tow FIAT FREEMONT 2011 Owner handbook (in English)

WIND BUFFETING
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal
occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting
occurs with the rear windows open, then open the
front and rear windows together to minimize the
buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open,
adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting or
open any window.LIFTGATE
The liftgate can be unlocked or locked with the Re-
mote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, the Keyless
Enter-N-Go (Passive Entry) or by activating the power
door lock switch located on either front door trimpanel.
For further information on Keyless Enter-N-Go (Pas-
sive Entry), refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go” in “Starting
And Driving”.
NOTE:
The liftgate cannot be unlocked or locked
with the manual door lock plungers on the door trim
panels or the door lock cylinder on the driver's door.
To open the unlocked liftgate, squeeze the handle and
pull the liftgate toward you. Gas props will raise and
support the liftgate in the open position. (fig. 91)
(fig. 91) Liftgate Release
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To install the cover, position it in the vehicle so that the
flat side of the housing faces upward. Then, insert
either the left or the right spring-loaded post (located
on the ends of the cover housing) into the left attach-
ment point or the right attachment point (shown).
(fig. 95)
Insert the spring-loaded post on the opposite end of
the cover housing into the attachment point on the
opposite side of the vehicle.
Grab the cover handle and pull it toward you. As the
cover nears the liftgate opening, guide the rear attach-
ment posts (on both ends of the cover) into the
notches in the trim panels. Lower the cover to position
the posts into the bottom of the notches and release
the handle. (fig. 96)
WARNING!
A cargo cover that is unsecured in the
vehicle could cause injury in a collision. It
could become airborne during a sudden stop and
strike someone inside the vehicle. Do not store
the cargo cover on the cargo floor or in the
passenger compartment . Remove the cover from
the vehicle when taken from its mounting. Do not
store it in the vehicle.
(fig. 95) Installing Retractable Cargo Area Cover
(fig. 96)Positioning Retractable Cargo Area Cover
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NOTE:The TSC is disabled when the ESC system is
in the “Partial Off ” mode.
WARNING!
 TSC cannot stop all trailers from
swaying. Always use caution when tow-
ing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recom-
mendations. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting
and Driving” for further information.
 If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust
the trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
 Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM —
OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and auto-
matic transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light”
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
 Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect
fuel economy and drivability.The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
 If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
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WARNING!
 Drivers must be careful when backing
up even when using the ParkSense
®
Rear Park Assist system. Always check carefully
behind your vehicle, look behind you, and be sure
to check for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before backing up.
You are responsible for safety and must continue
to pay attention to your surroundings. Failure to
do so can result in serious injury or death.
 Before using the ParkSense
®Rear Park Assist
system, it is strongly recommended that the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly is disconnected
from the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury or
damage to vehicles or obstacles because the
hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia when the warning display turns on
the single flashing arc and sounds the continuous
tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle. PARKVIEW® REAR BACK UP
CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the ParkView
®
Rear Back Up Camera that allows you to see an
on-screen image of the rear surroundings of your
vehicle whenever the shift lever is put into REVERSE.
The image will be displayed on the radio touchscreen
display along with a caution note to “check entire
surroundings” across the top of the screen. After five
seconds this note will disappear. The ParkView
®cam-
era is located on the rear of the vehicle above the rear
License plate.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE, the rear
camera mode is exited and the navigation or audio
screen appears again.
When displayed, static grid lines will illustrate the
width of the vehicle while a dashed center-line will
indicate the center of the vehicle to assist with parking
or aligning to a hitch/receiver. The static grid lines will
show separate zones that will help indicate the dis-
tance to the rear of the vehicle. The following table
shows the approximate distances for each zone:
Zone Distance to the rear of the vehicle
Red 0 - 30 cm
Yellow 30 cm - 1 m
Green 1 m or greater
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6. To release the belt, push the red button on thebuckle. The belt will automatically retract to its
stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate
down the webbing to allow the belt to retract fully.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in
an accident and leave you with no pro-
tection. Inspect the belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged
parts must be replaced immediately. Do not dis-
assemble or modify the system. Seat belt assem-
blies must be replaced after an accident if they
have been damaged (bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc .).
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
In the driver's seat and front passenger's seat, the
shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward to
position the belt away from your neck. Push and fully
depress the button above the webbing to release the
anchorage, then move it up or down to the position
that fits you best. (fig. 114)
As a guide, if you are shorter than average you will
prefer a lower position and if you are taller than
average you will prefer a higher position. When you
release the anchorage try to move it up and down to
make sure that it is locked in position.
