WINDOW WASHING
IN BRIEF
The right-hand lever fig. 56 turns on
the windscreen wiper/washer and,
where provided, the headlight
washers and the rain sensor.
This operates only with the ignition
key turned to MAR.
SCREEN WIPER/WASHER
The left-hand lever fig. 56 has five
different positions:
Awindscreen wiper off.
Bintermittent operation.
With the stalk in position B, turn ring
nut F to select one of four different
speeds for the intermittent operation
mode:
very slow intermittent operation.
--slow intermittent operation.
---medium intermittent operation.
----fast intermittent operation.
Ccontinuous slow operation.
Dcontinuous fast operation
Etemporary fast operation (unstable
position).Temporary fast operation in position E
is limited to the time that the lever is
manually held in this position. The lever
returns to position A when it is
released, automatically stopping the
windscreen wipers.
4)
IMPORTANT Replace the wiper blades
as specified in the “Maintenance and
care” section.“Smart washing” function
Pulling the stalk towards the steering
wheel (unstable position) operates
the windscreen washer fig. 57.
Keeping the stalk pulled for more than
half a second, with just one movement
it is possible to operate the washer
jet and the wiper at the same time.
The windscreen wiper stops working
three strokes after the stalk is released.
A further stroke after approx. 6 seconds
completes the wiping cycle.
RAIN SENSOR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The rain sensor is located behind the
driving mirror in contact with the
windscreen and has the purpose of
automatically adjust, during the
intermittent operation, the frequency of
the windscreen wiper strokes as to
the rain intensity.
56F1A0071
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32
KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE
What it means What to do
redINCOMPLETE DOOR/LOAD COMPARTMENT
CLOSURE
On certain versions the warning light switches on
when one or more doors or the load compartment are
not completely shut.
On some versions, the display shows a dedicated
message that indicates left/right front door or rear/load
compartment door opening.
A buzzer will sound when doors/tailgate are open and
the vehicle is moving.
redPOWER STEERING FAILURE
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON the
warning light on the dial turns on, but it should turn off
after a few seconds.
If the warning light stays on together with the message
shown on the display and a buzzer, the power steering
is ineffective and the effort on the steering wheel
increases significantly even though the vehicle can be
steered.Contact a Fiat Dealership.
redSELF-LEVELLING SUSPENSION FAILURE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light switches on when a fault is present
in the self-levelling suspension system.
61
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
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
It automatically operates in the event
of one or both 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.
60)
Engagement/ disengagement of the
ASR system
The ASR is switched on automatically
each time the engine is started.
While driving, the ASR can be switched
off and subsequently switched on
again by pressing the ASR OFF button
(A fig. 82).
61)
On some versions, the intervention of
the system is indicated by a 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.
If the ASR is disengaged during driving,
it is automatically reactivated when
the vehicle is next started.
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.
HBA SYSTEM
(Hydraulic Brake Assist)
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 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 no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
62) 63) 64)
ERM ELECTRONIC ROLLOVER
MITIGATION SYSTEM
(Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
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 the tendency
to roll over if this is due to reasons
such as driving on high side gradients,
collision with objects or other vehicles.
65)
82F1A0324
83
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
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt retractors contain a load
limiter which controls the force acting
on the chest and shoulders during
the belt restraining action in the event of
a head-on collision.
GENERAL WARNINGS
FOR USING THE SEAT
BELTS
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the case of accident 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. 89).While pregnancy progresses, the driver
must adjust both the seat and the
steering wheel to ensure full control of
the vehicle (pedals and steering wheel
must be easily accessible). The
maximum clearance should be kept
between the abdomen and the steering
wheel. The seat belt strap 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 fig. 90, not to the
abdomen of the occupant. Do not use
devices (clips, etc.) to hold the seat belt
away from your body.
84) 85) 86)
Each seat belt must be used by only
one person. Never travel with a child
sitting on the passenger's lap and
a single belt to protect them both fig.
91. In general, do not place any objects
between the person and the belt.SEAT BELTS
MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, carefully observe the
following warnings:always use the seat belt well
stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without
obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
89F1A0148
90F1A0149
91F1A0150
95
SUPPLEMENTARY
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) - AIRBAG
The vehicle may be equipped with:
driver front airbag;
passenger front airbag;
front side bags to protect the pelvis
and chest of the driver and passenger;
window bags to protect the heads
of the front seat occupants.
