engine FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

LIGHTS
HEADLIGHT SWITCHThe headlight switch is located on the left side of
the instrument panel. This switch controls the
operation of the headlights, parking lights, in-
strument panel lights, instrument panel light dimming,
interior lights and fog lights. (fig. 49)
Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first
detent for parking light and instrument panel light
operation. Rotate the headlight switch to the second
detent for headlight, parking light and instrument panel
light operation. AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS (for
versions/markets, where provided)
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off
according to ambient light levels. To turn the system
on, rotate the headlight switch counterclockwise to
the AUTO position. When the system is on, the
headlight time delay feature is also on. This means the
headlights will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you
turn the ignition switch OFF. To turn the automatic
system off, move the headlight switch out of the AUTO
position.
NOTE:
The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the automatic mode.
HEADLIGHTS ON WITH WIPERS
(AVAILABLE WITH AUTOMATIC
HEADLIGHTS ONLY)
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned
on if the headlight switch is placed in the AUTO
position. In addition, the headlights will turn off when
the wipers are turned off if they were turned on by this
feature.
NOTE: The Headlights On with Wipers feature can
be turned on and off using the Uconnect Touch™
System, refer to “Uconnect Touch™ Settings” in
“Knowing Your Vehicle” for further information.(fig. 49) Headlight Switch
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operation. Rotate the end of the lever upward to the
second detent past the intermittent settings for high-
speed wiper operation.(fig. 55)
NOTE: The wipers will automatically return to the
“park” position if you turn OFF the ignition switch
while they are operating. The wipers will resume op-
eration when you turn the ignition switch back to the
ON position.
 Turn the windshield wipers OFF when
driving through an automatic car wash.
Damage to the windshield wipers may
result if the wiper control is left in any position
other than OFF.
 In cold weather, always turn OFF the wiper
switch and allow the wipers to return to the park
position before turning OFF the engine. If the
wiper switch is left ON and the wipers freeze to
the windshield, damage to the wiper motor may
occur when the vehicle is restarted.
 Always remove any buildup of snow that pre-
vents the windshield wiper blades from returning
to the “park” position. If the windshield wiper
control is turned OFF, and the blades cannot
return to the “park” position, damage to the wiper
motor may occur.
WINDSHIELD WASHERS
To use the windshield washer, push the washer knob,
located on the end of the multifunction lever, inward to
the second detent.
If you activate the washer while the wiper control is in
the delay range, the wipers will operate in low-speed
for two or three wipe cycles after releasing the lever
and then resume the intermittent interval previously
selected.
(fig. 55) Front Wiper Control
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Turn the rear wiper off when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage
to the rear wiper may result if the rear
wiper switch is left in the on position.
 In cold weather, always turn off the rear wiper
switch and allow the rear wiper to return to the
park position before turning off the engine. If the
rear wiper switch is left on and the rear wiper
freezes to the window, damage to the rear wiper
motor may occur when the vehicle is restarted.
 Always remove any buildup of snow that pre-
vents the rear wiper blade from returning to the
park position. If the rear wiper control is turned
off and the blade cannot return to the park
position, damage to the rear wiper motor may
occur.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear window defroster button is located on
the climate control panel. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated
outside mirrors (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided). An indicator in the button will illuminate when
the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. NOTE:
To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
rear window defroster only when the engine is oper-
ating.
Failure to follow these cautions can
cause damage to the heating elements:
 Use care when washing the inside of
the rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the window.
Use a soft cloth and a mild washing solution,
wiping parallel to the heating elements. Labels
can be peeled off after soaking with warm water.
 Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior surface
of the window.
 Keep all objects a safe distance from the win-
dow.
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WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
 Only

devices designed for use in this
type of outlet should be inserted into any 12 Volt
outlet .
 Do not touch with wet hands.
 Close the lid when not in use and while driving
the vehicle.
 If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
 Many accessories that can be plugged
in draw power from the vehicle's battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular
phones, etc .). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge suffi-
ciently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the
engine from starting.
 Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., cool-
ers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc .) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
 After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
 Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug.
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Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit
Programming
The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature can be
enabled or disabled as follows:
 For vehicles equipped with the Uconnect Touch™,refer to “Uconnect Touch™ Settings” in “Knowing
Your Vehicle” for further information.
 For vehicles not equipped with the Uconnect Touch™, perform the following steps:
1. Enter the vehicle and close all doors.
2. Place the Key Fob in the ignition switch.
3. Within 15 seconds, cycle the ignition switch be- tween LOCK and ON/RUN and then back to LOCK
four times ending up in the LOCK position. How-
ever, do not start the engine.
4. Within 30 seconds, press the power door unlock switch to unlock the doors.
5. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming. NOTE:
If you do not hear the chime, it means that
the system did not enter the programming mode and
you will need to repeat the procedure.
6. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
NOTE: Use the Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit
feature in accordance with local laws.
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To avoid damage to the roof rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof
rack load capacity of 68 kg. Always dis-
tribute loads as evenly as possible and secure the
load appropriately.
 Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, or loads with
large frontal area should be secured to both the
front and rear of the vehicle.
 Place a blanket or other protection between
the surface of the roof and the load.
 Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners
carefully when carrying large or heavy loads on
the roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes
or nearby truck traffic , can add sudden upward
lift to loads. This is especially true on large flat
loads and may result in damage to the cargo or
your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driv-
in
g your vehicle. Improperly secured
loads can fly off the vehicle, particularly at high
speeds, resulting in personal injury or property
damage. Follow the roof rack cautions when
carrying cargo on your roof rack. BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining system
will still function. However, there will be some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the “Brake System Warning Light”
will turn on as the brake fluid level drops in the master
cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine OFF) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required
to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that
required with the power system operating.
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BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
ABS. Applying the brakes very quickly results in the
best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the
system, you must apply continuous braking pressure
during the stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the
brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is
released, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
ph
ysics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others. TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration
and stability. A feature of the TCS functions similar to a
limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more
engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not
spinning. This feature remains active even if TCS and
ESC are in the “Partial Off ” mode. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” for further information.
ELECTRONIC ROLL MITIGATION (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the
rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle's
speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it
then applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the
chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
driving maneuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to
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other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading,
road
conditions, and driving conditions,
influence the chance that wheel lift or rollover
may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or
rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles.The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability
of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC
corrects for over-steering and under-steering the ve-
hicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
path that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the
actual path does not match the intended path, the ESC
applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the condition of over-steer or under-
steer.
 Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
 Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
 Elect
ronic Stability Control (ESC)
cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road condi-
tions.
 ESC cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent collisions resulting from the loss
of vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillfull driver can prevent collisions.
 The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle
must never be explained in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
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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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