
131
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and
facilitates starting on slopes, activating automat-
ically in the following cases:
Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
brake pressed and transmission in NEUTRAL
(N) or gear other than REVERSE (R) engaged.
Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a
gradient higher than 5%, engine running,
brake pressed and REVERSE gear engaged.
When starting to move forward from a complete
stop, the ESC system control unit maintains the
braking pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is reached, or in any
case for a maximum of two seconds, allowing
your right foot to be moved easily from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.
The system will automatically deactivate after two
seconds without starting, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release stage, it is
possible to hear a typical mechanical brake
release noise, indicating the imminent movement
of the vehicle.
PANIC BRAKE ASSIST (PBA)
The PBA system is designed to improve the
vehicle’s braking capacity during emergency
braking.
The system detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with which the
brake pedal is pressed, and consequently applies
the optimal brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance; the PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA system is
obtained by pressing the brake pedal very quickly.
In addition, the brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most out of the
system. Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer necessary. The PBA system is deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
The TCS automatically operates in the event of
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydroplaning),
and acceleration on one or both drive wheels on
roads that are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different control
systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive wheels, the
system intervenes, reducing the power
transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the drive
wheels, the Brake Limited Differential (BLD)
function is activated, automatically braking the
wheel which is slipping (the behavior of a
self-locking differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to the
wheel which isn't slipping.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is
not a substitute for active driving involvement.
It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people,
and objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle under all road conditions. Your
complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury. WARNING!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. PBA
cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driv -
ing on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a PBA-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dan -
gerous manner, which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.
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SAFETY
134
(Continued)
“Blind Spot Alert” Function Deactivation
When the system is deactivated (“Blind Spot
Alert” mode off), the BSM or RCP systems will not
emit an audible or a visual warning.
The BSM system will store the operating mode
that was active when the engine was stopped.
Each time the engine is started, the operating
mode stored previously will be recalled and used.
ACTIVE BLIND SPOT ASSIST (ABSA)
S
YSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) system
function is to help avoid/limit lateral collisions
with cars located in the blind spot zones, even
changing the vehicle’s trajectory in order to keep
it in the detected lane.
The system warns the driver about the presence
of other vehicles in the detection area by illumi -
nating the warning light located within the door
mirror on the side in which the other vehicle was
detected. The system will also provide an
acoustic signal and/or vibration on the steering
wheel and/or counter-steering torque on the
steering wheel (if the respective item on the
“Driver Assistance” menu is set up and “Safety”
is selected on the radio system).
When the engine is started, the warning light
illuminates briefly to signal the driver that the
system is active (the warning light comes on even
if the system is activated through the radio
system menu). ABSA Indicator Light
Sensors
The system uses two radar sensors, located in
the rear fascia/bumper (one for each side) to
detect the presence of vehicles (cars, trucks,
motorbikes, etc.) in the rear side blind spots of
the car.
The sensors are activated when any forward gear
is engaged at a speed higher than about 6 mph
(10 km/h), or when REVERSE (R) is engaged.
The sensors are temporarily deactivated when
the car is stationary and in PARK (P).
The detection area of the system covers about a
lane on both sides of the car around 10 ft (3 m).
This area begins from the door mirror and
extends for about 20 ft (6 m) towards the rear
part of the car.
When the sensors are active the system monitors
the detection areas on both sides of the car and
warns the driver about the possible presence of
cars in these areas.
WARNING!
The accident risk persists despite the
application of torque to the steering wheel by
the ABSA system.
Applying a torque that corrects the steering
wheel alignment does not always prevent an
accident. It is always the driver's responsi
-
bility to steer, brake or accelerate, especially
after the ABSA system warning or after the
steering wheel torque intervention. The
driver is responsible for ensuring that there
are no pedestrians, other vehicles or objects
along the direction of the vehicle. Failure to
comply with these precautions may cause
serious accidents and injuries. The driver is
fully responsible for holding a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead respecting the
highway code in force in the respective
country.
In some cases, the system could apply an
improper torque to the steering wheel. This
application can be interrupted at anytime
turning the steering wheel in the opposite
direction.
