engine FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

Selection Of Coolant – Diesel Engine
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant
(antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion.
Do not use HOAT (Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) products in the Die-
sel Engine.
 Do not use OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
products containing 2-EH (2–ethyl hexanol).
 Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
 This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propyl-
ene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant – Gasoline Engine
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This coolant (antifreeze) can be used up to
ten years or 240 000 km before replacement. To
prevent reducing this extended maintenance period, it
is important that you use the same coolant throughout
the life of your vehicle. Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:
Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of
the engine coolant (antifreeze) and will require more
frequent coolant changes.
Adding Coolant – Diesel Engine
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of
the engine coolant (antifreeze) and will require more
frequent coolant changes.
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Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
WARNING!
 Th
e warning words “DO NOT OPEN
HOT” on the cooling system pressure
cap are a safety precaution. Never add engine
coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system.To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
 Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result .
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules
for your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a
physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills im-
mediately.
Coolant Level
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there
is no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking
for coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise
your service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When
additional coolant is needed to maintain the proper
level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not
overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor com-
ing from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant
to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows
no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may
be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
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 Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
 Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in thecoolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also
be protected against freezing.
 If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
 Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
 Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
 Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Win- ter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
may result in unsatisfactory coolant performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake fail-
ure
and possibly an accident . Driving
with your foot resting or riding on the brake
pedal can result in abnormally high brake tem-
peratures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage.You would not have your full brak-
ing capacity in an emergency.Car maintenance should be done at a
FIAT Dealership. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish to
carry out yourself, we do recommend you have
the proper equipment , genuine FIAT spare parts
and the necessary fluids; do not however carry out
these operations if you have no experience.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir.
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Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads
wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Technical Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
 Us
e only manufacturer's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lu-
bricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)(Continued)
 To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all
times. Brake fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point . This may cause it to boil unexpectedly
during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a acci-
dent .
 Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
 Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or complete
brake failure.This could result in an accident .
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
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Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may adversely affect
seals.
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can dam-
age your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – Six-Speed Automatic
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore
the transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized
dealer can check your transmission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid leakage or
transmission malfunction, visit your authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid
level can cause severe transmission damage.
Car maintenance should be done at a
FIAT Dealership. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish to
carry out yourself, we do recommend you have
the proper equipment , genuine FIAT spare parts
and the necessary fluids; do not however carry out
these operations if you have no experience.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect manual transmission for leakage at each
oil change. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the
proper fluid level.
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SPARE TIRE MATCHING ORIGINAL
EQUIPPED TIRE AND WHEEL (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Your vehicle may be equivalent with a spare tire and
wheel in look and function as the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation
for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option refer to
an authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire
rotation pattern.
If your vehicle is not equipped with an original equip-
ment tire and wheel as a spare, a non-matching tem-
porary emergency use spare may be equipped with
your vehicle. Temporary use spares are engineered to
be used only with your vehicle. Your vehicle may be
equipped with one of the following types of non-
matching temporary use spares; compact, full size, or
limited-use. Do not install more than one non-
matching temporary use spare tire/wheel on the ve-
hicle at any given time.
Because of the reduced ground clear-
ance, do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact , full
size or limited-use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result . COMPACT SPARE TIRE (for versions/markets,
where provided)
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use
only. You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a
compact spare by looking at the spare tire description
on the Tire and Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of the
tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire.
Since this tire has limited tread life the original equip-
ment tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since
the wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare
tire. Do not install more than one compact spare tire
and wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
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(Continued)
 Do not exceed 48 km/h.
 Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and
large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
 Do not drive for prolonged periods of time on
dry pavement .
 Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
lower suggested operating speed of the chain
manufacturer, if different from the speed recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer.
NOTE: In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer's in-
structions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer sug-
gest a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains. FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE
ENGINE
All engines are designed to meet all emissions regula-
tions and provide excellent fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high quality unleaded gasoline with a
minimum research octane rating of 91. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will not
provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these en-
gines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful
to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock
at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service
is required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems
such as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you
experience these symptoms, try another brand of
gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturer's world wide have issued
and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the
Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel
properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasoline that
meets the WWFC specifications if they are available.
Methanol
(Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is used in a variety of
concentrations when blended with unleaded gasoline.
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You may find fuels containing 3% or more methanol
along with other alcohols called cosolvents. Problems
that result from using methanol/gasoline or E-85 Etha-
nol blends are not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Metha-
nol, it does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
Do not use gasolines containing Metha-
nol or E-85 Ethanol. Use of these blends
may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system
components.
Ethanol
The manufacturer recommends that your vehicle be
operated on fuel containing no more than 10% ethanol.
Purchasing your fuel from a reputable supplier may
reduce the risk of exceeding this 10% limit and/or of
receiving fuel with abnormal properties. It should also
be noted that an increase in fuel consumption should
be expected when using ethanol-blended fuels, due to
the lower energy content of ethanol. Problems that
result from using methanol/gasoline or E-85 ethanol
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
Use of fuel with Ethanol content higher
than 10% may result in engine malfunc-
tion, starting and operating difficulties,
and materials degradation.These adverse effects
could result in permanent damage to your vehicle.
Clean Air Gasoline
Many gasolines are now being blended to contribute to
cleaner air, especially in those areas where air pollution
levels are high. These new blends provide a cleaner
burning fuel and some are referred to as “reformulated
gasoline.”
The manufacturer supports these efforts toward
cleaner air. You can help by using these blends as they
become available.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gaso-
line blended with MMT provides no performance ad-
vantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces
spark plug life and reduces emission system perfor-
mance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends that gasoline without MMT be used in your
vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be
indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore, you should
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ask your gasoline retailer whether or not his/her gaso-
line contains MMT.
Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines
that have these additives will help improve fuel
economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle per-
formance.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should
be avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum
and varnish removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket
and diaphragm materials.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases
is
deadly. Follow the precautions below
to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
 Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas
which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed
area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked
vehicle with the engine running for an extended
period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area
with the engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to force
fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
 Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until re-
paired, drive with all side windows fully open.
 Keep the liftgate closed when driving your
vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and other
poisonous exhaust gases from entering the ve-
hicle.
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FUEL REQUIREMENTS — DIESEL
ENGINE
Use Premium Quality Diesel fuels with a Cetane rating
of 50 or higher, and meeting the EN590 standard are
highly recommended. See your authorized dealer for
further information regarding fuels available in your
area.
FLUID CAPACITIES
Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
Front Wheel Drive Models 77.6 Liters
All Wheel Drive Models 79.8 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine 4.3 Liters
3.6L Engine 5.6 Liters
2.0L Diesel Engine 5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4L Engine and Single- or Dual-Zone Climate Control System 10.1 Liters
2.4L Engine and Three-Zone Climate Control System 11.0 Liters
3.6L Engine and Single- or Dual-Zone Climate Control System 12.4 Liters
3.6L Engine and Three-Zone Climate Control System 13.7 Liters
2.0L Diesel Engine and Single- or Dual-Zone Climate Control System 9.1 Liters
2.0L Diesel Engine and Three-Zone Climate Control System 9.9 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
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