2011 FIAT FREEMONT ignition

RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance
from your radio. This condition may be lessened or
eliminated by relocating the mobile phone antenna.
This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio
performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the
repositioning of the antenna, it is recommended that
the radio volume be turned down or off during mobile
phone operation when not using Uconnect™ (ifequipped).ADDING FUEL
LOCKING FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)
The locking gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap and turn the
key one-quarter turn to the right, then rotate the
fuel cap to the left to remove.
3. After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This
keeps the gas cap suspended away from and pro-
tects the vehicle's surface. (fig. 110)
4. Rotate the ignition key back to the left to remove.
(fig. 110) Fuel Filler Door
130
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

ENHANCED SEAT BELT USE REMINDER
SYSTEM (BELTALERT
®)
BeltAlert
®is a feature intended to remind the driver
and front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert®) to fasten their seat belts. This feature is
active whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front
seat passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light will turn on and remain on until both front seat
belts are fastened. BeltAlert
®triggers within 60 sec-
onds of vehicle speed over 8 km/h. The reminder
sequence lasts for 96 seconds or until the respective
seat belts are fastened. After the sequence completes,
the Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until
front belts are fastened. The driver should instruct all
other occupants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat
belt is unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than
8 km/h, BeltAlert
®will chime as a single notification
and illuminate the Seat Belt Reminder Light, then will
proceed to the 96 second reminder sequence.
The front passenger seat BeltAlert
®is not active when
the front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert
®may
be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained
in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
NOTE:
• The BeltAlert
®can be enabled or disabled by your
authorized dealer. • The manufacturer of this vehicle does not recom-
mend deactivating the BeltAlert
®.
• If the BeltAlert
®
is deactivated, the Seat Belt Re-
minder Light will continue to illuminate as long as the
driver's seat belt is unbuckled/retracted.
SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat
belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother
safe is the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as pos-
sible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across
the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips
will take the force if there is an accident.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, including babies and children.
Children 12 years or younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained
in the rear seats rather than in the front.
141
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position. If the ignition is in the OFF
position, or in the ACC position, the air bag system is
not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power
or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunc-
tion is noted that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in
your instrument panel could mean you
won't have the air bags to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a bulb
check when the ignition is first turned on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as
you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation
rates are possible, based on the collision type and
severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to their full
size. The air bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 millisec-
onds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your
eyes. The air bags then quickly deflate while helping to
restrain the driver and front passenger.
The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air
bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
158
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag
(SAB) Inflator Units
The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
are designed to activate only in certain side collisions.
The ORC determines if a side collision requires the
side air bags to inflate, based on the severity and type ofcollision.
Based on the severity and type of collision, the side air
bag inflator on the crash side of the vehicle may be
triggered, releasing a quantity of non-toxic gas. The
inflating SAB exits through the seat seam into the space
between the occupant and the door. The SAB fully
inflate in about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag moves
at a very high speed and with such a high force that it
could injure you if you are not seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the side air bag
inflates. This especially applies to children.
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) Inflator Units
During collisions where the impact is confined to a
particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may
deploy the SABIC air bags, depending on the severity
and type of collision. In these events, the ORC will
deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the
vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
side curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag
pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way
and covers the window. The air bag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that ittakes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure
you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the side curtain
air bag inflates. This especially applies to children. The
side curtain air bag is only about 9 cm thick when it is
inflated.
Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over
time, vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators
of whether or not an air bag should have deployed.
NOTE:
In a rollover the pretensioners and/or SAB
and SABIC air bags may deploy on both sides of the
vehicle.
Front And Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the
ORC in determining appropriate response to impact
events.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the fol-
lowing functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or until the ignition is cycled off.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed. 159
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

(Continued)
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone
who works on your vehicle that it has an air bag
system.
 Do not attempt to modify any part of your air
bag system.The air bag may inflate accidentally
or may not function properly if modifications are
made.Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag
system for persons with disabilities, contact your
authorized dealer.
Air Bag Warning Light You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associ-
ated with air bag system electrical components. While
the air bag system is designed to be maintenance free.
If any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately. • The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition is first
cycled to the ON/RUN position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any en-
gine related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The
air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection.
Promptly check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to
the label located on the inside of the fuse block cover
for the proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer
if the fuse is good.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an
air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that
will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data related
to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in
this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts
were buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
161KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Air Bag Warning Light
The light should turn on and remain on for four to six
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, or if the
light stays on, flickers, or turns on while driving, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should be
able to feel the air directed against the windshield. See
your authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
WARNING!
Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and increase
the risk of serious personal injury.
 Always make sure that floor mats are properly
attached to the floor mat fasteners.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and inter-
fering with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
 Never put floor mats or other floor coverings
on top of already installed floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings will reduce the
size of the pedal area and interfere with the
pedals.
 Check mounting of mats on a regular basis.
Always properly reinstall and secure floor mats
that have been removed for cleaning.
 Always make sure that objects cannot fall into
the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal causing a loss of
vehicle control.
 If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation
or mounting can cause interference with the
brake pedal and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle.
164
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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.
166
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

KEYLESS ENTER-N-GOThis feature allows the driver to op-
erate the ignition switch with the
push of a button, as long as the Re-
mote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit-
ter is in the passenger compartment.
NORMAL STARTING – DIESEL ENGINE
Using the ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button twice.
2. Watch the “Wait To Start Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in
“Warning Lights And Messages” for further infor-
mation. It will illuminate for two to ten seconds or
more, depending on engine temperature. When the
“Wait To Start Indicator Light” goes out, the engine
is ready to start.
3. DO NOT press the accelerator. To start the engine, press and hold the clutch pedal while pressing and
holding the ENGINE START/STOP button. Release
the button when the engine starts.
NOTE: The starter motor may need to remain en-
gaged for up to 30 seconds in very cold conditions until
the engine is started. If the vehicle does not start,
release the button. Wait for 25-30 seconds and then
try to start again. 4. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for approxi-
mately 30 seconds before driving. This allows oil to
circulate and lubricate the turbocharger.
To Turn Off the Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. With the vehicle stopped, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, then press and release the ENGINE
START/STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
3. Place the shift lever in first gear or Reverse and then apply the parking brake.
NOTE:
• If the ignition switch is left in the ACC position, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity and the ignition will switch to the OFF posi-tion.
• If the ignition switch is left in the RUN position, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity if the vehicle speed is 0 km/h and the engine is
not running.
• If the vehicle speed is above 8 km/h, the ENGINE
START/STOP button must be held for two seconds
before the engine will shut off. The ignition switch
position will remain in the ACC position until the
vehicle is stopped and the button is pressed twice to
the OFF position.
167KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS