FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING!
When in “Partial Off ” mode, the TCS
fun
ctionality 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 of TCS is dis-
abled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered
by the ECS 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.
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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
individual wheels in an attempt to stop the trailer from
swaying.
NOTE:The TSC is disabled when the ESC system is
in the “Partial Off ” mode.
WARNING!
 TS
C cannot stop all trailers from
swaying. Always use caution when tow-
ing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recom-
mendations. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting
and Driving” for further information.
 If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust
the trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
 Failure to follow these warnings can result in
an accident or serious personal injury. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM —
OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and auto-
matic transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light”
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
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Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect
fuel economy and drivability.The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
 If the MIL is flashing while the engine is run-
ning, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE (for
versions/markets, where provided)
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
a “Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). If this occurs,
tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions, you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds
and during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
 Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not
indicate that there is a problem with the power
steering system.
 Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering pump may make noise for a short amount of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the
steering system. This noise should be considered
normal, and it does not in any way damage the
steering system.
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WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced
po
wer steering assist could pose a safety
risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.Prolonged operation of the steering sys-
tem at the end of the steering wheel
travel will increase the steering fluid tem-
perature and it should be avoided when possible.
Damage to the power steering pump may occur. POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as an-
ticipated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an
authorized dealer.
Do not use chemical flushes in your
power steering system as the chemicals
can damage your power steering compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
sur
face and with the engine off to pre-
vent injury from moving parts and to ensure
accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer's recommended power steer-
ing fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indi-
cated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid
from all surfaces.
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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
0.07 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 low
tire 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.
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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.
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
pressure 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
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Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
WarningsThe 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 pressure 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
seconds 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
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 to
facilities 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 sen- sors.
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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
warning 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
seconds 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
minutes above 25 km/h. The TPMS will chime and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on and
off for 75 seconds.
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.
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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 display a
graphic showing the pressure values of each tire with
the low tire pressure values flashing.
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
seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault will
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.
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 to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the
TPMS sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals.
133KNOWING
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3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheelhousings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sen- sors.
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
warning 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 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 addi-
tion, 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
minutes 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
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