tow FIAT FREEMONT 2015 1.G Owner's Guide

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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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. 165)
Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching Points And OverhangDimensions
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. 165)
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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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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
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 Light
The 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).
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JACK LOCATION
The jack and jack-handle are stowed underneath a
cover in the rear storage bin in the cargo area.
(fig. 170)
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 fromthe edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or
slippery areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the
side of

the vehicle close to moving traf-
fic . Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever in PARK (automatic transmis- sion) or in GEAR (manual transmission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diago- nally opposite of the jacking posi-
tion. For example, if changing the
right front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
(fig. 170)
Jack Storage Location
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4. Tilt the retainer at the end of the winch cable andremove it from the center of the wheel. (fig. 172)
SPARE TIRE STOWAGE
NOTE: Refer to “Spare Tire Removal” for information
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
raise the spare tire into the storage area. Continue
to rotate the jack-handle assembly until you hear
the winch mechanism click three times. It cannot be
over tightened. Push against the tire several times to
be sure it is held securely in place.
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing
warnin gs

to help prevent personal injury
or damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before rais-
ing the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel
to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an auto-
matic transmission in PARK; a manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle
on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on
a jack.
(Continued)
(fig. 172)Spare Tire Retainer
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WARNING! (Continued)
• Do not get under the vehicle when it 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 .
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic .
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
(fig. 173)
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by
jacking on locations other than those
indicated in the Jacking Instructions for
this vehicle.
(fig. 174)
1. Remove the spare tire, jack, and jack-handle from stowage.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts on the wheel with the flat tire. Turn the wheel nuts coun-
terclockwise one turn while the wheel is still on the
ground.
(fig. 173)
Jack Warning Label(fig. 174) Jacking Locations
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