FIAT PANDA 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

SAFETY
The chapter that you are about to read
is very important: it describes the
safety systems with which the vehicle is
equipped and provides instructions on
how to use them correctlyACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS ............ 60
DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS .. 66
OCCUPANT PROTECTION
SYSTEMS ....................................... 70
SEAT BELTS ................................... 70
SBR (SEAT BELT REMINDER)
SYSTEM ......................................... 72
PRE-TENSIONERS ......................... 73
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ........ 75
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG................ 85
59

ACTIVE SAFETY
SYSTEMS
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 car
can be controlled even during
emergency braking.
IMPORTANT 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.
The ABS also integrates the following
systems: EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment Regelung) and MBA
(Mechanical Brake Assist) (for
versions/markets, where provided).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.
44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52)
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronic system that
controls car stability in the event of loss
of tyre grip, helping maintain directional
control. The system is capable of
recognising potentially dangerous
situations in terms of the stability and
intervenes automatically on the brakes
in a differentiated manner for the four
wheels in order to provide a stabilising
torque.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of theESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58)
HH (Hill Holder) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
It is automatically activated in the
following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral or gear other
than reverse engaged;
downhill: car stationary on a road
with a gradient of more than 5%,
engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the torque
necessary for starting is reached, or
in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When the 2 seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical
mechanical brake release noise can be
heard, indicating that the car is about
to move.
NOTE: The Hill Holder system is not
active with the handbrake engaged.
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SAFETY

IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake, therefore do not
leave the vehicle without activating the
handbrake, switching off the engine,
and engaging first gear, with the vehicle
parked in safe conditions.
ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
It is automatically activated in the case
of drive wheels slipping, loss of grip
on wet roads (aquaplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR intervenes reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one
of the drive wheels, it intervenes
automatically braking the wheel that is
slipping.
Engagement/disengagement of the
system
The ASR is switched on automatically
each time the engine is started.
While driving, the ASR can be switched
off and subsequently switched on
again by pressing the ASR OFF button
fig. 48.On some versions, the intervention of
the system is indicated by a dedicated
message shown on the display. When
the system is not active, the LED on the
button ASR OFF turns on and, on
some versions, a message appears on
the display.
When the ASR is deactivated while
driving, the next time the car is started
the ASR is automatically activated.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
setting off gives you better traction.
59) 60) 61) 62) 63)
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) system
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car’s braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects an emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and strength with
which the brake pedal is pressed,
thereby applying the optimal brake
pressure.
This can reduce the braking distance:
the HBA system therefore completes
the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal must be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to benefit from the
system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
64) 65) 66)
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61

ELD (Electronic Locking
Differential) SYSTEM
(Panda Cross 4x4 and Panda 4x4
versions)
The ELD system allows the drive force
to be evenly distributed over the same
axle when one or both wheels are
slipping. The ELD acts by braking the
wheels with poor grip (or those slipping
more than the others), thereby
transferring the drive force to those
which have greater grip on the ground.
The system operates at speeds below
50 km/h. Above this speed, it is
automatically deactivated and it is
reactivated when the speed falls below
50 km/h.
The activation of the ELD system
involves the following functions being
switched on:
inhibition of the ASR function, in
order to fully exploit the engine torque;
differential lock effect on the front
and rear axles, via the braking system,
to improve drive on uneven surfaces.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the ELD system
press button A fig. 49 (Panda 4x4
versions) or turn the ring fig. 50 to the
right (Panda Cross 4x4 versions) and
keep it in this position until LED 2
on the selector lights up.System intervention
Thewarning light on the instrument
panel flashes to signal that the system
has intervened.If the space-saver wheel is used
If the space-saver wheel is used, the
control unit for 4x4 drive detects its
presence (via the wheel speed signals)
and reduces the intervention of the
four-wheel drive mode to a minimum,
while guaranteeing the agility of the
vehicle. No fault/alarm signal is
displayed on the instrument panel or on
the display.
Disabling the system
To disable the system, press button A
fig. 49 (Panda 4x4 versions) or turn
the ring to the left fig. 50 (Panda Cross
4x4 versions) and keep it in this position
until LED 1 on the selector lights up.
GRAVITY CONTROL
SYSTEM
(Panda Cross 4x4 versions)
IMPORTANT This function can be
activated only with "Off Road" mode
activated.
It is an integral part of the ESC system
and is aimed at keeping the vehicle at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time. In this
way, the Gravity Control function
assists the driver on steep gradients in
low-grip conditions and/or on rough
terrain.
49F1D0122
50F1D0116
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SAFETY

