traction control FIAT FREEMONT 2016 1.G Owners Manual

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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TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration
and stability. A feature of the TCS system, Brake Lim-
ited Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited
slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a
driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning
faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of
the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque
to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This
feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in the
“Partial Off ” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC)” for further information.
ELECTRONIC ROLL MITIGATION (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the
rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle's
speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it
then applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the
chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
driving maneuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due toother factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading,
road c on

ditions, and driving conditions,
influence the chance that wheel lift or rollover
may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or
rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles.The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability
of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC
corrects for over-steering and under-steering the ve-
hicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
path that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the
actual path does not match the intended path, the ESC
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applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the condition of over-steer or under-
steer.
• Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more thanappropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
cann ot

prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road condi-
tions.
• ESC cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent collisions resulting from the loss
of vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillfull driver can prevent collisions.
• The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle
must never be explained in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others. ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has two available operating modes.
Full On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started the system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving situations.
ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off ” for specific
reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off ” for additional
information.
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Partial Off
The “ESC OFF” button is located in the switch bank
above the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off ”
mode, momentarily press the “ESC OFF” button and
the “ESC OFF” Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn
the ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC OFF”
button and the “ESC OFF” Indicator Light will turn off.
This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of opera-
tion.
(fig. 112)
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off ” mode by momentarily pressing the “ESC
OFF” button. Once the situation requiring “Partial
Off ” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momen-
tarily pressing the “ESC OFF” button. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
• When in “Partial Off ” mode, the TCS
fun ct

ionality of ESC (except for the lim-
ited slip feature described in the TCS section) has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light”
will be illuminated.When in “Partial Off ” mode,
the engine power reduction of TCS is disabled,
and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off ” mode.
(fig. 112)
ESC OFF Button
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ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHTThe “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the engine
running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
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 kilometers at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diag-
nosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. NOTE:
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, 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.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is in Partial
OFF mode.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will
maintain the level of brake pressure the driver applied
for a short period of time after the driver takes their
foot off of the brake pedal. If the driver does not apply
the throttle during this short period of time, the
system will release brake pressure and the vehicle will
roll down the hill. The system will release brake pres-
sure in proportion to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the intended direction of
travel.
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• If a requested downshift would cause the engine toover-speed, that shift will not occur.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is en- gaged.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick is engaged.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the shift lever to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the
AutoStick position at any time without taking your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
brakin g

on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could
skid, causing a collision or personal injury.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
This feature provides on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs
or additional driving skills required. Under normal
driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of
the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction,
power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The
greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the
power transfer to the rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will
be sent to the rear in a pre-emptive effort to improve
vehicle launch and performance characteristics.
All wheels must have the same size and
type tires. Unequal tire sizes must not be
used. Unequal tire size may cause failure
of the power transfer unit .
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the front (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces
is dan gerous

. Unequal traction can
cause sudden pulling of the front wheels. You
could lose control of the vehicle and possibly
have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet , mud, loose sand, etc .). TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for
a wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in
a sudden stop.
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Summer Or Three Season Tires (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in snow
or on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires,
be aware these tires are not designed for winter or cold
driving conditions. Install winter tires on your vehicle
when ambient temperatures are less than 5°C or if
roads are covered with ice or snow. For more informa-
tion, contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season designation
or mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use summer tires in snow/ice
con di

tions.You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving too
fast for conditions also creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow
tires during the winter. Snow tires can be identified by
a “mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than
what was originally equipped with your vehicle and
should not be operated at sustained speeds over
120 km/h. For speeds above 120 km/h refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire
inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states
prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
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WARNING! (Continued)
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false speed-
ometer and odometer readings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body
clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard
against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
• Install on Front Tires Only.
• Due to limited clearance, on a 225/65R17 102H tire, use reduced size snow chains or traction devices
with a maximum projection of 6 mm beyond the tire
profile.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type
(M+S, Sn

ow) between front and rear
axles can cause unpredictable handling.You could
lose control and have a collision.
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Drain, Flush, and Refill . . . . . . . .............346
Inspection ........................... .348
Points to Remember . . . . . . . . . ............349
Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........348
Radiator Cap ......................... .348
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) . . .346, 347, 384, 385
Temperature Gauge . ......................8
Corrosion Protection . . . ................... .355
Cupholders ............................. .115
Data Recorder, Event ...................... .215
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights . ..............96
Defroster, Rear Window . . . . .................102
Defroster, Windshield ................... .83, 235
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers . . . . . ..............98
Diagnostic System, Onboard ..................149
Diesel Fuel . . . . . . . . .................. .384, 385
Diesel Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . ...........384
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .....................95
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission . . . ................352
Oil (Engine) . . . . . . . . . .................. .336
Power Steering . . . . . . . ..................150
Disabled Vehicle Towing . ................... .318
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) . . . . . ...........348
Door Locks Door Locks ........................... .119
KeyFob ............................. .119
Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...............119
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................119
Door Locks, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . ............121
Downshifting . . . ......................... .246Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing Water. .257
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .........29
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .......168
E-85 Fuel .............................. .381
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .........112
Electrical Power Outlets .................... .112
Electric Remote Mirrors ......................67
Electronic Brake Control System ...............141
Anti-Lock Brake System .................. .141
Brake Assist System ..................... .143
Electronic Roll Mitigation ..................144
Traction Control System ..................144
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ................144
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........103
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............144
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .....20, 165
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................314
Hazard Warning Flasher .................. .107
Jump Starting ......................... .279
Towing ............................. .318
Engine .......................... .237, 332, 334
Air Cleaner ........................... .338
Break-In Recommendations .................237
Checking Oil Level ...................... .336
Compartment ...................... .332, 333
Compartment Identification .................333
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. .346, 385
Cooling ............................. .345
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. .131, 234
Fails to Start .......................... .239
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