FIAT FREEMONT 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

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 desirable.
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 “Maintaining
Your Vehicle”. 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!
 Before exiting a vehicle, always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and remove the key fob from the
ignition. When leaving the vehicle, always lock
your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren 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 Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC
or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
(Continued)
195
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

(Continued)
 Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup
may cause serious injury or death.
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO This 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 – GASOLINE ENGINE
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK
or NEUTRAL. Press and hold the brake pedal while
pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The
system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If
the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 10 seconds. If you wish to stop the
cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting,
press the button again. To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. Place the shift lever in PARK, then press and release
the ENGINE START/STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
3. If the shift lever is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two seconds
and vehicle speed must be above 8 km/h before the
engine will shut off. The ignition switch position will
remain in the ACC position until the shift lever is in
PARK and the button is pressed twice to the OFF
position. If the shift lever is not in PARK and the
ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed once, the
EVIC (for versions/markets, where provided) will
display a “Vehicle Not In Park” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a vehicle out
of the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE: If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or
RUN (engine not running) position and the transmis-
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically time out
after 30 minutes of inactivity and the ignition will switch
to the OFF position.
196
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions –
With Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In
PARK Or NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to
an ignition switch. It has four positions, OFF, ACC,
RUN and START. To change the ignition switch posi-
tions without starting the vehicle and use the accesso-
ries follow these steps.
• Starting with the ignition switch in the OFF position:
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once tochange the ignition switch to the ACC position
(EVIC will display “ACC”),
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition switch to the RUN
position (EVIC will display “RUN”),
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition switch to the OFF position
(EVIC will display “OFF”).
EXTREME COLD WEATHER (BELOW29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use
of an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from your authorized dealer) is
recommended. IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flammable
liquids into the throttle body air inlet
opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This
could result in a flash fire causing serious per-
sonal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle
has a discharged battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from a booster battery or
the battery in another vehicle.This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Jump Starting” in “In An Emergency” for further
information.
Clearing A Flooded Engine (Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button)
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather" proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
and hold the brake pedal, push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it, then press and release
the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The starter 197
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

motor will engage automatically, run for 10 seconds,
and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the
accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
NORMAL STARTING – DIESEL ENGINE
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position bypressing 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, the transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
Press the brake pedal (automatic transmission only)
or press and hold the clutch pedal (manual transmis-
sion only) 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
198
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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.
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
199
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or first gear.
Manual Transmission – For Versions/Markets,
Where Provided
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. 141)Automatic Transmission – For Versions/Markets,
Where Provided
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage. (fig. 142)
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the automatic
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime(fig. 141)
Parking Brake
(fig. 142)Parking Brake
200
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
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. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
 Never use PARK position on an auto-
matic transmission as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
 Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the park-
ing brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and
remove the key fob from the ignition.When leav-
ing the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren 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 Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC
or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
 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 an
automatic transmission in PARK, a manual trans-
mission 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.
201
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
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. 143) 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.
(fig. 143) Shift Pattern(Six-Speed)
202
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not ob-
served:
 Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
 Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the
engine is at idle speed.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal
down while shifting out of PARK.
203
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

WARNING!
 It is dangerous to move the shift lever
out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine
speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone
or something. Only shift into gear when the en-
gine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
 Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the engine off.When the ignition
is in the OFF position, the shift lever is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement .
 When leaving the vehicle, always lock your
vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren 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 Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC
or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
before the engine can be turned off. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK.
This system also locks the shift lever in PARK when-
ever the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position unless the brakes are applied. To move
the shift lever out of the PARK position, the ignition
switch must be turned to the ON/RUN position (en-
gine running or not) and the brake pedal must be
pressed.
204
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS