DRIVING CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS
Depending on the vehicle, this is composed of:
- anti-lock braking system (ABS);
- electronic stability program (ESC) with understeer control and traction control;
- driver assistance with a trailer;
- emergency brake assist;
- active emergency braking;
- grip control;
- hill start assistance.
Other driving assistance systems are detailed on the following pages.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Under heavy braking, the ABS prevents the wheels from locking, allowing the stopping distance to be managed and keeping control of the vehicle.
Under these circumstances, the vehicle can be steered to avoid an obstacle whilst braking. In addition, this system can increase stopping distances, particularly on roads with low surface grip (wet ground etc.).
You will feel a pulsation through the brake pedal each time the system is activated. The ABS does not in any way improve the vehicle's physical performance relating to the road surface and road-holding. It is still essential to follow the rules of good driving practice (such as driving at a safe distance from the vehicle in front etc.).
Operating faults:
- © and x lit up on the instrument panel accompanied by the messages “CHECK ABS” and “CHECK ESC”: the ABS, ESC and emergency brake assist are disabled. Braking is always enabled;
- x, D, © and ® lit on the instrument panel accompanied by the message “BRAKING FAULT”: this indicates a fault with the braking system.
In both cases, please consult an Authorised Dealer.
In an emergency, apply firm and continuous pressure to the brake pedal. There is no need to pump it repeatedly. The ABS will modulate the force applied in the braking system.
Your braking systems are partially operational. However, it is dangerous to brake suddenly and it is essential to stop immediately, as soon as traffic conditions allow. Contact an approved dealer.
Electronic stability program (ESC) with understeer control and traction control
Electronic stability control ESC
This system helps you to keep control of the vehicle in critical driving conditions (avoiding an obstacle, loss of grip on a bend, etc.).
Operating principle
A sensor in the steering wheel detects the direction selected by the driver.
Other sensors throughout the vehicle measure the actual direction.
The system compares driver input to the actual trajectory of the vehicle and corrects the trajectory if necessary by controlling the braking of certain wheels and/or engine power. In the event that the system is engaged, indicator light flashes on the instrument panel.
Understeer control
This system optimises the action of the ESC in the case of pronounced understeer (loss of front axle road holding).
Traction control
This system helps to limit wheelspin of the drive wheels and to control the vehicle when pulling away accelerating or decelerating.
Operating principle
Using the wheel sensors, the system measures and compares the speed of the drive wheels at all times and slows down their over-rotation. If a wheel is starting to slip, the system brakes automatically until the drive supplied becomes compatible with the level of grip under the wheel again.
The system also adjusts the engine speed to the grip available under the wheels, independently of the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating fault the message “CHECK ESC” and warning light © and appear on the instrument panel. In this case, the ESC and traction control system are deactivated.
Consult an approved dealer.
These functions are an additional aid in the event of critical driving conditions, enabling the vehicle behaviour to be adapted to suit the driving conditions.
The functions do not take the place of the driver. They do not increase the vehicle’s limits and should not encourage you to drive more quickly. Therefore, they can under no circumstances replace the vigilance or responsibility of the driver when manoeuvring the vehicle (the driver must always be ready for sudden incidents which may occur when driving).
Driver assistance with a trailer
This system helps to maintain control over the vehicle while using a trailer. It detects shaking caused by towing a trailer under certain driving conditions.
Operating conditions
- The towbar must be approved by an authorised dealer;
- the harness must be approved by an authorised dealer;
- the towbar must be connected to the vehicle.
Operating principle
The function stabilises the vehicle by:
- asymmetric braking of the front wheels to reduce shaking caused by the trailer;
- braking of all four wheels and limitation on engine torque to reduce the vehicle speed until the shaking has stopped.
Warning light flashes on the instrument panel to inform the driver.
Emergency brake assist
This system supplements the ABS and helps reduce vehicle stopping distances.
Operating principle
The system is for detecting an emergency braking situation. In this case, the braking assistance immediately develops maximum power and may trigger ABS regulation.
ABS braking is maintained as long as the brake pedal is applied.
Hazard warning lights switching on
Depending on the vehicle, these may light up in the event of sudden deceleration.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating fault the message “CHECK ABS” appears on the instrument panel along with the © warning light.
Consult an approved dealer.
Active emergency braking
Using the sensor 1, the system calculates the distance separating the vehicle from the one in front and alerts the driver if there is a risk of a front-end collision. The driver can then brake the vehicle to limit the damage arising from a collision.
Note: Make sure that the sensor 1 is not obscured (by dirt, mud, snow, etc.).
Operation
While driving (at speeds of between about 9 and 62 mph (15 and 100 km/h)), if there is a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, the warning light will flash on the instrument panel in red and a beep will sound.
If the driver depresses the brake pedal and the system still detects a collision risk, the warning light continues to flash on the instrument panel, accompanied by a beep, until the system no longer detects any risk of collision.
If the driver fails to react following an alert of an imminent collision, the system activates the brakes.
The system only detects vehicles driving in the same direction of traffic. The system cannot detect motorcycles because of the difficulty in forecasting their trajectory.
