
STARTING AND OPERATING
124
REFUELING PROCEDURE
The fuel filler door is unlocked when the central
door locking system is unlocked. It is automat-
ically locked when the central locking system is
applied.
Opening The Fuel Filler Door
To refuel proceed as follows:
1. Open fuel filler door by pushing on the point shown by the arrow.
Fuel Door
2. Remove the fuel filler cap.
3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe.
4. When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, before removing the nozzle, wait for at least
10 seconds in order for the fuel to flow inside
the tank. 5. Remove the fuel filler nozzle, tighten the gas
cap about a quarter turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
The label indicates the fuel type (UNLEADED
FUEL = gasoline).
Fuel Door Label
Emergency Fuel Door Opening
In the event of an emergency, the fuel filler door
can be opened from inside the trunk.
Proceed as follows:
1. Open the trunk and locate the emergency fuel filler release cap on the inside lining. Fuel Door Release Cap
2. Open the cap, and pull the cord inside to unlock the fuel filler door.
3. Open the fuel filler door by pushing on it (see the previous instructions).
NOTE:
If the filler compartment is washed with a pres -
sure washer, keep it at a distance of at least
8 inches (20 cm).
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.
You could be burned. Always place gas
containers on the ground while filling.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124

129
(Continued)
This very important section describes the safety
systems that your vehicle may be equipped with,
and provides instructions on how to use them
correctly.
ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the following
active safety devices:
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV)
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
Drive Train Control (DTC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Panic Brake Assist (PBA)
Traction Control System (TCS)
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
An integral part of the braking system, the ABS
prevents one or more wheels from locking and
slipping in all road surface conditions, regardless
of the intensity of the braking action. The system
ensures that the vehicle can be controlled even
during emergency braking, allowing the driver to
optimize stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking when the
wheels are about to lock, typically in emergency
braking or low-grip conditions where locking may
be more frequent. The system also improves control and stability of
the vehicle when braking on a surface where the
grip of the left and right wheels varies, such as in
a corner.
The Electronic Braking Force Distribution (EBD)
system works with the ABS, allowing the brake
force to be distributed between the front and rear
wheels.
System Intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is provided with
the "Brake-by-wire" (Integrated Brake System —
IBS) function. With this system, the command
given by pressing the brake pedal is not
transmitted hydraulically, but electrically.
Therefore, the light pulsation that is felt on the
pedal with the traditional system is no longer
noticeable.
ACTIVE TORQUE VECTORING (ATV) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The dynamic drive control is used to optimize and
balance the drive torque between the wheels of
the same axles. The ATV system improves the grip
in turns, sending more drive torque to the
external wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels of the
car travel more than the internal ones and
therefore turn faster, sending a higher thrust to
the external rear wheel allows for the car to be
more stable and to not suffer an "understeer"
condition. Understeer occurs when the vehicle is
turning less than appropriate for the steering
wheel position.
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 professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead to
a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 129

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.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

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.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 138

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
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 139

145
(Continued)
(Continued)
BeltAlert warning sequence has completed, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will remain on until the
seat belts are buckled. The BeltAlert warning
sequence may repeat based on vehicle speed
until the driver and occupied outboard front seat
passenger seat belts are buckled. The driver
should instruct all occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if
equipped with outboard front passenger seat
BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while the
vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning
sequence will begin until the seat belts are
buckled again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not
active when the outboard front passenger seat is
unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered when an
animal or other items are placed on the outboard
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded
flat (if equipped). It is recommended that pets be
restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat
belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped
with lap/shoulder belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only
during very sudden stops or collisions. This
feature allows the shoulder part of the seat belt to
move freely with you under normal conditions.
However, in a collision the seat belt will lock and
reduce your risk of striking the inside of the
vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle.
WARNING!
Relying on the air bags alone could lead to
more severe injuries in a collision. The air
bags work with your seat belt to restrain you
properly. In some collisions, the air bags
won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat
belt even though you have air bags.
In a collision, you and your passengers can
suffer much greater injuries if you are not
properly buckled up. You can strike the
interior of your vehicle or other passengers,
or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Always be sure you and others in your vehicle
are buckled up properly.
It is 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. Occupants,
including the driver, should always wear their
seat belts whether or not an air bag is also
provided at their seating position to minimize
the risk of severe injury or death in the event
of a crash.
Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could
make your injuries in a collision much worse.
You might suffer internal injuries, or you
could even slide out of the seat belt. Follow
these instructions to wear your seat belt
safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.
Two people should never be belted into a
single seat belt. People belted together can
crash into one another in a collision, hurting
one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder
belt or a lap belt for more than one person,
no matter what their size.
WARNING!
A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk
of injury in a collision. The seat belt forces
won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones,
but across your abdomen. Always wear the
lap part of your seat belt as low as possible
and keep it snug.
A twisted seat belt may not protect you
properly. In a collision, it could even cut into
you. Be sure the seat belt is flat against your
body, without twists. If you can’t straighten a
seat belt in your vehicle, take it to an
authorized dealer immediately and have it
fixed.
A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong
buckle will not protect you properly. The lap
portion could ride too high on your body,
possibly causing internal injuries. Always
buckle your seat belt into the buckle nearest
you.
A seat belt that is too loose will not protect
you properly. In a sudden stop, you could
move too far forward, increasing the
possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt
snugly.
WARNING!
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

