traction control FIAT 500L 2014 2.G User Guide

SPEED CONTROL
The speed control switches are located on the steering wheel.
Cruise ON/OFF
•Push the ON/OFF button to activate the
Speed Control.
CRUISE READY will appear on the instru-
ment cluster to indicate the Speed Control
is on.
•Push the ON/OFF button a second time
to turn the system off.
•Speed Control will be disabled if the front tires lose traction.To restore, press the
Cruise ON/OFF button.
Set
•With the Speed Control on, push and release the SET – button to set a desired
speed.
Accel/Decel
To Increase Speed
•When the Electronic Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by pushing the RES
+button.
The speed increment shown is dependant on the chosen speed unit of U.S.(mph) or
Metric (km/h):
U.S.Speed (mph)
•Pressing the RES+button once will result in a 1 mph increase in set speed.Each sub-
sequent tap of the button results in an increase of 1 mph.
•If the button is continually pressed, the set speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
•Pressing the RES+button once will result in a 2 km/h increase in set speed.Each sub-
sequent tap of the button results in an increase of 2 km/h.
•If the button is continually pressed, the set speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed will be established.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
22

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
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.
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.
Par t ial Of f
•The “ESC OFF” button is located in the switch bank above the climate control.
To enter the “Partial Off ” mode, momentarily press the “ESC OFF” button and the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate.To turn the ESC on again,
momentarily press 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:
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 pressing the “ESC
OFF” button.Once the situation requiring
“Partial Off ” mode is overcome, turn ESC
back on by momentarily pressing the “ESC
OFF” button.This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
31

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a problem with the system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running.Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; how-
ever, see an authorized dealer immediately.If the light is flashing when the engine is run-
ning, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the ESC system has been turned off by the driver.
Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the ESC Off switch.This mode is intended
for times when a more spirited driving experience is desired.It is also intended for driv-
ing in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions, when more wheel spin than ESC would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction.To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the
switch again.This will restore the normal ESC On mode of operation.
Full Off
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only and should not be used on
public roadways.In this mode, all TCS and ESC stability features are turned OFF, except
for the limited slip feature described in the TCS section.To enter the “Full Off ” mode,
depress and hold the ESC OFF switch for five seconds.After five seconds, the ESC OFF
Indicator Light will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF” message will display in the EVIC.To turn
ESC ON again, momentarily press the ESC OFF switch.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation / Malfunction
Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
for four seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position.If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system.If this light remains on, see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
70

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
•If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rock-
ing motion.Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels.Then shift back and forth between DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE.Using mini-
mal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control or Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and
failure.Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles.This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between DRIVE/2nd and REVERSE,
do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure.It can also damage the tires.Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle and tires.A tire could explode and injure
someone.Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stopping when you are stuck and do not
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
91