2019 FIAT 500X steering

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);
HSA (Hill Start Assist);
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque);
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.
31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The DTC (Drag Torque Control) 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 car
stability. In these situations, the DTC
system intervenes, restoring torque to
the engine in order to conserve car
stability and increase car safety.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
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 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 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.
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.
75
38) 39) 40) 41) 42)

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.
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 not necessary anymore.
The PBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
48) 49) 50)
HSA (Hill Start Assist)
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 roadtransmission 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 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.
51) 52)
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic
Steering Torque)
The DST function uses the integration
of the ESC system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety
level of the whole vehicle.
76
SAFETY
43) 44) 45) 46) 47)with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and

In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes
and steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
53)
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 system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce 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.
54)
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.
55) 56)
WARNING
31)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.32)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.
33)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.
34)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
35)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
36)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.
37)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.
38)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
39)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
40)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.
77

go to "Vehicle info" and then to
"Reset tyre pressure";
press the "OK" and hold down (more
than 2 seconds);
the display will show the procedure
progress (with a graphic bar) till the
RESET is completed.
At the end of the RESET procedure the
display will show the "Reset saved"
message, indicating that the
self-learning has been started and you
will hear a beep. If the self-learning
procedure of the iTPMS system has not
been carried out correctly, you will not
hear any acoustic warning.
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. car
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
damaged or worn tyre, fitting the
space-saver spare wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go" 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 and the symbols "–
–" will appear next to the shape of the
car next to each tyre.
This warning 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 indications appear
again after a successful RESET, check
that the tyres used on all four wheels
are the same and that the tyres are not
damaged. As soon as possible, refit the
standard tyre instead of the
space-saver spare, remove the snow
chains, if possible, check correct load
distribution and repeat the RESET
procedure by driving on a clean,
tarmacked road. If the indications
persist, contact a Fiat Dealership.WARNING
57)The system is an aid for vehicle driving,
it DOES NOT warn the driver about
incoming vehicles outside of the detection
areas. The driver must always maintain a
sufficient level of attention to the traffic and
road conditions and for controlling the
trajectory of the vehicle.
58)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.
59)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).
60)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
61)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench 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
settings of theUconnect™system.
62)If the iTPMS system signals a pressure
decrease on the tyres, it is recommended
to check the pressure on all four tyres.
86
SAFETY

63)The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not even to be
considered a replacing system for
maintenance or a safety system.
64)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
65)The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
66)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
67)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
IMPORTANT
22)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such
as: heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
23)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with
adhesives, auxiliary headlights or any other
object.
24)System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle.25)Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front
geometry, tyre change, or a heavier load
than the standard load of the vehicle.
26)Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may
alter the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to a Fiat
Dealership for any operation of this type.
27)Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of
a sensor failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
28)When towing a trailer (with modules
installed after purchasing the vehicle), a
vehicle or during loading manoeuvres on a
vehicle transporter (or in vehicle for
transport), the system must be deactivated
via theUconnect™system.
29)Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical
connector.
30)Be careful in the case of repairs and
new paintings in the area around the
sensor (panel covering the sensor on the
left side of the bumper). In the event of a
frontal impact the sensor may automatically
deactivate and display a warning to indicate
that the sensor needs to be repaired. Even
without a malfunction warning, deactivate
the system operation if you think that the
position of the radar sensor has changed
(e.g. due to low-speed frontal impact as
during parking manoeuvres). In these
cases, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the
radar sensor realigned or replaced.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
The most important safety equipment
of the vehicle comprises the following
protection systems:
seat belts;
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
front airbags and side bags.
Read the information given the following
pages with the utmost care. It is of
fundamental importance that the
protection systems are used in the
correct way to guarantee the maximum
possible safety level for the driver and
the passengers.
For the description of the head restraint
adjustment see paragraph "Head
restraints" in chapter "Knowing your
vehicle".
87

PRE-TENSIONERS
The car is equipped with seat belt
pretensioners for the front and rear side
seats. These draw the seat belts back
by several centimetres in the event of a
strong frontal impact to ensure that the
seat belts adhere perfectly to the
occupants' bodies before retention
begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
been activated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
The front car seats are also equipped
with a second pretensioner (fitted in the
kick plate area). Its activation is
signalled by the metal cable shortening.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will
invalidate its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact
a Fiat Dealership to have it replaced.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt
tight to the chest and pelvis.
LOAD LIMITERS
72)
31)
To increase safety in the event of an
accident, the front and rear lateral seat
belt retractors contain a load limiter
which controls the force acting on the
chest and shoulders during the belt
restraining action in the event of a
head-on collision.
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE SEAT BELTS
73) 74) 75)
Seat belts are also to be worn by
pregnant women: the risk of injury in the
case of impact is greatly reduced for
them and the unborn child if they are
wearing a seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the
lower part of the belt very low down so
that it passes over the pelvis and under
the abdomen fig. 69. While pregnancy
progresses, the driver must adjust both
seat and steering wheel to have full
control over the car (pedals and
steering wheel must be easy to
access). The maximum clearance
should be kept between the abdomen
and the steering wheel.
The seat belt strap must not be twisted.
The upper part must pass over theshoulder and cross the chest
diagonally. The lower part must adhere
to the pelvis fig. 70, not to the
abdomen of the occupant. Do not use
devices (clips, etc.) to hold the seat belt
away from your body.
Each seat belt must be used by only
one person. Never travel with a child
sitting on the passenger's lap and a
single belt to protect them both fig. 71.69F1B0107C
70F1B0108C
92
SAFETY