WARNING!
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SAFETY
138
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
S
YSTEM
This is a driving assistance system composed of
a radar located behind the front fascia/bumper
and a camera located in the center of the
windshield.
Front Fascia/Bumper Radar Location
Windshield Camera Location
In the event of an imminent collision, the system
intervenes by automatically applying the vehicle’s
brakes to prevent a the collision or reduce its
effects. The system provides the driver with audible and
visual signals through specific messages on the
instrument cluster display.
Vehicle Brake Screen
Pedestrian Brake Screen
The system may lightly brake to warn the driver if
a potential front end collision is detected (limited
braking). Signals and limited braking are
intended to allow the driver time to intervene.
In situations with the risk of collision, if the
system detects no intervention by the driver, it
provides automatic braking to help slow the
vehicle and mitigate the potential front end
collision (automatic braking). If intervention by
the driver on the brake pedal is detected, but not
deemed sufficient, the system may intervene in order to improve the reaction of the braking
system by reducing vehicle speed further
(additional assistance in braking stage).
The system will intervene automatically in case of
imminent collision or impact against a pedestrian
crossing the road (speed under 31 mph
(50 km/h)).
NOTE:
For safety reasons, when the vehicle has
stopped, the brake calipers may remain blocked
for about two seconds. Make sure to press the
brake pedal if the vehicle moves slightly forward.
Engagement/Disengagement
The system may be disengaged (and engaged
again) in the “Driver Assistance” menu of the
Information and Entertainment System.
The system can be deactivated even with the
ignition device in the ON position.
NOTE:
The system status can be changed with car at a
standstill only.
Select from among three operating modes:
Warning And Braking
: the system (if active), in
addition to the visual and audible warnings,
provides limited braking, automatic braking,
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor
can FCW detect every type of potential
collision. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle via
braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.
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139
and additional assistance in braking stage
where the driver does not brake sufficiently in
the event of a potential front-end collision.
Only Warning: the system (if active), does not
provide limited braking, but guarantees
automatic braking or additional assistance in
braking stage where the driver does not brake
at all or not sufficiently enough in the event of
a potential front-end collision.
Disabled : the system does not provide visual
and audible warnings, limited braking,
automatic braking, or additional assistance in
braking stage. The system will therefore
provide no indication of a possible collision.
Activation/Deactivation
The Forward Collision Warning system is
activated whenever the engine is started
regardless of what is shown on the radio system.
Following a deactivation, the system will not warn
the driver about the possible collision with the
preceding vehicle, regardless of the setting
selected with the radio system.
NOTE:
Each time the engine is started, the system is
activated regardless of what setting was selected
when the engine was turned off.
The system is active:
Each time the engine is started
In the radio system
When the ignition is in the ON position
When the vehicle speed is between 2 mph
(4 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h)
When the front seat belts are fastened
NOTE:
If the seat belts of the front seats are not correctly
fastened, the system will not intervene on the
braking system (only audible and visual signals
will be provided).
Changing The System Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the system can be changed
through the radio system menu, choosing from
one of the following three options: "Near",
"Medium" or "Far". Refer to the description in the
Information and Entertainment System Owner’s
Manual Supplement for how to change the
settings.
The default setting is "Medium". With this setting,
the system warns the driver of a possible collision
with the vehicle in front when that vehicle is at a
standard distance, between that of the other two
settings.
With the system sensitivity set to "Far", the
system will warn the driver of a possible collision
with the vehicle in front when that vehicle is at a
greater distance, thus providing the possibility of
acting on the brakes more lightly and gradually.
This setting provides the driver with the maximum
possible reaction time to prevent a potential
collision.
With the option set to "Near", the system will alert
the driver of a possible collision with the vehicle
in front when that vehicle is close. This setting
offers the driver a lower reaction time compared
to the "Medium" and "Far" settings, in the event of
a potential collision, but permits more dynamic
driving of the vehicle.
The system sensitivity setting is kept in the
memory when the engine is turned off. System Limited Operation Warning
If a dedicated message is displayed, a condition
limiting the system operation may have occurred.
