maintenance FIAT FREEMONT 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

IMPORTANT NOTICE
ALL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICA-
TION IS BASED ON THE LATEST INFORMATION
AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION APPROVAL.
THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO PUBLISH REVISIONS
AT ANY TIME.
This Owner's Manual has been prepared with the
assistance of service and engineering specialists to
acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of
your new vehicle. It is supplemented by a Warranty
Information Booklet and various customer-oriented
documents. You are urged to read these publications
carefully. Following the instructions and recommenda-
tions in this Owner's Manual will help assure safe and
enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
After you have read the Owner’s Manual, it should be
stored in the vehicle for convenient reference and
remain with the vehicle when sold.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes
in design and specifications, and/or to make additions
to or improvements in its products without imposing
any obligations upon itself to install them on products
previously manufactured.
The Owner's Manual illustrates and describes the fea-
tures that are standard or available as extra cost op-
tions. Therefore, some of the equipment and accesso-
ries in this publication may not appear on your vehicle.NOTE:
Be sure to read the Owner's Manual first
before driving your vehicle and before attaching or
installing parts/accessories or making other modifica-
tions to the vehicle.
In view of the many replacement parts and accessories
from various manufacturers available on the market,
the manufacturer cannot be certain that the driving
safety of your vehicle will not be impaired by the
attachment or installation of such parts. Even if such
parts are officially-approved (for example, by a general
operating permit for the part or by constructing the
part in an officially approved design), or if an individual
operating permit was issued for the vehicle after the
attachment or installation of such parts, it cannot be
implicitly assumed that the driving safety of your ve-
hicle is unimpaired. Therefore, neither experts nor
official agencies are liable. The manufacturer only as-
sumes responsibility when parts, which are expressly
authorized or recommended by the manufacturer, are
attached or installed at an authorized dealer. The same
applies when modifications to the original condition
are subsequently made on the manufacturer's vehicles.
Your warranties do not cover any part that the manu-
facturer did not supply. Nor do they cover the cost of
any repairs or adjustments that might be caused or
needed because of the installation or use of non-
manufacturer parts, components, equipment, materi-
als, or additives. Nor do your warranties cover the
costs of repairing damage or conditions caused by any
2
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

temperature. The rear temperature settings are dis-
played in the Uconnect Touch™ system.
When rear controls are locked by the Uconnect
Touch™ system , the Rear Temperature Lock symbol
on the temperature knob is illuminated and any rear
overhead adjustments are ignored.
REAR MODE CONTROL
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-pants.
Headliner ModeAir comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each
of these outlets can be individually adjusted to
direct the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the
outlets to one side will shut off the airflow.
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and
the floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the
headliner outlets and warmer air from the floor out-lets.
Floor Mode Air comes from the floor outlets. OPERATING TIPS
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section
for suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze cool-
ant to provide proper corrosion protection and to
protect against engine overheating. A solution of 50%
ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is
recommended. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Servicing And Care” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter
months is not recommended because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in
the fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started
again.
68
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase the blower
speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in
mild but rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculation mode without A/C should not
be used for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air contain-
ing dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot
be totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in “Servicing And Care” for filter replacementinstructions.
69
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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 (for versions/markets,
where provided) is in certain open or partially open
positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be
minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear win-
dows 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 mini-
mize the buffeting or open any window.
SUNROOF MAINTENANCE
Use only a nonabrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
95
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire failure
or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres-
sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pres-
sure in the tire.
BASE SYSTEM
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wire-
less technology with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors,
mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem,
transmit tire pressure readings to the receiver module.NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check
the tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle
monthly and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
• Receiver Module
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and a chime
will sound when tire pressure is low in one or
more of the four active road tires. Should this occur,
you should stop as soon as possible, check the inflation
pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each
tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pres-
sure value. Once the system receives the updated tire
pressures, the system will automatically update and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn off.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 25 km/h in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
Check TPMS Warning
When a system fault is detected, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75 sec-
onds and then remain on solid. The system fault will
also sound a chime. If the ignition switch is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still
124
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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.
155
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
 Modifications to any part of the air
bag system could cause it to fail when
you need it . You could be injured if the air bag
system is not there to protect you. Do not modify
the components or wiring, including adding any
kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel
hub trim cover or the upper right side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the front bum-
per, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone
who works on your vehicle that it has an air bag
system.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Do not attempt to modify any part of your air
bag system.The air bag may inflate accidentally
or may not function properly if modifications are
made.Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag
system for persons with disabilities, contact your
authorized dealer.
Air Bag Warning Light You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associ-
ated with air bag system electrical components. While
the air bag system is designed to be maintenance free.
If any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.
• The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the four to eight seconds when the ignition is first
cycled to the ON/RUN position.
190
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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

TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-mended:
 Do not tow a trailer at all during the
first 805 km the new vehicle is driven.The
engine, axle or other parts could be dam-
aged.
 Then, during the first 805 km that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury
accident . Follow these guidelines to
make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
(Continued)(Continued)
 Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and that it will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be diffi-
cult for the driver to control.You could lose con-
trol of your vehicle and have an accident .
 All trailer hitches should be professionally in-
stalled on your vehicle.
 When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission,
steering, suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
 Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the frame or hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning cor-
ners.
 Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade.When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
 GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
217
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Automatic Transmission (for versions/markets,
where provided)
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range,
select a lower gear (using the AutoStick
®
shift con-
trol).
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the ve-
hicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and automatic transmission filter accord-
ing to the interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 16 km/h, disengage until you can get
back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick
®
By using the AutoStick
®shift control to select a specific
gear, frequent shifting can be avoided. Select the highest
gear that allows for adequate performance. For example,
choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained.
Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desiredspeed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to pr e-
vent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle speed
may be required to avoid extended driving at high RPM.
Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed when road
conditions and RPM level allows.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions: City DrivingWhen stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed. Highway DrivingReduce speed. Air ConditioningTurn off temporarily.
TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING POINTS
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow a
trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow hitch must
be attached to your vehicle using the provided attach-
ing points on the vehicle's frame. Refer to the following
221
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS