trailer FIAT 500X 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
The vehicle has the following active
safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System);
DTC (Drag Torque Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HHC (Hill Hold Control);
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque);
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation);
TSC (Trailer Sway Control).
For the operation of the systems, see
the following description.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or
more wheels from locking and slipping
in all road surface conditions,
irrespective of the intensity of the
braking action, ensuring that the vehicle
can be controlled even during
emergency braking and optimising
stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent. The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on
a surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.
The Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD) system completes
the system allowing the brake force to
be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the
brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: this is entirely
normal with the system operating.
34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40)
DTC (Drag Torque
Control) SYSTEM
The DTC (Drag Torque Control) system
prevents the drive wheels from possibly
locking, which could happen, for
example, if the accelerator pedal is
released suddenly or in the case of a
sudden downshifting in conditions of
poor grip. In this conditions, the engine
braking effect could cause the drive
wheels to slip, resulting in a loss of car
stability. In these situations, the DTC
system intervenes, restoring torque to
the engine in order to conserve car
stability and increase car safety.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the wheels
appropriately. The torque supplied by
the engine can also be reduced in order
to maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the
trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the
vehicle’s effective trajectory. When the
real trajectory deviates from the desired
trajectory, the ESC system intervenes to
counter the vehicle’s understeer or
oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning less than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
74
SAFETY

DST SYSTEM (Dynamic
Steering Torque)
The DST function uses the integration
of the ESC system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety
level of the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the DST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes
and steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
56)
ERM (Electronic Rollover
Mitigation) SYSTEM
The system monitors the tendency of
the wheels to rise from the ground if the
driver performs extreme manoeuvres
like quick steering to avoid an obstacle,
especially in poor road conditions.
If these conditions occur, the system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce the possibility that the
wheels are raised from the ground. It is
not possible to avoid tendency to roll
over if the phenomenon is due to
reasons such as driving on high side
gradients, collision with objects or other
vehicles.
57)
TSC (Trailer Sway
Control) SYSTEM
The system employs a series of sensors
located on the vehicle to identify
excessive swerving of the trailer and
take the necessary precautions to
eliminate it.
To counteract the effect of trailer sway,
the system can reduce the engine
power and intervene on the wheels
involved. The TSC system activates
automatically once excessive sway of
the trailer is detected.System intervention
When the system is active, the
warning light flashes on the
instrument panel, the engine power is
reduced and braking can be felt on the
individual wheels, following the attempt
to eliminate the swerving of the trailer.
58) 59)
WARNING
34) 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.
35) To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
36) 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.
37) The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the
grip available according to the condition of
the road.
38) The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
76
SAFETY

39)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
40) 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.
41) The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
42) The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
43) The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
44) For the correct operation of the ESC
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.
45) ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
46) For the correct operation of the TC
system, 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. 47)
TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
48) The TC system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
49) The TC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
50) The capability of the TC must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
51) The PBA system cannot overrule the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
52) The PBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
53) The capability of the PBA system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other
road user.
54) The Hill Hold Control system is not a
parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the electric
parking brake, turned the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that it is parked in
safe conditions (for further information read
the "Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter). 55)
There may be situations on small
gradients (less than 8%), with vehicle
laden, in which the Hill Hold Control system
may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision
with another vehicle or object. The driver is,
in any case, responsible for safe driving.
56) DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.
57) The performance of a vehicle with ERM
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
58) When towing trailers, the utmost
caution at the wheel is recommended.
Never exceed the maximum permitted
loads (see the description in the "Weights"
paragraph in the "Technical Specifications"
chapter).
59) The TSC system cannot prevent
swerving for all trailers. If the system
activates during driving, reduce the speed,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and arrange
the load correctly to prevent the trailer from
swerving.
77

