Get Safety -> Safety Features Guide for Fiat 500 L 4 Door First Generation (2012-2022)

114 SAFETY

SAFETY FEATURES

These are all normal characteristics of ABS.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

WARNING!

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased

vehicle stability and brake performance under most brak-

ing conditions. The system automatically prevents wheel

lock, and enhances vehicle control during braking.

• The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-

ment that may be susceptible to interference caused

by improperly installed or high output radio trans-

mitting equipment. This interference can cause pos-

sible 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 brak-

ing or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the

condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the

traction afforded.

The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the ABS

is working properly each time the vehicle is started and

driven. During this self-check, you may hear a slight

clicking sound as well as some related motor noises.

ABS is activated during braking when the system detects

one or more wheels begin to lock. Road conditions such as

ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or

panic stops may increase the likelihood of ABS activa-

tion(s).

You also may experience the following when ABS activates:

• The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run for a short

time after the stop).

• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those

resulting from excessive speed in turns, following

another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.

• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.

• Brake pedal pulsations.

• A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.

(Continued)

SAFETY 115

Electronic Brake Control System

WARNING! (Continued)

Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic brake

control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake System

(ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System

(TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Dynamic Steering Torque

(DST), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All systems

work together to enhance vehicle stability and control in

various driving conditions and are commonly referred to

as ESC.

•

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.

ABS is designed to function with the OEM tires. Modifica-

tion may result in degraded ABS performance.

5

Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light

The yellow “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will turn on

when the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN mode and

may stay on for as long as four seconds.

Brake Assist System (BAS)

The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking

capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The sys-

tem detects an emergency braking situation by sensing the

rate and amount of brake application and then applies

optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce

braking distances. The BAS complements the Anti-Lock

Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly

results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of

the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure

during the stopping sequence (do not “pump” the brakes).

Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no

longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is

deactivated.

If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains on or

comes on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock

portion of the brake system is not functioning and that

service is required. However, the conventional brake sys-

tem will continue to operate normally if the “Anti-Lock

Brake Warning Light” is on.

If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the brake system

should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of

anti-lock brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” does

not come on when the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN

mode, have the light repaired as soon as possible.

116 SAFETY

slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a driven

axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than

the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning

wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to

the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains active

even if TCS and ESC are in the Partial Off mode or Full Off

mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this

section for further information.

WARNING!

• The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the

natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,

nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing

road conditions.

• BAS cannot prevent collisions, including those re-

sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on

very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.

• The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-

ner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the

safety of others.

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when

starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain

the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short

period of time after the driver takes his foot off the brake

pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this

short period of time, the system will release brake pressure

and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will

release brake pressure in proportion to the amount of

throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in the

intended direction of travel.

Traction Control System (TCS)

The Traction Control System (TCS) monitors the amount of

wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is

detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s)

and engine power is reduced to provide enhanced accel-

eration and stability. A feature of the TCS system, Brake

Limited Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited

SAFETY 117

HSA Activation Criteria

Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)

The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to

activate:

The DST function uses the integration of the ESC system

with the electric power steering to increase the safety level

of the whole vehicle.

• Vehicle must be stopped.

In critical situations (braking with different grip condi-

tions), through the DST function the ESC system controls

the steering to implement an additional torque contribu-

tion on the steering wheel, to suggest the most correct

manoeuvre to the driver.

• Vehicle must be on a 5% grade or greater hill.

• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,

vehicle in NEUTRAL (manual transmission), vehicle

facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is

in REVERSE gear).

5

The coordinated action of brakes and steering increases the

safety and vehicle control feeling.

WARNING!

NOTE: The DST is a driving aid system and does not

replace the driver’s actions while driving the vehicle.

There may be situations on minor hills with a loaded

vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system will

not activate and slight rolling may occur. This could

cause a collision with another vehicle or object. Always

remember the driver is responsible for braking the

vehicle.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

This system enhances directional control and stability of

the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects

for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by apply-

ing the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-

acting the oversteering or understeering condition. Engine

power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain

the desired path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to

determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and

compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the

Disabling/Enabling HSA

If you wish to turn the HSA system on or off, this can be

done through the instrument cluster display menu. Refer

to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your

Instrument Panel” for further information.

118 SAFETY

actual path does not match the intended path, ESC applies

the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteract-

ing the oversteer or understeer condition.

WARNING! (Continued)

• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-

tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-

teristics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect

the performance of the ESC system. Changes to the

steering system, suspension, braking system, tire

type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC

performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly

worn tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any

vehicle modification or poor vehicle maintenance

that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system can

increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle

rollover, personal injury and death.

• 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.

WARNING!

• The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-

vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the

vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by

prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all

accidents, including those resulting from excessive

speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or

hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions

resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappro-

priate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,

attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.

The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner

which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety

of others.

ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And

ESC OFF Indicator Light

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

in the instrument cluster will come on when the

ignition switch is turned to the MAR (ACC/ON/

RUN) position for four seconds. If the ESC

Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes on continu-

ously with the engine running, a malfunction has been

detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after

(Continued)

SAFETY 119

several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven

several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph

(48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to

have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

ESC Operating Modes

The ESC system has two available operating modes.

Full On

This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever the

vehicle is started, the system will be in this mode. This

mode should be used for most driving situations. ESC

should only be turned to “Partial Off” for specific reasons

as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” for additional information.

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light (located

in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires

lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. The ESC

Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also flashes when

TCS is active. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator

Light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the

accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to

adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road

conditions.

5

Partial Off

The “ESC OFF” button is located in the switch bank above

the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off” mode,

momentarily push the “ESC OFF” button and the “ESC

Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate.

To turn the ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC

OFF” button and the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-

tor Light” will turn off. This will restore the normal “ESC

On” mode of operation.

NOTE:

• The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and

the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each

time the ignition switch is turned ON.

• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will

be ON even if it was turned off previously.

The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the Elec-

tronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially off or

full off.

120 SAFETY

WARNING!

When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of

ESC (except for the limited slip feature described in

the TCS section) has been disabled and the “ESC Off

Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial

Off” mode, the engine power reduction of TCS is

disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by

the ESC system is reduced.

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by moni-

toring the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed of the

vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of change of the

steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to

potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the appropriate

brake and may also reduce engine power to lessen the chance

that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only intervene during very

severe or evasive driving maneuvers.

ESC Off Switch

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 “Partial Off”

mode by momentarily pushing the “ESC OFF” button.

Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is over-

come, turn ESC back on by momentarily pushing the “ESC

OFF” button. This may be done while the vehicle is in

motion.

ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring

during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot

prevent wheel lift due to other factors, such as road

conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other

vehicles.

SAFETY 121

period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the

maximum inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.

Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Servicing And

Maintenance” for information on how to properly inflate

the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the

vehicle is driven, this is normal and there should be no

adjustment for this increased pressure.

WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions,

and driving conditions, influence the chance that

wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent

all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those that involve

leaving the roadway or striking objects or other ve-

hicles. The capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle

must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous

manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the

safety of others.

The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the

tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning limit for

any reason, including low temperature effects, or natural

pressure loss through the tire.

5

The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire

pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn

off until the tire pressure is at or above the recommended

cold tire pressure on the placard. Once the low tire pressure

warning (TPMS Warning Light) illuminates, you must

increase the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire

pressure in order for the TPMS Warning Light to turn off.

The system will automatically update and the TPMS

Warning Light will turn off once the system receives the

updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need to be driven

for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for

the TPMS to receive this information.

AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the

driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recom-

mended cold tire pressure.

The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi

(7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the

outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will de-

crease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold

inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure

after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three

hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour

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