FIAT FREEMONT 2015 1.G Owners Manual

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you
leave t

he vehicle unattended without
having the parking brake fully applied.The park-
ing brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelera-
tor pedal.
(fig. 157)
Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
To shift into REVERSE, pull up on the ring just below
the gear shift knob and then move into the REVERSE
(R) position.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
NOTE: During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher
shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the
transmission.
(fig. 157)
Shift Pattern (Six-Speed)
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DOWNSHIFTING
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
If you skip a gear while downshifting or
downshift at too high of a vehicle speed,
these conditions may cause the engine to
overspeed if too low of a gear is selected and the
clutch pedal is released. Damage to the clutch and
the transmission can result from skipping a gear
while downshifting or downshifting at too high of
a vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal is held
pressed (i.e., not released).
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to second or first when descending a steep
grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not ob-
served:
• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
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WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTR AL

if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse.You could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and your foot is firmly pressing the
brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the Key
Fob.When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted movement .
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob
from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the engine can be turned off. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK.
This system also locks the transmission in PARK when-
ever the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
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Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in
PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the trans-
mission out of PARK, the ignition switch must be
turned to the ON/RUN position (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear
range. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift
lever out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the
shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE
position.The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred kilometers.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred kilometers.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.
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The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick® (-/+) shift posi-
tions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick®
shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for
further information). Moving the shift lever into the
AutoStick® (-/+) position (below the Drive position)
activates Autostick® mode, providing manual shift
control and displaying the current gear in the instru-
ment cluster. In AutoStick® mode, tapping the shift
lever left (-) or right (+) will manually select the
transmission gear.
(fig. 158)
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before accelerat-
ing. This is especially important when the engine is
cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking
the transmission. The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is
in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the park-
ing brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
(fig. 158)
Shift Lever
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WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a sub-
s t

itute for the parking brake. Always ap-
ply the parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not completely in PARK. Check by
trying to move the shift lever out of PARK with
the brake pedal released. Make sure the trans-
mission is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEU-
TRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly for-
ward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the Key
Fob.When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in the PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement .
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
ignition is in the OFF position, remove the key fob
from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
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•Before moving the shift lever out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition switch
from the LOCK/OFF position to the ON/
RUN position, and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the shift lever could result .
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave
the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never
turn of

f the ignition to coast down a hill.
These are unsafe practices that limit your re-
sponse to changing traffic or road conditions.You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving
for any other reason with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL can cause severe trans-
mission damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing”
in “Starting and Driving” and “Towing A Disabled
Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for fur-
ther information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
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When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds,
or while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for
further information) to select a lower gear. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal oper-
ating limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature
improves warm up time of the engine and transmission
to achieve maximum efficiency.
Engagement of the torque converter clutch is inhibited
until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the "Note"
under "Torque Converter Clutch" in this section).
During extremely cold temperatures (-27°C or below),
operation may briefly be limited to only second gear
(for four-speed transmission) or third gear (for six-
speed transmission).Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage, Transmission
Limp Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the trans-
mission remains in second gear (for four-speed trans-
mission) or third gear (for six-speed transmission)
regardless of which forward gear is selected. PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illumi-
nated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing
the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is nolonger detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
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NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to determine if the
problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (top gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem- perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tem- perature.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages auto-
matically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a
slightly different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch auto-
matically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm (usually after 2 to 5 km of driving). Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the AutoStick® shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
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AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize en-
gine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situ-
ations.
OPERATION
When the shift lever is in the AutoStick position
(below the DRIVE position), it can be moved from side
to side. This allows the driver to manually select the
transmission gear being used. Moving the shift lever to
the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an
upshift. The current gear will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when the driver moves the shift lever to the right
(+) or left (-), unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain in the selected
gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen,
except as described below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift when
necessary to prevent engine over-speed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear is helpful in snow or
icy conditions.
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