The airbag locations on the vehicle are
marked by the word "AIRBAG" in the
middle of the steering wheel, on the
dashboard, on the side lining or on
a label placed next to the airbag
deployment area.
FRONT AIRBAGS
The front airbags protect the front seat
occupants in the event of a medium-
high severity frontal impact, by placing
the bag between the occupant and
the steering wheel or dashboard.
Therefore, non-activation in other types
of collisions (side collisions, rear shunts,
roll-overs, etc.) is not a system
malfunction.
An electronic control unit will make the
bag inflate in the event of a frontal
impact.The bag will inflate instantaneously
placing itself between the front
occupants body and the structures
which could cause injury. It will deflate
immediately afterwards.
Front airbags are not a replacement of
but complementary to the seat belts,
which you are recommended to always
wear, as specified by law in Europe
and most non-European countries.
In the event of an impact, someone not
wearing a seat belt could move forward
and come into contact with a bag
which is still opening. The protection
offered by the bag is compromised
in these circumstances.
Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the vehicle (e.g. wing
collision against guard rail, etc.);
when the vehicle is wedged under
other vehicles or protective barriers
(e.g. under a lorry or a guardrail); Failure
to deploy in the conditions described
above is due to the fact that the airbags
may not provide any additional
protection compared with seat belts, so
their activation would be inappropriate.
In these cases, non-deployment does
not indicate a system malfunction.
99)
The driver's and passenger's front
airbags have been designed and
calibrated to protect front seat
occupants wearing seat belts. At their
maximum inflation, their volume fills
most of the space between the steering
wheel and the driver and between the
dashboard and the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the
event of minor frontal impacts (for
which the restraining action of the seat
belts is sufficient). Seat belts must
always be worn. In the event of a frontal
collision, they ensure the correct
positioning of the occupant.
FRONT AIRBAG DRIVER'S
SIDE
It consists of an instantly inflating bag
contained in a special recess at the
centre of the steering wheel fig. 100.
100F1A0312
107
IMPORTANT A small amount of dust
will be released when the airbags
are deployed. The dust is not harmful
and does not indicate the beginning of
a fire. Furthermore, the surface of the
deployed bag and the interior of the
vehicle may be covered in a dusty
residue: this may irritate your skin and
eyes. Wash with mild soap and water in
the event of exposure.
IMPORTANT Should an accident occur
in which any of the safety devices are
activated, take the vehicle to a Fiat
Dealership to have the activated
devices replaced and to have the whole
system checked.
Every control, repair and replacement
operation concerning the airbags must
be carried out only at Fiat Dealerships.
If you are having the vehicle scrapped,
have the system deactivated at a Fiat
Dealership first. If the vehicle changes
ownership, the new owner must be
informed of how to use the airbags and
the above warnings and also be given
this "Owner Handbook".
IMPORTANT Pretensioners, front
airbags and front side bags are
deployed differently according to the
type of collision. Failure to activate one
or more of the devices does not
indicate a system malfunction.
WARNING
99)Do not apply stickers or other objects
to the steering wheel, the dashboard in
the passenger side airbag area and the
seats. Never put objects (e.g. mobile
phones) on the passenger side of the
dashboard since they could interfere with
correct inflation of the passenger airbag
and also cause serious injury to the
passengers.
100)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.
101)Never rest head, arms and elbows on
the doors, on the windows and in the
side air bag head protection area (Window
Bag) to prevent possible injuries during
inflation phase.
102)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.103)If when turning the key to MAR the
warning light
does not turn on or if
it stays on when travelling (together with
the message on the multifunction display,
for versions/markets where provided), there
could be a fault in the safety systems; in
this event, airbags or pretensioners may
not trigger in the case of impact or, in
a lower number of cases, they could be
triggered accidentally. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
104)Do not cover the backrest of the front
or rear seats with covers which are not
suitable for use with side bags.
105)Do not travel carrying objects in your
lap, in front of your chest or between
your lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could
cause severe injury if the airbag is
deployed.
106)Always drive keeping your hands on
the steering wheel rim so the airbag can
inflate freely if necessary. Do not drive with
your body bent forward. Keep your back
straight against the backrest.
112
SAFETY