It is an integral part of the ESP system and facilitates starting on an uphill slope. It is automatically activated in the following conditions:

❒ Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with gradient above 2%, engine running, clutch and brake pedals pressed and gearbox in neutral position or gear engaged (reverse excluded);
❒ Downhill: stationary on a road with gradient above 2%, engine running, clutch and brake pedals pressed and reverse engaged.

WARNING

The performance of the ESP system, in terms of active safety should not induce the driver to take pointless and unnecessary risks. The style of driving must in any case always be adapted to the conditions of the road surface, visibility and traffic. Road safety is always the driver’s responsibility.

At pickup, the ESP system control unit keeps braking power against wheels until reaching the engine torque required for starting (in any case for max. 2 seconds), thus enabling to move the right foot friendly from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Passing 2 seconds without starting, the system will deactivate automatically and braking power will be gradually released. At release stage, typical mechanical brake release sound (indicating that the car is going to move) can be heard.

Failure warnings

System failure is indicated by warning light and relevant message on the reconfigurable multifunction display (where required) (see section “Warning lights and messages”).

IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking brake therefore, never leave the car without having engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off and engaged the first speed.

WARNING

During the use of the spare wheel, the ESP system carries on working. However, you must remind that the spare wheel presents dimensions smaller than the standard tyre and therefore its grip is reduced as to the other car tyres.

WARNING

For correct operation of ESP and ASR systems, the tyres must absolutely be of the same brand and type on all wheels, in perfect conditions and, above all, of type, brand and size specified.