The possible reasons of this limitation are if
something is blocking the camera view, or a fault
is present.
If an obstruction is signaled, clean the area of the
windshield.
Although the vehicle can still be driven in normal
conditions, the system may be not completely
available.
When the conditions limiting the system
functions end, this will go back to normal and
complete operation. Should the fault persist,
contact an authorized dealer.
System Failure Signaling
If the system turns off and a dedicated message
is shown on the display, it means that there is a
fault with the system.
In this case, it is still possible to drive the vehicle,
but you are advised to contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Radar Indication Not Available
If conditions are such that the radar cannot
detect obstacles correctly, the system is
deactivated and a dedicated message appears
on the display. This generally occurs in the event
of poor visibility, such as when it is snowing or
raining heavily.
The function of this system can also be
temporarily reduced due to obstructions such as
mud, dirt or ice on the fascia/bumper. In such
cases, a dedicated message will be shown on the
display and the system will be deactivated. This
message can sometimes appear in conditions of
high reflectivity (e.g. tunnels with reflective tiles or
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SAFETY
140
ice or snow). When the conditions limiting the
system functions end, it will go back to normal
and complete operation.
In certain cases, this dedicated message could
be displayed when the radar is not detecting any
vehicles or objects within its view range.
If atmospheric conditions are not the reason
behind this message, check if the sensor is dirty.
It could be necessary to clean or remove any
obstructions in the area.
If the message appears frequently, even in the
absence of atmospheric conditions such as
snow, rain, mud or other obstructions, contact an
authorized dealer for a sensor alignment check.
In the absence of visible obstructions, manually
removing the decorative cover trim and cleaning
the radar surface could be required. Have this
operation performed at an authorized dealer.
NOTE:
It is recommended that you do not install devices,
accessories, or aerodynamic attachments in
front of the sensor or darken it in any way, as this
can compromise the correct functioning of the
system.
Frontal Collision Alarm With Active Braking
If this function is selected, the brakes are
operated to reduce the speed of the vehicle in the
event of potential collision.
This function applies an additional braking
pressure if the braking pressure applied by the
driver does not suffice to prevent potential
collision.
The function is active with speed above 2 mph
(4 km/h).
NOTE:
When using an automatic car wash it is recom-
mended to deactivate the system through the
settings of the radio system. The system may
detect the presence of a car, a wall or another
obstacle and activate.
Driving In Special Conditions
In certain driving conditions, system intervention
might be unexpected or delayed. The driver must
therefore be very careful, keeping control of the
vehicle.
Driving close to a bend.
The vehicle ahead is leaving a roundabout.
Vehicles with small dimensions and/or not
aligned in the driving lane.
Lane change by other vehicles.
Vehicles traveling at right angles to the vehicle.
NOTE:
In particularly complex traffic conditions, the
driver can deactivate the system manually
through the radio system.
If the driver presses the brake pedal fully or
makes an excessive steering maneuver during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may deactivate (e.g. to allow a
possible maneuver to avoid the obstacle).
The FCW system is automatically deactivated
when operating in race mode and a warning
message will be displayed on the instrument
cluster
Ú
page 238. Driving Close To A Bend
When entering or leaving a wide bend, the system
may detect a vehicle in front you, but not in the
same driving lane. In cases such as these, the
system may intervene.
Driving Around Wide Curves
The Vehicle Ahead Is Leaving A Roundabout
On a roundabout, the system could intervene if it
detects a vehicle ahead which is leaving the
roundabout.
Driving In Roundabouts
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155
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be taken
to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will
determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the following
functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locksYour vehicle may also be designed to perform any
of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC
Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the:
• Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump (if equipped)
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition
to the OFF position and remove the key from the
ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Care -
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine
compartment and fuel tank before resetting the
system and starting the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical
devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset
the system by following the procedure described
below. If you have any doubt, contact an autho
-
rized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure
After the event occurs, when the system is active,
a message regarding fuel cutoff is displayed. Turn
the ignition switch from ignition ACC or ON/RUN
to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel
leaks in the engine compartment and on the
ground near the engine compartment and fuel
tank before resetting the system and starting the
engine.
