DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS
- ABS (anti-lock braking system);
- ESC (electronic stability control) with understeer control and traction control;
- emergency brake assist;
- active emergency braking;
- hill start assistance;
- rear wheel steering.
Other driving assistance systems are detailed on the following pages.
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).
ABS (anti-lock braking system)
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 roadholding. 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.).
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.
Operating faults:
- © and x lit up on the instrument panel accompanied by the messages “Check ABS”, “Check braking system” and “Check ESC”: this indicates that the ABS, the ESC and the emergency brake assist are disabled. Braking is always enabled;
- x, D, © and ® lit on the instrument panel accompanied by the message “Braking system fault”: this indicates a fault with the braking system.
In both cases, consult an approved dealer.
Warning light ® requires you to stop immediately, for your own safety, as soon as traffic conditions allow. Switch off the engine and do not restart it. Contact an approved Dealer.
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 control 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 authorised dealer.
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.
Braking anticipation
Depending on the vehicle, when you rapidly release the accelerator, the system anticipates the braking manoeuvre in order to reduce stopping distances.
Special cases
When using the cruise control:
- if you use the accelerator, when you release it, the system may be triggered;
- if you do not use the accelerator, the system will not be triggered.
Operating faults
When the system detects an operating fault the message “Check braking system” 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
When driving (speed between 19 and 87 mph (30 and 140 km/h) or depending on the vehicle, 93 mph (150 km/h)), if there is a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, depending on the vehicle:
- the warning light is displayed in red on the instrument panel, accompanied by a beep;
or
- the indicator 2 is displayed in red on the instrument panel and, depending on the vehicle, on the head up display, accompanied by a beep.
If the driver depresses the brake pedal and the system still detects a risk of collision, the brake force is increased.
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 or deactivating the system
For vehicles fitted with a navigation system
From the multimedia screen 3, select the “Vehicle” menu, “Driving assistance”, “Active braking” then choose “ON" or "OFF".
You can access menu “Driving assistance” directly from button 4 .
For vehicle not fitted with a navigation system
- With the vehicle at a standstill, press and hold the switch 5 OK to access the settings menu,
- repeatedly press the control 6 up or down until you reach the “Driving assistance” menu. Press the switch 5 OK;
- repeatedly press control 6 up or down until you reach the “Active braking” menu, then press the switch 5 OK.
Press the switch 5 OK again to activate or deactivate the function:
= function activated
< function deactivated
The warning light is displayed on the instrument panel when the system is deactivated.
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
When the system detects an operating fault, the warning light lights up on the instrument panel, with the message “Active braking disconnected”.
There are two possibilities:
- The system is temporarily experiencing difficulties (for example: sensor 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, etc.);
- poor weather conditions (snow, hail, black ice, etc.).
Risk of inadvertent braking.
Active emergency braking
Limitation of the system operation
- The system will only respond to vehicles which are moving or which have been sensed as moving.
- 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 a avoidance manoeuvre.
If the driver notices any unusual behaviour in the system, please consult an authorised 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 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 (other than N or P for automatic transmissions) and the vehicle is completely stationary (brake pedal depressed)
The system holds the vehicle for approximately 2 seconds. The brakes are then 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 and/or on hills.
Risk of serious injury.
Rear wheel steering
On equipped vehicles, this system, when the vehicle is being driven, steers the rear wheels according to driving conditions: at low speed this system offers manoeuvrability, at higher speeds it optimises stability.
When driving at low speeds, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels (figure A) to increase the vehicle’s manoeuvrability. This is used when driving in towns, on winding roads, during parking manoeuvres, etc.
When driving at higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels (figure B) to optimise the vehicle’s stability. This is useful when changing lanes or when cornering etc.
Note: The system configuration (agility, etc.) depends on the mode selected in the “Multi-sense” menu (please refer to the information on “Multi-sense” in Section 3).
Operating faults
- If the © warning light, together with the message “WARNING: Check Power Steering”, is displayed on the instrument panel: please contact an authorised dealer.
- If the warning light ®, together with the message “Power steering fault”, is displayed on the instrument panel, this indicates a fault in the system.
® requires you to stop as soon as traffic conditions allow. Contact an approved Dealer.
An impact to the underside of the vehicle (e.g.: striking a post, raised kerb or other street furniture) may result in damage to the vehicle (e.g.: deformation of an axle).
To avoid any risk of accident, have your vehicle checked by an approved Dealer.
