technical specifications FIAT FREEMONT 2011 Owner handbook (in English)

(Continued)
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone
who works on your vehicle that it has an air bag
system.
 Do not attempt to modify any part of your air
bag system.The air bag may inflate accidentally
or may not function properly if modifications are
made.Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag
system for persons with disabilities, contact your
authorized dealer.
Air Bag Warning Light You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associ-
ated with air bag system electrical components. While
the air bag system is designed to be maintenance free.
If any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately. • The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition is first
cycled to the ON/RUN position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any en-
gine related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The
air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection.
Promptly check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to
the label located on the inside of the fuse block cover
for the proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer
if the fuse is good.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an
air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that
will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data related
to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in
this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts
were buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
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• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of
the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE:EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if
a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are re-
corded by the EDR under normal driving conditions
and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash
location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as
law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with
the type of personally identifying data routinely ac-
quired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is
needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other
parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if they have access
to the vehicle or the EDR.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your
pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and
possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic
braking or in an accident.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet har-
nesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts. SAFETY TIPS
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
 Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or death.
 It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.
 Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
 Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
 On seven passenger models, do not drive the
vehicle with the second row passenger seat in the
easy entry/exit position (seat cushion flipped up-
ward and seat moved forward), as this position is
only intended for entering and exiting the third
row seats. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury.
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(Continued)
 On seven passenger models, do not allow a
passenger to sit in a third row seat with the
second row seatback(s) folded flat . In a collision,
the passenger could slide underneath the seat
belt and be seriously or even fatally injured.
EXHAUST GAS
WARNING!
 Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing CO follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls
to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.
If you are required to drive with the liftgate open, make
sure that all windows are closed, and the blower switch
on the climate control is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode. The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the
exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the
vehicle is damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect
the complete exhaust system and adjacent body areas
for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned
parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compart-
ment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time
the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change.
Replace as required.
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify
the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent
retractor, torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question
regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the seatbelt.
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Air Bag Warning Light
The light should turn on and remain on for four to six
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, or if the
light stays on, flickers, or turns on while driving, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should be
able to feel the air directed against the windshield. See
your authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
WARNING!
Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and increase
the risk of serious personal injury.
 Always make sure that floor mats are properly
attached to the floor mat fasteners.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and inter-
fering with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
 Never put floor mats or other floor coverings
on top of already installed floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings will reduce the
size of the pedal area and interfere with the
pedals.
 Check mounting of mats on a regular basis.
Always properly reinstall and secure floor mats
that have been removed for cleaning.
 Always make sure that objects cannot fall into
the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal causing a loss of
vehicle control.
 If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation
or mounting can cause interference with the
brake pedal and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle.
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PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
MAKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven
wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other
objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the
tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold infla-
tion pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check Turn Signal and
High Beam Indicator Lights on the instrument panel.Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering
fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine
and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 km. After the
initial 100 km, speeds up to 80 or 90 km/h are desir-
able.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within
the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good
break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear
can be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
For the recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Servicing And
Care”. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand kilometers of operation. This should be con-
sidered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty. STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
the inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt,
and if present, instruct all other occupants to buckle
their seat belts.
WARNING!
 Never leave children alone in a ve-
hicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A
child or others could be seriously or fatally in-
jured. Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the shift lever. Do
not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave the ignition in the in the ACC or
RUN position. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
 Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup
may cause serious injury or death.
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KEYLESS ENTER-N-GOThis feature allows the driver to op-
erate the ignition switch with the
push of a button, as long as the Re-
mote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit-
ter is in the passenger compartment.
NORMAL STARTING – DIESEL ENGINE
Using the ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button twice.
2. Watch the “Wait To Start Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in
“Warning Lights And Messages” for further infor-
mation. It will illuminate for two to ten seconds or
more, depending on engine temperature. When the
“Wait To Start Indicator Light” goes out, the engine
is ready to start.
3. DO NOT press the accelerator. To start the engine, press and hold the clutch pedal while pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button. Release
the button when the engine starts.
NOTE: The starter motor may need to remain en-
gaged for up to 30 seconds in very cold conditions until
the engine is started. If the vehicle does not start,
release the button. Wait for 25-30 seconds and then
try to start again. 4. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for approxi-
mately 30 seconds before driving. This allows oil to
circulate and lubricate the turbocharger.
To Turn Off the Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. With the vehicle stopped, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, then press and release the ENGINE
START/STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
3. Place the shift lever in first gear or Reverse and then apply the parking brake.
NOTE:
• If the ignition switch is left in the ACC position, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity and the ignition will switch to the OFF posi-tion.
• If the ignition switch is left in the RUN position, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity if the vehicle speed is 0 km/h and the engine is
not running.
• If the vehicle speed is above 8 km/h, the ENGINE
START/STOP button must be held for two seconds
before the engine will shut off. The ignition switch
position will remain in the ACC position until the
vehicle is stopped and the button is pressed twice to
the OFF position.
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Turbocharger “Cool Down”
NOTE:Letting the engine idle after extended opera-
tion allows the turbine housing to cool to normal
operating temperature. The following chart should be used as a guide in
determining the amount of engine idle time required to
sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut
down, depending upon the type of driving and the
amount of cargo.
Turbocharger "Cool Down" Chart
Driving Conditions Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (in minutes) Before Shut Down
Stop & Go Empty Cool Less than 1
Stop & Go Medium Warm 1
Highway Speeds Medium Warm 2
City Traffic Maximum Gross Combination Weight Rating Warm
3
Highway Speeds Maximum Gross Combination Weight Rating Warm 4
Uphill Grade Maximum Gross Combination Weight Rating Hot 5
Extreme Cold Weather (Below 29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use
of an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from your authorized dealer) is
recommended.
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PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center con-
sole. To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as
firmly as possible. To release the parking brake, pull the
lever up slightly, press the center button, then lower
the lever completely. (fig. 132)
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brakeshould always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
 Never leave children alone in a ve-
hicle. Leaving unattended children in a
vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A
child or others could be seriously or fatally in-jured.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident .
 Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in REVERSE or first gear. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on
with the parking brake released, a brake
system malfunction is indicated. Have
the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
(fig. 132) Parking Brake 169
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you
leave the vehicle unattended without
having the parking brake fully applied.The park-
ing brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelera-
tor pedal. (fig. 133)
Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third. For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
To shift into REVERSE, pull up on the ring just below
the gear shift knob and then move into the REVERSE
(R) position.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
NOTE:
During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher
shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to thetransmission.
DOWNSHIFTING
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
If you skip a gear while downshifting or
downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you
could damage the engine, transmission,
or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to second or first when descending a steep
grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be
overburdened.
(fig. 133) Shift Pattern(Six-Speed)
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