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);
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.35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The 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 vehicle stability. In
these situations, the DTC system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
car 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 car 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.
68
SAFETY
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
42) 43) 44) 45) 46)
TC (Traction Control)
SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in
the event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on
slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on
one or more drive wheels. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which
is slipping (the behaviour of a
self-locking differential is simulated).
This will increase the engine torque
transferred to the wheel which isn't
slipping. This function remains active
even if the "Systems partially disabled"
and "Systems disabled" modes are
selected (see description in the
following pages).System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
47) 48) 49) 50) 51)
PBA (Panic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
The PBA system 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 PBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system. Do not reduce
pressure on the brake pedal until
braking is no longer necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
52) 53) 54)
HHC (Hill Hold Control)
SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC
system and facilitates starting on
slopes, activating automatically in the
following cases:
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: 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 engine
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 it is possible to hear a
typical mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of
the car.
55) 56)
69
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 warning
light
flashes on the instrument panel
and the system, intervening on the
brakes and engine power, limits 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
35)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.
36)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.
37)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.
38)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
39)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.40)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
41)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
42)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
43)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
44)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.
45)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
46)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
47)For the correct operation of the TC
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.
70
SAFETY
48)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
49)The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
50)The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
51)The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
52)The PBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
53)The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
54)The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.
55)The Hill Hold Control system is not a
parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking
brake, 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).56)There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle
laden, in which the Hill Hold Control system
may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.
57)The performance of a vehicle with ERM
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
58)When towing trailers, the utmost
caution at the wheel is recommended.
Never exceed the maximum permitted
loads (see the description in the "Weights"
paragraph in the "Technical Specifications"
chapter).
59)The TSC system cannot prevent
swerving for all trailers. If the system
activates during driving, reduce the speed,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and arrange
the load correctly to prevent the trailer from
swerving.DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
FULL BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM
(where provided)
60) 61) 62) 63)
26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34)
The Full Brake Control system is a
SUPPLEMENTARY AID to help the
driver avoid hitting the vehicles in front.
It does not replace the driver, who must
maintain the safety distance and adjust
the vehicle’s speed according to the
traffic, visibility and weather conditions,
even when the system is active.
DO NOT wait for a collision warning to
reduce speed. If the driver fails to use
the brake pedal, it could cause a
collision.
The Full Brake Control system does not
detect pedestrians, animals or other
obstacles that cross the direction of
travel, nor vehicles traveling in the
opposite direction.
The Fill Brake Control system consists
of a radar located behind the front
bumper fig. 64.
71
In the event of an imminent collision the
system may intervene by braking the
vehicle to prevent the crash or reduce
its effects.
When the system detects the risk of
collision, it gives the driver acoustic and
visual signals through specific
messages on the instrument panel
display. The signals are intended to
allow the driver to react promptly, in
order to prevent or reduce the effects of
a potential accident.
If the system does not detect any
action by the driver, it can intervene by
braking automatically to attenuate the
potential accident (automatic braking). If
the system detects that the driver is
pressing the brake pedal, but this is not
deemed sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve the
reaction of the braking system,therefore reducing vehicle speed further
(additional assistance during braking).
Versions equipped with Start&Stop
system: at the end of the automatic
braking, the Start&Stop system will
activate as described in paragraph
"Start&Stop system" of the "Starting
and driving" chapter.
Versions with manual gearbox:at
the end of the automatic braking the
engine may stall and turn off, unless the
driver presses the clutch pedal.
For versions with automatic
transmission: the last gear stored
remains engaged after braking. The
vehicle could start up again after a few
seconds of automatic stop.
IMPORTANT After the car is stopped,
the brake callipers may be locked for
about 2 seconds for safety reasons.
Make sure you press the brake pedal if
the vehicle moves slightly forwards.
Engagement/disengagement
The Full Brake Control can be
deactivated (and subsequently
reactivated) through the instrument
panel Menu.
NOTE With theUconnect™ 5"
system, some Menu items are shown
and managed on the display of the
latter and not on the instrument panel
display (refer to the dedicatedMultimedia chapter or to the
supplement available online).
The system can be deactivated even
with the ignition device at MAR.
IMPORTANT The system status can be
changed with vehicle at a standstill only.
The Full Brake Control can be set by
selecting one of the 3 Menu options:
System active: the system (if active),
in addition to the visual and acoustic
warnings, can provide automatic
braking and additional assistance
during braking, if the driver does not
brake hard enough in the event of a
potential impact with the vehicle in
front;
System partially active: the system (if
active), does not give the visual and
acoustic warnings, but can provide
automatic braking and additional
assistance during braking, if the driver
does not brake hard enough in the
event of a potential impact with the
vehicle in front;
System deactivated: the system
does not give visual and acoustic
warnings, limited braking, automatic
braking or additional assistance during
braking. The system will therefore
provide no indication of a possible
accident.
64P2000076-000-000
72
SAFETY
Activation/deactivation
If the Full Brake Control system has
been correctly activated from the Menu,
it will be active each time the engine is
started.
Following a deactivation, the system will
not warn the driver about the possible
collision with the preceding vehicle.
The system deactivation status will not
be stored when the engine is switched
off: if the system is deactivated when
the engine is switched off, it will be
active when it is next started.
