2011 FIAT FREEMONT climate control

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air contain-
ing dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot
be totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in “Servicing And Care” for filter replacementinstructions.
Manual Control Setting Suggestions For Various Weather Conditions (fig. 49)(fig. 49) 65
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 Turn the rear wiper off when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage
to the rear wiper may result if the rear
wiper switch is left in the on position.
 In cold weather, always turn off the rear wiper
switch and allow the rear wiper to return to the
park position before turning off the engine. If the
rear wiper switch is left on and the rear wiper
freezes to the window, damage to the rear wiper
motor may occur when the vehicle is restarted.
 Always remove any buildup of snow that pre-
vents the rear wiper blade from returning to the
park position. If the rear wiper control is turned
off and the blade cannot return to the park
position, damage to the rear wiper motor may
occur. REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear window defroster button is located on
the climate control panel. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated
outside mirrors (if equipped). An indicator in the but-
ton will illuminate when the rear window defroster is
on. The rear window defroster automatically turns off
after approximately 10 minutes.
NOTE: To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
rear window defroster only when the engine is oper- ating.
Failure to follow these cautions can
cause damage to the heating elements:
 Use care when washing the inside of
the rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the window.
Use a soft cloth and a mild washing solution,
wiping parallel to the heating elements. Labels
can be peeled off after soaking with warm water.
 Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of
the window.
 Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
(fig. 57) Rear Wiper/Washer Control
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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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WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading,
road conditions, 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
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 than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position. 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.
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 Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will
illuminate. To turn the ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC OFF” button and the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” will turn off. This will
restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
(fig. 100)
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when driv-
ing 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 “Par-
tial Off ” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pressing the “ESC OFF” button. This may
be done while the vehicle is in motion.
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(Continued)
 On seven passenger models, do not allow a
passenger to sit in a third row seat with the
second row seatback(s) folded flat . In a collision,
the passenger could slide underneath the seat
belt and be seriously or even fatally injured.
EXHAUST GAS
WARNING!
 Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing CO follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling controls
to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.
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. The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the
exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the
vehicle is damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect
the complete exhaust system and adjacent body areas
for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned
parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compart-
ment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time
the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change.
Replace as required.
SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify
the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent
retractor, torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question
regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the seatbelt.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine
and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 km. After the
initial 100 km, speeds up to 80 or 90 km/h are desir-
able.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within
the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good
break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear
can be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
For the recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Servicing And
Care”. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand kilometers of operation. This should be con-
sidered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty. STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust
the inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt,
and if present, instruct all other occupants to buckle
their seat belts.
WARNING!
 Never leave children alone in a ve-
hicle. Leaving children in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A
child or others could be seriously or fatally in-
jured. 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, and
do not leave the ignition in the in the ACC or
RUN position. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
 Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup
may cause serious injury or death.
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FUSES
INTERIOR FUSES
The interior fuse panel is located on the passenger side
under the instrument panel.
CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse DescriptionF100 30 Amp
Pink 110V AC Inverter –
If Equipped
F101 10 Amp
Red Interior Lights
F102 20 Amp
Yellow Cigar Lighter inInstrument
Panel/Left Rear
Power Outlet
F103 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlet in
Console Bin/Power
Outlet in Rear ofConsole
F105 20 Amp
Yellow Heated Seats – IfEquipped
F106 20 Amp
Yellow Rear Power Outlet
F107 10 Amp
Red Rear Camera – IfEquipped
F108 15 Amp
Blue Instrument Panel
F109 10 Amp
Red Climate
Control/HVAC
F110 10 Amp
Red Occupant Restraint
Controller
Cavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse DescriptionF112 10 Amp
Red Spare
F114 20 Amp
Yellow Rear HVAC
Blower/Motor
F115 20 Amp
Yellow Rear Wiper Motor
F116 30 Amp
Pink Rear Defroster (EBL)
F117 10 Amp
Red Heated Mirrors
F118 10 Amp
Red Occupant Restraint
Controller
F119 10 Amp
Red Steering Column
Control Module
F120 10 Amp
Red All Wheel Drive – IfEquipped
F121 15 Amp
Blue Wireless IgnitionNode
F122 25 Amp
Natural Driver Door Module
F123 25 Amp
Natural Passenger DoorModule
F124 10 Amp
Red Mirrors
F125 10 Amp
Red Steering Column
Control Module
F126 10 Amp
Red Audio Amplifier
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CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse DescriptionF127 20 Amp
Yellow Trailer Tow – If Equipped
F128 15 Amp
Blue Radio
F129 15 Amp
Blue Video/DVD – IfEquipped
F130 15 Amp
Blue Climate
Control/InstrumentPanel
F131 10 Amp
Red Passenger
Assistance/Hands
Free System – IfEquipped
F132 10 Amp
Red Tire PressureModule
F133 10 Amp
Red Spare UNDERHOOD FUSES (POWER
DISTRIBUTION CENTER)
The power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment. (fig. 161)
Cavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse DescriptionF101 60 Amp
Yellow Interior Power
Distribution CenterRail
F102 60 Amp
Yellow Interior Power
Distribution CenterRail
F103 60 Amp
Yellow Interior Power
Distribution CenterRail
F105 60 Amp
Yellow Interior Power
Distribution Center
Rail Ignition Run
Relay
(fig. 161)
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