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ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that
controls vehicle stability in the event of
tyre grip loss, helping to maintain
directional control. The system
is capable of recognising potentially
dangerous situations in terms of vehicle
stability and intervenes automatically
on the brakes in a differentiated manner
for the four wheels in order to provide
a stabilizing torque.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
The ESC system also includes the
following systems:
Hill Holder
ASR
MSR
HBA
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.
Switching the system on
The ESC system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is started
and cannot be deactivated.Fault warnings
In the event of a failure, the ESC will be
automatically switched off and the
warning light
will come on constantly
in the instrument panel along with a
message in the multifunction display
(for versions/markets where provided)
(see “Warning lights and messages”
section in the "Knowing the instrument
panel" chapter). Contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.
44) 45) 46)
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
It is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on an incline.
It is automatically activated in the
following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pedal pressed and
gearbox in neutral or gear other than
reverse;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pedal 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 2seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator. When the 2 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.
Fault warnings
System failure is indicated by
instrument panel warning light
with
digital display and warning light
on
the instrument panel with multifunction
display (for versions/markets, where
provided) (see section “Warning lights
and messages” in the "Knowing the
instrument panel" chapter).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake, therefore do not
leave the vehicle without activating the
handbrake, switching off the engine
and engaging first gear.
47)
ASR SYSTEM (Antislip
Regulation)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is a traction control system that
cuts in automatically every time one or
both drive wheels slip.
68
SAFETY
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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, the ASR intervenes
automatically braking the wheel that
is slipping.
The action of the ASR system is
especially useful in the following
conditions:
slipping of the inner wheel round
bends due to dynamic variations in the
load of excessive acceleration;
excessive power transmitted to the
wheels, also in relation to road surface
conditions;
acceleration on slippery, snowy or
icy road surfaces;
in the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning).
47) 48) 49) 50)
MSR SYSTEM (engine
drive regulation)
This is an integral part of the ESC
system that, in the event of a sudden
gear down shift or an ABS braking,
cuts in and provides torque to the
engine thus preventing excessive
driving wheel drive which, especially inpoor grip conditions, can lead to a loss
of stability.
Turning the ASR system on/off
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started.
When travelling, the ASR system can
be switched off and on again pressing
button fig. 79 located among the
controls in the instrument panel.
Switching off is shown by the warning
light
on the instrument panel
switching on together with a message
shown in the multifunction display,
for versions/markets where provided.
If the ASR is switched off while driving,
it is automatically switched on again
when the car is started up.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the drive wheels skidding when setting
off gives you better traction.
51)
FAULT WARNINGS
In the event of a failure, the ASR will be
automatically switched off and the
warning light
will come on constantly
in the instrument panel along with a
message in the multifunction display
(for versions/markets where provided)
(see “Warning lights and messages”
section in the "Knowing the instrument
panel" chapter). In this case, contact
the Fiat Service Network as soon as
possible.
HYDRAULIC BRAKE
ASSIST (assistance
during emergency
braking)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The HBA system is an integral part
of the ESC system and is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
79F0T0504
69
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although it is strongly inadvisable, if
you are driving downhill and, for
unexpected reasons, you let the vehicle
move forward with the transmission in
neutral (N), when you engage a gear,
the system will automatically engage
the best gear to transmit the correct
drive torque to the wheels depending
on the vehicle's speed;
WARNING
95)Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
USING THE MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever A
fig. 103 into the required position (the
diagram for gear engagement is shown
on the knob).
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.
96)
29)
WARNING
96)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
29)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.
103F0T0055
95