(Continued)
• Driving on parabolic curves will
deactivate the system.
PARK OFF Mode
To deactivate manual operation of the
parking brake, with the engine on,
press the "PARK OFF" button on the
central console. The words “PARK
OFF” appear on the instrument cluster
display for 5 seconds, after which they
remain displayed but in smaller size.
To reactivate automatic operation,
press the "PARK OFF" button once
again, the words “PARK ON” appear
on the display for 5 seconds.
CAUTION!
• In certain conditions when the
battery voltage is low, the electric
parking brake system may
temporarily be deactivated for safety
reasons. Therefore, typically upon
starting the engine, when the
battery voltage drops, the message
“PARK OFF” may temporarily be
displayed on the instrument cluster,
indicating that automatic operation
is temporarily disabled.• In the case of performance starting,
check that the electric parking brake
is disengaged.
For further information see "Parking
Brake" in this section.
Sequential Manual Operation
(MANUAL)
In this mode, the transmission interacts
with the driver in order to allow
manual shift and ensure increased
control of the vehicle. The current
mode allows the gear system to
optimize the engine brake action,
remove undesired shifting into higher
and lower gears and improve the
overall performance of the vehicle.
With automatic transmission selected
(D (Drive) position), shift the
transmission shift lever to position “+”
o “–”.
When this mode is selected, the
symbol “+” or “–” illuminates on the
gear display, based on the position of
the transmission shift lever, and the
gear engaged is shown on the
instrument cluster display.
WARNING!
When sequential manual operation is
selected, upshifting or downshifting
must be performed manually.
To engage the gears, shift the
transmission shift lever to one of the
following two positions:
"+" (UP) to engage a higher gear;
"–" (DOWN) to engage a lower gear.
CAUTION!
• However, some conditions will
remain automatically controlled, for
example, when the engine is
overrevving or underrevving, the
system automatically engages a
higher or lower gear.
• If you request a gearshift in
conditions where the engine is
overrevving or underrevving, the
system will not accept the command.
• The ECU is programmed to control
one gearshift at a time, therefore,
fast and repeated actions will not
necessarily result in a gearshift. A
higher or lower gear is engaged only
if the previous procedure requested
has been completed.
Driving
5
172
Parking Brake
The vehicle is equipped with an
electric automatic parking brake, also
called EPB (Electric Parking Brake).
It can be automatically engaged when
the engine is turned off and it is
disengaged when, with the engine
running, the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
When the parking brake is applied
(with the key in the ignition switch in
STOP (OFF)position), the
indicator lights up on the rev.
counter display and the related
message is displayed on the instrument
cluster for 5 seconds (see “Instrument
Cluster” in section “Dashboard
Instruments and Controls”).
During engagement and
disengagement procedures, the
indicator flashes until theparking brake has reached its
maximum activation force and is
respectively fully released.
The parking brake is automatically
applied when the engine is turned off
and the vehicle is stationary.
It can only be disengaged when the
engine is restarted.
If the key has been removed from the
ignition switch or is turned inSTOP
(OFF)position, it cannot be
disengaged.
Manual Engagement/
Disengagement
The parking brake can also be
manually engaged or disengaged
when the engine is running and when
the vehicle is moving or the key in the
ignition switch is inMAR (ON)
position, by pressing the brake pedal
and raising the lever located next to
the transmission shift lever.
When the parking brake is applied, the
indicator lights up on the rev.
counter and the related message will
be displayed on the instrument cluster.
If the engine was turned off when the
automatic engagement device was
deactivated (see “Deactivating
Automatic Operation” in this chapter)
it is possible to shift the parking brake
simply by pulling the lever upward.
CAUTION!
The main function of the EPB is to
allow safe parking of the vehicle,
therefore it must only be applied
when the vehicle is already stationary.
If the EPB is used while the vehicle is
moving and decelerating until a speed
lower of 3 mph (5 km/h) and, in
particular, until complete stop
(typically in a sudden brake), it is
necessary to have the EPB system
checked by anAuthorized Maserati
Dealer.
WARNING!
•Always hold the brake pedal pressed
during engagement or
disengagement of the parking brake.
Driving
5
174
If you attempt to disengage the
parking brake without having
depressed the service brake pedal, a
message will be displayed to warn
you to do so.
•The EPB command activation while
running, generates a deceleration of
the vehicle with strong deceleration
(Dynamic Braking). It is therefore
recommended to use of this feature
only in case of emergency. The
stability of the car is guaranteed by
the action of the activated ESC
system.
Deactivating Automatic
Operation
To deactivate automatic operation of
the parking brake, with the engine
on, press the "PARK OFF" button on
the central console.The words “PARK OFF” appear on the
display for 5 seconds, after which they
remain displayed but in smaller size.
To reactivate automatic operation,
press the "PARK OFF" button once
again, the words “PARK ON” appear
on the display for 5 seconds.
CAUTION!
• In certain conditions when the
battery voltage is low, the electric
parking brake system may
temporarily be deactivated for safety
reasons. Therefore, typically upon
starting the engine, when the
battery voltage drops, the message
“PARK OFF” may temporarily be
displayed on the instrument cluster,
indicating that automatic operation
is temporarily disabled.• In the case of performance starting,
check that the parking brake is
disengaged.
