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.
44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52)
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.
53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58)
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.
60
SAFETY
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.
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. 48 (4x4 versions)
or turn the ring nut fig. 49 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. 48 (4x4 versions) or turn the ring nut
fig. 49 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.
48F1D0122
49F1D0116
62
SAFETY
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. 50, with LED 2
on, to the right, and keep it in this
position until LED 3 on the selector
lights up. The
warning light comes
on in the instrument panel and the
dedicated message is displayed.
IMPORTANT System intervention
set-up can be engaged only with "Off
Road" mode activated.System intervention
To activate the system reach a speed
slower than 25 km/h. After reaching the
desired speed, release the accelerator
and brake pedals completely. If you
want to increase/decrease the speed,
press the accelerator/brake pedals
again.
IMPORTANT The system is also
available for very low speeds between 5
km/h and 9 km/h, but in this interval
the gearbox must be set to neutral to
prevent engine stalling.
IMPORTANT For speeds above 9 km/h,
the HDC system must be used with a
gear that is suitable for the set speed,
in order to prevent possible engine
stalling. 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 HDC is not available when system
intervention set-up is engaged, this
could be due to brake overheating. In
this case, wait for a few minutes.
IMPORTANT The system is available for
speeds between 5 km/h and 25 km/h.
It is advisable to use the system with
low gears (first, second and third).IMPORTANT On level ground in urban
areas it is advisable to deactivate the
HDC system intervention set-up, since
for speeds below 25 km/h in some
usage conditions, such as when setting
off, gearshifting and driving over road
humps without using the accelerator
pedal, the system might activate.
Disabling the system
To deactivate the system, turn the ring
nut fig. 50 to the left, keeping it in
this position until LED 3 on the selector
switches off.
IMPORTANT If the braking system
overheats the system will deactivate
through a gradual release of the braking
pressure, leaving vehicle control to the
driver. Deactivation of the HDC system
is accompanied by flashing of the
warning light, by a dedicated
message on the display and an
acoustic warning. To reactivate the
system intervention set-up wait for the
system to cool down and turn the
ring nut again.
50F1D0116
63
IMPORTANT If the speed exceeds 25
km/h and is below 50 km/h, the HDC
system intervention set-up is
deactivated but is ready for being
reactivated when the speed drops back
below 25 km/h. In this case the
indication on the instrument panel turns
off and the LED on the ring nut stays
on. If vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h,
the HDC system completely
deactivates and each individual action
made by the system on the brakes
is blocked. To reactivate it, turn the ring
nut again when the speed is again
below 25 km/h.
WARNING
44)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.
45)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.
46)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.47)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.
48)The ABS cannot alter the natural laws
of physics, and cannot increase grip which
depends on the condition of the road.
49)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
50)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.
51)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.
52)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.
53)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.
54)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.55)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.
56)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
57)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
58)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.
59)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.
60)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.
61)The ASR system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip which depends on the
condition of the road.
62)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
64
SAFETY
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the
warning
light continuously lit on the instrument
panel 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).
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 thebutton: the
display will show Reset;
press thebutton or the
button to select ("Yes" or "No");
briefly press thebutton: the
display will show "Confirm";
pressbutton orto select
("Yes" to Reset or "No" to exit the video
page);
press thebutton 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.Operating 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 Airflat" 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.
67
WARNING
78)Never press button C fig. 55 when
travelling.
79)Remember that in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
80)The rear central seat belt (for
versions/markets where provided) is
provided with a service buckle. Do not use
the seat belt with the service buckle not
fastened. In this case there is a high risk of
injury or death in the event of an accident.
Before using the belt, always make sure
that the service buckle is correctly
fastened.
81)The rear left and right side belts are
provided with an adjustment device for the
metal tongue position (metal hook). Adjust
the tongue position with respect to the seat
belt to improve comfort and reduce noise
inside the passenger compartment.
82)Make height adjustment of the seat
belts when the car is stationary.
83)After height adjustment, always check
that the cursor to which the ring is fastened
is locked in one of the preset positions. To
do this, with button A fig. 58released,
exert further pressure downwards to allow
the locking device to click if the grip has
not been released in one of the possible
positions.
SBR (Seat Belt
Reminder) SYSTEM
The SBR system warns the passengers
of the front and rear (for versions/
markets, where provided) seats if their
seat belt is not fastened.
