2018 FIAT 500X brake sensor

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 and
stability 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.
34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40)
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.
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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.
56)
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 to
reasons such as driving on high side
gradients, collision with objects or other
vehicles.
57)
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.
58) 59)
WARNING
34) 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.
35) 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.
36) 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.
37) The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
38) The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
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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 car 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. 60 ), to detect the presence of cars
(cars, trucks, motorbikes, etc.) in the
rear side blind spots of the car. The system warns the driver about the
presence of cars in the detection area
by lighting up, on the relevant side, the
warning light located on the door mirror
fig. 61, along with an acoustic warning.
As soon as the ignition key is in MAR
position, or when the engine is started
(keyless version), 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 car at a standstill and the gear
lever in position P (Park) (versions with
automatic transmission), or with car at a
standstill and electric parking brake
engaged (versions with manual
transmission).
The detection area of the system
covers about a lane on both sides of
the vehicle (around 3 metres).
This area starts from the door mirror
and extends for about 6 metres
towards the rear part of the car.
When the sensors are active the system
monitors the detection areas on both
sides of the car and warns the driver
about the possible presence of cars in
these areas.
While driving the system monitors the
detection area from three different input
points (side, rear and front) to check
whether a warning needs to be sent to
the driver. The system can detect the
presence of a vehicle in one of these
three areas.
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SAFETY

Changing the system sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be
changed through theUconnect™
system menu, choosing from one of the
following three options: "Near", "Med"
or "Far". See the description in the
Uconnect™ supplement for how to
change the settings.
The pre-set option is "Med". With this
setting, the system warns the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in
front when that vehicle is at a standard
distance, between that of the other two
settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far",
the system will warn the driver of a
possible collision with the vehicle in
front when that vehicle is at a greater
distance, thus providing the possibility
of acting on the brakes more lightly and
gradually. This setting provides the
drivers with the maximum possible
reaction time to prevent a potential
accident.
With the option set to "Near", the
system will warn the driver of a possible
collision with the vehicle in front when
that vehicle is close. This setting offers
the driver a lower reaction time
compared to the "Med" and "Far"
settings, in the event of a potential
collision, but permits more dynamic
driving of the vehicle. The system sensitivity setting is kept in
the memory when the engine is
switched off.
System limited operation signal
If the dedicated message is displayed,
a condition limiting the system
operation may have occurred. The
possible reasons of this limitation are
something blocking the camera view or
a fault.
If an obstruction is signalled, clean the
area of the windscreen indicated in
fig. 63 and check that the message has
disappeared.
Although the vehicle can still be driven
in normal conditions, the system may
be not completely available.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to
normal and complete operation. Should
the fault persist, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
System failure signalling
If the system switches off and a
dedicated message is shown on the
display, it means that there is a fault on
the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive
the vehicle, but you are advised to
contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
Radar indication not available
If conditions are such that the radar
cannot detect obstacles correctly, the
system is deactivated and a dedicated
message will be shown on the display.
This generally occurs in the event of
poor visibility, such as when it is
snowing or raining heavily.
The system can also be temporarily
dimmed due to obstructions such as
mud, dirt or ice on the bumper. In such
cases, a dedicated message will be
shown on the display and the system
will be deactivated. This message can
sometimes appear in conditions of high
reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with reflective
tiles or ice or snow). When the
conditions limiting the system
functioning end, it will go back to a
normal and complete operation.
In certain particular cases, this
dedicated message could be displayed
when the radar is not detecting any
vehicle or object within its view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the
real reason behind this message, check
if the sensor is dirty. It could be
necessary to clean or remove any
obstructions in the area illustrated in
fig. 62.
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SAFETY

If the message appears often, even in
the absence of atmospheric conditions
such as snow, rain, mud or other
obstructions, contact a Fiat Dealership
for a sensor alignment check.
In the absence of visible obstructions,
cleaning the radar surface, by manually
removing the decorative cover trim,
could be required. Have this operation
performed at a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT It is recommended that
you do not install devices, accessories
or aerodynamic attachments in front of
the sensor or darken it in any way, as
this can compromise the correct
functioning of the system.
Frontal collision alarm with active
braking
(where provided)
If this function is selected, the brakes
are operated to reduce the speed of the
vehicle in the event of potential frontal
impact
This function applies an additional
braking pressure if the braking pressure
applied by the driver does not suffice to
prevent potential frontal impact.
The function is active with speed above
7 km/h.Driving in special conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as,
for example:
driving close to a bend;
vehicles with small dimensions
and/or not aligned in the driving lane;
lane change by other vehicles;
vehicles travelling at right angles to
the vehicle.
system intervention might be
unexpected or delayed. The driver must
therefore be very careful, keeping
control of the vehicle to drive in
complete safety.
IMPORTANT In particularly complex
traffic conditions, the driver can
deactivate the system through the
Uconnect™ system.
Driving close to a bend
When tackling a wide bend, the system
may detect the presence of a vehicle in
front you, but not running on the same
driving lane fig. 64. In cases such as
these, the system may intervene. Vehicles with small dimensions
and/or not aligned in the driving
lane
The system cannot detect vehicles in
front of you but outside the range of the
radar sensor and may therefore not
react in the presence of small vehicles,
such as bicycles or motorcycles fig. 65.
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WARNING
60)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.
61) 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.
62) 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).
63) The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
64) If the car must be placed on a roller
bench 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
settings of the Uconnect™system.
65) If the iTPMS system signals a pressure
decrease on the tyres, it is recommended
to check the pressure on all four tyres. 66)
The iTPMS 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.
67) 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
68) The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
69) The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
70) Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
IMPORTANT
32) The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such
as: heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
33) The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with
adhesives, auxiliary headlights or any other
object.
34) System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle. 35)
Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front
geometry, tyre change, or a heavier load
than the standard load of the vehicle.
36) Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may
alter the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to a Fiat
Dealership for any operation of this type.
37) Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of
a sensor failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
38) When towing a trailer (with modules
installed after purchasing the vehicle), a
vehicle or during loading manoeuvres on a
vehicle transporter (or in vehicle for
transport), the system must be deactivated
via the Uconnect™system.
39) Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical
connector.
40) Be careful in the case of repairs and
new paintings in the area around the
sensor (panel covering the sensor on the
left side of the bumper). In the event of a
frontal impact the sensor may automatically
deactivate and display a warning to indicate
that the sensor needs to be repaired. Even
without a malfunction warning, deactivate
the system operation if you think that the
position of the radar sensor has changed
(e.g. due to low-speed frontal impact as
during parking manoeuvres). In these
cases, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the
radar sensor realigned or replaced.
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SAFETY

