94)The seat belt must not be twisted.
95)After an accident, check the seat belts
and if necessary replace them. In addition,
replace the seat belts if they start to show
any sign of wear or deterioration.
96)When refitting the single rear seat,
make sure the safety belts and their tabs
are positioned correctly so they can be
used normally.
97)Check that the seat belt locking device
is correctly inserted into the buckle.
98)Do not insert any object that could
block the belt and compromise its correct
operation.
99)Make sure you have positioned the
locking housing (it should not be covered,
crushed or flattened by people or objects).PRE-TENSIONERS
100)
When the pretensioners intervene, they
make the seat belt adhere to the seat
occupant's body, increasing the
effectiveness of the seat belt.
With starter switch on, in the event of a
violent frontal collision, depending on its
magnitude, the system may trigger the
seat belt winder pretensioner 1
fig. 176causing it to retract the belt
immediately.
LOAD LIMITERS
Depending on the collision’s degree of
violence, this mechanism activates to
limit the seat belt action against the
body to a supportable level.
WARNING
100)Check the safety devices after every
accident. Any intervention on the complete
system (pre-tensioners, air bags, electronic
modules, wiring) or re-use on another
vehicle, even if identical, is strictly
prohibited. In order to prevent accidental
deployments that could cause damage,
only qualified Fiat Dealership personnel can
intervene in pre-tensioners and air bags.
Checking the electrical features of the
actuator can only be effected by
specifically prepared personnel using the
proper tools. When the vehicle is
scrapped, see a Fiat Dealership to remove
the pre-tensioner gas generator and air
bags.
176T31857
94
SAFETY
FRONT AIRBAGS
DRIVER AND
PASSENGER AIR BAGS
101) 102)
These are installed in correspondence
to the driver's and front passenger's
seats. The "airbag" mark on the
steering wheel and dashboard (airbag
area A fig. 177 ) are reminders of this
device's presence.
Each air bag system consists of:
an inflatable cushion and relative gas
generator installed in the steering wheel
for the driver and in the dashboard for
the passenger;
an electronic module control system
device that controls the gas generator
electric trigger device;
a single monitoring warning light
on the instrument panel.Operation
The system is operational only after
turning on the starter switch.
In the event of afrontalimpact, the air
bags inflate, allowing limited impact at
the driver's head and chest level
against the steering wheel and for the
passenger against the dashboard; they
deflate immediately after collision so as
not to impede exiting the vehicle
fig. 178.
Irregular operation
The warning light 4 fig. 179 goes on
when the starter device is inserted, and
they go off after a few seconds. If the
light does not go on when the starter
device is inserted or if it goes on when
the engine is on, it indicates a system
malfunction. Contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible. Any delay in
deployment can compromise
effectiveness.All warnings below are aimed a not
impeding air bag inflation and
avoiding serious injury owing to
flying objects when they open up.
Warnings concerning the driver's
air bag
103) 104) 105)
Warnings concerning the
passenger's air bag
106) 107) 108) 109) 110)
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE
AIR BAG AND CHILD
RESTRAINT
Deactivation of the front passenger
air bags (for vehicles that allow it)
111) 112)
You must deactivate the passenger
airbag before installing a child restraint
system on the front passenger seat.
177T36503178T31857-1
179T36504
95
To deactivate the air bags: with the
vehicle stopped, contact disengaged,
push and turn stop 1 fig. 180 to the
OFF position.
With contact inserted, you must check
that the warning light
on display
panel 2 fig. 181 is on and, depending
on the vehicle version, the appropriate
message appears.This light stays on permanently to
confirm that you can install a child
restraint system on the passenger seat.
The printing on the dashboard and
labels A fig. 182 and fig. 183 on each
side of the passenger’s sun visor 3
fig. 182, remind you of these
instructions.Front passenger air bag activation
When the child restraint is no longer in
use, reactivate the air bag to ensure
front passenger protection in case of an
accident.
Reactivating the airbags: with the
vehicle stopped, contact disengaged,
push and turn stop 1 fig. 184 to the ON
position. With starter switch on, you
must check that the warning light
is
off and that the lighton the display
panel 2 fig. 185 turns on for about
1 minute each time you turn the engine
on.
