towing FIAT FREEMONT 2015 1.G User Guide

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard, located on the face of the driver's door or on
the driver's side “B” pillar, for the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the
first 805 km the new vehicle is driven.The
engine, axle or other parts could be dam-
aged.
• Then, during the first 805 km that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury
acci den

t . 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 diffi-
cult for the driver to control.You could lose con-
trol of your vehicle and have an accident .
• All trailer hitches should be professionally in-
stalled 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)
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WARNING! (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 utilized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a com- pact 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.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before 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.
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WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your
v ehi

cle'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. NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the
vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer
connector.
(fig. 163)
Pin Number Function Wire Color
1 Left Turn Signal Yellow
2 Rear Fog Light Blue
3 Ground/Common Return White
4 Right Turn Signal Green
(fig. 163) Seven-Pin 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 DRIVE, use the
AutoStick® shift control to manually select a lower
gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive 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 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 trans-
mission 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
• 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®
• 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.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return
to a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
the Ground FWD MODELS MANUAL
TRANSMISSION FWD MODELS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONE • Transmission in NEUTRAL
• Ignition in ACC or ON/RUN
position NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front OK OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK OK OK
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, al-
ways follow applicable state and provincial laws. Con-
tact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for
additional details.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED.
The only acceptable method for towing this vehicle
(behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all
four wheels OFF the ground.Towing this vehicle with ANYof its
wheels on the ground can cause severe
transmission and/or power transfer unit
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Manual
Transmission
Front-wheel drive vehicles withmanual 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).
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe en-
gine and/or transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Automatic
Transmission
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).
•
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.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle 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 Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It
also could affect fuel economy and driveability. If
the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immedi-
ate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referen c

ed 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.
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WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forc es

generated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause damage, or even failure, of the
axle and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 48 km/h or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
TOW EYE USAGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow eye that can be
used to tow a disabled vehicle.
When using a tow eye be sure to follow the “Tow Eye
Usage Precautions” and the “Towing A Disabled Ve-
hicle” instructions in this section.
(fig. 193)
(fig. 193)
To w E y e
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Tow Eye Usage Precautions
NOTE:
• Ensure that the tow eye is properly seated andsecure in the mounting receptacle.
• The tow eye is recommended for use with an ap- proved tow bar and or rope.
• Do not use the tow eye to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck.
• Do not use the tow eye to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in this section for
further information.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with
tow e

yes.
• Do not use a chain with a tow eye. Chains may
break, causing serious injury or death.
• Donotuseatowstrapwithatoweye.Tow
straps may break or become disengaged, causing
serious injury or death.
• Failure to follow proper tow eye usage may
cause components to break resulting in serious
injury or death.
(fig. 194)
• The tow eye must be used exclusively
for roadside assistance operations. Only
use the tow eye with an appropriate
device in accordance with the highway code (a
rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for a shor t
distance to the nearest service location.
• Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles
off the road or where there are obstacles.
• In compliance with the above conditions, tow-
ing with a tow eye must take place with two
vehicles (one towing, the other towed) aligned as
much as possible along the same center line.
Damage to your vehicle may occur if these guide-
lines are not followed.
(fig. 194)
Tow Eye Warning Label
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a dis-
abled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
TowingCondi- tion Wheels
OFF the Ground FWD MODELS MANUAL
TRANSMISSION FWD MODELS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONE • Transmission in NEUTRAL
• Ignition in ACC or ON/RUN
position If transmission is oper-
able:
• 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
To w Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front OK OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD OK
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to pre-
vent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and
other equipment designed for this purpose, following
equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety
chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing
device to main structural members of the vehicle, not
to bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
regarding vehicles under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters,
etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the
ON/RUN position, not the ACC position.
If the vehicle's battery is discharged, refer to "Shift
Lever Override" in this section for instructions on
shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK for
towing.
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