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
148
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
161
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
(Continued)
Driving
5
171
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing
and can result in tire overheating.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability
to cushion shock. Objects on the
road and potholes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires
can affect vehicle handling and can
fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause
steering problems.
•Unequal tire pressures from one side
of the vehicle to the other can cause
the vehicle to drift to the right or
left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated
to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures may
cause uneven wear patterns to
develop across the tire tread. These
abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-
inflation also increases tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel
consumption.Ride comfort and vehicle stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation
produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Pressure Checkup
The proper cold tire inflation pressure
is indicated on the driver's side rear
door pillar and on the table “Tire
Inflation Pressure” in section
“Features and Specifications”.
Inflation pressure specified on the
table always refers to “cold tire
inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation
pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less
than 1 mi (1,6 km) after a three hour
period.
Check tire pressures more often in
case of significant outside
temperature changes, as tire pressure
varies according to temperature
changes.
The pressure should be checked and if
necessary adjusted; tire wear and
overall conditions should also be
checked monthly. Tire pressures
change by approximately 1 PSI (0,07
bar) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind whenchecking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F
(20°C) and the outside temperature =
32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 PSI
(0,21 bar) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6
PSI (0,13 to 0,4 bar) during operation.
DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build-up or your tire pressure will be
too low. After inspecting or adjusting
the tire pressure, always reinstall the
valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the
valve stem and the TPMS sensor
connected to it.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the
original equipment tires to help you
determine when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves.
When the tread is worn to one of the
tread wear indicators, the tire should
be replaced.
Driving
5
181
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.
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.
YourAuthorized Maserati Dealeris
available to provide suggestions as tothe 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
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.
Driving
5
182
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is
required to contain effective
detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not
needed under normal conditions and
they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Warnings
WARNING!
Follow these guidelines to maintain
your vehicle's performance:
•
The use of leaded gasoline is
prohibited by Federal and Provincial
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair
engine performance and damage the
emissions control system.
•The use of fuel additives, which are
now being sold as octane enhancers,
is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high
concentrations of methanol. Fuel
system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting
from the use of such fuels or
additives is not the responsibility of
Maserati.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the
emissions control system can result in
civil penalties civil penalties and could
void the vehicle warranty.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust
gases is deadly. Follow the
precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They
contain carbon monoxide, a
colorless and odorless gas, which
can kill. Never run the engine in a
closed area, such as a garage, and
never sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for an extended
period. If the vehicle is stopped in
an open area with the engine
running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the
vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide
with proper maintenance. Have the
exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have anyabnormal conditions repaired
promptly. Until repaired, drive with
all side windows fully open.
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
Driving
5
191
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
195
Engine Overheating
To reduce potentially overheating of
the engine in city traffic, while
stationary, place the transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase the
engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to
slow down an impending overheat
condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on,
turn it off. The A/C system adds heat
to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode
control to floor and the blower
control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to
the radiator and aids in removing
heat from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system
could damage the engine. If the
temperature gauge is positioned on
the red zone (refer to “Instrument
Cluster” in section “DashboardInstruments and Controls”), pull over
and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off
until the temperature gauge drops
back into the normal range. If the
temperature gauge remains on the red
zone turn the engine off immediately
and contact theAuthorized Maserati
Dealer.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or
steam from your radiator. If you see or
hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open it until the radiator
has had time to cool.
Never try to open a coolant bottle
pressure cap (refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in section “Maintenance
and Care”) when the radiator is
overheated.
In case of a Punctured Tire
The vehicle can be equipped with a
tire repair kit or with a compact spare
wheel.
Using Tire Repair Kit
Small punctures up to 1⁄4” (6 mm) in
the tire tread can be sealed using the
tire repair kit, fitted beneath the floor
panel of the trunk compartment.
The kit comes in a bag and consists of
two parts:
• an electric compressor with pressure
gage, hose to be connected to the
punctured tire and power cable;
• a gas cylinder containing sealant.
WARNING!
California Proposition 65
In an Emergency
6
204