This function is not active at a speed
lower than 7 km/h or higher than
200 km/h.
The system is only active if:
it is correctly activated through the
Menu;
the ignition device is at MAR;
the vehicle speed is between 7 and
200 km/h;
the front seat belts are fastened.
Changing the system sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be
changed through the Menu, choosing
from one of the following three options:
"Near", "Average" or "Far". See the
description in theUconnect™ 5"
supplement for how to change the
settings.The pre-set option is "Near". With this
setting, the system will warn the driver
of a possible collision with the vehicle in
front when it is close. This setting offers
the driver a lower reaction time
compared to the "Average" and "Far"
settings, in the event of a potential
collision, but permits more dynamic
driving of the vehicle.
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.
Changing the setting to “Average”, the
system warns the driver of a possible
collision with the vehicle in front when it
is at a standard distance, between that
of the other two settings. The system
sensitivity setting is kept in the memory
when the engine is switched off.
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 appears 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 functions
end, this will go back to normal and
complete operation.
In certain particular cases, this
dedicated message could be displayed
when the radar is not detecting any
vehicles or objects within its view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the
real reason behind this message, check
if the sensor is dirty.
73
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:
whenever the tyre pressure is
modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is fitted.
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 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, with the vehicle
stationary and the engine on, hold
down the Reset button
located on
the left control panel fig. 69 for at least
2 seconds.
When the RESET procedure has been
carried out, and depending on the type
of instrument panel, either only a buzzer
will be heard or the message "Reset
saved" will appear together with the
buzzer to indicate 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 Automatic" tyre repair kit, fitting
snow chains, fitting different tyres on
the axles) the system may provide 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 warning message.
This indication is displayed also after
the engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
In the case of abnormal signals, it is
recommended to perform the RESET
procedure. If the signals reappear once
the RESET procedure has started,
check that the type of tyres used are
the same on all four wheels and that the
tyres are not damaged; if the
space-saver wheel is being used, refit
the wheel with a tire with normal
dimensions instead of the space-saver
wheel as soon as possible; if possible
remove the snow chains; make sure
that the load is distributed correctly and
repeat the RESET procedure, driving on
a clean and surfaced road. If the signals
persist, contact a Fiat Dealership.
6906056J0001EM
76
SAFETY
90)Always drive with your hands on the
rim of the steering wheel so that the airbag
can inflate freely if required. Do not drive
with your body bent forward. Keep your
back straight against the backrest.
91)When there is an active passenger
airbag, DO NOT install rearward facing
child restraint systems on the front seat.
Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the child
regardless of the severity of the impact.
Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed.
92)To deactivate the airbags using the
instrument panel menu, see the description
in the "Knowing the instrument panel"
chapter, "Menu Options" paragraph.
93)Do not affix rigid objects to the
garment hooks or support handles.
94)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows
on the door, windows or the area in which
the Window bag is located to avoid
possible injury during airbag inflation.
95)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.96)If, when the ignition device is turned to
MAR, thewarning light does not switch
on or stays on whilst driving, a fault may
have occurred in the restraint systems. In
this case the airbags or pretensioners may
not be deployed in an impact or, in a lower
number of cases, they may be deployed
accidentally. Contact a Fiat Dealership
immediately to have the system checked.
97)In some versions, in case of a LED
failure (located on the plate of the
instrument panel), thewarning light on
the instrument panel turns on and the
passenger side airbags are deactivated.
98)On cars with side bags, do not cover
the front seat backrests with extra covers.
99)Do not travel carrying objects in your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
100)If the car has been stolen or in the
case of attempt to steal it, if it has been
subjected to vandalism or floods, have the
airbag system checked by a Fiat
Dealership.
101)If the ignition device is at MAR, even if
the engine is switched off, airbags may be
deployed when the vehicle is stationary
and hit by another vehicle. Therefore, even
if the vehicle is stationary, when an active
front passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install rearward facing child restraint
systems on the front passenger seat.
Deployment of the airbag following an
impact could cause fatal injuries to the
child.Therefore, always deactivate the passenger
side airbag when a rearward facing child
restraint system is installed on the front
passenger seat. The front passenger seat
must also be positioned back as far as
possible in order to prevent the child
restraint system from coming into contact
with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate
the passenger airbag as soon as the child
restraint system has been removed. Also
remember that, if the ignition device is set
to STOP, none of the safety devices
(airbags or pretensioners) will be deployed
in the event of collision. Non-deployment in
such cases does not indicate a system
malfunction.
102)Malfunction of the
warning light is
indicated by the activation of an airbag
failure icon and a dedicated message on
the instrument panel display (or, for
versions where provided, by the activation
of a blinking generic failure warning light).
The pyrotechnic charges are not disabled.
Contact a Fiat Dealership immediately to
have the system checked.
103)The airbag deployment threshold is
higher than that of the pretensioners. For
collisions in the range between the two
thresholds, it is normal for only the
pretensioners to be activated.
104)The airbag does not replace seat
belts but increases their efficiency.
Because front airbags are not deployed for
low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are
protected, in addition to any side bags,
only by their seat belts, which must
therefore always be fastened.
101