In the rear seat, move toward the center of the seat to
position the belt away from your neck. LAP/SHOULDER BELT UNTWISTING
PROCEDURE
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted
lap/shoulder belt.
1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the
anchor point.
2. At about 15 to 30 cm above the latch plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180 degrees to create a
fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.
3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded web- bing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the
top of the latch plate.
4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing.
(fig. 114) Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt
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3. Pulldownthenrearward towards the rear of the
vehicle then downto engage the locking mecha-
nism. (fig. 117) (fig. 118)
4. The AHR front soft foam and trim half should lock into the back decorative plastic half. (fig. 119)
NOTE:
• If you have difficulties or problems resetting the
Active Head Restraints, see an authorized dealer.
• For safety reasons, have the Active Head Restraints
checked by a qualified specialist at an authorized dealer.(fig. 117) 1 — Downward Movement
2 — Rearward Movement
(fig. 118)3 — Final Downward Movement To Engage Locking Mechanism(fig. 119) AHR In Reset Position
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ENHANCED SEAT BELT USE REMINDER
SYSTEM (BELTALERT
®)
BeltAlert
®is a feature intended to remind the driver
and front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert®) to fasten their seat belts. This feature is
active whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front
seat passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light will turn on and remain on until both front seat
belts are fastened. BeltAlert
®triggers within 60 sec-
onds of vehicle speed over 8 km/h. The reminder
sequence lasts for 96 seconds or until the respective
seat belts are fastened. After the sequence completes,
the Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until
front belts are fastened. The driver should instruct all
other occupants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat
belt is unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than
8 km/h, BeltAlert
®will chime as a single notification
and illuminate the Seat Belt Reminder Light, then will
proceed to the 96 second reminder sequence.
The front passenger seat BeltAlert
®is not active when
the front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert
®may
be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained
in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
NOTE:
• The BeltAlert
®can be enabled or disabled by your
authorized dealer. • The manufacturer of this vehicle does not recom-
mend deactivating the BeltAlert
®.
• If the BeltAlert
®
is deactivated, the Seat Belt Re-
minder Light will continue to illuminate as long as the
driver's seat belt is unbuckled/retracted.
SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat
belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother
safe is the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as pos-
sible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across
the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips
will take the force if there is an accident.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, including babies and children.
Children 12 years or younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained
in the rear seats rather than in the front.
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Many, but not all, restraint systems will be equipped
with separate straps on each side, with each having a
hook or connector for attachment to the lower an-
chorage and a means of adjusting the tension in the
strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some rear-
facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a
tether strap, a hook for attachment to the tether strap
anchorage and a means of adjusting the tension of the
strap.
You will first loosen the child seat adjusters on the
lower straps and on the tether strap so that you can
more easily attach the hooks or connectors to the
vehicle anchorages. Next, attach the lower hooks or
connectors over the top of the seatcover material.
Then attach the tether strap to the anchorage directly
behind the seat where you are placing the child re-
straint, being careful to route the tether strap to
provide the most direct path between the anchor and
the child restraint, preferably between the head re-
straint posts underneath the head restraint. For center
seating position, adjust the head restraint to the up-
ward position and route the tether strap between the
head restraint posts underneath the head restraint.
Then, attach the hook to the tether anchor located on
the back of the seat. Finally, tighten all three straps as
you push the child restraint rearward and downward
into the seat, removing slack in the straps according to
the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.NOTE:
• Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.
• When using the ISOFIX attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not
being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. Remind all children in the vehicle
that the seat belts are not toys and that they should not
play with them. In addition, never leave unattended
children in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint
to the ISOFIX anchorages can lead to
failure of an infant or child restraint . The child
could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manu-
facturer's directions exactly when installing an
infant or child restraint .
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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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TRAILER TOWING
In this section, you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the require-
ments and recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will
assist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo, and
tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that
you do not exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of
all cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or
temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its "loaded and
ready for operation" condition. The recommended way
to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on
a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 68 kg allowance
for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and
rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear
axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either
front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed
the maximum front or rear GAWR. A
dangerous driving condition can result if either
rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident .
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on
the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not
be less than 7% or more than 10% of the trailer load.
Tongue weight must not exceed the lesser of either the
hitch certification rating, or the trailer tongue chassis
rating. It should never be less than 4% of the trailer
load, and not less than 25 kg. You must consider tongue
load as part of the load on your vehicle and its’ GAWR.
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