2011 FIAT FREEMONT Owner handbook (in English)

WIND BUFFETING
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal
occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting
occurs with the rear windows open, then open the
front and rear windows together to minimize the
buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open,
adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting or
open any window.LIFTGATE
The liftgate can be unlocked or locked with the Re-
mote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, the Keyless
Enter-N-Go (Passive Entry) or by activating the power
door lock switch located on either front door trimpanel.
For further information on Keyless Enter-N-Go (Pas-
sive Entry), refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go” in “Starting
And Driving”.
NOTE:
The liftgate cannot be unlocked or locked
with the manual door lock plungers on the door trim
panels or the door lock cylinder on the driver's door.
To open the unlocked liftgate, squeeze the handle and
pull the liftgate toward you. Gas props will raise and
support the liftgate in the open position. (fig. 91)
(fig. 91) Liftgate Release
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NOTE:Because the gas pressure drops with tem-
perature, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
WARNING!
 Driving with the liftgate open can al-
low poisonous exhaust gases into your
vehicle. These fumes could injure you and your
passengers. Keep the liftgate closed when you are
operating the vehicle.
 If you are required to drive with the liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and
the blower switch on the climate control is set at
high speed. Do not use the recirculation mode. CARGO AREA FEATURES
RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT — IF EQUIPPED
The rechargeable LED flashlight stores in its charging
station in the left rear quarter trim panel. To remove it,
press on the indent on the side of the flashlight and
release. (fig. 92)
To operate the flashlight, press the switch once for
high, twice for low, and a third time to return to off.
(fig. 93)
NOTE:
Be sure to return the flashlight to its charging
station when not in use to ensure it is ready for
operation the next time you need it.
(fig. 92) Rechargeable Flashlight 99
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CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
FIVE PASSENGER SYSTEM FEATURES
• A raised load floor that sits on top of a large built-instorage bin.
• A tri-fold door built into the load floor that allows easy access to items in the built-in storage bin.
• 60/40 split second-row passenger seats with fold flat feature, which allows for extended cargo space. Re-
fer to “Seats” for further information.
• An optional front passenger seat with fold flat fea- ture, which extends cargo space even further. Refer
to “Seats” for further information.
• Cargo tie-downs.
• A retractable cargo area cover (if equipped). SEVEN PASSENGER SYSTEM FEATURES
• A large built-in storage bin with a hinged hardcover
located in the floor behind the third-row passenger seats.
• 60/40 split second-row passenger seats with fold flat feature, which allows for extended cargo space. Re-
fer to “Seats” in “Understanding The Features of
Your Vehicle” for further information.
• 50/50 split third-row passenger seats with fold flat feature, which allows for extended cargo space. Re-
fer to “Seats” for further information.
• An optional front passenger seat with fold flat fea- ture, which extends cargo space even further. Refer
to “Seats” for further information.
• Cargo tie-downs.
CARGO TIE-DOWNS
WARNING!
Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for
a child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop
or collision, a tie-down could pull loose and allow
the child seat to come loose. A child could be
badly injured. Use only the anchors provided for
child seat tethers.
Cargo tie-downs are located on both rear trim panels.
These tie-downs should be used to secure loads safely
when the vehicle is moving. (fig. 94)
(fig. 93) Three-Press Switch
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WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and
passengers can change the vehicle cen-
ter of gravity and vehicle handling.To avoid loss of
control resulting in personal injury, follow these
guidelines for loading your vehicle:
• Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits de- scribed on the label attached to the left door or left
door center pillar.
• Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
• Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway. • Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
• To help protect against personal injury, passengers should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
RETRACTABLE CARGO AREA COVER (IF
EQUIPPED) — FIVE PASSENGER MODELS
NOTE: The purpose of this cover is for privacy, not
to secure loads. It will not prevent cargo from shifting
or protect passengers from loose cargo.
The removable retractable cargo area cover mounts in
the cargo area behind the top of the rear seats.
The cover, when extended, covers the cargo area to
keep items out of sight. Notches in the trim panels near
the liftgate opening secure the extended cover in place.
The cover rolls away neatly inside its housing when not
in use. You can also remove the cover from the vehicle
to make more room in the cargo area.
(fig. 94) Cargo Tie-Downs 101
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To install the cover, position it in the vehicle so that the
flat side of the housing faces upward. Then, insert
either the left or the right spring-loaded post (located
on the ends of the cover housing) into the left attach-
ment point or the right attachment point (shown).
(fig. 95)
Insert the spring-loaded post on the opposite end of
the cover housing into the attachment point on the
opposite side of the vehicle.
Grab the cover handle and pull it toward you. As the
cover nears the liftgate opening, guide the rear attach-
ment posts (on both ends of the cover) into the
notches in the trim panels. Lower the cover to position
the posts into the bottom of the notches and release
the handle. (fig. 96)
WARNING!
A cargo cover that is unsecured in the
vehicle could cause injury in a collision. It
could become airborne during a sudden stop and
strike someone inside the vehicle. Do not store
the cargo cover on the cargo floor or in the
passenger compartment . Remove the cover from
the vehicle when taken from its mounting. Do not
store it in the vehicle.
(fig. 95) Installing Retractable Cargo Area Cover
(fig. 96)Positioning Retractable Cargo Area Cover
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TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
Two latches must be released to open the hood.
1. Pull the hood release lever located under the leftside of the instrument panel. (fig. 97)
2. Outside of the vehicle, locate the safety latch lever near the center of the grille between the grille and
hood opening. Push the safety latch lever to the
right and then raise the hood. (fig. 98)
Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the upper end of the prop rod in the
hole on the underside of the hood. (fig. 99)(fig. 97) Hood Release
(fig. 98)
Underhood Safety Latch(fig. 99) Hood Prop Rod 103
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To prevent possible damage:
 Before closing hood, make sure the
hood prop rod is fully seated into its
storage retaining clips.
 Do not slam the hood to close it . Use a firm
downward push at the center front edge of the
hood to ensure that both latches engage. Never
drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully closed,
with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before
driving your vehicle. If the hood is not
fully latched, it could open when the vehicle is in
motion and block your vision. Failure to follow
this warning could result in serious injury or
death. ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
The roof rack side rails on your vehicle are NOT
designed to carry a load without the addition of cross-
bars. Metal Crossbars can be purchased from your
FIAT dealer to provide a functional roof rack system.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle plus the load on the
luggage rack do not exceed the maximum vehicle load
capacity.
The roof rack cross rails and side rails together are
designed to carry cargo weight. The load must not
exceed 68 kg, and it should be distributed uniformly
over the cross rails.
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 To avoid damage to the roof rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof
rack load capacity of 68 kg. Always dis-
tribute loads as evenly as possible and secure the
load appropriately.
 Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, or loads with
large frontal area should be secured to both the
front and rear of the vehicle.
 Place a blanket or other protection between
the surface of the roof and the load.
 Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic , can add sudden upward lift
to loads.This is especially true on large flat loads
and may result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driv-
ing your vehicle. Improperly secured
loads can fly off the vehicle, particularly at high
speeds, resulting in personal injury or property
damage. Follow the Roof Rack Cautions when
carrying cargo on your roof rack. 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
failure and possibly an accident . 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 wouldn't have your full brak-
ing capacity in an emergency.
(Continued)
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