2019 MASERATI LEVANTE suspension

Traction Downhill When descending mountains or hills,
use Hill Descent Control (HDC) to
avoid repeated heavy braking (for
further details, refer to “Brake and
Stability Control System” in this
section).
When descending mountains or hills,
repeated braking can cause brake
fade with loss of braking power. Avoid
repeated heavy braking and
downshift the transmission whenever
possible in order to cool down the
brakes.
Warnings and Tips for Off-road
Driving When driving off-road, using the “OFF
ROAD” drive mode which is specific
for this use.
Before driving, always make sure that
the vehicle reached the ride height set
through the selector.
When driving, always:
• limit driving speed as much as
possible to tackle bends, bumpy
sections and slopes;
• increase visual control in front and
on the sides of the vehicle to quickly
spot any obstacles in your path
(potholes, branches, etc.); Always consider these tips further to
your experience gained in off-road
driving.
After Driving Off-road Off-road operation puts more stress
on your vehicle than does most
on-road driving. After going off-road,
it is always a good idea to check for
damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and
have your vehicle ready when you
need it.
• Completely inspect the underbody of
your vehicle. Check tires, body
structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and
debris that might decrease sinking
effect and clean as required.
• Check for accumulations of plants or
brush in underbody. These things
could be a fire hazard if they get in
contact with the exhaust system.
• After extended operation in mud,
sand, water, or similar dirty
conditions, have all parts that got in
contact with mud, sand and water
inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible. WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the
brakes may cause excessive wear or
unpredictable braking operation. Do
not drive if braking system is not
efficient: get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary by an
Authorized Maserati Dealer.
• If you experience unusual vibration
after
driving in mud, slush or similar
conditions, check the wheels and
suspension linkages for impacted
material. Impacted material can
cause wheel imbalance and affect
suspension response. Removing it
will correct the situation.Driving
5
267

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle.
You will not exceed the tire's load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the
loading conditions, tire size, and cold
tire inflation pressures specified on the
“Tire and Loading Information Label”
and in the “Features and
Specifications” section.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle
condition, gross axle weight ratings
(GAWRs) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs/XXX kg” on the tire
and loading information label. The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo/luggage should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit
• Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX lbs/XXX kg” on the vehicle's
label.
• Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in the vehicle.
• Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from
XXX lbs/XXX kg.
• The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if “XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs/635
kg and there will be five
150 lbs/68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs/295 kg (since 5 x 150/68 =
750/340, and 1,400/635– 750/340 =
650 lbs/295 kg).
• Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
previous Step.
• If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. Tires
Driving over rough or damaged road
surfaces, as well as debris, curbs and
other obstacles can cause serious
damage to wheels, tires, and
suspension parts.
This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less
cushioning between the wheel and the
road.
Be careful to avoid road hazards and
reduce your speed, especially if your
vehicle is equipped with low profile
tires.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is
dangerous. Overloading can cause tire
failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase the stopping distance. Use
tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.Driving
5
324

When the tread is worn to one of the
tread wear indicators, the tire should
be replaced.
WARNING!
The wet performance (aquaplaning
resistance) will decrease
proportionally to the thickness of the
tread.
Tires Durability The service life of a tire depends on
various factors including, but not
limited to:
• driving style;
• tire pressure;
• distance driven.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire (if equipped)
should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in tire failure. Replacement Tires NOTE:
In order to maintain high performance
and safety level under all driving
conditions, Maserati strongly
recommends to use tires equivalent to
the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is
needed.
For the size designation of your tire
see the label on the driver's side rear
door pillar or see table “Wheels” in
section “Features and Specifications”.
The “Load Index” and “Speed
Symbol” for your tire will be found on
the original equipment tire sidewall.
NOTE:
Maserati recommends Maserati
Genuine Tires marked with “MGT”
logo specifically designed for its
models.
It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling.
If you ever replace a wheel assembly,
make sure that the wheel’s
specifications (valve, TPMS sensor and
tire) match those of the original
wheels. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Your Authorized Maserati Dealer is
available to provide suggestions as to
the types of tires most suited to the
use foreseen by the Customer.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size or
rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may
change suspension dimensions and
performance characteristics,
resulting in altered steering,
handling, and braking operations of
the vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to
steering and suspension
components. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings
appointed for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load
index or capacity, other than what
was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller
load index could result in tire
overloading and failure.
• Always check the maximum speed
(Continued)Driving
5
327

