2011 FIAT FREEMONT steering

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Electronic Speed Control takes
over accelerator operations at speeds greater than
40 km/h.
The Electronic Speed Control buttons are located on
the right side of the steering wheel. (fig. 58)
NOTE:In order to ensure proper operation, the
Electronic Speed Control System has been designed to
shut down if multiple Speed Control functions are
operated at the same time. If this occurs, the Electronic
Speed Control System can be reactivated by pushing
the Electronic Speed Control ON/OFF button and
resetting the desired vehicle set speed. TO ACTIVATE
Push the ON/OFF button. The Cruise Indicator Light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate. To turn the
system off, push the ON/OFF button a second time.
The Cruise Indicator Light will turn off. The system
should be turned off when not in use.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control
system on when not in use is dangerous.
You could accidentally set the system or cause it
to go faster than you want .You could lose control
and have an accident . Always leave the system
OFF when you are not using it .
TO SET A DESIRED SPEED
Turn the Electronic Speed Control ON. When the
vehicle has reached the desired speed, press the SET (-)
button and release. Release the accelerator and the
vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE: The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pressing the SET
button.
TO DEACTIVATE
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the
vehicle will deactivate Electronic Speed Control with-
out erasing the set speed memory. Pressing the ON/
OFF button or turning the ignition switch OFF erases
the set speed memory.
(fig. 58)
1 — ON/OFF 2 — RES +
4 — CANCEL 3 — SET - 75
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• The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for ashort time after the stop),
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
• Brake pedal pulsations, and
• 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-
tronic 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.
 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
to slow down or stop.
 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.
(Continued)(Continued)
 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.
Anti-Lock Brake Light The 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.
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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
physics 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. 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 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 Control (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 to
other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
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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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LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
the word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to
turn off the message. If the problem persists, the
message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions, you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds
and during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short amount of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced
power steering assist could pose a safety
risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.
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Prolonged operation of the steering sys-
tem at the end of the steering wheel
travel will increase the steering fluid tem-
perature and it should be avoided when possible.
Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as an-
ticipated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an
authorized dealer.Do not use chemical flushes in your
power steering system as the chemicals
can damage your power steering compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to pre-
vent injury from moving parts and to ensure
accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer's recommended power steer-
ing fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indi-
cated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid
from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for the
correct fluid type.
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STEERING WHEEL AUDIO
CONTROLS — IF EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the
rear surface of the steering wheel. The left and right-
hand controls are rocker-type switches with a pushbut-
ton in the center of each switch. Reach behind the
steering wheel to access the switches. (fig. 108)
RIGHT-HAND SWITCH FUNCTIONS
• Press the top of the switch to increase the volume.
• Press the bottom of the switch to decrease thevolume.
• Press the button in the center of the switch to change modes (i.e., AM, FM, etc.). LEFT-HAND SWITCH FUNCTIONS FOR
RADIO OPERATION
• Press the top of the switch to SEEK the next listen-
able station up from the current setting.
• Press the bottom of the switch to SEEK the next listenable station down from the current setting.
• Press the button in the center of the switch to tune to the next preset that you have programmed.
LEFT-HAND SWITCH FUNCTIONS FOR
MEDIA (I.E., CD) OPERATION
• Press the top of the switch once to listen to the next track.
• Press the bottom of the switch once either to listen to the beginning of the current track or to listen to
the beginning of the previous track if it is within one
second after the current track begins to play.
• Press the switch up or down twice to listen to the second track, three times to listen to the third track,
and so forth.
• Press the button located in the center of the switch to change to the next preset that you have
programmed.(fig. 108)Remote Sound Controls (Back View Of Steering Wheel) 127
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SAFETY
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
• Three-point lap and shoulder belts for all seating positions
• Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passen- ger
• Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) located on top of the front seats (integrated into the head
restraint)
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) that span the front, second, and third row
seating for the driver and passengers seated next to
a window
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
• An energy-absorbing steering column and steering wheel
• Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants
• Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event
• All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock
the seat belt webbing into position by extending the
belt all the way out and then adjusting the belt to the
desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a
large item in a seat — if equipped If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized
seat belts, the seat belts or ISOFIX feature also can be
used to hold infant and child restraint systems. For
more information, refer to ISOFIX — Child Seat An-
chorage System.
NOTE:
The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multi-
stage inflator design. This allows the air bag to have
different rates of inflation based on the severity and
type of collision.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
WARNING!
In an accident , you and your passengers
can suffer much greater injuries if you
are not properly buckled up. You can strike the
interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or
you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be
sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled
up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor
driver and cause an accident that includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.
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