When the system has been set, the
dedicated icon on the display (see
paragraph above) is grey on models
with a monochrome display, and green
on versions with a colour display.
IMPORTANT Press the accelerator
pedal to make the car go faster than
the set speed.
While the accelerator pedal is pressed:
a dedicated message is displayed for
a few seconds;
the device will not be able to control
the distance between the vehicle and
the one ahead. In this case the speed
will be determined only by the position
of the accelerator pedal.
The device will return to normal
operation as soon as the accelerator
pedal is released.
The system cannotbe set
when pressing the brake pedal;
when the brakes are overheated;
when the electric parking brake is
engaged;
when the shift lever is in the P (park),
R (reverse) or N (neutral) positions
(versions with automatic transmission or
automatic transmission with double
clutch);
when the shift lever is in the R
(reverse), neutral or in 1st(first gear
engaged) positions (versions with
manual transmission);
when the clutch is pressed (versions
with manual transmission);
when the engine speed exceeds a
maximum threshold (versions with
manual transmission and versions with
automatic transmission/automatic
transmission with double clutch) or
goes below a minimum threshold (only
versions with manual transmission);
when the car speed is not within the
settable speed range;
when the ESC (or ABS or other
stability control systems) are operating
or have just operated;
when the ESC system is off;
during automatic braking by the Full
Brake Control system (where provided);
when the Speed Limiter is active;
when the electronic Cruise Control is
active;
in case of failure of the device;
when the engine is off;
in case of obstruction of the radar
sensor (in this case the bumper area
where it is located must be cleaned).
In case of system set, the conditions
described above also cause a
cancellation or deactivation of the
system with times that may vary
according to the conditions. IMPORTANT With the device set, it is
possible to reach speeds higher than
those set in the system by pressing the
accelerator pedal. In this condition, the
device does not turn off automatically,
but the device functions are limited: it is
therefore recommended to turn it off.
CHANGING SPEED
Speed increase
After having set the device, the stored
speed can be stored by holding the
SET + button pressed.
Press the SET + button once: the set
speed will increase by 1 km/h (or the
equivalent in mph). Each touch of the
button once will increase the speed by
1 km/h (or the equivalent in mph).
Hold the SET + button down: the set
speed will increase in 10 km/h steps (or
the equivalent in mph) until the button is
released. The set speed increase is
shown on the display.
Decreasing speed
After having set the device, the stored
speed can be reduced by holding the
SET – button pressed.
Press the SET – button once: the set
speed will decrease by 1 km/h (or the
equivalent in mph). Each touch of the
button once will reduce the speed by
1 km/h (or the equivalent in mph).
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STARTING AND DRIVING

Hold the SET – button down: the set
speed will decrease in 10 km/h steps
(or the equivalent in mph) until the
button is released. The set speed
decrease is shown on the display.
NOTE If you select “Sport” mode in
Drive Mode (or Mood Selector,
depending on the market), the ACC will
switch to sport mode: the system will
become more reactive when
accelerating.
ACCELERATING WHEN
OVERTAKING
When driving with the device active and
following a vehicle, the device provides
additional acceleration to facilitate
overtaking, when travelling over a given
speed and switches on the left direction
indicator (of the right indicator for
right-hand drive versions).
RECALLING THE SPEED
Once the system has been cancelled
but not deactivated, if a speed was
previously set simply press the RES
button and remove your foot from the
accelerator to recall it.
The system will be set to the last stored
speed.
Before returning to the previously set
speed, bring the speed close to that
value, then press the RES button and
release it.
SETTING THE DISTANCE
BETWEEN CARS
The distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead may be set to 1 bar
(short), 2 bars (medium), 3 bars (long),
4 bars (maximum) fig. 106.
The distances from the vehicle ahead
are proportional to speed. The interval
of time with respect to the vehicle
ahead remains constant and varies
from 1 second (for the short distance
1-bar setting) to 2 seconds (for the
maximum distance 4-bar setting). The setting is 4 (maximum) the first time
the device is used. After the distance
has been modified by the driver, the
new distance will be stored also after
the system is deactivated and
reactivated.
To decrease the distance
Press and release the
button to
decrease the distance setting.
The distance setting decreases by one
bar (shorter) every time the button is
pressed.
The set speed is held if there are no
cars ahead. Once the shortest distance
has been reached, a further press of
the button will set the longest distance.
The car holds the set distance until:
the vehicle ahead accelerates to a
speed higher than the set speed;
the vehicle ahead leaves the lane or
the detection field of the Adaptive
Cruise Control device sensor;
the distance setting is changed;
the Adaptive Cruise Control device is
deactivated/cancelled.
IMPORTANT The maximum breaking
applied by the device is limited. The
driver may apply the brakes in all cases
if needed.
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