brakes FIAT FREEMONT 2016 1.G Owners Manual

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.
WARNING!
• Riding the brakes can lead to brake
f ailure

and possibly a collision. Driving
with your foot resting or riding on the brake
pedal can result in abnormally high brake tem-
peratures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage.You would not have your full brak-
ing capacity in an emergency.
• Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning
Light” on is dangerous. A significant decrease in
braking performance or vehicle stability during
braking may occur. It will take you longer to stop
the vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to
control. You could have a collision. Have the ve-
hicle checked immediately.
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle con-
trol under adverse braking conditions. The system
controls hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel
lock-up to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces
during braking. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS)” under “Knowing Your Vehicle/Electronic Brake
Control System” for further information.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of ph ysi

cs from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing.The capabilities of an ABS-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.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESC.
This system includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
and Hill Start Assist (HSA). These systems work to-
gether to enhance both vehicle stability and control in
various driving conditions.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps”
the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
When the vehicle is driven over 11 km/h, you may also
hear a slight clicking sound as well as some related
motor noises. These noises are the system performing
its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS is working
properly. This self check occurs each time the vehicle is
started and accelerated past 11 km/h.
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ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
• The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for ashort time after the stop)
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves
• Brake pedal pulsations
• A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
• The ABS contains sophisticated elec-
t roni

c equipment that may be suscep-
tible to interference caused by improperly in-
stalled or high output radio transmitting
equipment . This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation
of such equipment should be performed by quali-
fied professionals.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident .
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
toslowdownorstop.
• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing.
• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
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Anti-Lock Brake LightThe Anti-Lock Brake Light monitors the ABS.
The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS Light remains on or comes on while driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will continue
to operate normally if the Brake System Warning Light
is not on.
If the ABS Light is on, the brake system should be
serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of
Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS Light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake System Warning Light and the ABS
Light remain on, the ABS and Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD) systems are not functioning. Imme-
diate repair to the ABS system is required. 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
physi cs

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.
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HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
• Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate) grade orgreater hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing
uphill is in REVERSE gear).
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills
wit h

a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a
trailer where the system will not activate and
slight rolling may occur, which could cause a
collision with another vehicle or object . Always
remember the driver is responsible for braking
the vehicle.
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears when
the activation criteria have been met. The system will
not activate if the vehicle is placed in NEUTRAL or
PARK.
Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
• If you use a trailer brake controller
wi t

h your trailer, your trailer brakes may
be activated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, when the brake pedal is released,
there may not be enough brake pressure to hold
the vehicle and trailer on a hill and this could
cause a collision with another vehicle or object
behind you. In order to avoid rolling down the hill
while resuming acceleration, manually activate
the trailer brake prior to releasing the brake
pedal. Always remember the driver is responsible
for braking the vehicle.
• HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the
vehicle on a hill without putting the transmission
in PARK and using the parking brake, it will roll
down the hill and could cause a collision with
another vehicle or object . Always remember to
use the parking brake while parking on a hill, and
that the driver is responsible for braking the
vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be done
using the Customer Programmable Features in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Knowing your vehicle” for further information.
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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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WARNING!
• Driving through standing water limits
y our

vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do
not exceed 8 km/h when driving through standing
water.
• Driving through standing water limits your ve-
hicle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dr y the brakes.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out , and leave you
stranded.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty cover-
age, follow the requirements and recommendations in
this manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will
assist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo, and
tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that
you do not exceed the GVWR.
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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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