Noise and vibrations coming from the
wheel sides (brakes) when the Gravity
Control system is activated are normal.
IMPORTANT The system does not
relieve the driver of the responsibility of
controlling the vehicle and does not
replace attention while driving. The
driver of the vehicle takes the complete
responsibility for the consequences of
their actions and of an incorrect and not
responsible use of the vehicle.
Enabling the system
To arrange operation of the Gravity
Control system, turn ring fig. 51, with
LED 2 on, to the right, and keep it
in this position until LED 3 on the
selector lights up. The
warning light
comes on in the instrument panel and
the dedicated message is displayed.
IMPORTANT System intervention
set-up can be engaged only with "Off
Road" mode activated.System intervention
You must travel at a speed slower than
25 km/h for the system to activate.
After reaching the desired speed,
release the accelerator and brake
pedals completely. If you want to
increase/decrease the speed, press the
accelerator/brake pedals again.
IMPORTANT The system is also
available for very low speeds between 5
km/h and 9 km/h, but in this interval
the gearbox must be set to neutral to
prevent engine stalling.
IMPORTANT For speeds above 9 km/h,
the Gravity Control system must be
used with a gear that is suitable for the
set speed, in order to prevent possible
engine stalling. While the Gravity
Control system is operating it is also
possible to take control of the vehicle
again by pressing the brake and
accelerator pedals. If the Gravity
Control is not available when system
intervention set-up is engaged, this
could be due to brake overheating. In
this case, wait for a few minutes.
IMPORTANT The Gravity Control
system is available for speeds between
5 km/h and 25 km/h. It is advisable to
use the system in low gears (first,
second and third).IMPORTANT On level ground in urban
areas it is advisable to deactivate the
Gravity Control system intervention
set-up, since for speeds below 25 km/h
in some usage conditions, such as
when setting off, shifting gear and
driving over road humps without using
the accelerator pedal, the system might
activate.
Disabling the system
To deactivate the system, turn the ring
fig. 51 to the left, keeping it in this
position until LED 3 on the selector
switches off.
IMPORTANT If the braking system
overheats the system will deactivate
through a gradual release of the braking
pressure, leaving vehicle control to the
driver. Deactivation of the Gravity
Control system is accompanied by
flashing of the
warning light, by a
dedicated message on the display and
an acoustic warning. To reactivate
the system intervention set-up wait for
the system to cool down and turn
the ring nut again.
51F1D0116
63

IMPORTANT The Gravity Control
system is deactivated when exceeding
25 km/h and at speeds lower than
50 km/h it remains enabled to be
reactivated when the speed returns
under 25 km/h. In this case, the
indication on the instrument panel is
switched off and the LED on the ring
stays on. If car speed exceeds 50
km/h, the Gravity Control system
completely deactivates and each
individual action made by the system
on the brakes is blocked. To reactivate
it, turn the ring nut again when the
speed is again below 25 km/h.
T+ (Traction Plus)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions
(snow, ice, mud, etc.) which allows the
drive force to be distributed in the
best way over the front axle when one
wheel is slipping.
Traction Plus acts by braking the
wheels with poor grip (or those slipping
more than the others), thereby
transferring the drive force to those
which have greater grip on the ground.Engagement/disengagement
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press the T+ button fig. 52: the
LED on the button switches on; the
display shows a dedicated message. To
disengage the system press the T+
button again.
Operation
This function operates under a
threshold of 30 km/h. Over this speed,
it is automatically deactivated (the
LED on the button is still on) and it is
reactivated again when the speed
is below 30 km/h.
The activation of the Traction Plus
system causes the differential locking
effect on the front axle, through the
braking system, to improve traction on
irregular grounds.If the Traction Plus system is faulty, the
ESCwarning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.
WARNING
44)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
45)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot, but keep the pedal pushed
down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road
conditions at the time.
46)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is nearing its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with the
available traction.
47)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.
48)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
49)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
52F1D0039
64
SAFETY

50)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.
51)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.
52)When the Mechanical Brake Assist
intervenes, noises may be heard from the
system. This is normal. In any case, while
braking keep the brake pedal firmly
depressed.
53)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.
54)The ESC functions even when the
space-saver wheel is being used. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
55)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary
or unfounded 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.
56)The ESC system cannot alter the
natural laws of physics, and cannot
increase grip, which depends on the
condition of the road.
57)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.58)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.
59)For the correct operation of the ASR
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.
60)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with an ASR system.
Your driving style must always be suited to
the road conditions, visibility and traffic.
The driver is, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
61)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
62)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
63)The capability of the ASR must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
64)The HBA system cannot increase tyre
grip on the road over the limits imposed by
laws of physics: always drive carefully
according to the conditions of the road
surface.
65)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.66)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver. The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver, occupants
or other road users at risk.
65