The system signals unfastened seat
belts with visual warnings (warning
lights on in the instrument panel and
icons on the display) and an acoustic
signal (see the following paragraphs).
Contact a Fiat Dealership to deactivate
this acoustic warning permanently.
The acoustic warning can be
reactivated at any time through the
display Setup Menu.
Seat belts warning light operation
The icons shown on the display fig.
59 indicate:
1: front left seat belt;
2: rear left seat belt;
3: rear central seat belt;
4: rear right seat belt;
5: front right seat belt;
A: seat belt not fastened;
B: seat belt fastened;
59F1D0054
71
110)The airbags may also be deployed
when the car is not moving, if the key is in
the ignition and turned to MAR-ON or
when the engine is off, if the car is hit by
another moving vehicle. Therefore, even if
the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child. 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. Also remember that, if
the key is turned to STOP, none of the
safety devices (airbags or pretensioners)
will be deployed in the event of collision.
Non-deployment in such cases does
not indicate a system malfunction.111)The airbag warning lightindicates
the passenger protection status. If the
warning light is off, the passenger side
protection is activated. It can be
deactivated from the menu, in this case the
warning light comes on. When the vehicle
is started (ignition key in MAR position), the
warning light comes on for approx. 8
seconds, provided that at least 5 seconds
have elapsed from the previous switching
off. If this does not happen please contact
a Fiat Dealership. If the vehicle is switched
off/on again in less than 5 seconds the
warning light may remain off. In this case,
to check correct warning light operation,
switch the vehicle off, wait at least 5
seconds and switch on again. During the
first 8 seconds, the activation of the
warning light does not actually show the
passenger protection status, but only
checks its correct operation. The warning
light may light up with various intensity
levels depending on the vehicle conditions.
The intensity may also vary during the
same key cycle. (The warning light is tested
also for markets where the passenger
protection deactivation function is
not provided, and the warning light
switches on for less than one second when
the key is turned to MAR, then switches
off again.)
112)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners.
For collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.113)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Because front airbags are not deployed for
low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are
protected, in addition to any side bags,
only by their seat belts, which must
therefore always be fastened.
114)If the “red”
warning light does not
switch on for a few seconds when the
key is turned to MAR, there may be a fault
with the “red” warning light. In this case,
after a few seconds, the
warning light
starts flashing. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
115)To deactivate the airbags using the
instrument panel menu, see the description
in the "Knowing the instrument panel"
chapter, "Setup Menu" paragraph.
90
SAFETY
STARTING THE
ENGINE
116) 117)
38) 39) 40) 41)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors,
the door mirrors and fasten the seat
belt correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
GEARBOX
Petrol versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place
the gear lever in neutral.For 0.9
TwinAir and 0.9 TwinAir Turbo
versionsengage the handbrake and
place the gear lever in neutral or fully
press the clutch pedal if a gear other
than neutral is engaged;
for all versions (except 0.9
TwinAir Turbo)fully depress the clutch
pedal, without pressing the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.Diesel versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake, put the gear
lever into neutral and turn the ignition
key to MAR: the warning lights
and
on the instrument panel will turn
on;
wait for the warning lightsand
to turn off and then fully depress
the clutch pedal without pressing the
accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV as soon
as warning light
switches off.
Release the ignition key as soon as the
engine starts.
IMPORTANT If the engine does not
start at the first attempt, return the
ignition key to STOP before repeating
the procedure. If, with the ignition
key at MAR, the warning lights
and
(only for petrol versions) stay on
in the instrument panel, the ignition key
must be brought back to STOP and
then to MAR again. If the
warning
light stays on, retry with the other
keys provided. Contact a Fiat
Dealership if you still cannot start the
engine.VERSIONS WITH
DUALOGIC GEARBOX
118)Engine starting is allowed both with a
gear engaged and with the gearbox
in neutral (N).
However, the brake pedal must always
be pressed first if neutral is not
engaged. It is therefore advisable to
place the gear lever in neutral (N) before
starting the engine.
LPG AND NATURAL
POWER VERSIONS
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the mode previously
selected.
42)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
43)Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive,
before turning the engine off you should
allow it to idle to allow the temperature
in the engine compartment to
decrease.
92
STARTING AND DRIVING