FIAT FREEMONT 2011 Owner handbook (in English)

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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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the front (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces
is dangerous. Unequal traction can
cause sudden pulling of the front wheels. You
could lose control of the vehicle and possibly
have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet , mud, loose sand, etc .).
TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for
a wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed: 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in
a sudden stop.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and
prevent damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on, or cross, a road or a
path where water is flowing and/or rising
(as in storm run-off ). Flowing water can wear
away the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Furthermore,
flowing and/or rising water can carry your vehicle
away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
 Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it . Never
drive through standing water that is
deeper than the bottom of the tire rims mounted
on the vehicle.
 Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
 Do not exceed 8 km/h when driving through
standing water.This will minimize wave effects. Driving through standing water may
cause damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain
components. Always inspect your vehi-
cle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc .)
for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through
standing water. Do not continue to operate the
vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out , and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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WARNING!
 Driving through standing water limits
your vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do
not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water.
 Driving through standing water limits your ve-
hicle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
 Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out , and leave you
stranded.
 Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you. VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than
21 days you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery. You may:
• Remove the IOD (Ignition Off-Draw) mini-fuses
from the Totally Integrated Power Module located in
the engine compartment.
• Or, disconnect the battery negative cable.
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