2011 FIAT FREEMONT technical specifications

Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to
the environment. Contact your authorized dealer, ser-
vice station, or governmental agency for advice on how
and where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded
in your area.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc .) can provide a measure of
protection in the case of engine backfire. Do not
remove the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc .) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc .) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
NOTE:
The battery is stored in a compartment that
is located behind the left front fender and is accessible
through the wheel well. The wheel and tire assemble
do not need to be removed to access the compart-
ment. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to
the right and remove the access panel from the inner
fender shield.
WARNING!
 Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solu-
tion and can burn or even blind you. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin,
or clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or on
skin, flush the area immediately with large
amounts of water.
 Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not
use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not
allow cable clamps to touch each other.
 Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
hands after handling.
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 It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the
negative cable is attached to the negative post .
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and nega-
tive (-) and identified on the battery case. Cable
clamps should be tight on the terminal posts and
free of corrosion.
 If a “fast charger ” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger ” to provide starting volt-
age as battery damage can result .
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized
dealer at the start of each warm season. This service
should include cleaning of the condenser fins and a
performance test. Drive belt tension should also be
checked at this time.Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
 Use only refrigerants and compressor
lubricants approved by the manufac-
turer for your air conditioning system. Some un-
approved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved refrig-
erants or lubricants can cause the system to fail,
requiring costly repairs.
 The air conditioning system contains refriger-
ant under high pressure.To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refriger-
ant or any repair requiring lines to be discon-
nected should be done by an experienced
technician.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air con-
ditioning service be performed by authorized dealers
or other service facilities using recovery and recyclingequipment.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, com-
pressor oil, and refrigerants.
A/C AIR FILTER — IF EQUIPPED
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. 221
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WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while
the blower is operating or personal in-
jury may result .
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind
the glove box. Perform the following steps to replace
the filter:
1. Open the glove box and remove all contents.
2. Push the retaining tab on each side of the glove box inward while gently pulling the glove box door
outward until both tabs clear the door opening in
the instrument panel. (fig. 166)
3. Pivot the glove box downward. 4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the
filter cover to the HVAC housing and remove the
cover. (fig. 167)
5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight out of the housing.
6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the filter pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter
cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the
cover.
The A/C air filter is identified with an
arrow to indicate airflow direction
through the filter. Failure to install the
filter properly will result in the need to replace it
more often.
(fig. 166) Glove Box Removal
(fig. 167)A/C Air Filter Replacement
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7. Reinstall the glove box door. Make sure that thehinges are seated fully as you raise the door. Other-
wise, the door latch will not align properly.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease to
assure quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust
and wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the
parts concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust
and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should
be removed. Particular attention should also be given
to hood latching components to ensure proper func-
tion. When performing other underhood services, the
hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch should
be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice
a year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant directly into the lock
cylinder.
WIPER BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield and rear window periodically with a sponge
or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt, waxes, or road film, and
help reduce streaking and smearing. Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always
use washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt
or dirt from a dry windshield or rear window.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice
from the windshield or rear window. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on
to avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out
of contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies de-
pending on geographical area and frequency of use.
Poor performance of blades may be present with chat-
tering, marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition
is present please proceed to clean wiper blades with
humid cloth removing any debris that may be affecting
its function.
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Rear Wiper Removal/Installation – If Equipped
1. Lift the pivot cap on the rear wiper arm upward, thiswill allow the rear wiper blade to be raised off of the
liftgate glass. (fig. 168)
NOTE: The rear wiper arm cannot be raised fully
upward unless the pivot cap is raised first.
2. Lift the rear wiper arm upward to raise the wiper blade off of the liftgate glass.
3. Grab the bottom of the wiper blade and rotate it forward to unsnap the blade pivot pin from the
wiper blade holder. (fig. 169)
4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the wiper blade holder at the end of the wiper arm, and firmly press
the wiper blade until it snaps into place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot cap into place. ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer and the rear window washer
share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment. Be sure to check
the fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets
or exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This(fig. 168)
1 — Wiper Arm
2 — Pivot Cap
(fig. 169)1 — Wiper Blade
2 — Blade Pivot Pin
3 — Wiper Arm
4 — Wiper Blade Holder
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rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 4 Liters of washer
fluid when the message “LoWASH” appears in the
instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield
washer solvents are flammable. They
could ignite and burn you. Care must be exer-
cised when filling or working around the washer
solution.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
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 technician in-
spect the complete exhaust system and adjacent body
areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or misposi-
tioned parts. Open seams or loose connections could
permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger com-
partment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change.
Replace as required.
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, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust
Gas” in “Safety” for further information.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if
you park over materials that can burn.
Such materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that canburn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the engine
OFF, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter, obtain
service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifi-
cations immediately.
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To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
• Do not shut OFF the engine or interrupt the ignitionwhen the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec- tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING!
 When working near the radiator cool-
ing fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or
turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.The
fan is temperature controlled and can start at
any time the ignition switch is in the ON position.
 You or others can be badly burned by hot
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or
hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot .
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather,
where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appear-
ance, the system should be drained, flushed, and re-
filled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C
condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the con-
nection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing
to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose
of the old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution.
Selection Of Coolant – 2.0L Diesel Engine
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant
(antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-tion.
 Do not use HOAT (Hybrid Organic Ad-
ditive Technology) products in the Diesel
Engine.
 Do not use OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
products containing 2-EH (2–ethyl hexanol).
(Continued)
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(Continued)
 Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
 This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propyl-
ene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant – 2.0L Diesel Engine
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This coolant can be used up to five years or
168 000 km before replacement. To prevent reducing
this extended maintenance period, it is important that
you use the same coolant throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of
the engine coolant (antifreeze) and will require more
frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
WARNING!
 The warning words “DO NOT OPEN
HOT” on the cooling system pressure
cap are a safety precaution. Never add coolant
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine.
Heat causes pressure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not re-
move the pressure cap while the system is hot or
under pressure.
 Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result .
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules
for your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a
physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills
immediately.
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