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
168
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 well within current local
regulations of various countries.
If any of these systems require service,
the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
It will also store diagnostic codes and
other information, which your
Authorized Maserati Dealerwill use to
service your vehicle. Although the
vehicle will still be driveable and not
need towing, contact theAuthorized
Maserati Dealerfor service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the
Malfunction Indicator Light (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
Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is flashing while the
engine is running, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is
required at anAuthorized Maserati
Dealer.
• After the problem has been solved,
theAuthorized Maserati Dealer
personnel will perform specific tests
on the test bench for a complete
check of the system and, if necessary,
also road tests, even on long
distances.
In addition, the system is equipped
with a diagnostics connector that,
when interfaced with suitable
instruments, makes it possible to read
the error codes stored in the ECU,
together with a set of specific
parameters for engine operationdiagnostics cycle, on compliance with
CARB, EPA OBDII rules.
CAUTION!
• Once the engine is started, the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
will remain on for approximately 18
seconds before turning off. This is a
normal condition and part of the
operating strategy.
• When the key in the ignition switch
is turned toMAR (ON)position if the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
does not illuminate or if it
illuminates while driving, contact
your localAuthorized Maserati
Dealeras soon as possible.
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
Driving
5
174
• 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
Driving
5
197
6 – In an Emergency
ToolKit .............................................. 202
Hazard Warning Flashers................................. 202
In the Event of an Accident............................... 203
Engine Overheating..................................... 204
In case of a Punctured Tire................................ 204
Emergency Release of the Parking Brake..................... 209
Transmission Manual Release of P (Park) Position............... 210
Freeing the Stuck Vehicle................................. 212
Emergency Starting with Maserati Code...................... 212
Auxiliary Jump-Start Procedure............................ 214
Towing a Disabled Vehicle................................ 216
Fuel Cut-out Inertia Switch............................... 218
201
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
• turn the special tool handle
clockwise until it is released;
• remove the flexible end of the tool
from its seat on the actuator and
close it with the cap;
• reinstall the coverings and the
equipment removed for the
operation.
WARNING!
After each manual emergency release
procedure, the electric parking brake
system remains non functioning until
the situation is corrected by
anAuthorized Maserati Dealer.
Transmission Manual
Release of P (Park)
Position
The manual disengagement of the
shift from P (Park) has the purpose to
allow pushing or towing the vehicle if
not normally possible using the shift
lever (such as in the event of a battery
failure with inability to start the
engine).
The current procedure is exclusively
intended for emergency situations, but
not for frequent use.
WARNING!
Before performing the manual release
of P (Park) position, if possible, always
secure your vehicle by fully applying
the parking brake. Performing this
operation will allow your vehicle to
roll away if it is not secured by the
parking brake. Performing the manual
release of P (Park) position on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to
serious injury or death for those in or
around the vehicle.
• Move in the rearmost position the
driver's seat.• Detach the covering panel from
driver side of the central console
levering with a protected tool in the
points shown in picture, in
correspondence to the retaining pins.
• Remove the covering panel by
pulling it toward the rear to release
it from the couplings.
• With a screwdriver with stem along
at least 20 cm (8 in), lift the gear
display keeping it connected to the
vehicle electrical wiring.
In an Emergency
6
210
• Using the opening of gear display,
pry under the drive mode panel and
lift it from the central console. Do
not disconnect the drive mode panel
to the vehicle electrical wiring.
• Using the opening of drive mode
panel, pry under the hand control
with the hazard button and lift it
from the front part of the central
console. Do not disconnect the hand
control to the vehicle electrical
wiring.• Through the opening of the hand
control, push on the transmission
shift lever locking mechanism with
the tip of the screwdriver.
• At the same time slightly shift the
transmission shift lever toward the N
(Neutral) position, in order to free
the lever locking mechanism. While
moving the transmission shift lever,
remember to press the unlock
button on the lever.• Remove the screwdriver from the
hole, being careful not to move the
transmission shift lever.
• Shift the lever fully into N (Neutral).
This position will allow vehicle
towing.
• Reinstall all the removed electrical
parts pushing it in the central
console seat until you hear the
locking click.
• Reinstall the covering panel on the
external side of the central console
press it until all pins are engaged in
their clips and “click” in place.
CAUTION!
Work extremely carefully so as not to
damage the central console trim
panels.
In an Emergency
6
211
Freeing the Stuck Vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can probably be moved
backward and forward by a simple
rocking motion.
Steer the wheel right and left to clear
the area around the front wheels.
Shift then between D (Drive) or
MANUAL mode and R (Reverse) (see
chapter “Automatic Transmission” and
“Drive Mode” in section “Driving”).
Shifting to MANUAL mode, try to free
the car starting in second gear.
At low speed motion of the vehicle,
you can switch quickly from D (Drive)
to R (Reverse), and vice versa, just by
pressing the release button on the
shift lever.
For more effectiveness press lightly on
the accelerator pedal in order to avoid
wheel slippage.
If unable to release the vehicle in one
of the previously described ways, enter
the low-grip driving mode, by pressing
the “ICE” button, and completely
exclude the yaw and slip control
system, by pressing the
(ESC Off)
button for at least 2 seconds. Moving
the shift lever between D (Drive) and R
(Reverse) to start.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the
drive wheels may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the shift lever in N
(Neutral) for at least one minute after
every five rocking-motion cycles. This
will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces generated by excessive drive
wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the drivetrain and
tires.
Emergency Starting with
Maserati Code
If the Maserati CODE fails to
deactivate the engine immobilizer, the
CODE warning light will illuminate
permanently, while the
MIL
warning light will go off after four
seconds and will turn on again
immediately afterward: the engine will
not start.
To start the engine, follow the
emergency starting procedure.
Emergency Starting Procedure
NOTE:
We recommend that you carefully read
the entire procedure before
performing it. If you make a mistake,
turn the key in the ignition switch to
STOP (OFF)position and repeat the
operations from the first step.
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
In an Emergency
6
212