DRIVING
ASSISTANCE
SYSTEMS
CBC (City Brake
Control) system
(for versions/markets, where provided)
67) 68) 69) 70) 71)
30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36)
This is a driving assistance system,
which includes a laser sensor, located
in the upper part of the windscreen
fig. 53, that can detect the presence of
nearby cars in front of the vehicle and,
in the case of an imminent collision,
intervenes automatically, braking the
vehicle to prevent the impact or
mitigate its effects.
The system is only active if:
the ignition key is at MAR;
the vehicle speed is between 5 and
30 km/h;
the front seat belts are fastened.
Anyway, the system can be deactivated
(then reactivated) through the Setup
Menu on the display.
The system intervenes if there is risk of
imminent collision and the driver does
not press the brake pedal promptly.
If the system detects that the vehicle
ahead could be hit, it may prepare the
vehicle to a possible emergency
braking.
If the driver does not carry out any
action to prevent the collision, the
system may automatically slow down
the vehicle, in order to prepare it to
a possible impact.
When there is risk of impact, if the
action on the brake pedal by the driver
is not sufficient, the system may
intervene in order to improve
the reaction of the braking system,
therefore reducing vehicle speed
further.
When driving uphill on a steep slope,
the system may intervene, activating
the braking system.
Versions equipped with Start&Stop
system: at the end of the automatic
braking, the Start&Stop system will
activate as described in the "Start&Stop
system" paragraph of the "Starting
and driving" chapter.Versions equipped with manual
gearbox: at the end of the automatic
braking the engine may stall and turn
off, unless the driver presses the clutch
pedal.
Versions equipped with "Dualogic"
gearbox(for versions/markets, where
provided): at the end of braking the last
gear stored remains engaged.
IMPORTANT Both on versions
equipped with manual gearbox and on
those with "Dualogic" gearbox (for
versions/markets, where provided),
after the vehicle is stopped the brake
calipers may be stuck for about 2
seconds for safety reasons. Make sure
you press the brake pedal if the vehicle
moves slightly forwards.
IMPORTANT The system doesNOT
activate when reverse is engaged. The
system doesNOTactivate if the front
seat belts are not fastened.
Engagement/disengagement
The system can be deactivated (then
reactivated) through the Setup Menu on
the display.
53F1D0041
66
SAFETY

Driving in special conditions
In certain driving conditions, such as,
for example:
driving close to a bend (see fig. 54);
vehicles with small dimensions
and/or not aligned in the driving lane
(see fig. 55);
lane change by other vehicles (see
fig. 56);
system intervention can be unexpected
or delayed. The driver must therefore
be very careful, keeping control of
the vehicle to drive in complete safety.
IMPORTANT If you are driving on roads
close to trees with protruding branches
it is advisable to deactivate the system
to prevent the branches at the height
of the bonnet or the windscreen from
interfering with the system.iTPMS System (indirect
Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
72) 73) 74) 75) 76) 77)
The car can be equipped with the
iTPMS (indirect Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) which monitors the
tyre inflation status thanks to wheel
speed sensors.The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the
warning
light continuously lit on the instrument
panel and a dedicated warning
message on the display.
If one tyre only is flat, the system can
indicate its position: it is in any case
recommended to check the pressure
on all four tyres.
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.
Reset procedure
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-
learning" phase (with length depending
on the driving style and road conditions:
optimal conditions being driving on a
straight road at 80 km/h for at least 20
minutes) which starts when the Reset
procedure is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried
out:
each time tyre pressure is modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
when the space-saver wheel is
fitted.
54F1D0042
55F1D0043
56F1D0044
67

Before carrying out the Reset
procedure, inflate the tyres to the rated
pressure values specified in the inflation
pressure table (see "Wheels" paragraph
in the "Technical specifications"
chapter).
If the Reset procedure is not carried
out, in all above cases, the
warning
light may give false indications on
one or more tyres.
To carry out the RESET procedure, with
the car stopped and the ignition device
at MAR, use the Main Menu as follows:
briefly press thebutton: the
display will show Reset;
press thebutton or the
button to select ("Yes" or "No");
briefly press thebutton: the
display will show "Confirm";
pressbutton orto select
("Yes" to Reset or "No" to exit the video
page);
press thebutton again to return
to the standard screen or to the main
menu according to where you are in the
menu.
At the end of the Reset procedure, the
display will show the message "Reset
saved", indicating that self-learning has
started.Operating conditions
The system is active for speeds above
15 km/h.
In a few situations such as sporty
driving, particular conditions of the road
surface (e.g. icy, snowy, unsurfaced
roads...) the signalling may be delayed
or partial in detecting the contemporary
deflation of more than one tyre.
Under special conditions (e.g. vehicle
loaded asymmetrically on one side,
towing a trailer, damaged or worn tyre,
fitting the space-saver wheel, use of the
"Fix&Go" kit, fitting snow chains, fitting
different tyres on the axles) the system
may give false indications or be
temporarily deactivated.
If the system is temporarily deactivated,
the warning light
flashes for about
75 seconds and then is continuously
on; at the same time, the display shows
a dedicated message.
This warning is also displayed after the
engine has been switched off and
then on again if the correct operating
conditions are not restored.
WARNING
67)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.
68)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).
69)The laser beam is not visible at the
naked eye. Do not look directly, or with
optical instruments (e.g. lenses), at the
laser beam from a distance lower than 10
cm: this may cause damage to the sight.
The laser beam is also present when
the key is at MAR but its operation is off,
not available or manually deactivated
with the display Setup Menu.
70)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. Small sized
vehicles (e.g. bicycles or motorbikes)
or people, animals and things (e.g.
pushchairs) and more in general all those
obstacles with a low reflection of the light
emitted by the laser (e.g. vehicles soiled
with mud) are not taken into consideration.
68
SAFETY