(Continued)
rating on the tire sidewall on any
tire on the vehicle.
• Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tires. Risk of accident
and serious personal injury due to
excessive speed.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with
tires having adequate speed
capability can result in tire failure.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Winter Tires These tires are specially designed for
driving on snow and ice and are fitted
to replace the ones supplied with the
vehicle. Winter or all-season tires can
be identified by the M+S (Mud &
Snow) or 3PMSF (3 Peaks Mountain
Snow Flake) designation on the tire
sidewall.
Before mounting winter tires, contact
an Authorized Maserati Dealer to
receive the technical information
necessary to advise you on wheel and
tire compatibility. As to the type of tires to use, inflation
pressures and winter tires
specifications, carefully follow the
indications as reported in the
“Technical Data” and “Tire Inflation
Pressure” chapters in section “Features
and Specifications”.
WARNING!
The standard tires profile and rubber
mixture are optimized for wet and dry
driving conditions. Standard tires may
not prove favorable for snow
conditions.
NOTE:
Snow
tires should have the same load
capacity as original equipment tires
and should be mounted on all four
wheels.
Snow Chains Maserati approved traction devices (or
snow chains) may be used to improve
traction on compacted snow in heavy
snow conditions.
They should not be used in off-road
conditions where there is no
compacted snow.
Maserati tested and recommends to
use traction devices with air suspension system in “Off Road 1” or
“Off Road 2” ride height in order to
increase wheel clearance.
In any case do not exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Please contact an Authorized Maserati
Dealer for further information.
The chains may be fitted only on rear
wheel tires.
Check the snow chain tension after
driving for a distance of about 55 yd
(50 m) with the chains fitted.
With the snow chains fitted, it is
advisable to deactivate the ESC system
(see chapter “Drive Mode” in this
section).
CAUTION!
• The use of non-recommended snow
chains may damage the vehicle.
• Broken snow chains can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that
could indicate snow chain breakage.
Replace the damaged parts of the
snow chain before further use.
• Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe
turns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.Driving
5
328

• Avoid holes in the road, do not drive
over steps or sidewalks and do not
drive on long stretches without
snow. This will prevent damage to
the vehicle and the roadbed.
NOTE:
The Authorized Maserati Dealer can
provide you
with all information
about the Maserati Snow Chains,
available in the "Genuine Accessories"
range.
Pneumatic Suspension Mode
for Wheel Change The pneumatic suspension system is
equipped with a specific mode to be
used when vehicle must be lifted to
change one or several wheels/tires.
This mode temporarily disables
pneumatic suspension automatic
leveling.
To activate this mode, scroll user
settings on MTC+ and select “Wheel
Replacement Mode” in submenu
“Suspension”. The tick next to
selected item will indicate that this
mode is active and system is disabled
(for further details, refer to chapter
“MTC+ Settings” in section
“Dashboard Instruments and
Controls”). After servicing, restore original
conditions and eliminate the tick next
to selected mode: in this way the
pneumatic suspension system will go
back to normal operation.
Compact Spare Tire The limited-use spare tire, or compact
spare tire, is for temporary emergency
use only.
This tire is identified by a label
indicating the driving speed
limitations to comply with when using
the spare tire.
Inflate the spare tire to the cold
inflation pressure listed on the table
“Tire Inflation Pressure” in section
“Features and Specifications”.
Mounting the spare tire affects vehicle
handling. Replace (or repair) as soon
as possible the original equipment tire
and reinstall it on the vehicle. Do not
install more than one compact spare
tire and wheel on the vehicle at a
time.
WARNING!
With these compact spare tires, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h).
Temporary use spares have limited
tread life.Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) will warn the driver of a low
tire pressure according to the vehicle
recommended cold pressure indicated
on the table “Tire Inflation Pressure”
in section “Features and
Specifications” and on the label
applied on the driver's side rear door
pillar.
Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure.
The cold tire inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check “Tires – General Information” in
section “Driving” for information on
how to properly inflate the tires.
The tire pressure will also increase as
the vehicle is driven - this is normal
and there is no adjustment required
when this occurs.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low
tire pressure if the tire pressure falls
below the low-pressure warning limit
for any reason, including low
temperature effects and natural
pressure loss of the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the
driver of low tire pressure as long as
the condition persists and will not turnDriving
5
329