Activating/deactivating the system
With the vehicle stationary and the ignition on:
- repeatedly press button 3 or 4 to select the “AEBS ACTIVE” function on the display 2;
- press and hold button 3 or 4 for around 3 seconds to deactivate the system. The message “AEBS DEACTIVATED” will be displayed and the indicator light on the instrument panel will light up and stay on to confirm the deactivation of the system.
Pressing and holding one of the buttons 3 or 4 again will reactivate the system. The message “AEBS ACTIVE” is displayed and the indicator light goes out on the instrument panel.
This system is reactivated each time the ignition is switched on.
Conditions for non-activation of the system
The system cannot be activated:
- when the gear lever is in neutral;
- when the parking brake is activated;
- while cornering.
Operating faults
The warning lights and lit up on the instrument panel accompanied by the message “WARNING AEBSCHECK” indicate a system fault. Consult an approved dealer.
When the system detects that the function is not available, the warning light lights up on the instrument panel and stays on, with the message “WARNING AEBS DISABLED”.
There are two possibilities:
- The system is temporarily disrupted (for example: radar obscured by dirt, mud, snow etc.). In this case, park the vehicle and switch off the engine. Clean the detection zone of the radar. When you next start the engine, the warning light and the message go out;
- If this is not the case, this may arise from another cause; contact an Approved Dealer.
Active emergency braking
This function is an additional driving aid. This function is not under any circumstances intended to replace the due care and attention of the driver, who should at all times be in control of the vehicle.
System servicing/repairs
- In the event of an impact, the sensor alignment may become changed, and its operation will consequently be affected. Deactivate the function, then consult an authorised dealer.
- Any work in the area where the radar is located (repairs, replacements, touching up of paintwork) must be carried out by a qualified professional.
Only an authorised dealer is qualified to service the system.
In the event of system disturbance
Some conditions can disturb or damage the operation of the system, such as:
- a complex environment (metal bridge, tunnel etc.) ;
- poor weather conditions (snow, hail, black ice, etc.).
Risk of inadvertent braking.
Active emergency braking
Limitation of the system operation
- A vehicle travelling in the opposite direction will not trigger any alert or any action on the system operation.
- The sensor area should be kept clean and free of any modifications in order to ensure the proper operation of the system.
- The system cannot respond to small vehicles such as motorbikes or bicycles as effectively as to other vehicles.
Deactivating the function
You must disable the function if:
- the brake lights are not functioning;
- the front of the vehicle has undergone an impact or been damaged;
- the vehicle is being towed (breakdowns).
Halting the function
You can halt the active braking function at any time by tapping the accelerator pedal or by turning the steering wheel in an avoidance manoeuvre.
In the event of the system behaving abnormally, deactivate it and consult an authorised dealer.
Grip control
If fitted on the vehicle, grip control makes it easier to control the vehicle on low grip surfaces (soft ground, etc.).
These functions are an additional aid in the event of critical driving conditions, enabling the vehicle behaviour to be adapted to suit the driving conditions.
The functions do not take the place of the driver. They do not increase the vehicle’s limits and should not encourage you to drive more quickly. Therefore, they can under no circumstances replace the vigilance or responsibility of the driver when manoeuvring the vehicle (the driver must always be ready for sudden incidents which may occur when driving).
“Road” mode
When the vehicle starts, the “STANDARD HIGHWAY MODE” message is displayed on the instrument panel. Depending on the vehicle the warning light on the instrument panel is out.
This position enables optimal usage under normal driving conditions (dryness, humidity, light snow, etc.).
“Road” mode uses traction control functions.
“Soft ground” mode
Press switch 5: the message “VARIABLEHIGHWAY MODE” lights up on the instrument panel, accompanied by the warning light , depending on the vehicle.
This position enables optimal usage on soft ground (mud, sand, dead leaves, etc.). In this position, engine speed is left under the driver’s control. The system automatically switches to “Road” mode at speeds above about 31 mph (50 km/h). The message “STANDARD HIGHWAY MODE” is displayed on the instrument panel and depending on the vehicle, the warning light on the instrument panel goes out.
Tyres
When they need to be replaced, only tyres of the same make, size, type and profile should be used.
Tyres fitted to the vehicle should either be identical to those fitted originally or conform to those recommended by your approved dealer.
Hill start assistance
Depending on the gradient of the incline, this system assists the driver when starting on a hill. It prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards, depending on the slope, by automatically applying the brakes when the driver lifts his/her foot off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator pedal.
System operation
It only operates when the gear lever is in a position other than neutral and the vehicle is completely stationary (brake pedal depressed).
The system holds the vehicle for approximately 2 seconds. The brakes are then gradually released (the vehicle will move according to the slope).
The hill start assistance system cannot completely prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards in all situations (extremely steep gradients etc.).
In all cases, the driver may depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards.
The hill start assistance function should not be used for prolonged stops: use the brake pedal.
This function is not designed to immobilise the vehicle permanently.
If necessary, use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
The driver must remain particularly vigilant when driving on slippery or low-grip surfaces.
Risk of serious injury.