IMPORTANT The system does not
signal the presence of fixed object (e.g.
safety barriers, poles, walls, etc.).
However, in some circumstances, the
system may activate in the presence of
these objects. This is normal and does
not indicate a system malfunction.
IMPORTANT The system does not
warn the driver about the presence of
vehicles coming from the opposite
direction, in the adjacent lanes.
60)
Important notes
If a trailer is connected to the car, to
avoid false indications this system must
be manually deactivated using the
relative menu.
For the system to operate correctly, the
rear bumper area where the radar
sensors are located must stay free from
snow, ice and dirt gathered from the
road surface.
Do not cover the rear bumper area
where the radar sensors are located
with any object (e.g. adhesives, bike
rack, etc.).Rear-view
The system detects vehicles coming
from the rear part of your vehicle on
both sides and entering the rear
detection area with a difference in
speed of less than 50 km/h with
respect to your vehicle.
Overtaking vehicles
If another vehicle is overtaken slowly
(with a difference in speed of less than
about 25 km/h) and this stays in the
blind spot for about 1.5 seconds, the
warning light on the door mirror of the
corresponding side lights up.
If the speed delta between the two
vehicles is higher than about 25 km/h,
the warning light does not light up.
RCP (Rear Cross Path detection)
system
This system helps the driver during
reverse manoeuvres in the case of
reduced visibility.
The RCP system monitors the rear
detection areas on both sides of the
vehicle, to detect objects moving
towards the sides of the vehicle at a
minimum speed between about 1 km/h
and 3 km/h and objects moving at a
maximum speed of 35 km/h, as
generally happens in parking areas.The system activation is signalled to the
driver by means of a visual and acoustic
warning.
IMPORTANT If the sensors are covered
by objects or vehicles, the system will
not warn the driver.
Operating mode
The system can be activated/
deactivated by operating on the display
Menu, or via the
Uconnect™system
(for further information see the
dedicated Supplement).
Blind Spot Assist "Visual" mode
When this mode is active, the BSA
system sends a visual warning to the
door mirror relating to the object
detected.
However, when operating in "RCP"
mode, the system produces acoustic
and visual warnings when if the
presence of an object is detected.
When an acoustic warning is sent,
theUconnect™ volume is lowered.
Blind Spot Assist "Visual &
acoustic" mode
When this mode has been activated,
the BSA system sends a visual warning
to the door mirror relating to the object
detected.
79

WARNING
60)The system is an aid for vehicle driving,
it DOES NOT warn the driver about
incoming vehicles outside of the detection
areas. The driver must always maintain a
sufficient level of attention to the traffic and
road conditions and for controlling the
trajectory of the vehicle.
61) The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
62) If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).
63) The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
64) If the car must be placed on a roller
bench for maintenance interventions or if it
is washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part
(e.g. another car, a wall or another
obstacle), the system may detect its
presence and activate. In this case the
system must be deactivated through the
settings of the Uconnect™system.
65) If the iTPMS system signals a pressure
decrease on the tyres, it is recommended
to check the pressure on all four tyres. 66)
The iTPMS does not relieve the driver
from the obligation to check the tyre
pressure every month; it is not even to be
considered a replacing system for
maintenance or a safety system.
67) Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed
value, but repeat the check when tyres are
cold
68) The iTPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
69) The system only warns that the tyre
pressure is low: it is not able to inflate
them.
70) Insufficient tyre inflation increases fuel
consumption, reduces the tread duration
and may affect the capacity to drive safely.
IMPORTANT
32) The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such
as: heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
33) The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with
adhesives, auxiliary headlights or any other
object.
34) System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle. 35)
Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front
geometry, tyre change, or a heavier load
than the standard load of the vehicle.
36) Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may
alter the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to a Fiat
Dealership for any operation of this type.
37) Do not tamper with nor carry out any
intervention on the radar sensor or on the
camera on the windscreen. In the event of
a sensor failure, contact a Fiat Dealership.
38) When towing a trailer (with modules
installed after purchasing the vehicle), a
vehicle or during loading manoeuvres on a
vehicle transporter (or in vehicle for
transport), the system must be deactivated
via the Uconnect™system.
39) Do not wash with high-pressure jets in
the bumper lower area: in particular do not
operate on the system's electrical
connector.
40) Be careful in the case of repairs and
new paintings in the area around the
sensor (panel covering the sensor on the
left side of the bumper). In the event of a
frontal impact the sensor may automatically
deactivate and display a warning to indicate
that the sensor needs to be repaired. Even
without a malfunction warning, deactivate
the system operation if you think that the
position of the radar sensor has changed
(e.g. due to low-speed frontal impact as
during parking manoeuvres). In these
cases, go to a Fiat Dealership to have the
radar sensor realigned or replaced.
86
SAFETY

