Normal Starting of the
Engine
WARNING!
It is dangerous to run the engine in an
enclosed area. The engine consumes
oxygen and discharges carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and other
toxic gases in the atmosphere.
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 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
When you open a door to get into the
car, the instrument cluster turns on.
The TFT displays the complete
odometer, time, outside temperature
and the
open doors indicator.
Before starting the engine, close the
doors, adjust your seat, the inside and
outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt
and instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts.
Make sure that the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) is applied.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position before you can start
the engine. Apply the brakes before
shifting into any driving gear (see
“Automatic Transmission” in this
section).
CAUTION!
• Before starting the engine, switch off
the electrical devices with a high
power consumption (air-conditioning
and heating system, heated rear
window, headlights, etc.).
• Do not start the engine if the fuel
level in the tank is low.
Press the brake pedal and turn the key
in the ignition switch toMAR (ON)
position.
Instrument cluster displays the initial
sequence with warning light and
analog instruments test routine.
Turn the key intoAVVposition and
release it when the engine starts. The
key will return toMAR (ON)position
automatically.
Do not hold the key inAVVposition
for a long time.
If the engine fails to start, the starter
will disengage automatically after 10
seconds. If you wish to stop the
cranking of the engine prior to
starting it, turn the key toSTOP (OFF)
position.
If the engine does not start, turn the
key toSTOP (OFF)position and wait
for the gear display to go off. Then
repeat the entire procedure.
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a
warm engine is obtained without
pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.
Driving
5
158
can be activated at any time and the
system limits the engine speed rate to
3000 rpm in all gears except for the
6th, unrequested gearshifts could take
place.
In any case, it is advisable to
deactivate SPORT mode before
selecting ICE (low-grip) mode.
When sequential manual gearshifting
is active, regardless of the mode set
(NORMAL / SPORT / ICE), the
transmission will automatically upshift
or downshift when reaching the
minimum and maximum rpm. This is
to prevent engine overrevving or
underrevving.
(ESC Off) Mode
The ESC system is designed to
automatically activate every time the
engine is started and can be
deactivated by pressing
(ESC Off)
button on the central console for
about 2 seconds. The
(ESC Off)
amber warning light illuminates on
the instrument cluster as well as on
the display, where it is accompanied
by a specific message.
The ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
antiyawing system incorporates all of
the vehicle control systems: ABS, EBD,
ASR and MSR (see "Brake and StabilityControl System" in this section for
further information).
The system is fitted with a unit that
predicts the vehicle behavior with
extreme accuracy. The system can
detect when the driver is about to lose
control of the vehicle. In this case, it
can activate the brake calipers
individually and engine control, in
order to create a torque sufficient to
resist the vehicle’s yawing moment.
Press
(ESC Off) button again to
reactivate the system.
The
(ESC On) amber warning light
on the instrument cluster flashes
during all the operating phases.
, the system is automatically disabled
and cannot be re-activated. While
driving, this condition is signaled by
the
(ESC On) amber warning light,
that illuminates both on the
instrument cluster as well as on the
multi-function display, where it is
accompanied by the message “ESC
unavailable go to dealer”.
When the engine is started, the system
malfunction is indicated by the
illumination of the
(ESC On) amber
warning light.
CAUTION!
• In the event of a fault, and with the
ESC system disabled (
(ESC Off)
button pressed), the vehicle behaves
as if it were not equipped with this
system: however, we recommend
you contact theAuthorized Maserati
Dealeras soon as possible to have
the system checked.
• If you have to tow the vehicle with 2
wheels raised, make sure the key in
the ignition switch is in theSTOP
(OFF)position. Otherwise, with the
ESC system active (
(ESC Off)
button not pressed), the control unit
will store a malfunction with
consequent illumination of the
(ESC On) amber warning lights on
the instrument cluster and on the
display. Should this occur, contact
theAuthorized Maserati Dealerto
have the system repaired.
• In low- and medium-grip conditions
(e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, etc.) it is
advisable not to activate SPORT
mode, even with the ESC system
active (
(ESC Off) button not
pressed).
Driving
5
171
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
Use of the Engine
Breaking-In
Today's most modern production
methods are designed to provide
extremely precise construction and
assembly of components. However,
moving parts do undergo a settling
process, basically in the first hours of
vehicle operation.
Do not drive keeping at a constant
high speed rate for a prolonged time.
While cruising, brief full-throttle
acceleration within the limits of local
traffic laws contributes to a good
break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine
at the factory is a high-quality energy
conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle
operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality
grades, see “Refillings” in section
“Features and Specifications”.
