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
58) 59) 60)
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).
86
SAFETY
66)
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. 102; 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
58)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.
59)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
60)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.
61)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.
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88
SAFETY
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.
116)
14) 15) 17)
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 transmission in neutral (N
fig. 128); however, the brake pedal
must be pressed first with a gear
engaged.
It is advisable to place the gear lever in
neutral (Nfig. 128) before starting the
engine.
DRIVING OFF IN THE
VEHICLE
Driving off in the car is permitted in both
1
stgear and 2ndgear (advisable on
road surfaces with poor grip) and also
in reverse gear (R).
To engage 1
stgear
press the brake pedal;
with the lever in (N)or(R), move the
lever to the middle position;
with the lever already in the middle,
move the lever towards+(higher gear)
fig. 127;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
To engage 2
stgear
press the brake pedal;
with the lever in (N)or(R) fig. 128,
move the lever to the middle position
and then towards+(higher gear) fig.
127;
with the lever already in the middle,
move the lever twice towards+(higher
gear) fig. 127;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
To engage reverse (R):
press the brake pedal;
IMPORTANT With the vehicle running,
the request is accepted and executed if
the vehicle speed drops below 3 km/h
within 1.5 seconds from the request:
if the request is not executed, the
system will keep the gear engaged or, if
the speed of the car drops below 10
km/h, will put the transmission in
neutral (N) and the manoeuvre will have
to be repeated.
Put the lever in (R) fig. 128;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
16)
119
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
116)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
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.
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.
120
STARTING AND DRIVING
When necessary, you can engage
1st ,RorNwith the engine off, the key
in the MAR-ON position and the brake
pressed. In this case, gear shifts must
be made allowing at least 5 minutes
to elapse between one gear shift and
the next to safeguard the operation
of the hydraulic system and the pump
in particular;
for hill starts, accelerating gradually
but fully straight after having released
the handbrake or the brake pedal
allows the engine to greatly increase the
number of revs and tackle steeper
slopes with more torque at the wheels.
on gradients > 5% it is prohibited
to engage the 2ndgear with vehicle
stationary.
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.IMPORTANT Make sure that the
handbrake is engaged in such a way as
to ensure the stationing of the vehicle,
especially in the case of steep slopes
and full load.
IMPORTANT Apply the handbrake only
when the vehicle is at a standstill or
with the vehicle in motion only in the
event of a failure in the hydraulic
system. If exceptional use is made of
the handbrake with the vehicle in
motion, moderate traction is advisable
in order not to cause locking of the
rear end with consequent swerving of
the vehicle.
WARNING
117)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.
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the shift lever into
the required position (the diagram
is shown on the knob A fig. 126).
To engage 6th gear (where provided),
operate the lever by pressing it towards
the right in order to avoid engaging
4th gear by mistake. The action is
similar for shifting from 6th gear to 5th
gear.
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be
engaged when the vehicle is at a
standstill. With the engine running, wait
for at least 2 seconds with the clutch
pedal fully pressed before engaging
reverse to prevent damage to the gears
and grating.
126F1A0163
122
STARTING AND DRIVING
To engage reverse R from neutral,
proceed as follows: raise sliding ring A
under the knob and at the same time
move the gear lever to the left and then
forwards.
118)
23)
WARNING
118)Press the clutch pedal fully to shift
gears correctly. It is therefore essential that
there is nothing under the pedals: make
sure the mats are lying flat and do not get
in the way of the pedals.
WARNING
23)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even
if slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
The clutch pedal should be used only
for gear changes. Do not drive with your
foot resting on the clutch pedal, however
lightly. For versions/markets where
provided, the electronic clutch control
could cut in, interpreting the incorrect
driving style as a fault.
COMFORT-MATIC
GEARBOX
(For versions/markets, where provided)
The vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled manual
gearbox known as COMFORT-MATIC
that has two operating modes:
MANUALandAUTO.
The gearbox consists of a traditional
manual transmission with a leverA fig.
127, to which an electronically
controlled electro-hydraulic device has
been added to automatically control the
clutch and gear the engagement.
CONTROL LEVER
The control leverAfig. 127 on the
central tunnel is of the multi-stable
floating type, in other words it has three
stable and three unstable positions.
The three stable positions correspond
to neutralN, reverseRand the central
position between the unstable(–)
and(+)fig. 127 and fig. 128 positions.
The unstable positions, in other words
those that are left as soon as the lever
is released, are the positions for
requesting a higher gear(+), requesting
a lower gear(–)and requesting
automatic operating mode(A/M).You can return to manual mode by
moving the lever back to the(A/M)
position fig. 129.
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;
127F0N0349M
128F0N0344M
123
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 fig. 128;
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;
push the shift lever toA/Mfig. 129
to enable automatic mode; push the
shift lever towards(+)(shift up) to
engage first gear (if starting fromNor
R, 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. 130 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).
24)
WARNING
24)Avoid keeping your hand placed on this
lever in between gear changes or
Auto/Manual mode.
129F0N0345M130F0N0348M
124
STARTING AND DRIVING
START&STOP
SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
The Start&Stop device automatically
stops the engineeach time the
vehicle is stationary and all the
conditions for automatic switch-off
have been met, and starts it again
when the driver wants to move off.
This improves the efficiency of the
vehicle by reducing fuel consumption,
the emission of harmful gases and
noise pollution.
OPERATING MODE
Stopping the engine
Versions with manual transmission
With the vehicle stationary, the engine
stops with the gearbox in neutral and
the clutch pedal released.
Versions with Comfort-matic
transmission
With car at a standstill and brake pedal
pressed, the engine switches off if the
gear lever is in a position other thanR.In the event of stops uphill, engine
switching off is disabled to make the
"Hill Holder" function available (works
only with the engine running).
The warning light on the instrument
panel switches on to signal that the
engine has stopped.
Restarting the engine
Versions with manual transmission
Depress the clutch pedal to restart
the engine.
Versions with Comfort-matic
transmission
Releasing the brake pedal the engine
restarts automatically; the icon
switches off on the display.
If the engine is restarted with the “Hill
Holder” function off, move the lever
towards (+), (-)orRand the engine
restarts.
MANUAL ACTIVATION
AND DEACTIVATION OF
THE SYSTEM
To activate/deactivate the system
manually, press the
button on the
dashboard control panel.
25)
SAFETY FUNCTIONS
In engine cut-out conditions through
the Start&Stop system, if the driver
unfastens his/her seat belt and opens
the driver's door or the passenger door,
the engine can be restarted only by
using the key. The driver is notified of
this condition by a buzzer, through the
instrument panel warning light
flashing and, where provided, by a
message in the display.
119) 120)
WARNING
25)If the vehicle is equipped with manual
climate control, if you want to favour
climate comfort, the Start&Stop system
can be deactivated for continuous climate
control system operation.
WARNING
119)The vehicle should always be
evacuated after the key has been removed
or turned to the STOP position. When
refuelling, make sure that the car is
switched off with the key in the STOP
position.
120)If the battery needs to be replaced,
always contact a Fiat Dealership. The
replacement battery should be of the same
type (L6 105Ah/850A) and should have
the same characteristics.
125