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and our
wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE.......114
PARKING THE VEHICLE ........115
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
(EPB) ....................115
MANUAL GEARBOX ..........118
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . .119
TWIN CLUTCH TRANSMISSION . .122
START&STOP SYSTEM ........125
SPEED LIMITER .............127
ELECTRONIC CRUISE
CONTROL ................127
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC) ....................129
MOOD SELECTOR / DRIVE MODE
(drive mode selector) .........133
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM ........135
LANE ASSIST SYSTEM (lane
crossing warning) ............137
REAR VIEW CAMERA .........139
TOWING TRAILERS ..........140
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE .....144
113

D can be selected from sequential
operation in any driving conditions.
“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
(kick-down function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip conditions (snow, ice,
etc.) avoid activating the kick-down
function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by the
paddles on the steering wheel (where
provided), the system shifts to
"Sequential mode" ("Autostick"),
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
AUTOSTICK - Sequential
mode
In the case of frequent gearshifting (e.g.
when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, with strong headwind
or when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, using a lower gear
improves vehicle performance and
prolongs the transmission's life, limiting
gearshifting and preventing overheating.
It is possible to shift from position D
(Drive) to the sequential mode
regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
With gear lever in position D (Drive), to
activate the sequential drive mode,
move the lever to the left (– and +
indication of the trim). The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Gearshifting is made by moving the
gear lever forwards, towards symbol –
or backwards, towards symbol +.
Deactivation
To deactivate the sequential driving
mode, bring the gear lever back to
position D (Drive), automatic mode.
STEERING WHEEL
CONTROLS
(where provided)
52)
On some versions, the gearbox can be
managed sequentially using the
steering wheel controls fig. 97.
To use the controls on the steering
wheel, the gear lever must be in
position D (Drive) between (+) and (–):
steering wheel paddle ( +) (pulling
paddle towards driver): engage higher
ratio;
steering wheel paddle ( -) (pulling
paddle towards driver): engage lower
ratio.
The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine revs
allow it.
97F1B0508C
120
STARTING AND DRIVING

The reachable positions are + (higher
gear) or - (lower gear). These positions
are unstable: the lever always returns to
central position.
The lever has a button A fig. 98, which
must be pressed to move the lever to P
or R.
Shifting from P to any other position of
the selector lever, with ignition key in
MAR-ON position, must be made
pressing the brake pedal and using the
button on A fig. 98.
To shift from R to P, it is necessary to
push button A fig. 98 when engine is at
idle speed.
To shift from position N to D or R, you
need to press the brake pedal. It is
advisable not to accelerate and to
make sure that the engine is stabilised
at idle speed.
Shifting from D to N is free, while
shifting from D to R or P can only be
made by the button A fig. 98.
AUTOMATIC DRIVING
MODE
To select the automatic driving mode,
you need to shift the gear lever to D
(Drive): the best ratio is selected by the
electronic transmission control unit
depending on vehicle speed, engine
load (accelerator pedal position) and
gradient of the road.D can be selected from sequential
operation in any driving conditions.
“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
(kick-down function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip conditions (snow, ice,
etc.) avoid activating the kick-down
function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by the
paddles on the steering wheel (where
provided), the system shifts to
"Sequential mode" ("Autostick"),
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
AUTOSTICK - Sequential
mode
In the case of frequent gearshifting (e.g.
when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, with strong headwind
or when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, using a lower gear
improves vehicle performance and
prolongs the transmission's life, limiting
gearshifting and preventing overheating.
It is possible to shift from position D
(Drive) to the sequential mode
regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
With gear lever in position D (Drive), to
activate the sequential drive mode,
move the lever to the left (– and +
indication of the trim). The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Gearshifting is made by moving the
gear lever forwards, towards symbol –
or backwards, towards symbol +.
Off
To deactivate the sequential driving
mode, bring the gear lever back to
position D (Drive), automatic mode.
123