A new engine may consume some oil
during its first few thousand
kilometers of operation. This should
be considered as a normal part of thebreak-in and not interpreted as an
indication of malfunction.
Avoid exceeding 5000 rpm for the first
620 trip mi (1000 km).
After starting the vehicle, do not
exceed 4000 rpm until the engine has
warmed up sufficiently (coolant
temperature: 149-158°F/65-70°C).
While Driving
Never travel with the tachometer
indicator approaching the peak rpm,
not even downhill. When the
tachometer indicator is approaching
the peak rpm (red colored zone), take
precautions to avoid exceeding that
limit.
Ensure proper operation of different
devices checking their respective
control telltales.
CAUTION!
• Under normal conditions, all red
warning lights on the instrument
cluster display should be off. When
they come on, they indicate a
malfunction. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster” in section “Dashboard
Instruments and Controls”.
• Continuing to drive when a red
warning light is on could cause
serious damage to the vehicle and
affect its performance.
WARNING!
Do not travel downhill with the
engine off, as the servo brake will no
longer function due to the vacuum
decrease and thus after a few braking
attempts, the system becomes totally
inefficient. The power steering will
also lose its efficiency under these
conditions.
Onboard Diagnostic System
Your vehicle is equipped with a
sophisticated onboard diagnostic
system. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine,
Driving
5
183
Driving Conditions
Before the Trip
Check the following at regular
intervals and always before long trips:
• tire pressure and condition;
• levels of fluids and lubricants;
• conditions of the windshield wiper
blades;
• clean the glass on the external light
and all other glass surfaces;
• proper operation of the indicator
lights and of the external lights.
CAUTION!
It is however advisable to perform
these checks at least every 500 mi
(800 km) and always following the
maintenance schedule reported in
section “Maintenance and Care”.
Before you drive:
• adjust seat position, steering wheel
and rearview mirrors in order to have
the best driving position;
• ensure that nothing (mat covers, etc.)
is obstructing the pedals movement;
• carefully arrange and secure any
objects in the trunk, to prevent themfrom moving forward in case of
sudden stops;
• avoid heavy meals before a trip. A
light snack helps keep your reflexes
sharp. In particular, avoid drinking
alcohol.
WARNING!
Beyond being prohibited by law, it is
extremely dangerous to ride inside the
trunk or on the hood. In the event of
an accident, passengers sitting here
are more exposed to the risk of
serious injury. Passengers must only
travel seated in the vehicle seats, with
the seat belts fastened. Always check
that the driver and all passengers
have the seat belts correctly fastened.
Safe Driving
Although the vehicle is equipped with
active and passive safety devices, the
driver's conduct is always a decisive
factor for road safety.
Some simple rules for traveling safely
in different conditions are listed
below. Some of them will probably
already sound familiar but, in any case,
it would be useful to read them
carefully.Driving at Night
The main guidelines to follow when
driving at night are set out below.
• Drive carefully. Night conditions
demand more focus and attention.
• Reduce your speed, especially on
roads with no streetlights.
• Stop at early signs of drowsiness.
Continuing to drive would be a risk
for yourself and for others. Have a
rest before continuing your trip.
• Keep the vehicle at a greater
distance from vehicles in front of you
than you would during the day: it is
difficult to assess the speed of other
vehicles when you only see the lights.
• Use the high beams only outside of
densely-populated areas and when
you are sure that they will not
disturb other drivers.
• When another vehicle is
approaching, switch from high
beams (if on) to low beams.
• Keep lights and headlights clean.
• Outside of densely-populated areas,
beware of animals crossing the road.
Driving in the Rain
Rain and wet roads are dangerous. On
a wet road all maneuvers are more
difficult since wheel grip on the
Driving
5
204
asphalt is significantly reduced. This
means that braking distances increase
considerably and road grip decreases.
Some advices for driving in the rain
are listed below.
• Reduce your speed and keep a
greater safety distance from the
vehicles in front of you. High speed
may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
• When driving on wet or slushy roads,
it is possible for a wedge of water to
build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as
aquaplaning and may cause partial
or complete loss of vehicle control
and stopping ability. To reduce this
possibility: slow down if the road has
standing water or puddles.
• Heavy rain substantially reduces
visibility. In these circumstances, even
during the day, turn on the low
beams, to be more visible to other
drivers.
• Set the air conditioning and heating
system controls on the defogging
function, in order to avoid any
visibility problem.
• Periodically check the conditions of
the windshield wiper blades.• In low grip conditions use “ICE”
drive mode (see chapters “Drive
Mode” in this section).
Driving in Fog
If the fog is dense, avoid traveling if
possible.