Failure Indication
In the event of electric parking brake
system failure, the
warning light
on the display will light up.
Depending on the message displayed,
it signals the following failures of the
EPB system:
• “Parking brake failure: go to dealer”
If the message warning you to go to
the nearestAuthorized Maserati
Dealeris displayed, drive slowly and
remember that the electric parking
brake device is not functioning.
• “EPB is overheated”
If the vehicle has been stationary
(key in the ignition switch toSTOP
(OFF)position) for about 15 minutes
without using the parking brake,
and the warning light illuminates
again after restarting the engine,
slowly drive to the nearest
Authorized Maserati Dealer.
• “EPB failure only manual unlock
allowed: see handbook”
In this case, follow the manual
emergency deactivation procedure
in order to release the parking brake
(see “Emergency Release of the
Driving
5
175
Parking Brake” in section “In an
Emergency”).
• “Parking Brake system revision: go to
dealer”
The EPB system requires
maintenance, therefore contact an
Authorized Maserati Dealerto have
the system corrected.
WARNING!
In the event of an EPB failure, take
your vehicle to the nearest Authorized
Maserati Dealer as soon as possible.
Initialize the EPB System after a
Battery Disconnecting
After the detachment and the
subsequent connection of the battery,
on the instrument cluster display the
warning light will light up.
To initialize the EPB system lift, release
and lift again the lever located next to
the transmission shift lever.
Emergency Disengagement
In case of brake lock with complete
electrical system failure, it is necessary
to act on the electric actuator using
the special tool provided in the tool kit
to release the pressure of the parking
brake shoes (see “Emergency Releaseof the Parking Brake” chapter in
section “In an Emergency”).
EPB Operation with
Overheated Brakes
Driving on mountain roads with steep
slopes or a sports use of the vehicle
could overheat the brake system
components. In these conditions,
parking brake must not be used since
the push of the power actuator might
not be sufficient to ensure vehicle
braking, especially on a slope.
Drive normally without braking to
allow the brakes to cool down a few
minutes before stopping. In this way,
the automatic or manual activation of
the parking brake will ensure vehicle
braking.
Parking
Straighten the wheels and turn off the
engine.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully applied
in automatic or manual mode and
place the transmission lever in the P
(Park) position.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
WARNING!
•Always check that the vehicle is
locked before leaving it.
•Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
•Do not park the vehicle on paper,
grass, dry leaves or other flammable
materials. They could catch fire if
they come into contact with hot
parts of the exhaust system.
•Do not leave the engine running
while the vehicle is unattended.
CAUTION!
When you need to park the vehicle on
a steep slope, both with the engine on
and off, it is recommended not only to
Driving
5
176
engage the parking brake, but also to
shift the transmission shift lever to P
(Park) before leaving the vehicle.
When parking on hill roads, it is
important to turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
Apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in P (Park),
otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift
lever out of P (Park).
In certain conditions, it is however
advisable to disengage the parking
brake manually and slightly apply the
service brake for starting off. This is
advisable when there are obstacles
very close to the vehicle in the
direction in which you intend to move.
Brake and Stability
Control System
The vehicle is equipped with an
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
anti-yawing system, which helps to
maintain directional control in the
event of loss of grip of the tires. The
system is able to detect potentially
dangerous situations for the stability
of the vehicle and automatically sets
the brakes on all four wheels in a
differentiated manner, in order to
provide a torque settlement of the
vehicle.
ESC includes the following subsystems:
• ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• EBD (Electronic Brake-force
Distribution)
• HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance)
• BOS (Brake Override System)
WARNING!
•These systems cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from
affecting the vehicle, nor can they
increase traction, braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires.•These systems cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
•The capabilities of a vehicle
equipped with these systems must
never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could
jeopardize the driver’s and the
passenger’s safety or the safety of
others.
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)
This system enhances directional
control and stability of the vehicle
under various driving conditions. The
ESC corrects over steering and under
steering of the vehicle by applying the
brake to the appropriate wheel.
Engine power may also be reduced to
assist in counteracting the conditions
of instability and maintain the right
direction. The system is also able to
reduce the engine power.
Through sensors fitted on the vehicle,
the ESC system detects the driver’s
chosen direction comparing it to the
one maintained while running. In case
of discrepancy between the required
trajectory and the current one, the
Driving
5
177
ESC system brakes the appropriate
wheel to counteract over or under
steering.
• Oversteer - when the vehicle is
turning more than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is
turning less than appropriate for the
steering wheel position.
The ESC system has two available
operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal ESC operating mode.
At each start-up of the vehicle, the ESC
system is set in this mode and should
be used for most driving conditions.
The ESC should only be turned off for
specific reasons as pointed out in the
following paragraphs.
