FIAT FREEMONT 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the follow-
ing precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching thesurface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth, wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, clean- ers, or anti-static sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become too high.
NOTE: If you experience difficulty in playing a par-
ticular disc, it may be damaged (i.e., scratched, reflec-
tive coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the
disc) oversized, or have protection encoding. Try a
known good disc before considering disc player ser-
vice. RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance
from your radio. This condition may be lessened or
eliminated by relocating the mobile phone antenna.
This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio
performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the
repositioning of the antenna, it is recommended that
the radio volume be turned down or off during mobile
phone operation.
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ADDING FUEL
FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle. (fig. 118)
NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door
reinforcement.
 Damage to the fuel system or emis-
sions control system could result from
using an improper fuel tank filler tube
cap (gas cap).
 A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
 A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
 To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off ” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
 Never have any smoking materials lit
in or near the vehicle when the gas cap is
removed or the tank is being filled.
 Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
 A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
 Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious injury or death.
(fig. 118) Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
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NOTE:
• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure that
the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is refu-eled.
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
the word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to
turn off the message. If the problem persists, the
message will appear the next time the vehicle is
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SAFETY
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
• Three-point lap and shoulder belts for all seating positions
• Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passen- ger
• Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) located on top of the front seats (integrated into the head
restraint) (for versions/markets, where provided)
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) that span the front, second, and third row
seating for the driver and passengers seated next to
a window
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
• An energy-absorbing steering column and steering wheel
• Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants (for versions/markets, where provided)
• Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event
• All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock
the seat belt webbing into position by extending the
belt all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the
desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large item in a seat (for versions/markets, where
provided)
If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized
seat belts, the seat belts or ISOFIX feature also can be
used to hold infant and child restraint systems. For
more information, refer to ISOFIX — Child Seat An-
chorage System.
NOTE: The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multi-
stage inflator design. This allows the air bag to have
different rates of inflation based on the severity and
type of collision.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
WARNING!
In an accident , you and your passengers
can suffer much greater injuries if you
are not properly buckled up. You can strike the
interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or
you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be
sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled
up properly.
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Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor
driver and cause an accident that includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in an accident.
Some of the worst injuries happen when people are
thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possi-
bility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking
the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle
should be belted at all times.
LAP/SHOULDER BELTS
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
a combination lap/shoulder belts.
The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. However, in an accident, the belt
will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of
the vehicle or being thrown out.
WARNING!
 It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In an acci-
dent , people riding in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed.
(Continued)(Continued)
 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.
 No modifications or additions should be made
by the user, which will either prevent the seat belt
adjusting devices from operating to remove
slack, or prevent the seat belt assembly from
being adjusted to remove slack.
 Seat belts are designed to bear upon the bony
structure of the body, and should be worn low
across the front of the pelvis or the pelvis, chest
and shoulders, as applicable; wearing the lap
section of the belt across the abdominal area
must be avoided.
 Seat belts should be adjusted as firmly as pos-
sible, consistent with comfort , to provide the
protection for which they have been designed. A
slack belt will greatly reduce the protection af-
forded to the wearer.
 Each belt assembly must only be used by one
occupant ; it is dangerous to put a belt around a
child being carried on an occupant's lap.
(Continued)
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(Continued)
 Two people should never be belted into a single
seat belt . People belted together can crash into
one another in an accident , hurting one another
badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt
for more than one person, no matter what their
size.
 Belts should not be worn with straps twisted.
 Care should be taken to avoid contamination
of the webbing with polishes, oils and chemicals,
and particularly battery acid. Cleaning may be
safely carried out using mild soap and water.The
belt should be replaced if webbing becomes
frayed, contaminated, or damaged.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the front seat.
2. The seat belt latch plate is along side the pillar near the back of your seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull
out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as
far as necessary to make the belt go around your lap.
(fig. 119)
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
(fig. 120)
(fig. 119) Pulling Out Lap/Shoulder Belt(fig. 120)
Connecting Latch Plate To Buckle
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WARNING!