180T36502
181T36500
182T36505
183T35770
184T36501
96
SAFETY
The safety devices complementary to
the front passenger seat belt have to be
activated.
Operating faults
If the activation/deactivation system for
the front passenger air bags is not
functioning, you cannot install the child
restraint on the front seat with the head
facing rear. We advise you also not to
travel with passengers seated there.
Contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
WARNING
101)The air bag system uses a
pyrotechnical principle, meaning that its
activation produces heat, emits smoke
(that does not mean fire) and generates an
explosive sound. Air bag deployment,
which should be immediate, can cause
skin injuries or other problems.102)Do not attach any object (pins, logos,
watches, phone support, etc.) to the
steering wheel.
103)The steering wheel must not be
covered in any way.
104)Dismantling the steering wheel is
prohibited (except by a qualified Fiat
Dealership technician).
105)Do not drive to close to the steering
wheel: adopt a driving position with your
arms slightly bent. This position will ensure
a sufficient distance for the air bag to
deploy efficiently.
106)Do not glue anything (pins, logos,
watches, phone supports, etc.) to the
dashboard near the airbag.
107)Do not place anything (animals,
umbrella, cane, boxes, etc.) between the
dashboard and the passenger.
108)Do not rest your feet on the
dashboard or the seat: these positions
could cause serious injuries. In general,
keep all parts of the body (knees, hands,
head, etc.) away from the dashboard.
109)The passenger air bag only protects
the side front seat passenger; the centre
front seat passenger is only protected by
the seat belt. We recommend you respect
normal safety regulations (fasten your seat
belt). There may be serious injuries in the
event of an accident.
110)The passenger airbag must be
activated/deactivated when the vehicle is
stationary. If deactivated while driving, theandwarning lights turn on. To
turn these lights off, you need to deactivate
then reactivate the passenger air bag again
when the vehicle is stopped.111)When the child restraint is no longer in
use, reactivate the front seat belt
complementary safety devices to ensure
front passenger protection in case of an
accident. Installing a rear-facing child
restraint system on the front passenger is
prohibited until the front seat belt
complementary safety devices have been
deactivated (refer to the "Passenger side
airbag and child restraint systems – how to
deactivate the airbags" paragraph in the
"Knowing your vehicle” chapter).
112)Because of the incompatibility of the
front passenger air bag deployment and
the positioning of a child seat facing
forward, NEVER INSTALL a child restraint
system facing backwards on a seat
equipped with FRONT AIRBAG
ACTIVATION. Otherwise, the CHILD may
risk DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
185T36500
97
SIDE AIR BAGS
SIDE AIRBAGS(For versions/markets where provided)
These are air bags that can be installed
in the front seats and inflate to the side
of the seat (door side) in order to
protect the car's occupants in the event
of a violent side collision.
DRIVER'S AIR BAG(For versions/markets where provided)
These are air bags on each upper side
of the vehicle. They inflate along the
front door side windows to protect the
occupants in case of a violent side
collision.
Warnings concerning the side air
bag
113) 114) 115) 116) 117) 118) 119) 120)
21)
4)
WARNING
113)When you lend or re-sell the vehicle,
tell the new owner of these conditions for
use and hand over this owner handbook.
114)Installing seat covers: seats equipped
with airbags require covers specifically
made for the vehicle. Consult a Fiat
Dealership. Using any other liner (or liners
specific to another vehicle) could cause
these airbags to function incorrectly and
jeopardise the occupants' safety.115)Never place an accessory, an object
or an animal between the backrest, the
door and interior coverings. Do not cover
the seat backrest with items like clothing or
accessories. These could cause the airbag
to function incorrectly or cause injury when
the airbag deploys.
116)Any dismantling or changes made to
the seats and their coverings is prohibited,
except if done by qualified Fiat Dealership
personnel.
117)The airbag was conceived to
complement the seat belt. The airbag and
seat belt together constitute inseparable
components to the same protective
system. Therefore, you always need to
fasten your seat belt. Not fastening them
can put the vehicle's occupants at risk of
aggravated injury and can increase injury
risk caused by deployment of the airbag
itself.
