tow FIAT FREEMONT 2011 Owner handbook (in English)

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a high tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
in heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the pointer
rises to the “H” mark, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. If the Air Conditioning A/C system is on, turn
it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
idle the vehicle. If the needle remains on the “H” mark,
turn the engine OFF immediately and call for service.
(Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In An Emer-
gency” for further information).
Do not leave your vehicle unattended
with the engine running, as you would not
be able to react to the temperature indi-
cator light if the engine overheats. A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN).
Keyless Enter-N-Go Feature
This vehicle is equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-Go
feature, refer to “Starting Procedure” in “Starting And
Driving” for further information.
KEYLESS IGNITION NODE (KIN)
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition
switch with the push of a button, as long as the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is in the passenger
compartment.
The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) has four operating
positions, three of which are labeled and will illuminate
when in position. The three positions are OFF, ACC,
and ON/RUN. The fourth position is START, during
start RUN will illuminate.
NOTE:
In case the ignition switch does not change
with the push of a button, the RKE transmitter (Key
Fob) may have a low or dead battery. In this situation a
back up method can be used to operate the ignition
switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the emer-
gency key) of the Key Fob against the ENGINE START/
STOP button and push to operate the ignition switch.
(fig. 4)
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Transmitter and receivers operate on a carrier fre-
quency of 434 MHz as required by EEC regulations.
These devices must be certified to conform to specific
regulations in each individual country. Two sets of
regulations are involved: ETS (European Telecommuni-
cation Standard) 300–220, which most countries use,
and German BZT federal regulation 225Z125, which is
based on ETC 300–220 but has additional unique re-
quirements. Other defined requirements are noted in
ANNEX VI of COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/56/EC.
Operation is subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesired operation.
If your RKE transmitter fails to operate from a normal
distance, check for these two conditions:
1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of the battery is a minimum of three years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile
or CB radios. VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) system monitors the
vehicle doors, hood, and liftgate for unauthorized en-
try and the ignition switch for unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will prevent
the vehicle from starting, sound the horn intermit-
tently, flash the headlights and taillights, and flash the
Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster.
REARMING OF THE SYSTEM
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken
to disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after
approximately 29 seconds, turn off all of the visual
signals after one minute, and then the system will
rearm itself.
TO ARM THE SYSTEM
Follow these steps to arm the theft alarm:
1. Remove the key from the ignition system (refer to
"Starting Procedures" in "Starting And Driving" for
further information).
• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system is "OFF".
• For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system is "OFF" and the
key is physically removed from the ignition.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
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PREMIUM SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Premium Security system monitors the doors,
hood latch, and liftgate for unauthorized entry and the
ignition switch for unauthorized operation. The system
also includes a dual function intrusion sensor and
vehicle tilt sensor. The intrusion sensor monitors the
vehicle interior for motion. The vehicle tilt sensor
monitors the vehicle for any tilting actions (tow away,
tire removal, ferry transport, etc). A siren with battery
backup which senses interruptions of power and com-
munications is also included.
In the event that something triggers the security sys-
tem, the siren will sound for 29 seconds and the
headlights will turn on and the turn signal and side
repeater lights will flash for an additional 34 seconds.
The system will repeat this sequence for up to 8
security violations in any mode (door ajar, motion,
hood ajar, etc.) before having to rearm the system. At
the end of any particular trigger event, the lights will
continue to flash for 26 seconds.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the theft alarm:
1. Remove the key from the ignition system (refer to"Starting Procedures" in "Starting And Operating"
for further information).
• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system is "OFF". • For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go,
make sure the vehicle ignition system is "OFF" and the
key is physically removed from the ignition.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the
vehicle:
• Press LOCK on the interior power door lock
switch with the driver and/or passenger door open.
• Press the LOCK button on the exterior Passive Entry
Door Handle with a valid Key Fob available in the same
exterior zone (refer to "Keyless Enter-N-Go" in
"Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle" for
further information).
• Press the LOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
To Disarm The System
The Vehicle Security Alarm can be disarmed using any
of the following methods:
• Press the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
• Grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle with a valid key fob available in the same exterior zone (if
equipped, refer to "Keyless Enter-N-Go" in "Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle" for further
information).
