check engine FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and
prevent damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on, or cross, a road or a
pat
h where water is flowing and/or rising
(as in storm run-off ). Flowing water can wear
away the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Furthermore,
flowing and/or rising water can carry your vehicle
away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
 Always check the depth of the stand-
ing water before driving through it . Never
drive through standing water that is
deeper than the bottom of the tire rims mounted
on the vehicle.
 Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through the
standing water.
 Do not exceed 8 km/h when driving through
standing water.This will minimize wave effects.
 Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain components.
Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine
oil, transmission, axle, etc .) for signs of contami-
nation (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appear-
ance) after driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid ap-
pears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out , and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury
ac
cident . Follow these guidelines to
make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
 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 difficult for the driver to control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident .
 All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed 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.
(Continued)(Continued)
 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.
 Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following
four ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti- lized.
Towing Requirements – Tires
– Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
– Proper tire inflation pressures are essential for the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer
to “Tires – General Information” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for proper tire inflation procedures.
– Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres- sures before trailer usage.
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TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission (for versions/markets,
where provided)
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid clutch slippage.
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, use
the AutoStick
®shift control to select a lower gear.
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the ve-
hicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance 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
minutes of continuous operation, then change the
transmission fluid and automatic transmission filter as
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level (four-
speed transmission only) before towing. The six-speed
transmission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or trans-
mission malfunction, see your authorized dealer imme-
diately for assistance.
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
®(for versions/markets, where
provided)
– When using the AutoStick
®shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance
and avoids frequent downshifts. For example,
choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained.
Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired
speed.
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTIONS
1. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight sec-
onds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is
either not on during starting, stays on, or
turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occu-
pant Restraints” in “Safety” for further information.
2. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the
ON/RUN position, before engine start. If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause damage to the engine control sys-
tem. It also could affect fuel economy
and drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe cata-
lytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
ref
erenced above, can reach higher tem-
peratures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park
over flammable substances such as dry plants,
wood, cardboard, etc .This could result in death or
serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light (for versions/markets,
where provided) The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator 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
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NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws
or nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
 Always start the engine before turning ON the TIREFIT kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
 After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1)
through the Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0
– 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn Off the TIREFIT kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve
stem. Make sure the valve stem is free of debris.
Reconnect the Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob (5) is in the
Sealant Mode position and not Air Mode. Press the
Power Button (4) to turn On the TIREFIT kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available. Make sure the engine is running before
turning ON the TIREFIT kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previ- ous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (5) is on Air Mode
and the pump is operating, air will dispense from the
Air Pump Hose (7) only, not the Sealant Hose (6).
If the sealant (white fluid) does flow through the
Sealant Hose (6):
1. Continue to operate the pump until sealant is no longer flowing through hose (typically takes 30 - 70
seconds). As the sealant flows through the Sealant
Hose (6), the Pressure Gauge (3) can read as high as
70 psi (5 Bar). The Pressure Gauge (3) will decrease
quickly from approximately 70 psi (5 Bar) to the
actual tire pressure when the Sealant Bottle (1) is
empty.
2. The pump will start to inject air into the tire immediately after the Sealant Bottle (1) is empty.
Continue to operate the pump and inflate the tire
to the pressure indicated on the tire pressure label
on the driver-side latch pillar (recommended pres-
sure). Check the tire pressure by looking at the
Pressure Gauge (3).
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Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. 
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.        
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary.        
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment,
passenger compartment, glove compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.).        
Check windshield/rear window wiper blade
position/wear.        
Check operation of windscreen washer system and
adjust jets if necessary.        
Check cleanliness of hood and tailgate locks and
cleanliness and lubrication of linkages.        
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel
system - brakes), rubber elements (boots, sleeves,
bushes, etc.).        
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads.        
Check condition and wear of rear disc brake pads.        
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
(brakes/hydraulic clutch, windshield washer, battery,
engine coolant, etc.).        
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Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt/s. 
Check exhaust gas emissions.        
Check the parking brake lever stroke and adjust it, if
necessary. 
  
Check engine management system operation (via
diagnostic socket).        
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter (*). 
Replace spark plugs (2.4L engine).   
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine). 
Replace air filter cartridge.   
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (**).
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months). 
Replace pollen filter.        
Replace rear drive assembly (RDA) fluid (for
versions/markets, where provided). 

Replace power transfer unit (PTU) fluid (for
versions/markets, where provided). 

(**) The oil and oil filter replacement must be carried out when indicated by a warning light or message on the
instrument panel, or in any case every 12 months.
NOTE: Flush and replace the engine coolant 240,000 km or 10 Years.
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Periodic Checks
Every1,000 km or before long journeys, check and, if
necessary, restore:
 engine coolant;
 brake fluid;
 windshield washer fluid level;
 power steering fluid;
 tire inflation pressure and condition;
 operation of lighting system (headlights, direction indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
 operation of windshield washer/wiper system and positioning/wear of windshield/rear window wiper
blades.
Every 3,000 km, check and top up, if required, the
engine oil level.
Heavy-Duty Use Of The Car
If the car is used mainly under one of the following
conditions:
 towing a trailer or caravan;
 dusty roads;
 short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub- zero outside temperatures;  engine often idling or driving long distances at low
speeds or long periods of idleness.
You should perform the following inspections more
frequently than shown on the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
 check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
 check cleanliness of hood and trunk locks, cleanli- ness and lubrication of linkage;
 visually inspect conditions of: engine, transmission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes - etc.);
 check battery charge and battery fluid level (electro- lyte);
 visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belts;
 check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL
ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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Thousands Of Kilometers30 60 90 120 150 180
Months 24 48 72 96 120 144
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure if required.      
Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard lights, passenger compartment lights, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.).      
Check the position/wear of the windshield/rear window wiper
blades.      
Check operation of windscreen washer system and adjust jets if
necessary.      
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads.      
Check condition and wear of rear disc brake pads.      
Conditions and visual check: bodywork exterior, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - braking
system), rubber elements (boots - sleeves - etc.), CV joints, front
suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, and replace if necessary.      
Check cleanliness of hood latches, as well as cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages.      
Check all fluid levels (engine coolant, brake/hydraulic clutch fluid,
windshield washer fluid, battery fluid, etc.), add if necessary.      
Check exhaust fumes/emissions.      
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.      
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic socket).      
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Thousands Of Kilometers30 60 90 120 150 180
Months 24 48 72 96 120 144
Visually inspect the condition of the auxiliary drive belt.  
Replace auxiliary drive belts. 
Check timing belt conditions. 
Replace the timing belt (*). 
Replace fuel filter (Or at least change every 24 months).  
Check the handbrake lever stroke and adjust it, if necessary      
Replace air filter cartridge (Or at least change every 24 months).  
Change engine oil and oil cartridge (or at least every 24 months)
(**) (***).
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months).  
Change pollen filter.      
Replace rear drive assembly (RDA) fluid (for versions/markets,
where provided). 

Replace power transfer unit (PTU) fluid (for versions/markets,
where provided). 

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your
vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. 

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. 
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