Fiat 500 Owner's Handbook Manual page 56

System intervention
The ESP system is automatically activat-
ed when the car is started and cannot be
de-activated.
Failure indications
In the event of a failure, the ESP system
will be automatically switched off and
warning light á will appear on the instru-
ment panel along with a message on the
reconfigurable multifunctional display
(where provided). The LED on the ASR
OFF button will light up. Contact Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
Do not take unnecessary
risks, even if your cars fits an
ESP system. Your driving style must
always be suited to the conditions of
the road, visibility and traffic. The dri-
ver is always responsible for road
safety.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(where provided)
It's integral to the ESP system. It auto-
matically activates with the following con-
ditions:
❒ uphill: car at a standstill on a road with
a gradient higher than 2%, engine run-
ning, clutch and brake pedal pressed,
gearbox to neutral or engaged gear oth-
er than reverse;
❒ downhill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 2%, engine
running, clutch and brake pedal pressed
and reverse gear engaged.
At pickup the ESP system control unit will
keep brake force on wheels until reaching
the torque suitable for starting, or in any
case for max. 2 seconds in order to pass
easily from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal.
After two seconds without starting, the
system will deactivate automatically by re-
leasing gradually the brake force. At re-
leasing, the typical brake disengagement
noise indicating that the car is going to
move will be heard.
Failure indications
A failure of the system is indicated by the
turning on warning light á on the instru-
ment panel together with the dedicated
message on the reconfigurable multifunc-
tional display (where provided); see sec-
tion "Warning lights and messages".
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never leave
the car without having engaged the hand-
brake, turned the engine off and engaged
the first speed.
WARNING
If the spare wheel is used,
the ESP system keeps oper-
ating. The spare wheel, being smaller
than the original wheel provides less
grip.
For correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must ab-
solutely be of the same brand and
type on all wheels, in perfect condi-
tions and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
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