Fiat 500x - Page 118

STARTING AND DRIVING
116
Shifting from D to N is free, while
shifting from D to R or P can only be
made by the button (A) fig. 94.
AUTOMATIC DRIVING
MODE
To select the automatic driving mode,
you need to shift the gear lever to D
(Drive): the best ratio is selected by
the electronic transmission control unit
depending on vehicle speed, engine
load (accelerator pedal position) and
gradient of the road.
D can be selected from sequential
operation in any driving conditions.
“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
(kick-down function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip (snow, ice, etc.) avoid
activating the Kick-down function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by
the paddles on the steering wheel
(where provided), the system shifts
to "Sequential mode" ("Autostick"),
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
AUTOSTICK - Sequential
mode
In the case of frequent gearshifting (e.g.
when the car is driven with a heavy
load, on slopes, with strong headwind
or when towing heavy trailers), it is
recommended to use the Autostick
(sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, using a lower
gear improves vehicle performance
and prolongs the transmission's life,
limiting gearshifting and preventing
overheating.
It is possible to shift from position
D (Drive) to the sequential mode
regardless of car speed.
Activation
With gear lever in position D (Drive),
to activate the sequential drive mode,
move the lever to the left (– and +
indication of the panel). The gear
engaged will be shown on the display.
Gearshifting is made by moving the
gear lever forwards, towards symbol –
or backwards, towards symbol +.
Deactivation
To deactivate the sequential driving
mode, bring the gear lever back to
position D (Drive), automatic mode.
CONTROLS ON THE
STEERING WHEEL
(where provided)
45)
On some versions, the steering wheel
paddles can be used to change gear
fig. 95.
95 F1B0661
To use the paddles on the steering
wheel, the gear lever must be in
"Sequential mode" or in D:
steering wheel paddle (+) (pulling
paddle towards driver): engage higher
gear;
steering wheel paddle (−) (pulling
paddle towards driver): engage lower
gear.
The engagement of a lower (or higher)
gear is only permitted if the engine revs
allow it.