Page 73 of 220
SAFETY
The chapter that you are about to read
is very important: it describes the
safety systems with which the vehicle is
equipped and provides instructions on
how to use them correctly.ABS SYSTEM ................................. 72
ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL) SYSTEM ....................... 73
ITPMS SYSTEM (INDIRECT TYRE
PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM) ........................................ 76
TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM ............. 78
OCCUPANT PROTECTION
SYSTEMS ....................................... 78
SEAT BELTS ................................... 79
SBR SYSTEM ................................. 80
PRE-TENSIONERS ......................... 80
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY ...... 83
INSTALLING AN ISOFIX SEAT ......... 87
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG ............... 90
FRONT AIRBAGS............................ 90
SIDE BAGS ..................................... 94
71
Page 74 of 220

ABS SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the braking
system, which prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping
regardless of the road surface
conditions and braking intensity,
ensuring control of the vehicle even
during emergency braking.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
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.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can feel that the ABS has
come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: it means that the vehicle
speed should be altered to suit the type
of road surface.MECHANICAL BRAKE
ASSIST
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system (which cannot be
deactivated) recognises emergency
braking conditions according to the
speed of operation of the brake pedal
and provides an additional hydraulic
braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows
faster and more powerful operation of
the braking system.
IMPORTANT When the Mechanical
Brake Assist intervenes, noises may be
heard from the system. This is normal.
In any case, while braking keep the
brake pedal firmly depressed.
41) 42) 43)
FAULT WARNINGS
ABS failure
This is indicated by turning on the
warning light on the instrument
panel together with a message on the
display on some versions (see the
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in the “Knowing the
instrument panel” chapter).In this case, the braking system will still
be effective, although without the
extra capacity offered by the ABS. Drive
carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership
to have the system checked.
EBD failure
This is indicated by turning on the
andwarning light on the
instrument panel together with
a message on the display on some
versions (see the “Warning lights and
messages” paragraph in the “Knowing
the instrument panel” chapter).
In this case, the rear wheels may
suddenly lock and the vehicle may
swerve when braking sharply. Drive
carefully to the nearest Fiat Dealership
to have the system checked.
44)
WARNING
41)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.
42)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.
72
SAFETY
Page 75 of 220

43)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.
44)If only the
instrument panel
warning light comes on (with a message in
the multifunction display on some
versions), stop the vehicle immediately and
contact the nearest Fiat Dealership. Any
loss of fluid will affect the brake system
functionality, both conventional and
ant-lock wheels.
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.
45) 46) 47)
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.
73
Page 76 of 220

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 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.
48)
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.
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).
48) 49) 50) 51)
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 in
poor 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. 81 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.
52)
74
SAFETY
Page 77 of 220

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.
Maximum assistance of the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system. Do not reduce
pressure on the brake pedal until
braking is no longer necessary. The
HBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.
53) 54) 55)
WARNING
45)The ESC system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
46)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
47)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.
48)For the ESC and ASR systems to
function correctly, all four tyres must be the
same brand and type, must be in excellent
condition and, above all, must be of the
prescribed type and size.
49)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
50)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
51)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
81F0T0504
75
Page 78 of 220

52)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with this system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is always responsible for road
safety.
53)The HBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
54)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
55)The capability of the HBA must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.iTPMS System
(indirect Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System iTPMS can monitor the tyre
inflation status through the wheel speed
sensors. The system warns the driver
if one or more tyres are flat by switching
on the
warning light on the
instrument panel and a warning
message on the display, along with an
acoustic signal.
It is advisable to check the pressure of
all four tyres. This indication is displayed
also when turning the engine off and
on 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. 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 vehicle stopped and the
ignition device at MAR, use the Setup
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.
After the “Reset” the display will show
the "Reset saved" message, indicating
that the "self-learning" has been
started.
76
SAFETY
Page 79 of 220

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"
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
displayed also after the engine has
been switched off and then on again if
the correct operating conditions are not
restored.
56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62) 63) 64) 65)
WARNING
56)The iTPMS is optimised for the original
tyres and wheels provided. iTPMS
pressures and alerts have been defined
according to the size of the tyres mounted
on the vehicle. Using equipment with
different size, type or kind may cause
irregular system operation or sensor
damage. Non-original spare wheels can
damage the sensor. Do not use tyre
sealant or balancing weights if the vehicle
is equipped with iTPMS as these may
damage the sensors.
57)If the system signals a pressure
decrease on a specific tyre, it is
recommended to check the pressure on all
four tyres.
58)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 replacement system for
maintenance or a safety system.
59)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.
60)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.61)The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
62)Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect your ability to drive the
vehicle safely.
63)Always refit the valve stem cap after
inspecting or adjusting tyre pressure. This
prevents dampness or dirt from entering
the valve stem and thus the pressure
control sensor from being damaged.
64)The tyre repair kit (Fix&Go) provided
with the vehicle (for versions/markets,
where provided) is compatible with the
iTPMS sensors; using sealants not
equivalent with that in the original kit may
adversely affect its operation. If sealants
not equivalent with the original ones are
used, it is recommended to have the
iTPMS sensor operation checked by a
qualified repair centre.
65)If the system signals a loss of pressure
on a specific tyre, it is recommended to
check the pressure on all four tyres.
77
Page 80 of 220

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.
This function can be activated manually
by pressing the button "fig. 82 on the
side control panel and operates under
50 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 50 km/h.Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the "Traction Plus"
system, press the button T+ fig. 82:
the LED on the button switches on.
The activation of the Traction Plus
system involves the following functions
being switched on:
inhibition of the ASR function, in
order to fully exploit the engine torque;
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
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.
OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety
equipment of the vehicle comprise the
following protection systems:
seat belts;
SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) system;
head restraints;
child restraint systems;
front, side airbag (for versions/
markets, where provided).
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 the "Head restraints"
paragraph in the "Knowing your
vehicle" chapter.
82F0T0506
78
SAFETY