tires FIAT FREEMONT 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
• The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for ashort time after the stop),
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
• Brake pedal pulsations, and
• A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
 The ABS contains sophisticated elec-
tronic equipment that may be suscep-
tible to interference caused by improperly in-
stalled or high output radio transmitting
equipment . This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation
of such equipment should be performed by quali-
fied professionals.
 Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident .
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
(Continued)(Continued)
 The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
 The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing.
 The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light The Anti-Lock Brake Light monitors the ABS.
The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS Light remains on or comes on while driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will continue
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WARNING!
When in “Partial Off ” mode, the TCS
functionality of ESC, (except for the lim-
ited slip feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light”
will be illuminated. All other stability features of
ESC function normally. When in “Partial Off ”
mode, the engine power reduction feature of TCS
is disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the engine
running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and
the vehicle has been driven several kilometers at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diag-
nosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When
TSC is functioning, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” will flash, the engine power will be
reduced, and you will feel the brake being applied to
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn
the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
0.069 BAR for every 6.5°C. This means that when the
outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on
cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at
least three hours, or driven less than 1.6 km after a
three hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure
must not exceed the maximum inflation pressure
molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Technical Specifications” for informa-
tion on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The
tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven.
This is normal and there should be no adjustment for
this increased pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if
the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low temperature effects
and natural pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not
turn off until the tire pressure is at or above the
recommended cold placard pressure. Once the lowtire pressure warning (Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale Light) illuminates, you must increase the tire pres-
sure to the recommended cold placard pressure in
order for the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light to
turn off. The system will automatically update and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn off
once the system receives the updated tire pressures.
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.
 The TPMS has been optimized for the
original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been
established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style.Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor
damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result .
 After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap.This will pre-
vent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage theTire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.
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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
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exists. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur due to any of the following:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next tofacilities emitting the same Radio Frequencies as the
TPMS sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.
NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pres-
sure monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not
monitor the pressure in the compact spare tire.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warn-
ing limit, a chime will sound and the TPMS Telltale Light
will turn on upon the next ignition switch cycle.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
25 km/h, the TPMS Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid.
4. For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime
will sound and the TPMS Telltale Light will flash on and
off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. 5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically and the TPMS
Telltale Light will turn off, as long as no tire pressure is
below the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four
active road tires. 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.
TPMS Deactivation And Reactivation
The TPMS can be deactivated if replacing all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with wheel and tire
assemblies that do not have TPMS Sensors, such as
when installing winter wheel and tire assemblies on
your vehicle.
To deactivate the TPMS, first, replace all four wheel and
tire assemblies (road tires) with those not equipped
with TPM Sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for at least
20 minutes above 25 km/h. The TPMS will chime and
the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for 75 sec-
onds and then remain on solid. Upon the next ignition
switch cycle, the TPMS will no longer chime or turn on
the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.
To reactivate the TPMS, first, replace all four wheel and
tire assemblies (road tires) with those equipped with
TPM Sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for up to 20 min-
utes above 25 km/h. The TPMS will chime and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on and off
for 75 seconds.
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PREMIUM SYSTEM (for versions/markets,
where provided)
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
• Three Trigger modules (mounted in three of the four wheel-wells)
• Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System messages, which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
• 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. In addition, the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will dis- play a graphic showing the pressure values of each tire
with the low tire pressure values flashing. (fig. 101)
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires with low pressure (those flashing in
the EVIC graphic) to the vehicle’s recommended cold
placard pressure value. Once the system receives the
updated tire pressures, the system will automatically
update, the graphic display in the EVIC will stop flash-
ing, 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
(fig. 101)
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also sound a chime. In addition, the EVIC will display a
"CHECK TPM SYSTEM" message for three seconds
and then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure
value to indicate which sensor is not being received.
(fig. 102)
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light will no longer flash, and the "CHECK TPM SYS-
TEM" message will no longer display, and a pressure
value will display in place of the dashes. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next tofacilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the
TPMS sensors. 2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.
NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pres-
sure monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not
monitor the pressure in the compact spare tire.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warn-
ing limit, upon the next ignition switch cycle, the TPMS
Telltale Light will remain on and a chime will sound. In
addition, the graphic in the EVIC will still display a
flashing pressure value.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
25 km/h, the TPMS Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. In addition, the
EVIC will display a "CHECK TPM SYSTEM" message
for three seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place
of the pressure value.
4. For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime
will sound, the TPMS Telltale Light will flash on and off
for 75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC
will display a "CHECK TPM SYSTEM" message for(fig. 102) 127
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three seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of
the pressure value.
5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPMS Telltale Light will turn off and the graphic in the
EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes
(- -), as long as no tire pressure is below the low-
pressure warning limit in any of the four active road
tires. 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.
TPMS Deactivation And Reactivation
The TPMS can be deactivated if replacing all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with wheel and tire
assemblies that do not have TPMS Sensors, such as
when installing winter wheel and tire assemblies on
your vehicle.
To deactivate the TPMS, first, replace all four wheel and
tire assemblies (road tires) with those not equipped
with TPM Sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for 20 min-
utes above 25 km/h. The TPMS will chime and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on and off
for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In addition,
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will
display a “CHECK TPM SYSTEM” text message, and
the graphic will display “- -“ in place of four tire
pressure values. Upon the next ignition switch cycle,
the TPMS will no longer chime or turn on the TirePressure Monitoring Telltale Light, or display the text
message in the EVIC. However, the graphic will still
display “- -.“
To reactivate the TPMS, first, replace all four wheel and
tire assemblies (road tires) with those equipped with
TPM Sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for up to 20 min-
utes above 25 km/h. The TPMS will chime, the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on and off
for 75 seconds, the EVIC will display a “CHECK TPM
SYSTEM” text message, and the graphic will display tire
pressure values to show that the TPMS is receiving
sensor data.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Transmitter and receivers operate on a carrier fre-
quency of 433.92 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 two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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(Continued)
 Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and inter-
fering with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
 Never put floor mats or other floor coverings
on top of already installed floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings will reduce the
size of the pedal area and interfere with the
pedals.
 Check mounting of mats on a regular basis.
Always properly reinstall and secure floor mats
that have been removed for cleaning.
 Always make sure that objects cannot fall into
the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal causing a loss of
vehicle control.
 If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation
or mounting can cause interference with the
brake pedal and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle. PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
MAKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven
wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other
objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the
tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold infla-
tion pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check Turn Signal and
High Beam Indicator Lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering
fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
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• the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-perature,
• the engine coolant has reached an adequate tem- perature, and
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages auto-
matically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a
slightly different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch auto-
matically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1.6 to 4.8 km of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the AutoStick
®feature, when the transmission
is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the trans-
mission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
This feature provides on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs
or additional driving skills required. Under normal
driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of
the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction,
power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The
greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the
power transfer to the rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will
be sent to the rear in a pre-emptive effort to improve
vehicle launch and performance characteristics.
All wheels must have the same size and
type tires. Unequal tire sizes must not be
used. Unequal tire size may cause failure
of the power transfer unit .
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