• Refit the access cover making sure to
engage the two projecting elements
indicated by the arrow fully home
into the bumper.
• Push cover lower end toward
bumper until the two retainers click
in place.
Towing Tips • Before setting out on a trip, check
operation of trailer rear lights and stop lights to ensure you do not
jeopardize other road users' safety.
• Make certain that the load is secured
in the trailer and will not shift
during travel. When trailering cargo
that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control.
• When hauling cargo or towing a
trailer, do not overload your vehicle
or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, damage to brakes,
driveline, steering, suspension or
tires.
• Safety metal wire must always be
used between your vehicle and
trailer. Always connect the wire to
the hook retainers of the trailer and
vehicle hitch. Cross the wire under
the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Comply with local applicable speed
limits.
• Towing any trailer will increase your
stopping distance. When towing,
you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do
so could result in an accident.
• For towing use “Normal” ride
height. • Do not exceed maximum specified
pressure for vehicle and trailer tires.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be
parked on a steep grade. When
parking, put the tow vehicle
transmission in P (Park) and apply
the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
• Do not use electronic Cruise Control
(CC and/or ACC) when driving on
slopes or when carrying heavy loads.
• The D (Drive) gear must be selected
when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when
towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in D
(Drive), if provided, you can use the
paddle shift switches to manually
select a lower gear.
• Using a lower gear while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, will improve
performance and extend
transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better
engine braking.Driving
5
345

people around you to put their
cigarettes out.
• To extinguish fires, even small ones,
use a fire extinguisher, blankets,
sand or earth. Never use water.
• In multiple accidents occurred on
highways, particularly where
visibility is poor, there is a high risk
of being involved in other collisions.
Leave the vehicle immediately and
move away from the area.
In case of Injured Persons • Never leave the injured person
alone. Persons not directly involved
in the accident are also required to
give assistance.
• Do not crowd around injured
persons.
• Reassure the injured person that
help is on the way.
WARNING!
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle
can expose you to chemicals including
such as, engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that
which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-
vehicle
In case of a Punctured Tire The vehicle is equipped with a
compact spare wheel.
Using the Compact Spare
Wheel The automatic leveling of pneumatic
suspensions might create problems
when it is necessary to lift the vehicle
to replace the wheel featuring
punctured tire with the emergency
wheel supplied or with another wheel.
CAUTION!
Before mounting the compact spare
wheel it is necessary to disable the
suspension system by scrolling the user
settings on MTC+ and selecting
“Wheel Replacement Mode” in
“Suspensions” submenu. The tick next
to selected item will indicate that this
mode is active and pneumatic
suspension system is disabled (for
further details, refer to “MTC+
Settings” chapter in section
“Dashboard Instruments and
Controls”). After servicing, restore
original conditions and eliminate the
tick next to selected mode: in this way
the pneumatic suspension system willIn an Emergency
6
351

(Continued)
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that
which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, do not idle the engine except
as necessary, service your vehicle in a
well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to:
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-
vehicle
Towing a Disabled Vehicle Proper towing or lifting equipment is
required to prevent damage to your
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Any improper maneuver and use of
unsuitable equipment for recovering
vehicle in an emergency from off road
location could seriously damage the
vehicle. Contact an Authorized
Maserati Dealer .
Manual Release of Transmission
with Low Battery In order to push or tow the vehicle if
unable to shift the transmission out of
P (Park) (such as a discharged battery),
a manual park release is available. In
this case it is necessary to manually
release the shift lever and release the
parking brake if inserted (see
“Emergency Release of the Parking
Brake” in this section).
Follow the steps as indicated in
“Transmission Manual Release of P
(Park) Position” in this section to
manually disengage the transmission. Vehicle Towing Conditions Maserati only allows vehicle towing
with all four wheels off the ground.
WARNING!
Single axle towing or use of a tow
dolly is not allowed since it will
severely damage vehicle components.
Use the Tow Hook Included in
the Tool Kit CAUTION!
The tow hook should only be used for
towing the car on flat roads. Do not
use the tow hook to remove the car
that is stuck on off road stretches.
The tow hook is also used to tow the
vehicle
on the platform of a tow truck.
Before carrying out this operation, if
the battery of the vehicle still works,
set "Transport Mode" on MTC+ in
"Suspensions" submenu (see "MTC+
Settings" chapter in section
“Dashboard Instruments and
Controls”). With this mode activated,
the ride height will be lowered to the
minimum value and the pneumatic
suspension system will be disabled to
help vehicle loading on the tow truck.In an Emergency
6
360