 A belt that is buckled into the wrong
buckle will not protect you properly.The
lap portion could ride too high on your body,
possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle
your belt into the buckle nearest you.
 A belt that is too loose will not protect you
properly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far
forward, increasing the possibility of injury.Wear
your seat belt snugly.
 A belt that is worn under your arm is danger-
ous.Your body could strike the inside surfaces of
the vehicle in an accident , increasing head and
neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause
internal injuries. Ribs aren't as strong as shoulder
bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that
your strongest bones will take the force in a
collision.
 A shoulder belt placed behind you will not
protect you from injury during an accident . You
are more likely to hit your head in a collision if
you do not wear your shoulder belt .The lap and
shoulder belt are meant to be used together.
4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion,
pull up a bit on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap
belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding
under the belt in an accident. (fig. 121)
WARNING!
 A lap belt worn too high can increase
the risk of internal injury in an accident .
The belt forces won't be at the strong hip and
pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always
wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it
snug.
 A twisted belt will not protect you properly. In
a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the
belt is straight . If you can't straighten a belt in
your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer
immediately and have it fixed.
(fig. 121) Removing Slack From Belt
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5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it iscomfortable and not resting on your neck. The
retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt.
6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. 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. 122)
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.
(fig. 122)
Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt
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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.
SEAT BELTS IN PASSENGER SEATING
POSITIONS
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
or a cinching latch plate which are used to secure a
child restraint system. For additional information refer
to “Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt” under the “Child Restraint” section. The chart
below defines the type of feature for each seatingposition.
Driver Center Passenger
First Row N/A N/A ALR
Second Row ALR ALR ALR
• N/A — Not Applicable
• ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor
If the passenger seating position is equipped with an
ALR and is being used for normal usage:
Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfort-
ably wrap around the occupant's mid-section so as to
not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will
hear a ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the
webbing to retract completely in this case and then
carefully pull out only the amount of webbing neces- sary to comfortably wrap around the occupant's mid-
section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you
hear a "click."
AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR MODE
(ALR) (for versions/markets, where provided)
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-
locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is
available on all passenger-seating positions with a com-
bination lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking
Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating
position that has a belt with this feature. Children
12 years old and under should always be properly
restrained in the rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until
the entire belt is extracted.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety
belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic LockingMode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow
it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic
Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emer-
gency) locking mode.
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WARNING!
 The belt and retractor assembly must
be replaced if the seat belt assembly
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or
any other seat belt function is not working prop-
erly when checked according to the procedures in
the Service Manual.
 Failure to replace the belt and retractor assem-
bly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS
The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed
to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of an
accident. These devices may improve the performance
of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about
the occupant early in an accident. Pretensioners work
for all size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper
seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still
must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten-
sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner
or a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately. SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVE HEAD
RESTRAINTS (AHR) (for versions/markets,
where provided)
These head restraints are passive, deployable compo-
nents, and vehicles with this equipment cannot be
readily identified by any markings, only through visual
inspection of the head restraint. The head restraint will
be split in two halves, with the front half being soft
foam and trim, the back half being decorative plastic.
How The Active Head Restraints (AHR) Work
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines
whether the severity, or type of rear impact will require
the Active Head Restraints (AHR) to deploy. If a rear
impact requires deployment, both the driver and front
passenger seat AHRs will be deployed.
When AHRs deploy during a rear impact, the front half
of the head restraint extends forward to minimize the
gap between the back of the occupant’s head and the
AHR. This system is designed to help prevent or
reduce the extent of injuries to the driver and front
passenger in certain types of rear impacts.
NOTE:
The Active Head Restraints (AHR) may or
may not deploy in the event of a front or side impact.
However if during a front impact, a secondary rear
impact occurs, the AHR may deploy based on the
severity and type of the impact. (fig. 123)
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