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 car
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 integrates 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 (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that
controls car stability in the event of loss
of tyre grip, 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: car stationary on a road
with a gradient of more 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 the 2 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 car is about
to move.
NOTE: The Hill Holder system is not
active with the handbrake engaged.
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SAFETY
ELD (Electronic Locking
Differential) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross 4x4 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. 49 (Panda 4x4
versions) or turn the ring fig. 50 to the
right (Panda Cross 4x4 versions) and
keep it in this position until LED 2
on the selector lights up.System intervention
Thewarning 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. 49 (Panda 4x4 versions) or turn
the ring to the left fig. 50 (Panda Cross
4x4 versions) and keep it in this position
until LED 1 on the selector lights up.
GRAVITY CONTROL
SYSTEM
(Panda Cross 4x4 versions)
IMPORTANT This function can be
activated only with "Off Road" mode
activated.
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 Gravity Control function
assists the driver on steep gradients in
low-grip conditions and/or on rough
terrain.
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SAFETY
Noise and vibrations coming from the
wheel sides (brakes) when the Gravity
Control system is activated are normal.
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 Gravity
Control system, turn ring fig. 51, 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
You must travel at a speed slower than
25 km/h for the system to activate.
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 Gravity Control system must be
used with a gear that is suitable for the
set speed, in order to prevent possible
engine stalling. While the Gravity
Control system is operating it is also
possible to take control of the vehicle
again by pressing the brake and
accelerator pedals. If the Gravity
Control 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 Gravity Control
system is available for speeds between
5 km/h and 25 km/h. It is advisable to
use the system in low gears (first,
second and third).IMPORTANT On level ground in urban
areas it is advisable to deactivate the
Gravity Control system intervention
set-up, since for speeds below 25 km/h
in some usage conditions, such as
when setting off, shifting gear and
driving over road humps without using
the accelerator pedal, the system might
activate.
Disabling the system
To deactivate the system, turn the ring
fig. 51 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 Gravity
Control 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
IMPORTANT The Gravity Control
system is deactivated when exceeding
25 km/h and at speeds lower than
50 km/h it remains enabled to be
reactivated when the speed returns
under 25 km/h. In this case, the
indication on the instrument panel is
switched off and the LED on the ring
stays on. If car speed exceeds 50
km/h, the Gravity Control 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.
T+ (Traction Plus)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions
(snow, ice, mud, etc.) which allows the
drive force to be distributed in the
best way over the front axle when one
wheel is slipping.
Traction Plus 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.Engagement/disengagement
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press the T+ button fig. 52: the
LED on the button switches on; the
display shows a dedicated message. To
disengage the system press the T+
button again.
Operation
This function operates under a
threshold of 30 km/h. Over this speed,
it is automatically deactivated (the
LED on the button is still on) and it is
reactivated again when the speed
is below 30 km/h.
The activation of the Traction Plus
system causes the differential locking
effect on the front axle, through the
braking system, to improve traction on
irregular grounds.If the Traction Plus system is faulty, the
ESCwarning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.
WARNING
44)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
45)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot, but keep the pedal pushed
down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road
conditions at the time.
46)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is nearing its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with the
available traction.
47)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.
48)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to 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.
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SAFETY
Driving in special conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as,
for example:
driving close to a bend (see fig. 54);
vehicles with small dimensions
and/or not aligned in the driving lane
(see fig. 55);
lane change by other vehicles (see
fig. 56);
system intervention can be unexpected
or delayed. The driver must therefore
be very careful, keeping control of
the vehicle to drive in complete safety.
IMPORTANT If you are driving on roads
close to trees with protruding branches
it is advisable to deactivate the system
to prevent the branches at the height
of the bonnet or the windscreen from
interfering with the system.iTPMS System (indirect
Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
72) 73) 74) 75) 76) 77)
The car can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.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.
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67
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 car 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 message "Reset
saved", indicating that self-learning has
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" 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 warning is also displayed after the
engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
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.
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SAFETY
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.34)Do not tamper nor operate on the laser
sensor. Do not close the openings in the
aesthetic cover located under the interior
rear view mirror. In the event of a sensor
failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
35)Do not cover the operating range of the
sensor with stickers or other objects. Also
pay attention to other objects on the
bonnet (e.g. a layer of snow) and make
sure they do not interfere with the light
emitted by the laser.
36)If a trailer or a vehicle is towed the
system must be deactivated with the
display Setup Menu.
69
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.
62 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;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.
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