82)After installing a child restraint system,
do not move the seat: always remove the
child restraint system before making any
adjustment.
83)Always make sure that the diagonal
section of the seat belt does not pass
under the arms or behind the back of the
child. In the event of an accident the seat
belt will not be able to secure the child,
with the risk of injury, including fatal injury.
Therefore the child must always wear the
seat belt correctly.
84)Do not use the same lower anchorage
to install more than one child restraint
system.
85)If a Universal ISOFIX child seat is not
fixed to all three anchorages, the child seat
will not be able to protect the child
correctly. In a crash, the child could be
seriously or fatally injured.
86)Fit the child restraint system when the
car is stationary. The child restraint system
is correctly fixed to the brackets when you
hear the click. Follow the instructions for
assembly, disassembly and positioning that
the Manufacturer must supply with the
child restraint system.SUPPLEMENTARY
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) - AIRBAG
The vehicle is equipped with:
front driver airbag;
front passenger airbag;
driver and passenger front side bags
for pelvis, chest and shoulder
protection (Side bags);
front and rear side passenger side
bags for head protection (window bag)
driver's knee bag (where provided).
The location of the airbags on the
vehicle is marked by the word
"AIRBAG" in the middle of the steering
wheel, on the dashboard, on the side
trim or on a label placed next to the
airbag deployment area.
FRONT AIRBAGS
The front driver/passenger airbags and
the driver knee bag (where provided)
protect the front seat occupants in the
event of frontal impacts of medium/high
severity, by placing the bag between
the occupant and the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Therefore non-activation of airbags in
other types of collisions (side impacts,
rear shunts, roll-overs, etc.) does not
indicate a system malfunction.Driver and passenger front airbags are
not a replacement of but
complementary to the seat belts, which
should always be worn, as specified by
law in Europe and most non-European
countries.
In a crash, those not wearing a seat
belt are projected forwards and may
come into contact with the bag which is
still inflating. The protection offered by
the bag is compromised in these
circumstances.
Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the car (e.g. wing
collision against guard rail, etc.);
vehicle wedging under other vehicles
or protective barriers (e.g. trucks or
guard rails).
Failure to deploy in the conditions
described above is due to the fact that
the airbags may not provide any
additional protection compared with
seat belts, so their activation would be
inappropriate.
In these cases, non-deployment does
not indicate a system malfunction.
The driver's and passenger's front
airbags have been designed and
calibrated to protect front seat
occupants wearing seat belts. At their
107

maximum inflation, their volume fills
most of the space between the steering
wheel and the driver and between the
dashboard and the passenger.
The airbags are not deployed in the
event of minor frontal impacts (for which
the restraining action of the seat belts is
sufficient). Seat belts must always be
worn. In the event of a frontal collision,
they ensure the correct positioning of
the occupant.
Front airbag driver's side
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the
steering wheel fig. 81.
Passenger front airbag
This consists of an instantly inflating
bag contained in a special recess in the
dashboard fig. 82; this bag has a larger
volume than that of the driver's.Passenger's front airbag and child
restraint systems
Rearward facing child restraint systems
mustNEVERbe fitted on the front seat
with an active passenger airbag since in
the event of an impact the airbag
activation may cause fatal injuries to the
transported child.
ALWAYScomply with the instructions
on the label stuck on the passenger
side sun visor fig. 83.Driver knee bag
(where provided)
It is located in a specific compartment
arranged under the dashboard under a
specific cover fig. 84. It provides
additional protection in the event of a
frontal collision.
Deactivating passenger front airbag
and seat-mounted side bag for
pelvis, chest and shoulders
protection
If a child must be carried on the front
seat in a rearward facing child restraint
system, deactivate the passenger side
front airbag and front side bag.
To deactivate the airbags use the
display Menu (see the instructions in the
"Display" paragraph, "Knowing the
instrument panel" chapter).
The
OFFandONLED are
present at the centre of the instrument
panel fig. 85.
81F1B0660
82F1B0126C
83F1B0127C
84F1B0132C
108
SAFETY