• Cycle the vehicle ignition system out of the OFF position.
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the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “In An Emergency”.
 Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) LightThis light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
The light will come on when the ignition is
first turned ON and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light does not come on during
starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light
is flashing when the engine is running, immediate ser-
vice is required. You may experience reduced perfor-
mance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
 Engine Temperature Warning Light This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge
to pass
H,the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off.
Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
 Transmission Temperature Warning Light This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If
this light turns on, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
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WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback and seat
are locked securely into position. Other-
wise, the seat will not provide the proper stability
for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.
50/50 SPLIT THIRD-ROW PASSENGER
SEATS WITH FOLD-FLAT FEATURE —
SEVEN PASSENGER MODELS
To provide additional storage area, each third-row
passenger seatback can be folded flat. This allows for
extended cargo space and still maintains some rear
seating room if needed.
NOTE: Prior to folding the third-row passenger seat-
back, make sure the second-row passenger seatback is
not in a reclined position. This will allow the seatback
to fold easily.
To Fold The Seatback
Pull the latch release-loop located at the top of the
seatback upward, push the seatback forward slightly,
and release the release-loop. Then, continue to push
the seatback forward. The head restraints will fold
automatically as the seatback moves forward. (fig. 34)
To Unfold The Seatback
Grasp the assist strap loop on the seatback and pull it
toward you to raise the seatback. Continue to raise the
seatback until it locks in place. Raise the head restraint
to lock it in place. (fig. 35) The seatback can also be locked in the reclined posi-
tion. To do so, pull the latch release-loop located at the
top of the seatback upward, allow the seatback to
recline, and release the release-loop.
(fig. 34)
Seatback Release(fig. 35) Assist Strap 51
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WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while
driving. Adjusting the steering column
while driving or driving with the steering column
unlocked could cause the driver to lose control of
the vehicle. Be sure the steering column is locked
before driving your vehicle. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury or death. MIRRORS
INSIDE DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
A single ball joint mirror is provided in the vehicle. It is
a twist on mirror that has a fixed position. The mirror
installs on the windshield button with a counterclock-
wise rotation and requires no tools for mounting.
The mirror head can be adjusted up, down, left, and
right for various drivers. The mirror should be adjusted
to center on the view through the rear window.
Headlight glare from vehicles behind you can be re-
duced by moving the small control under the mirror to
the night position (toward the rear of the vehicle). The
mirror should be adjusted while set in the day position
(toward the windshield). (fig. 37)
(fig. 37)
Manual Rearview Mirror 53
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NOTE:A light in the selected button will illuminate
indicating the mirror is activated and can be adjusted.
POWER FOLDING MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
The switch for the power folding mirrors is located
between the power mirror switches L (left) and R
(right). Press the switch once and the mirrors will fold
in, pressing the switch a second time will return the
mirrors to the normal driving position.
NOTE: Pressing the power folding mirror switch for
more than four seconds, or if the vehicle speed is
greater than 8 km/h will disable the folding feature.
If the mirrors are in the folded position, and vehicle
speed is equal or greater than 8 km/h, they will auto-
matically unfold. MANUAL FOLDING MIRRORS — IFEQUIPPED
Some models have exterior mirrors that are hinged.
The hinge allows the mirror to pivot forward and
rearward to resist damage. The hinge has three detent
positions: forward, rearward and normal.
HEATED MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice.
This feature is activated whenever you turn on
the rear window defroster. Refer to “Rear Window
Features” for further information.
ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRRORS — IF EQUIPPED
An illuminated vanity mirror is on each sun visor. To use
the mirror, rotate the sun visor downward and swing
the mirror cover upward. The light will turn on auto-
matically. Closing the mirror cover will turn off the
light. (fig. 40)
Sun Visor “Slide-On Rod” Feature — If
Equipped
This feature allows for additional flexibility in position-
ing the visor to block out the sun.
1. Fold down the sun visor.
2. Unclip the visor from the center clip.
3. Pull the sun visor toward the inside rearview mirror
to extend it.(fig. 39) Power Mirror Switches
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NOTE:The fog lights will operate with the low beam
headlights or parking lights on. However, selecting the
high beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
MULTIFUNCTION LEVER
The multifunction lever controls the operation of the
turn signals, headlight beam selection and passing lights.
