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.
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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.
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63
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
67)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver, who must take into account
the traffic conditions in order to drive
in complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front.
68)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
69)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.
70)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.71)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench (at a speed within 5 and 30 km/h)
for maintenance interventions or if it is
washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part
(e.g. another car, a wall or another
obstacle), the system may detect its
presence and activate. In this case the
system must be deactivated through the
display Setup Menu.
72)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the pressure on all
four tyres.
73)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not to
be considered a system to replace
maintenance or a safety system.
74)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.
75)The iTPMS 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.
76)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
77)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
WARNING
30)The laser sensor may have limited or
absent operation due to weather
conditions such as: heavy rain, hail, thick
fog, heavy snow, formation of ice layers on
the windscreen.
31)Sensor operation may also be
compromised by the presence of dust,
condensation, dirt or ice on the
windscreen, by traffic conditions (e.g.
vehicles that are driving not aligned with
you car, vehicle driving in a transverse
or opposite way on the same lane, bend
with a small radius of curvature), by road
surface conditions and by driving
conditions (e.g. off-road driving). Make sure
the windscreen is always clean. Use
specific detergents and clean cloths to
avoid scratching the windscreen. The
sensor operation may also be limited or
absent in some driving, traffic and road
surface conditions.
32)Projecting loads on the roof of the car
may interfere with the correct operation
of the sensor. Before starting make sure
the load is correctly positioned, in order not
to cover the sensor operating range.
33)If the windscreen must be replaced
due to scratches, chipping or breakage,
contact exclusively a Fiat Dealership.
Do not replace the windscreen on your
own, risk of malfunction! It is advisable to
replace the windscreen if it is damaged
in the laser sensor area.
68
SAFETY
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;
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71
With driver and/or passenger side (with
passenger present) seat belts
unfastened, when 20 km/h are
exceeded or when travelling at a speed
between 10 and 20 km/h for longer
than 5 seconds, an acoustic signal
cycle will be started for the front seats
(continuous acoustic signal for 6
seconds followed by a 90 second
beep) and the warning light will flash.
Once the cycle is complete, the
warning lights stay on with a fixed light
until the vehicle is turned off or the
seat belt fastened.
If the seat belt is unfastened again while
travelling, the acoustic warning restarts
as described previously and the
icon is displayed.
For the rear seats, the reminder cycle is
only activated when any seat belt is
unfastened together with an acoustic
warning (three beeps). If the condition
of any (front or rear) seat belt changes,
also the condition of the other
(front/rear) seat belts is reported.
The visual indication (display of the
icon) will start and stop
independently for each warning light if
several seat belts are unfastened.
The visual indication will change
condition (display of the
icon) after
the corresponding seat belt has been
fastened again.IMPORTANT When the ignition key is
turned to MAR, if all the front and
rear belts are already fastened the
warning lights will be displayed for
30 seconds.
PRE-TENSIONERS
84) 85) 86) 87)
37)
The vehicle is equipped with front seat
belt pretensioners, which draw back
the seat belts by several centimetres in
the event of a strong frontal impact.
This guarantees the perfect adherence
of the seat belts to the occupant's
bodies before the retention action
begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
towards the retractor. This vehicle is
also equipped with a second
pretensioner (in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication. Anything
that modifies its original conditions
invalidates its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced.
72
SAFETY
Main recommendations to carry
children safely
Install the child restraint systems on
the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of an
impact.
Keep children in rearward facing
child restraint systems for as long as
possible, until 3–4 years old if possible.
Should a rearward facing child
restraint system be installed on the rear
seats, it is advisable to position it as
far forward as the position of the front
seat allows.
If the passenger's front airbag is
deactivated, always check that the
warning light is on constantly in the
central dashboard, to make sure that
it has actually been deactivated.
Carefully follow the instructions
supplied with the child restraint system.
Keep the instructions in the vehicle
along with the other documents and
this handbook. Do not use second-
hand child restraint systems without
instructions.
Only one child is to be strapped into
each restraint system; never carry two
children using one child restraint
system.
Always check that the seat belts do
not rest on the child’s neck.
Always check that the seat belt is
well fastened by pulling on it.
While travelling, do not let the child
sit incorrectly or unfasten the belts.
Never allow a child to put the belt's
diagonal section under an arm or
behind their back.
Never carry children on your lap,
even newborns. No one can hold
a child in the case of an accident.
If the car has been involved in a
medium-high severity road accident,
replace the child restraint system with a
new one. In addition, and depending
on the type of child restraint system
installed, replace the isofix anchorages
or the seat belt with which the child
restraint system was connected.
Before installing a child restraint
system of any kind on the rear seat
facing in the direction of movement of
the vehicle, it is necessary to remove
the head restraint from the rear seat
position in which the child restraint
system is to be installed. On the other
hand, before installing a child restraint
system composed of only the seat
cushion (without backrest) on the rear
seat, it is necessary to ensure that
the head restraint of the rear seat
position in which the child restraint
system is to be installed is correctly
fitted.
WARNING
88)SEVERE DANGER When a front
passenger airbag is fitted, do not install
rearward facing child restraint systems on
the front passenger seat. Deployment of
the airbag in an accident could cause fatal
injuries to the child regardless of the
severity of the collision. It is advisable to
always carry children in a child restraint
system on the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of a
collision.
89)On the sun visor there is a label with
suitable symbols reminding the user that it
is compulsory to deactivate the airbag if
a rearward facing child restraint system is
fitted. Always comply with the instructions
on the passenger side sun visor (see the
"Supplementary Restraint System (SRS)
- Airbag" paragraph).
90)Should it be necessary to carry a child
on the passenger side front seat in a rear
facing child restraint system, the passenger
side front and side airbags must be
deactivated through the display main
menu, verifying deactivation by checking
that the warning light
located in the
central part of the dashboard has switched
on. Move the passenger's seat as far
back as possible to avoid contact between
the child seat and the dashboard.
91)Do not move the front or rear seat if a
child is seated on it or on the dedicated
child restraint system.
83