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
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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;
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• 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.
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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
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nearest Centre of the Authorized
Maserati Dealer.
•The
warning light illuminates
when the engine is running to
indicate an EBD system malfunction.
In this case, sharp braking may
cause an early locking of the rear
wheels, and the vehicle may skid.
Drive with the greatest care and
have the system immediately
checked by the nearest Centre of the
Authorized Maserati Dealer.
Hydraulic Brake Assistance
(HBA)
HBA completes the ABS system by
optimizing the vehicle braking
capacity during emergency braking.
In the event of a critical situation,
where the vehicle must stop in the
shortest possible distance, the driver
usually depresses the brake pedal
quickly, but often not strongly
enough: this increases the braking
distance. HBA has been designed to
solve this problem and acts by
applying the maximum braking force
during emergency braking, in order to
stop the vehicle in the shortest
possible distance.
HBA recognizes the emergency
condition by analyzing someparameters, such as the pressure on
the brake servo, the wheel speed and
activation of the third stop. The ABS
control unit cross-checks this data and
substitutes the driver by activating the
braking system’s full power and so
ensures optimal braking performance
in the shortest possible distance.
Brake Override System (BOS)
To complete the range of systems that
assist braking, the vehicle is equipped
withBOS, which is designed to stop
the vehicle even when it is being
accelerated. If the brake pedal is
depressed together with the
accelerator, the engine power should
be automatically reduced and, if the
driver continues to depress the
accelerator, the system may even cause
the vehicle to come to a complete
stop.
Additionally, if the brake pedal is
released when the accelerator is still
depressed, the corresponding engine
torque can be reached gradually.
Using the Brakes
CAUTION!
To obtain a good performance of
brake pads and discs, avoid sudden
braking during the first 190 mi
(300 km).
The pad wear limit is indicated by the
illumination
of the
warning light,
on the instrument cluster display.
In this event, please contact an
Authorized Maserati Dealer.
WARNING!
•Riding the brakes can lead to brake
failure and possibly an accident.
Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear,
and possible brake damage. In an
emergency full braking capacity may
be impaired.
•If the
red warning light
illuminates when the engine is
running with the message that
indicates an insufficient brake fluid
level, stop the vehicle and check the
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(Continued)
brake fluid level immediately (see
"Maintenance Procedure" in section
“Maintenance and Care”). If fluid is
below the minimum level, top up
with the recommended fluid and
contact an Authorized Maserati
Dealer immediately to have the
system checked. Brake fluid leaks
affect the operation of the braking
systems.
•The brake system performance in
terms of active safety is not a reason
for the driver to run unnecessary
risks. The driving style shall always
be suited to weather conditions,
range of visibility and traffic.
•The maximum deceleration that can
be obtained always depends on the
tire grip on the road surface. With
snow or ice on the road the grip is
obviously reduced and the braking
distance is very high, even with the
ABS system.
Brake Pads and Brake Discs
Wear on the brake pads and brake
discs depends to a great extent on the
driving style and the conditions of use
and therefore cannot be expressed in
actual kilometers driven on the road.The high-performance brake system is
designed for optimal braking effect at
all speeds and temperatures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and
ambient conditions (e.g. temperature,
humidity and long outdoor stopping
periods) can therefore cause the
brakes to "squeal". This is normal and
will cease after a few brakings.
New Brake Pads and/or Brake
Discs
New brake pads have to be “broken
in”, and therefore only attain optimal
friction to the brake disc when the
vehicle has covered several
hundreds km.
During this first period, the slightly
reduced braking ability must be
compensated for by pressing the brake
pedal harder. This applies whenever
the brake pads and/or brake discs are
replaced.
Brake Overheating
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 on the brake shoes of the
power actuator might not be sufficientto 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.
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• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This
will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may
cause damage to your vehicle
drivetrain components. After driving
through standing water, do not drive
if you are not sure about drivetrain
condition. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle
Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle
engine can cause it to lock up and
stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle
Warranty.
• After driving through standing
water always have the fluids (engine
oil, transmission oil, etc) checked for
contamination at anAuthorized
Maserati Dealer.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water
limits your vehicle traction
capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through
standing water.
•Driving through standing waterlimits your vehicle braking
capabilities, which increases
stopping distances. Therefore, after
driving through standing water,
drive slowly and lightly press on the
brake pedal several times to
progressively dry the brakes discs
and pads.
•Getting water inside your vehicle
engine can cause it to lock up and
stall out.
•Failure to follow these warnings
may result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
Pollution Control Devices
Even if the vehicle is fitted with
antipollution devices, the environment
deserves the greatest respect from
every one of us.
By following a few simple rules, the
driver can avoid damaging the
environment and very often can
reduce fuel consumption as well.
In this regard, some useful
information is listed here below;
please read it carefully.
• The first precaution is to follow the
Scheduled Service Plan scrupulously
(see “Scheduled Service Plan” in
section “Maintenance and Care”.
• The correct operation of the
antipollution devices not only helps
respect for the environment, but
also has an impact on vehicle
efficiency. Keeping these devices in
good working conditions is the first
rule for driving both ecologically
sound and economically.
• Always use unleaded fuel.
• If starting is difficult, do not make
prolonged attempts. In particular,
avoid push starts, towing or
downhill starts: these are all
maneuvers that can damage the
catalytic converters. For any
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recommended on the “Scheduled
Service Plan”:
• check front disc brake pad conditions
and wear;
• check cleanliness of hood and trunk
locks, cleanliness and lubrication of
linkage;
• visually inspect conditions of: engine,
transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (trunks - sleeves -
bushes - etc.);
• check battery charge;
• visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts;
• check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
• check and, if necessary, replace
pollen filter of the A/C system;
• check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner filter.
CAUTION!
All maintenance operations for the
vehicle must be carried out by the
Authorized Maserati Dealer. For
routine and minor maintenance
operations which you can carry out
yourself, make sure that you have the
necessary experience and always usesuitable equipment, originalMaserati
spare parts (or equivalent) and the
prescribed fluids. Shall this not be the
case, do not carry any operation on
your own and contact anAuthorized
Maserati Dealer.
Onboard Diagnostic System
Your vehicle is equipped with a
sophisticated onboard diagnostic
system. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine,
and automatic transmission control
systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will
provide excellent performance and
fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions suited to current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service,
the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light on the
instrument cluster display (refer to
“Instrument Cluster” in section
“Dashboard Instruments and
Controls”). The system stores as well
diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service
technician by performing repairs.
Although the vehicle will be driveable
and will not need towing, contact anAuthorized Maserati Dealerfor service
as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the
MIL
on could cause further damage to
the emissions control system. It could
also affect fuel economy and
drivability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
•Ifthe
MIL is flashing while the
engine is running, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service at
theAuthorized Maserati Dealeris
required.
Spare Parts
Use of genuine parts for normal or
scheduled maintenance and repairs is
highly recommended to ensure
excellent performance.
Damage or failures caused by
non-genuine spare parts used for
maintenance and repairs will not be
covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
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