ASR system (antislip regulation)

It is an integral part of the ESC system.

It intervenes automatically by limiting the engine power delivered when the driven wheels slip, when grip is lost on wet surfaces (aquaplaning), when accelerating on slippery, snowy or icy surfaces, etc. Depending on the slip conditions, two different control systems are used: if slip affects both driven wheels, ASR intervenes by limiting the engine power delivered; if slip affects only one driven wheel, the system intervenes by automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.

Turning the System On/Off

ASR switches on automatically every time the engine is started. While driving, you can switch ASR off and then on again by pressing the ASR OFF button, fig. 45.

Switching the system off is indicated by the indicator light in the button coming on and, in some versions, by the corresponding message appearing on the display.

If ASR is switched off while driving, it will switch back on automatically the next time the engine is started. When travelling with snow chains fitted on a snow-covered road, it is advisable to switch ASR off: in these conditions, slight wheel spin of the driven wheels when setting off provides greater driving torque.

CAUTION

53) ABS uses the best grip available but cannot increase it; therefore, take care on slippery roads and do not create unnecessary risky situations.

54) When ABS intervenes, a pulsation of the brake pedal can be felt. Do not reduce the pressure on the pedal; instead, keep it firmly pressed down. In this way, the vehicle will stop in the shortest possible braking distance, appropriate to the road conditions.

55) If ABS intervenes, it is a signal that the limit of grip between the tyre and the road surface has been reached: reduce speed to adapt it to the available grip.

56) If only the warning lightin the instrument cluster
comes on (at the same time, a special message appears on the multifunction display, for versions/markets where provided), stop the vehicle immediately and contact the nearest authorised Fiat service centre. Any leak of fluid from the hydraulic system will reduce the efficiency of the braking system, both the conventional type and the type with anti-lock braking system.

57) When Mechanical Brake Assist intervenes, a noise from the system may be heard.

This behaviour should be considered normal. During braking, therefore, keep the brake pedal firmly pressed.

58) For ESC and ASR to work correctly, the tyres must be of the same make and the same type on all wheels, in perfect condition and, above all, must be tyres that comply with the recommended type and dimensions.

59) If the temporary-use spare wheel is used, the ESC system still operates. However, remember that the temporary-use spare wheel has smaller dimensions than a normal tyre, and its grip is lower than that of the other tyres on the vehicle.

60) The performance of ESC and ASR does not release the driver from taking unjustified and unnecessary risks while driving. Driving must always be adapted to the road surface condition, visibility and traffic. Responsibility for road safety always and solely rests with the driver.

61) For ASR to work correctly, the tyres must be of the same make and the same type on all wheels, in perfect condition and, above all, must be tyres that comply with the recommended type and dimensions.

62) The HBA system cannot increase the grip of the tyres on the road surface, as this would go beyond the laws of physics: always drive the vehicle carefully, taking the road surface condition into account.

63) The HBA system will not prevent accidents, including those caused by excessive speed in a bend, driving on surfaces with low wheel grip or aquaplaning.

64) The HBA system is a driving aid: the driver should never reduce the attention paid to driving the vehicle.

The driver is always responsible for safe driving. Never test the operation of the HBA system in an irrational or dangerous manner, which could endanger the driver, the vehicle occupants and other road users.