When driving in mist, blanket fog or
when there is the possibility of banks
of fog, please consider some advices
listed below.
• Keep a moderate speed.
• Even in daytime, turn on the low
beams and rear fog lights. Do not
use the high beams.
• Remember that fog creates
dampness on the asphalt and thus
any type of maneuver is more
difficult and braking distances are
extended.
• Keep a safe distance from the
vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid sudden changes in speed as
much as possible.
• Whenever possible, avoid
overtaking.
• If you are forced to stop the vehicle
(breakdowns, impossibility of
proceeding due to poor visibility,
etc.), first of all, try to stop off of the
travel lane. Then turn on the hazardwarning flashers and, if possible, the
low beams.
• Sound the horn rhythmically if you
hear another vehicle approaching.
• When you get out of the vehicle, put
on the high-visibility vest (if
equipped).
CAUTION!
Be aware that rear fog lights can
bother the drivers following your
vehicle: when visibility is back to
normal, turn off these lights.
Driving in the Mountains
Mountain roads usually have many
narrow turns and curves, tunnels and
steep uphill or downhill slopes: please
consider some advices listed below.
• Drive at a moderate speed, avoid
“cutting” corners.
• When driving inside a tunnel in
daylight turn on the low beams in
advance; avoid high beams and be
aware of the rapid brightness
change. Avoid abrupt maneuvers
that could be dangerous for the
following vehicle.
• Never coast downhill with the
engine off or in neutral, and never
Driving
5
205
emergency starting, only use an
auxiliary battery.
• While driving, if the engine does not
run smoothly, you may continue
driving but reducing engine
performance to a minimum; you
should then contact theAuthorized
Maserati Dealeras soon as possible.
• Never run the engine, even if only
for testing, with one or more spark
plugs disconnected.
• Do not warm up the engine letting it
idle before starting off, except in the
event that the external temperature
is very low and, even then, for no
longer than 30 seconds.
Catalytic Converter Warnings
During normal operation the catalytic
converter produces high temperatures.
Failure to comply with following rules
can create fire hazards.
• Do not park the vehicle on
flammable materials (e.g. grass, dry
leaves, pine needles, etc.).
• Do not install heat guards and do
not remove those already fitted to
the catalytic converter and to the
exhaust manifold.
• Do not spray anything on the
catalytic converter, Oxygen sensor
and exhaust manifold.In addition to the catalytic converter
system, the vehicles are equipped with
a system for controlling fuel vapor
emissions. This system, called ORVR,
has been designed to help reduce
atmospheric pollution by the
evaporation from the fuel system
during the refueling process. Also,
specific to these vehicles is the fuel
filler neck which comes equipped with
a sealed plug that is grounded to
avoid possible sparking during
re-fueling.
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 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
Other Tips
• Do not warm up the engine when
the vehicle is stationary: in these
conditions the engine heats up much
more slowly, thus increasing fuel
consumption and emissions. It is
advisable to move off slowly,
avoiding high engine rpm.
• As soon as traffic conditions and the
route permit it, use a higher gear.
• Avoid depressing the accelerator
repeatedly during stops at traffic
lights or before turning off the
engine.
• Keep your speed as regular as
possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which
cause fuel wastage and strongly
increase exhaust emissions.
• Turn the engine off if the vehicle
remains stationary for a long time.
• Check the tire pressure regularly: if
the pressure is too low, fuel
consumption increases and the tires
are damaged.
• Do not transport unnecessary heavy
objects in the trunk compartment.
Driving
5
208
Tool Kit
The tool bag and other first aid
equipment are located in the trunk
compartment and are available by
lifting the floor panel.
The tools in the bag are the following:
•8+10mmopen end wrench;
• 13 + 17 mm open end wrench;
• double flat + cross-head screwdriver;
• tow hook;
• tool for electric parking brake
actuator release;
• soft top hinge locking/unlocking
tool.
Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning flashers switch is
located in the central console under
the A/C controls.
Press the switch to turn on the hazard
warning flashers to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. When these
lights illuminate, the turn signals, the
related indicator lights on the
instrument cluster and the button start
flashing.
Press the switch a second time to turn
off the hazard warning flashers.
Hazard warning flashers operation
does not depend on the position of
the key in the ignition switch.
This is an emergency warning system
and it should not be used when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to
seek assistance, the hazard warning
flashers will continue to operate even
though the key has been removed
from the ignition switch.
CAUTION!
• When the hazard warning flashers
are activated, the turn signals
control is disabled.• The extended use of the hazard
warning flashers may wear down
your battery.
In an Emergency
6
212