118)Seat belt pre-tensioner and airbag
deployment in case the vehicle flips over or
a violent rear collision is not systematic.
Collisions beneath the vehicle, like hitting a
curbstone, road unevenness, stones, etc.,
can cause the system to deploy.
119)Any intervention or modification to the
complete airbag system (airbag,
pre-tensioners, electronic modules, wiring,
etc.) is severely prohibited (except by
qualified Fiat Dealership personnel).
120)For safety reasons, check the airbag
system after the vehicle has undergone an
accident, theft or attempted theft.
IMPORTANT
21)To maintain correct operation and to
prevent accidental deployment, only
qualified Fiat Dealership personnel can
intervene on the airbag system.
IMPORTANT
4)When the vehicle is scrapped, contact a
Fiat Dealership to have the gas generator
removed.
98
SAFETY
(2): move the front seat as far forward as possible to install the child seat backwards from driving direction, then move it back
to maximum so it does not come into contact with the child seat.
(3): child seat facing forward: position the child seat backrest in contact with the seat backrest. In any case, remove the rear
seat headrest that the child seat is positioned against. This should be done before positioning the child seat (please see the
paragraph "Rear headrest" in chapter "Knowing your vehicle"). Do not move the seat in front of the child back more than half
the distance and do not incline it more than 25°.
WARNING
121)To prevent opening the door from the
inside, use the safety device (refer to the
"Child safety” paragraph in the “Knowing
your vehicle” chapter).
122)A collision at 50 Km/h is the
equivalent of falling 10 meters. Never hold
a child in your arms or on your knees, in
case of an accident you would never be
able to hold him even if you have your seat
bets fastened.
123)Never leave the vehicle unguarded
with the electronic key and a child, a
handicapped person or an animal inside,
even for a short time. This could result in
your own safety or that of others who
could start the engine, setting in motion
equipment such as the electric windows or
even locking the doors. Moreover, in hot
and/or sunny weather, the vehicle's interior
temperature will increase rapidly. Risk of
death or serious injury.124)Never leave a child alone in the
vehicle. Make sure the child always has
his/her seat belt fastened and correctly
adjusted. Avoid too heavy clothing that
causes the belts to be loose. Never allow
the child to put his/her head or arm out the
window. Make sure the child is seated
correctly throughout the trip. especially
when asleep.
125)Make sure the child seat or his/her
feet do not prevent the front seat from
locking into place correctly. Refer to the
"Front seat" paragraph in the "Knowing
your vehicle” chapter. Make sure that the
child seat installed in the vehicle is not at
risk of coming out of its housing. If you
have to remove the head rest, make sure it
is positioned so it is not thrown about in
case of abrupt braking or collision. Always
fasten the child seat even if you are not
using it so it is not thrown about in case of
abrupt braking or collision.
126)RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY: before installing a rear-facing child
restraint system in the front passenger
seat, check that the air bag has been
correctly deactivated (refer to the
"Passenger side airbag and child restraint
systems" paragraph in this chapter).
127)Install the child seat preferably in one
of the rear seats.128)Never install a child seat on the rear
centre seat. RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY.
129)Do not use child seats that could
unlock the belt holding it in place: the child
seat base must not rest on the seat belt
buckle and/or housing.
130)The seat belt must never be loose or
twisted. Never pass the shoulder belt
under your arm or behind your back.
Check that the belt has not been damaged
by sharp edges. If the seat belt is not
working normally, it will not protect the
child. Contact a Fiat Dealership. Do not
use this seat until the belt has been
repaired.
131)Using a child seat inappropriate for
this vehicle will not properly protect the
child. You risk causing him/her serious
injury or death.
123
ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
Depending on the version, they can
consist of:
by the anti-lock braking system
(ABS);
electronic stability control (ESC) with
understeering and traction control
system;
driving with a trailer assistance;
emergency brake assistance;
road grip control;
assisted departure on inclines.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
132) 133) 134) 135)
In case of abrupt braking,the ABS
avoids wheel locking, so it manages the
braking distance and maintains vehicle
control.
In these conditions you can carry out
manoeuvres while braking fully.
Moreover, this system optimises the
braking distance, especially on slippery
surfaces (wet roadbed, etc.).