Detection distances
If several obstacles are detected by the
sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.
Indication on display
The indications regarding the Park
Assist system are shown on the
instrument panel display only if the
"Acoustic signal and display" item in the
"Settings" menu of theUconnect™
system is selected (for more
information, see the description in the
dedicated chapter).
The system indicates the presence of
an obstacle by displaying a single arc in
one of the possible areas, in
accordance with the distance of the
object and the position in relation to the
vehicle. If the obstacle is detected in the
rear central area, a single arc will be
displayed as the obstacle approaches,
first constant, then flashing, in addition
to an acoustic signal.
OPERATION WITH
TRAILER
68)
The operation of the sensors is
automatically deactivated when the
trailer's electrical connection is inserted
in the vehicle's tow hook socket.
Sensors are reactivated on removing
the trailer's electrical connection. Before using the Park Assist system, it
is recommended to remove the tow
hook ball assembly and the relevant
attachment from the vehicle. Failure to
comply with this prescription may
cause personal injuries or damage to
vehicles or obstacles since, when the
continuous acoustic signal is emitted,
the tow hook ball is already in a position
that is much closer to the obstacle than
the rear bumper.
GENERAL WARNINGS
Some conditions may influence the
performance of the parking system:
reduced sensor sensitivity and a
reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to
the presence of: ice, snow, mud, paint,
etc. on the surface of the sensor;
the sensor may detect a
non-existent obstacle ("echo
interference") due to mechanical
interference, for example when washing
the vehicle, in rain (strong wind), hail;
the signals sent by the sensor can
also be altered by the presence of
ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brake systems of trucks or pneumatic
drills) near the vehicle;
Parking assistance system
performance can also be influenced by
the position of the sensors, for example
due to a change in the ride setting
(caused by wear to the shock
absorbers, suspension), or by changing
tyres, overloading the vehicle or fitting
specific trims that require the vehicle to
be lowered;
the presence of a tow hook without
trailer, which may interfere with the
correct operation of the parking
sensors. If you wish to leave the tow
hook fitted without towing a trailer, it is
advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership
for the relevant Park Assist system
update operations because the tow
hook could be detected as an obstacle
by the central sensors.
the presence of adhesives on the
sensors. Therefore, take care not to
place adhesives on the sensors.
136
STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING
133)Parking and other potentially
dangerous manoeuvres are, however,
always the driver’s responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The camera is an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never allow
his/her attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds. Always keep a
slow speed, so as to promptly brake in the
case of obstacles.
IMPORTANT
75) It is vital, for correct operation, that the
camera is always kept clean and free from
any mud, dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not
to scratch or damage the camera while
cleaning it. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The camera must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing stations
which use steam or high-pressure jets,
clean the camera quickly, keeping the
nozzle more than 10 cm away from the
sensors. Also, do not apply stickers to the
camera.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
134) 135)
For towing caravans or trailers the
vehicle must be fitted with an approved
tow hook and an adequate electrical
system. Should aftermarket installation
be requested, this must be carried out
by specialists.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight
of the trailer. Engage a low gear when
driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake. The weight the trailer
exerts on the vehicle tow hook reduces
the vehicle's loading capacity by the
same amount. To make sure that the
maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the vehicle
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage. Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in the
case of vehicles towing trailers. In any
case, the top speed must not exceed
100 km/h.
Any electric brake must be powered
directly by the battery through a cable
with a cross-section of no less than
2.5 mm
2. In addition to the electrical
branches, the vehicle electrical system
can only be connected to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the
cable for an internal light for the trailer,
not exceeding 15 W. For connections,
use the preset control unit with a
battery cable with section not less than
2.5 mm
2. The use of auxiliary loads
other than external lights (e.g. electric
brake) must take place with engine
running.
140
STARTING AND DRIVING