Depending on the nature of the event the left and
right turn signal lights, located in the instrument
panel, may both be blinking and will continue to
blink. In order to move your vehicle to the side of
the road, you must follow the system reset
procedure.
Customer Action
NOTE:
Each step MUST BE held for at least two seconds
Customer Will See
1. Turn ignition OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be placed in Neutral State).
2. Turn ignition ACC/ON/RUN. Right turn light BLINKS.
Left turn light is OFF.
3. Turn right turn signal switch ON. Right turn light is ON SOLID.
Left turn light BLINKS.
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157
Maintaining Your Air Bag System Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or
less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety
belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal driving condi -
tions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender,
age, and crash location) are recorded. However,
other parties, such as law enforcement, could
combine the EDR data with the type of personally
identifying data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the vehicle
or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer, other parties, such as law
enforcement, that have the special equipment,
can read the information if they have access to
the vehicle or the EDR.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up
at all times, including babies and children. Every
state in the United States, and every Canadian
province, requires that small children ride in
proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you
can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According
to crash statistics, children are safer when
properly restrained in the rear seats rather than
in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints
for children from newborn size to the child almost
large enough for an adult safety belt. Always
check the child seat Owner’s Manual to make
sure you have the correct seat for your child.
Carefully read and follow all the instructions and
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you need
it. You could be injured if the air bag system
is not there to protect you. Do not modify the
components or wiring, including adding any
kind of badges or stickers to the steering
wheel hub trim cover or the upper passenger
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify
the front fascia/bumper, vehicle body
structure, or add aftermarket side steps or
running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell
anyone who works on your vehicle that it has
an air bag system.
Do not attempt to modify any part of your air
bag system. The air bag may inflate
accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for any air bag system
service. If your seat, including your trim cover
and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way
(including removal or loosening/tightening of
seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to
an authorized dealer. Only manufacturer
approved seat accessories may be used. If it
is necessary to modify the air bag system for
persons with disabilities, contact an
authorized dealer.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child can
become a projectile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your
lap could become so great that you could not
hold the child, no matter how strong you are.
The child and others could be badly injured or
killed. Any child riding in your vehicle should be
in a proper restraint for the child’s size.
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166
(Continued)
TRANSPORTING PETS
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm
your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about
and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during
panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if
equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that
are secured by seat belts.
CONNECTED VEHICLES
Privacy of any wireless and wired communi-
cations cannot be assured. Third parties may
unlawfully intercept information and private
communications without your consent. For
further information, refer to “Data Collection &
Privacy” in your Uconnect Owner’s Manual
Supplement or “Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II) Cybersecurity”
Ú
page 79.
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
I
NSIDE THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the system.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, or if you
have questions regarding the seat belt or
retractor conditions, take your vehicle to an
authorized FCA dealer or authorized FCA Certified
Collision Care Program facility for inspection.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag Warning Light will turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned
to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. After the bulb check,
this light will illuminate with a single chime when
a fault with the Air Bag System has been
detected. It will stay on until the fault is removed. If the light comes on intermittently or remains on
while driving, have an authorized dealer service
the vehicle immediately
Ú
page 143.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode
and place the blower control on high speed. You
should be able to feel the air directed against the
windshield. See an authorized dealer for service
if your defroster is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.
Only use a floor mat that does not interfere with
the operation of the accelerator, brake or clutch
pedals. Only use a floor mat that is securely
attached using the floor mat fasteners so it
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe
operation of your vehicle in other ways.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped with seats
and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a seat belt properly.
WARNING! WARNING!
It is not possible to know or to predict all of the
possible outcomes if your vehicle’s systems
are breached. It may be possible that vehicle
systems, including safety related systems,
could be impaired or a loss of vehicle control
could occur that may result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or
stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor
mat using the floor mat fasteners. DO
NOT install your floor mat upside down
or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull
to confirm mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
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