Every time you activate this device, you
know because the brake pedal shakes.
The ABS never improves the "physical"
performance associated with the
wheel's road grip. The rules of the road
must be respected (safety distance
between vehicles, etc.).IMPORTANT In an emergency, we
advise you to apply strong, continuous
pressure to the brake pedal. You do not
need to pump it. The ABS will modulate
the force applied to the brakes.
Irregular operation:
Depending on the vehicle,and
lit on the instrument panel along
with dedicated messages mean: the
ABS, ESC and emergency power
steering have been deactivated.
Braking is always guaranteed;
andSTOPlit on the
instrument panel, along with the
dedicated message on the display,
indicates that there is a fault in the
brake system.
In both cases, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
136) 137)
Electronic stability control ESC
This system helps maintain control of
the vehicle in "critical" driving conditions
(avoiding an obstacle, loss of grip in a
curve, etc.).
Operating principle
A sensor on the steering wheel
recognises the driving trajectory that the
driver set.
Other sensors installed in the vehicle
measure the real trajectory.The system compares the driver's
adherence to the effective trajectory,
correcting it if necessary, braking a few
wheels and/or reducing engine power if
the system was activated and its
warning light
flashes on the
instrument panel.
Understeering control
This system optimises the ESC action
in case of noticeable understeer (loss of
front grip).
Traction Control System
This system limits the drive wheels
slipping and helps control the vehicle
when starting out, accelerating or
decelerating.
Operating principle
Thanks to the sensor in the wheels, the
system measures and compares the
drive wheel rotation speed, detecting
immediately loss of grip. If a wheel
starts sliding, the system intervenes by
braking to re-stabilise the drive that is
compatible with the level of road grip.
The system also acts on the engine
speed, adapting it to wheel road grip,
independently of the driver's use of the
accelerator.
Irregular operation
When the system detects an
operational irregularity, the dedicated
message appears on the display and
the warning lights
andturn
on.
124
SAFETY
In this case, the ESC and traction
control system are deactivated. Contact
a Fiat Dealership.
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
This is a complementary system to the
ABS that lets you reduce the vehicle's
braking distance.
Operating principle
The system detects an emergency
braking situation. In such cases, the
power brake immediately creates the
maximum braking, causing the ABS
system to also intervene.
ABS intervention lasts until the brake
pedal is released.
Hazard warning lights on
Depending on the versions, these lights
can go on when you slow down
abruptly.
Anticipated braking
Depending on the versions, when you
quickly release the accelerator, the
system anticipates braking so as to
diminish the braking distance.
When using Cruise Control:
if you are using the accelerator pedal,
with you release it, the system can
activate;
if you are not using the accelerator
pedal, the system will not activate.Irregular operation
When the system detects an
operational irregularity, the message to
that effect will appear on the instrument
panel with the alarm light
going
on.
Contact a Fiat Dealership.
TSA (Trailer Stability
Assist) DRIVING
ASSISTANCE WITH A
TRAILER
This system helps you maintain control
of the vehicle in case you are using a
trailer. It detects the swinging motion of
the trailer in certain driving conditions.
Operating conditions
The two system must be authorised
by the Fiat Dealership;
the wiring has to be approved by a
Fiat Dealership;
the trailer has to be connected to the
vehicle.
Operating principle
The function stabilises the vehicle by:
asymmetrical front wheel braking to
reduce swinging caused by the trailer;
four wheel braking and a limitation in
engine torque to reduce the vehicle
speed until the swinging stops.
The warning light
flashes on the
instrument panel to inform you of the
situation.
TRACTION PLUS (GRIP
CONTROL)
137)
22)
Where the vehicle is provided with one,
road grip check ensures easier control
of the vehicle in conditions where grip is
reduced (crumbly terrain).
"Road" mode
When the vehicle is started, the
appropriate message appears on the
display screen. The indicator light
on the instrument panel is off. This
position guarantees optimal use in
normal road conditions (dry, wet
roadbed, light snow, etc.).
The "Road" mode uses the traction
control system functions.
"Traction +" Mode
Press button 1 fig. 201: the warning
light
on the instrument panel turns
on along with the dedicated message.
125