traction control FIAT 500E 2015 2.G Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
!STARTING PROCEDURES................214
▫Single-Speed Transmission...............214
▫Normal Starting.......................214
!SINGLE–SPEED TRANSMISSION...........215
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock...............218
▫Gear Ranges.........................218
▫Auto Park...........................221
!DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........222
▫Acceleration.........................222
▫Traction............................223
!DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............223
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................223
▫Shallow Standing Water.................224
!POWER STEERING.....................225
!PARKING BRAKE......................226
!BRAKE SYSTEM.......................228
!ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .228
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .228
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............230
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............231
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▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..........231
▫ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light............233
▫Regenerative Braking System (RBS).........234
!TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION.............235
▫Tire Markings........................235
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)...........239
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions..........240
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........242
!TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION........247
▫Tire Pressure........................247
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................249
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .250
▫Radial Ply Tires......................250
▫Tire Types...........................251
▫Run Flat Tires — If Equipped.............253
▫Spare Tires — If Equipped...............253
▫Tire Spinning........................256
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................257
▫Life Of Tire.........................257
▫Replacement Tires.....................258
!TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)........260
!TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS.....261
!PREMIUM TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
SYSTEM.............................262
▫Premium TPM System..................265
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

Mode of operation with Key ON:
Auto Park will be engaged when the transmission is in
DRIVE, NEUTRAL or REVERSE and the following con-
ditions are detected:
•Seat Belt is unlatched
•Brake pedal is released
•Driver’s door is ajar
•Vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h)
Mode of operation with Key OFF:
Auto Park will be engaged when the transmission is in
DRIVE, NEUTRAL or REVERSE and the vehicle speed is
less than 2 mph (3 km/h).
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the front (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent
damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where water
is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road or path’s surface
and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 223

BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event regenerative braking or power assist is lost
for any reason the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be significantly more
than that required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Warning Light during brake
use.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with a advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Con-
trol System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
All systems work together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions and are com-
monly referred to as ESC.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction Control System (TCS)
This system 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 vehicle
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system, Brake Limited
Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited 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 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. Refer to
“Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this section for
further information.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteering or understeering condi-
tion. Vehicle 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 actual path does not match the intended path,
ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist
in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.
•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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 231

NOTE:The ESC Off switch is located on the instrument
panel.
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 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 ESC system will be in On mode.
This mode should be used for most driving situations.
ESC should only be turned to Partial Off for specific
reasons as noted below.
Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the ESC Off
switch. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in
deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin
than ESC would normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily pushing the switch
again. This will restore the normal ESC On mode of opera-
tion.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury
or death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates
the possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the winter. Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the origi-
nal equipment tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph
(120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for
recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold
tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may
result in false speedometer and odometer readings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body
clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard
against damage.
•Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer
•Install on Front Tires
•Due to limited clearance, a 185/55R15 tire with a
Security Chain Company (SCC) Super Z6 low profile
traction device or equivalent is recommended
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Broken
chains can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could indicate
chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the
chain before further use.
(Continued)
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 351