FIAT 500L User Manual
Page 112
ESC SYSTEM
(Electronic Stability Control)
This is an electronic system that controls car stability
in the event of tyre grip loss, 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 also includes the following
subsystems:
❒ Hill Holder
❒ ASR
❒ HBA
❒ DST
❒ ERM
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the flashing of the ESC warning light
on the instrument panel, to inform the driver that
the car is in critical stability and grip conditions.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on automatically when the
engine is started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESC system and
facilitates starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❒ uphill: car stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
gearbox in neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
❒ downhill: car stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system control unit
maintains braking pressure on the wheels until the
torque required for starting is reach or, in any case,
for a maximum of 2 seconds so that the right foot
can be moved easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator pedal.
When 2 seconds have elapsed, without any
departure having taken place, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release stage, a typical
mechanical brake release noise can be heard,
indicating that the car is about to move.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the vehicle without
having engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off
and engaged the 1
st
gear, so that the vehicle is parked
in safe conditions (for further information read
paragraph "When parked" in the chapter "Starting
and driving").
108
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX