traction control FIAT 124 SPIDER 2016 2.G Owners Manual

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
TCS (Traction Contol System);
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control);
Active bonnet (active pedestrian
protection).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following pages.
ABS SYSTEM (Antilock
Brake System)
65) 66) 67) 68)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing
and reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a
chattering noise from the brake system.
This is normal ABS system operation.
Continue to depress the brake pedal
without pumping the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.
NOTE Braking distances may be longer
on loose surfaces (snow or gravel, forexample) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
NOTE The sound of the ABS operating
may be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
TCS SYSTEM (Traction
Control System)
69) 70) 71)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning lights and messages”
paragraph in “Knowing the instrument
panel” chapter.TCS / DSC indicator light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the
light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Contact a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT In addition to the warning
light flashing, a slight labouring sound
will come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS/DSC is
operating properly.
IMPORTANT On slippery surfaces, such
as fresh snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is on.
DSC SYSTEM (Dynamic
Stability Control)
72) 73) 74)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and
engine torque in conjunction with
systems such as ABS and TCS to help
control side slip when driving on
slippery surfaces, or during sudden or
evasive manoeuvring, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS system (Antilock
Brake System)” and “TCS system
(Traction Control System)”.
67

front bumper. In addition, it may
activate depending on the level of
impact from even a light object, small
animal, or other small object;
the system may also activate if the
lower part of the vehicle or the front
bumper receives an impact from one of
the following situations:
– the vehicle hits a curb;
– the vehicle falls into a deep ditch or
hole;
– the vehicle bounces and hits the
ground;
– the front, bottom part of the vehicle
contacts the slope of a parking
garage, the surface of an even,
undulating road, or a protruding or
fallen object on the road.
Situations in which the active
bonnet may not activate
The active bonnet may not active in the
following situations as an impact would
be difficult to detect:
the pedestrian gets hit at an angle or
by the side areas on the left and right of
the front bumper;
the vehicle hits a pedestrian who is
carrying something such as a bag
which can absorb the impact.
Situations in which the system does
not activate
The active bonnet does not activate
under the following conditions:
the front bumper gets hit while the
vehicle is being driven at a speed
insufficient to activate the system;
the vehicle gets hit from the side or
the rear;
the vehicle rolls or turns over (the
active bonnet may operate depending
on the accident conditions).
WARNING
65)Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving. The ABS cannot compensate
for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow, and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
66)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on
the current road conditions.
67)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
68)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.69)Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving. The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
70)Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow. Driving
without proper traction devices on snow
and/or ice-covered roads is dangerous.
The Traction Control System (TCS) alone
cannot provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
71)The capability of the TCS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
72)Do not rely on the DSC as a substitute
for safe driving: the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of water
on the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
73)For the correct operation of the DSC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
74)The capability of the DSC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
70
SAFETY

monitoring system is necessary to
make the system operate normally.
Refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Initialization” paragraph in
“Safety” chapter.
IMPORTANT Rotate unidirectional tires
and radial tires that have an
asymmetrical tread pattern or studs
only from front to rear, not from side to
side. Tire performance will be reduced if
rotated from side to side.
With limited-slip differential
(where provided)
Do not use the following:
tires not of the designated size;
tires of different sizes or types at the
same time;
tires not sufficiently inflated.
If these instructions are not followed,
the rotation of the left and right wheels
will be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential. This will cause a
malfunction.
WARNING
206)If the tires are "unidirectional", do not
switch tires from the right-hand side of the
vehicle to the left-hand side, and vice
versa. This type of tires can only be
switched from the front axle to the rear axle
and vice versa, keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle.
207)Travelling with partially or completely
flat tires can cause safety problems and
irreparable damages to the tire.
208)Always use tires that are in good
condition. Driving with worn tires is
dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
209)Replace all four tires at the same time.
Replacing just one tyre is dangerous. It
could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle control.
FCA strongly recommends that you
replace all four tires at the same time.
210)Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle. Using a wrong-sized wheel
is dangerous. Braking and handling could
be affected, leading to loss of control and
an accident.
IMPORTANT
49)Road holding depends also on the
correct tire inflating pressure.
50)If the pressure is too low the tire
overheats and this can cause it serious
damage.51)Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h
(30 mph). Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving for long
distances on roads not covered with snow
to prevent damaging the vehicle and the
road surface.
166
MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Lane change signals...........27
Load limiter (pretensioner)........79
Maintaining the finish.........167
Manual climate control system.....32
Manual transmission..........110
Message indicated on display.....65
Mirrors....................22
Multimedia.................186
Navigation................198
Occupant protection systems.....75
Odometer/Trip meter...........48
Outside mirrors...............22
Owner maintenance precautions . . .154
Paintwork (preserving).........167
Parking brake...............109
Parking Sensor System.........118
Passenger Air Bag............95
Passenger occupant classification
system.................100
Performance...............182
Periodic checks (scheduled
servicing)................154
Power mirrors...............23
Power window lock switch.......37
Power windows..............36
Prescriptions for handling the
vehicle at the end of its life.....185Pretensioners................79
Radio 3”.................188
Radio 7”..................193
Read this carefully..............2
Rear camera (ParkView rear
backup camera)...........121
Rear fog lights...............26
Refuelling procedure..........120
Refuelling the vehicle..........120
Replacing a bulb.............127
Replacing a tire..............165
Replacing exterior light bulbs.....131
Replacing fuses.............136
Rims and tires..............173
Rims and tires provided........174
SBA system (Seat Belt Alert)......79
Scheduled servicing plan.......156
Seat belt precautions...........76
Seat belt pretensioner and load
limiting systems.............79
Seat Belt Pretensioners.........95
Seat belts..................76
Seat belts (fastening/unfastening)}.......................77
Seats.....................19
Seats (manual adjustment).......19
Seats and fabric parts (cleaning) . . .169
Shift-lock override (automatic
gearbox)................112
Shift-lock system (automatic
gearbox)................112Side Air Bags................95
Snow chains...............165
Speed limiter...............117
Starting the engine.........11,109
Steering wheel...............22
Supplementary restraint system
(SRS) - Air bag.............93
Symbols....................3
TCS (Traction Control System).....67
Theft deterrent system..........15
Tips, controls and general
information...............187
Tire service kit..............143
Tires rotation (recommendations) . .165
Tool storage................143
Towing the vehicle............150
Towing trailers..............125
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)..................71
Turn signals.................26
Turning the engine off...........13
Vehicle security alarm..........15
Warning lights and messages.....51
Weights..................176
Wheel and tire specifications.....173
Wheels and tires.............165
Window and headlight washer
fluid (level check)...........162
Windscreen washer............30
Windscreen wipers............29