The multifunction lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.
TURN SIGNALS
Move the multifunction lever up or down and the
arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signallights.
NOTE:
• If either light remains on and does not flash, or there
is a very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside
light bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the indicator bulb is
defective.
• A “Turn Signal On” message will appear in the EVIC
(if equipped) and a continuous chime will sound if the
vehicle is driven more than 1.6 km with either turn
signal on.
LANE CHANGE ASSIST
Tap the lever up or down once, without moving beyond
the detent, and the turn signal (right or left) will flash
three times then automatically turn off. HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH
Push the multifunction lever away from you to switch
the headlights to high beam. Pull the multifunction lever
toward you to switch the headlights back to low beam.
FLASH-TO-PASS
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multifunction lever toward you. This
will turn on the high beams headlights until the lever is
released.
INTERIOR LIGHTS
The interior lights come on when a door is opened.
To protect the battery, the interior lights will turn off
automatically 10 minutes after the ignition switch is
moved to the LOCK position. This will occur if the
interior lights were switched on manually or are on
because a door is open. This includes the glove box
light, but not the trunk light. To restore interior light
operation, either turn the ignition switch ON or cycle
the light switch.
DIMMER CONTROLS
The dimmer control is part of the headlight switch and
is located on the left side of the instrument panel.
(fig. 52)
Rotating the left dimmer control upward with the
parking lights or headlights on will increase the bright-
ness of the instrument panel lights.
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Pull upward on the release handle, located on the front
of the lid, to open the storage compartment. (fig. 66)
SLIDING ARMREST
The center console armrest can also be slid rearward
for easy access to the storage area. (fig. 67)
WARNING!
Do not operate this vehicle with a con-
sole compartment lid in the open posi-
tion. Cellular phones, music players, and other
handheld electronic devices should be stowed
while driving. Use of these devices while driving
can cause an accident due to distraction, result-
ing in death or injury. FLIP 'N STOW™ FRONT PASSENGER SEAT
STORAGE — IF EQUIPPED
The seat latch release-loop is located in the center of
the seat cushion between the seat cushion and the
seatback. Pull the loop upward to release the latch and
then forward to open the seat to the detent position.
(fig. 68)
NOTE:
Make sure that objects inside the bin do not
interfere with the latch before closing the seat. Push
the seat cushion downward after closing it to make
sure it latches to the base.
(fig. 66) Opened Storage Compartment
(fig. 67) Sliding Armrest
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CLOSING SUNROOF — EXPRESS
Press the switch forward and release it within one-half
second and the sunroof will close automatically from
any position. The sunroof will close fully and stop
automatically. This is called “Express Close”. During
Express Close operation, any movement of the switch
will stop the sunroof.
CLOSING SUNROOF — MANUAL MODE
To close the sunroof, press and hold the switch in the
forward position. Any release of the switch will stop
the movement and the sunroof will remain in a partially
closed condition until the switch is pushed and held
forward again.
PINCH PROTECT FEATURE
This feature will detect an obstruction in the opening
of the sunroof during Express Close operation. If an
obstruction is detected, the sunroof will automatically
retract. Remove the obstruction if this occurs. Next,
press the switch forward and release to Express Close.
NOTE:If three consecutive sunroof close attempts
result in Pinch Protect reversals, the fourth close at-
tempt will be a Manual Close movement with Pinch
Protect disabled.
PINCH PROTECT OVERRIDE
If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents
closing the sunroof, press the switch forward and hold
for two seconds after the reversal occurs. This allows
the sunroof to move toward the closed position. NOTE:
Pinch protection is disabled while the switch
is pressed.
VENTING SUNROOF — EXPRESS
Press and release the “Vent” button, and the sunroof
will open to the vent position. This is called “Express
Vent”, and will occur regardless of sunroof position.
During Express Vent operation, any movement of the
switch will stop the sunroof.
SUNSHADE OPERATION
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE: The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof
is open.
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) is in
certain open or partially open positions. This is a
normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffet-
ing occurs with the rear windows open, 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.
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