traction control FIAT 500X 2014 2.G Owners Manual

SAFETY
CONTENTS
BRAKE SYSTEM ..................... .154
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . .154
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) . . .155
▫ Brake System Warning Light .............155
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...........155
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ...........156
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ..............157
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................157
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ...........159
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .........159
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .........161
▫ Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) ..........161
 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ........162▫
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ......162
▫ Important Safety Precautions ............162
▫ Seat Belt Systems ....................163
▫ Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ......174
▫ Child Restraints .....................188
▫ Transporting Pets ....................205
 SAFETY TIPS ....................... .205
▫ Transporting Passengers ................205
▫ Exhaust Gas ....................... .206
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle .......................... .207
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ..................209
6

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake
systems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses
normal capability, the remaining system will still func-
tion. However, there will be some loss of overall brak-
ing effectiveness. This will be evident by increased
pedal travel during application and greater pedal force
required to slow or stop the vehicle. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by a leak in the hydraulic system,
the “Brake Warning Light” will turn on as the brake
fluid level drops in the master cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine OFF) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required
to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that
required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
•Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot rest-
ing or riding on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
• Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light”
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance or vehicle stability during braking
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the
vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to con-
trol. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control system (EBC). This system includes Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start
Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). These systems
work together to enhance both vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
154 SAFETY

4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-halfturn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bank below the climate control four times
within twenty seconds. The “ESC Off Indicator
Light” should turn on and turn off two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slightly more than one-half turn to the
right.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. If the sequence was com-
pleted properly, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will
blink several times to confirm HSA is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS
may apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s)
and/or reduce engine power to provide enhanced
acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential (BLD), functions similar to a lim-
ited 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. BLD may
remain enabled even if TCS and ESC are in a reduced
mode.
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(s) to assist
in counteracting the oversteer or understeer 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 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.6
SAFETY 159

•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” lo-
cated in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon
as the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes
when the 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.
NOTE: The ESC Off switch is located below the radio
screen.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality
of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature de-
scribed 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 feature of TCS is disabled, and the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system
is reduced.
WARNING!
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot pre-
vent accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from loss of vehicle con-
trol due to inappropriate 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.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the handling
characteristics of your vehicle, and may nega-
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
Changes to the steering system, suspension, brak-
ing system, tire type and size or wheel size may
adversely affect ESC performance. Improperly
(Continued)
160 SAFETY

ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs
or additional driving skills required. Under normal
driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of the
traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction, power
is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The greater
the front wheel traction loss, the greater the power
transfer to the rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will
be sent to the rear in a pre-emptive effort to improve
vehicle launch and performance characteristics.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
DYNAMIC SELECTOR — IF EQUIPPED
The Dynamic Selector combines the capabilities of the
vehicle control systems, along with driver input, to
provide the best performance in all driving conditions.The Dynamic Selector consists of the following posi-
tions:
Auto Mode –
This mode is designed for comfort and
safety in normal driving conditions. In versions
equipped with all-wheel drive, this mode also reduces
fuel consumption by automatically altering the distri-
bution of torque between the front and rear axle.
All Weather Mode – This mode offers increased trac-
tion control and stability control for low traction condi-
tions such as driving on a dirt road or off road as well
as wet and slippery roads.
Dynamic Selector Switch
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•When enabled the system operates above 37 mph
(60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h).
• Use of the turn signal suppresses the warnings.
• The system will not apply torque to the steering
wheel whenever a safety system engages. (anti-lock
brakes, traction control system, electronic stability
control, forward collision warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA — IF
EQUIPPED
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera that allows you to
see an on-screen image of your vehicle’s rear surround-
ings when the gear selector is put into REVERSE. The
image will be displayed on the touchscreen display
along with a note to “check entire surroundings” across
the top of the screen. After five seconds this note will
disappear. The ParkView camera is located above the
rear license plate. When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
camera delay turned off), the rear camera mode is
exited and the navigation or audio screen appears
again.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
camera delay turned on), the camera image will con-
tinue to be displayed for up to 10 seconds after shifting
out of REVERSE unless the vehicle speed exceeds
8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted into PARK or the
ignition is switched to STOP mode.Parking Camera7
STARTING AND OPERATING 255

CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If
you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles. This could
cause you to lose control. Also overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery 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 danger-
ous. 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.).
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 areslushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it
meets the following criteria:
•The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire
(sidewall damage is not repairable).
• The puncture is no greater thana¼ofaninch (6
mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and
additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have
experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical size
and service description (Load Index and Speed Sym-
bol).
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All season tires can be
identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or
on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be
aware these tires are not designed for Winter or cold
driving conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle
when ambient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or
if roads are covered with ice or snow. For more infor-
mation, contact an authorized dealer.
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.
392 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE

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 Only.
• Only 215/60 R16 and 215/55 R17 tire sizes can be
chained using 9 mm tire chains.
• No other tire sizes can be chained.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredict-
able 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 traction device clearance
between tires and other suspension components,
it is important that only traction devices in good
condition are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate device breakage.
Remove the damaged parts of the device before
further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s in-
structions on the method of installation, operat-
ing speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufac-
turer ’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
•
Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 397

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were estab-
lished by the National Highway Traffic Safety Ad-
ministration. The specific grade rating assigned by
the tire’s manufacturer in each category is shown on
the sidewall of the tires on your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.
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 characteristics 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 con-
trolled conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplan-
ing, 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. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance, which all passenger vehicle
398 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE