Directive
94/20/EC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the
vehicle on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a standard
connector should be used which is
generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device,
and a special ECU for external trailer
light control must be installed on the
vehicle. For the electrical connection, 7
or 13 pin 12 V DC connections are to
be used (CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN
Standards). Follow the instructions
provided by the vehicle manufacturer
and/or the tow hitch manufacturer.
Any electric brake (or electric winch,
etc.) should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a section
of at least 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brakes or other
devices must be used with engine
running.
135