tow FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

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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– Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damagebefore towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Technical Specifications” for the
proper tire inspection procedures.
– When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Technical Specifications” for proper
tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a
higher load carrying capacity will not increase the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
– Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the
trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and pos-
sible personal injury.
– When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake
controller is not required.
– Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 450 kg and required for trailers in excess of 750 kg.
If the trailer weighs more than 450 kg
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and
they should be of adequate capacity. Fail-
ure to do this could lead to accelerated brake
lining wear, higher brake pedal effort , and longer
stopping distances.
WARNING!
 Do
not connect trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can
overload your brake system and cause it to fail.
You might not have brakes when you need them
and could have an accident .
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident .
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are
required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a seven-pin or a
thirteen-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved
trailer harness and connector.
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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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– Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided toprevent excess heat generation. A reduction in ve-
hicle speed may be required to avoid extended
driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear or
vehicle speed when grade and road conditions allow.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING POINTS
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow a
trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow hitch must
be attached to your vehicle using the provided attach-
ing points on the vehicle's frame. Refer to the following
chart to determine the accurate attaching points.
Other equipment, such as trailer sway controls and
braking equipment, trailer equalizing (leveling) equip- ment and low profile mirrors, may also be required or
strongly recommended.
(fig. 147)
Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching Points And Overhang
Dimensions
A N/A
B 366.71 mm
C 501.62 mm
D 628.69 mm
E (maximum overhang) 1051.93 mm
F 472.00 mm(fig. 147)
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLETowing ConditionWheels OFF
the Ground FWD MODELS
MANUAL TRANS- MISSION FWD MODELS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONETransmission in
NEUTRAL
Ignition in ACC
or ON/RUN position If tranmission is
operable:
Transmission in
NEUTRAL
Ignition in ACC or
ON/RUN position
40 km/h max speed
24 kilometers max
distance NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift or Dolly
Tow Rear NOT ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED
Front OK OKNOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD OK
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All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a towing dolly) isNOT ALLOWED.
The only acceptable method for towing this vehicle
(behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all
four wheels OFF the ground.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Manual
Transmission
Front-wheel drive vehicles with manual transmis-
sions may be flat towed (with all four wheels on the
ground) at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if
the manual transmission is in NEUTRAL and the
ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
These vehicles may also be towed using a tow dolly
(with the front wheels OFF the ground), or on a flatbed
or vehicle trailer (with all four wheels OFF the ground). Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Automatic
Transmission
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped
with an automatic transmission. Damage
to the drivetrain will result . If these ve-
hicles require towing, make sure all drive wheels
are OFF the ground.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the
ground.
This vehicle may also be towed using a tow dolly (with
the front wheels OFF the ground).Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
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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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cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several kilome-
ters at speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo-
mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to
ON/RUN.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, 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.
4. Turn Signal Indicator LightThe left or right arrow will flash in unison
with the corresponding front and rear turn
signal lights when the turn signal switch is
operated. (Refer to “Lights” in “Knowing
Your Vehicle” for further information).
NOTE:
A chime will sound if the vehicle is driven more than
1.6 km with either turn signal on. Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
5. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the high beam headlights
are on. Pull the multifunction lever on the left
side of the steering column toward you to switch to
low beam. (Refer to “Lights” in “Knowing Your Vehicle”
for further information).
6. Front Fog Light Indicator (for versions/markets,
where provided) This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on. (Refer to “Lights” in “Knowing
Your Vehicle” for further information).
7. Odometer Display / Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) Display
Odometer
The odometer display shows the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Dis-
play
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster. For further information, refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Knowing Your Vehicle”.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
 Do
not attempt to change a tire on
the side of the vehicle close to moving
traffic . Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
 Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never put any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift .
 Never start or run the engine while the vehicle
is on a jack.
 The jack is designed to be used as a tool for
changing tires only.The jack should not be used to
lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm level surface only.
Avoid ice or slippery areas.
Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed underneath a
cover in the rear storage bin in the cargo area. (fig. 150)Spare Tire Location
The spare tire is stowed underneath the rear of the
vehicle and is held in place by means of a cable winch
mechanism.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or
slippery areas.
(fig. 150) Jack Storage Location
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NOTE:Assemble components 2 and 3 by seating the
small ball at the end of component 2 in the small hole at
the end of component 3. This will lock these compo-
nents together. Assemble components 1 and 2 so that
the wheel nut socket at the end of component 1 faces
upward when seated on component 2. This will make it
easier to rotate the assembly when operating the
winch mechanism.
2. Fit the assembled jack-handle over the winch drive nut located in the jack storage area. Rotate the
jack-handle assembly counterclockwise until the
spare tire is on the ground with enough cable slack
to allow you to pull the spare tire out from under-
neath the vehicle.
The winch mechanism is designed for use
with the jack-handle only. Use of an air
wrench or other power tools is not rec-
ommended and it can damage the winch.
3. Pull the spare tire out from underneath the vehicle and raise it upright so the tire's tread is on the
ground.
4. Tilt the retainer at the end of the winch cable and remove it from the center of the wheel. (fig. 152) Spare Tire Stowage
NOTE:
Refer to “Spare Tire Removal” for informa-
tion on assembling the winch tools.
1. Place the spare tire near to the winch cable. Hold the spare upright so that the tire's tread is on the
ground and the valve stem is at the top of the wheel
facing away from the rear of the vehicle.
2. Tilt the retainer at the end of the winch cable and drop it through the center of the wheel. Then place
the spare tire with the cable and retainer under-
neath the vehicle.
3. Fit the assembled jack-handle over the winch drive nut. Rotate the jack-handle assembly clockwise to
(fig. 152) Spare Tire Retainer
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