ESC Off
The “ESC Off” mode is aimed for a
more spirited driving experience but
also purposeful for driving in deep
snow, sand, or gravel. The current
mode disables the traction control
portion of the ESC and raises the
threshold for ESC activation, allowing
higher wheel spin than normally
granted by the ESC system. The
(ESC
Off) button is fitted in front of the
transmission shift lever: to deactivatethe system see “Drive Mode” in this
section.
WARNING!
In SPORT mode the ESC control
thresholds are higher for maximum
performance on dry road surface. To
ensure maximum security of the ESC is
recommended not to activate SPORT
mode on surfaces with medium- and
low-grip (e.g., wet, snow, dirt, etc..)
with ESC system active (button
(ESC
Off) not pressed).
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow chains, or when
starting off in deep snow, sand, or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to
the “ESC Off” mode by pressing the
(ESC Off) button and remain in this
operational mode no longer than
needed. Once the situation requiring
“ESC Off” mode is overcome, turn the
ESC on again by pressing the
(ESC
Off) button. This may also be
performed while in motion.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
The ASR incorporated in the ESC
system avoids skidding of the driving
wheels during acceleration by means
of the engine control unit (spark
advance delay, engine throttle
opening reduction and fuel injection
cut) and the rear brakes.
The ASR system is designed to enhance
vehicle stability and active safety while
driving, especially under the following
conditions:
• internal wheel skidding on curves
due to the load dynamic variations or
excessive acceleration;
• excessive power transmitted to the
wheels, also in relation to the road
surface conditions;
• acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
road surfaces;
Driving
5
178
• in the event of loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning).
The ASR system works in combination
with the electronic suspension control
system: in normal conditions (SPORT
mode off), stability in low and
medium grip conditions has priority,
while with SPORT mode active, the
system favors traction, thereby
optimizing vehicle performance on dry
asphalt.
The ASR system is automatically
activated every time the engine is
started and can be deactivated by
pressing
(ESC Off) button (see
"Drive Mode" in this section).
ASR System Failure
In the event of a fault, the system is
automatically disabled and cannot be
re-activated. While driving, this
condition is signaled by the
amber
warning light on the instrument
cluster display, which illuminates
together with the message “ASR
unavailable go to dealer”. Also the
(ESC On) amber warning light
illuminates inside the tachometer with
the message indicating that the ESC
system is unavailable. In this case drive
with the greatest care and have the
system immediately checked by the
nearestAuthorized Maserati Dealer.MSR Function
The ASR system also controls the
engine braking torque when the
accelerator pedal is released under
low grip conditions (e.g., snow, ice,
etc.): in these conditions, the high
braking torque provided by the
engine may cause instability of the
vehicle.
The system, using the same sensors as
the ABS, detects skidding of one or
both driving wheels when the
accelerator is released and opens the
motor-driven throttle of the engine
fuel system thereby reducing the
braking torque and re-establishing the
maximum grip conditions for the
driving wheels.
WARNING!
The maximum deceleration that can
be obtained with the engine brake
always depends on the tire grip on
the road surface. Snow or ice
obviously reduce grip values.
WARNING!
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle or off-road vehiclecan expose you to chemicals including
such as, engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates and lead, that
which are know 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
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
and Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability and
brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes
during severe braking to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The Electronic Brake-force Distribution
(EBD) prevents the rear wheels from
over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces
applied to the rear axle.
Driving
5
179
WARNING!
The ABS helps prevent the wheels
from locking, but it does not increase
the physical grip limits between the
tires and the road. Therefore, always
keep a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of yours and reduce your
speed when entering a curve.
NOTE:
•When the vehicle's speed is higher
than 7 mph (11 km/h), you may also
hear a slight clicking sound as well as
other motor noises. The system is
performing a self-check cycle to
ensure that the ABS is working
properly.
•This self-check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated
past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under
certain road or stopping conditions.
ABS-inducing conditions can include
ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad
tracks, loose debris.
You may also experience the following
when the brake system goes into Anti-
Lock:• The ABS motor running (it may
continue to run for a short time after
the vehicle stops).
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
• Brake pedal pulsations.
• A slight drop or fall away of the
brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS functioning.WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused by
improperly-installed or high-output
radio transmitting equipment. This
interference can cause possible loss
of anti-lock braking capability.
Installation of such equipment
should be performed by qualified
Maserati personnel.
•Pumping the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may
lead to a collision. Pumping brakes
makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly and continuously on
your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop
ABS and EBD System Failure
In the event of a failure the ABS
system will be deactivated, but this will
not affect the efficiency of the
standard braking system.
The failure will be indicated by the
illumination of the
amber warning
light on the instrument cluster.
An EBD system failure is indicated by
the illumination of the
red
warning light on the instrument
cluster.
In this case we recommend that you
contact the nearestAuthorized
Maserati Dealerin order to identify
the fault as soon as possible, by means
of the system self-diagnostic function.
WARNING!
•The
failure warning light usually
illuminates with the engine running
to indicate a malfunction in the ABS
system only. In this case, the braking
system will remain fully functioning,
but will not use the ABS. In these
conditions, also the EBD system
efficiency may be affected. Drive
with the greatest care in order to
avoid sudden braking and have the
system immediately checked by the
Driving
5
180