SAFETY
148
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
Seat belts must be worn by all occupants
including pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the event of an accident is reduced for the
mother and the unborn child if they are wearing a
seat belt.
Position the lap belt snug and low below the
abdomen and across the strong bones of the
hips. Place the shoulder belt across the chest and
away from the neck. Never place the shoulder
belt behind the back or under the arm.
Seat Belt Pretensioner
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped
with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a
collision. These devices may improve the
performance of the seat belt by removing slack
from the seat belt early in a collision. Preten -
sioners work for all size occupants, including
those in child restraints.
NOTE:
These devices are not a substitute for proper seat
belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still
must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the
pretensioners are single use items. A deployed
pretensioner or a deployed air bag must be
replaced immediately.
Energy Management Feature
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped
with an Energy Management feature that may
help further reduce the risk of injury in the event
of a collision. The seat belt system has a retractor
assembly that is designed to release webbing in
a controlled manner.
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors
(ALR)
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions
are equipped with a Switchable Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) which is used to secure a
child restraint system. For additional information
on ALR, see
Ú
page 163. The figure below
illustrates the locking feature for each seating
position. Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
Locations
If the passenger seating position is equipped with
an ALR and is being used for normal usage, only
pull the seat belt webbing out far enough to
comfortably wrap around the occupant’s
mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the
ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound as
the seat belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract
completely in this case and then carefully pull out
only the amount of webbing necessary to
comfortably wrap around the occupant’s
mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle
until you hear a "click."
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is
automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will still
retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.
Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child
restraint is installed in a seating position that has
a seat belt with this feature. Children 12 years old
and under should always be properly restrained
in the rear seat of a vehicle with a rear seat.
When reattaching the mini-latch plate and
mini-buckle, ensure the seat belt webbing is
not twisted. If the webbing is twisted, follow
the preceding procedure to detach the
mini-latch plate and mini-buckle, untwist the
webbing, and reattach the mini-latch plate
and mini-buckle.
WARNING!
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 148

149
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
2. Grab the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire seat belt is extracted.
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This
indicates the seat belt is now in the Auto -
matic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and
allow it to retract completely to disengage the
Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle
sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on others.
If you are not sure, ask an authorized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you
in a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and intercon -
necting wiring associated with the electrical Air
Bag System Components. Your vehicle may be
equipped with the following Air Bag System
Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever
the ignition switch is in the START or
ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch is in the
OFF position or in the ACC position, the air bag
system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system
that may deploy the air bag system even if the
battery loses power or it becomes disconnected
prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight
seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch
is first in the ON/RUN position. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off.
If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light,
either momentarily or continuously. A single
chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could affect
WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. If
the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do not
transport a rear-facing child restraint in that
vehicle.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced if
the switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) feature or any other seat belt function
is not working properly when checked
according to the procedures in the Service
Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the seat
belt or children who are using booster seats.
The locked mode is only used to install
rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints
that have a harness for restraining the child.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 149