2011 FIAT FREEMONT manual transmission

KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new FIAT vehicle. Be
assured that it represents precision workmanship, dis-
tinctive styling, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read this Owner's
Manual and all the supplements. Be sure you are familiar
with all vehicle controls, particularly those used for
braking, steering, and transmission shifting. Learn how
your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Your
driving skills will improve with experience, but as in
driving any vehicle, take it easy as you begin. Always
observe local laws wherever you drive.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information,
it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient
referencing and remain with the vehicle whensold.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a collision. Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds or while
intoxicated may result in loss of control, collision with
other vehicles or objects, going off the road, or over-
turning; any of which may lead to serious injury or
death. Also, failure to use seat belts subjects the driver
and passengers to a greater risk of injury or death.
To keep your vehicle running at its best, have your
vehicle serviced at recommended intervals by an au-
thorized dealer who has the qualified personnel, special
tools, and equipment to perform all service.
The manufacturer and its distributors are vitally inter-
ested in your complete satisfaction with this vehicle. If
you encounter a service or warranty problem, which is
not resolved to your satisfaction, discuss the matter
with your dealer's management.
Your authorized dealer will be happy to assist you with
any questions about your vehicle.
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KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you
leave the vehicle unattended without
having the parking brake fully applied.The park-
ing brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelera-
tor pedal. (fig. 133)
Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third. For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
To shift into REVERSE, pull up on the ring just below
the gear shift knob and then move into the REVERSE
(R) position.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
NOTE:
During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher
shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to thetransmission.
DOWNSHIFTING
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
If you skip a gear while downshifting or
downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you
could damage the engine, transmission,
or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to second or first when descending a steep
grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be
overburdened.
(fig. 133) Shift Pattern(Six-Speed)
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KNOWING
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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer
Wt.)
(5–Passenger Model Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer
Wt.)
(7–Passenger Model Max.Tongue Wt.
(5–Passenger
Model) Max.Tongue Wt.
(7–Passenger
Model)
2.0L Diesel/
Manual 3.7 sq m 1 100 kg 1 100 kg 55 kg 55 kg
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
◊ The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo and it should
never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and
trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped
on your trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers. NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard, located on the face of the driver's door or on
the driver's side “B” pillar, for the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
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KNOWING
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Pin Number Function Wire Color5 Right Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, andRear Registration Plate Illumination Device.
b
Brown
6 Stoplights Red
7 Left Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, and
Rear Registration Plate Illumination Device.
b
Black
8 Reverse lights Red/Black
9 Permanent Power Supply (+12V) Brown/White
10 Power Supply Controlled by IgnitionSwitch (+12V) Red
11
a
Return for Contact (Pin) 10 White
12 Reserve for Future Allocation Red/Blue
13
a
Return for Contact (Pin) 9 White
Note: The allocation pin 12 has been changed from
“Coding for coupled Trailer” to “Reserve for Future
Allocation.”
aThe three return circuits shall not be connected
electrically in the trailer.bThe rear position registration plate illumination device
shall be connected such that no light of the device has a
common connection with both pins 5 and 7. TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid clutch slippage.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over -
heating, take the following actions: City DrivingWhen stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed. Highway DrivingReduce speed. Air ConditioningTurn off temporarily.
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KNOWING
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
the Ground Manual
Transmission
Flat Tow NONE• Trans in
NEUTRAL
• Key in ACC
Dolly Tow Front OK
Rear NO
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions
may be recreationally towed (flat towed) at any legal
highway speed, for any distance, if the manual transmis-
sion is in NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in the ACCposition. NOTE:
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the
ground.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
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WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 or coolant bottle is hot .
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLETowing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Flat Tow NONE • Trans in NEUTRAL
• Ignition key in ACC
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Rear
NO
Front OK
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to pre-
vent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and
other equipment designed for the purpose, following
equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety
chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing
device to main structural members of the vehicle, not
to bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws
applying to vehicles under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters,
etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the
ON/RUN position, not the ACC position.
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KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGESIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

 Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Damage to the fascia will occur.
 When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
 Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result .
 If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC position.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle
with all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
Your vehicle may also be towed in a forward direction,
with all four wheels on the ground, the shift lever in the
NEUTRAL position, and the ignition key in the ACC
position. If the transmission is not operative, the ve-
hicle must be towed with the front wheels OFF the
ground (using a flatbed truck, towing dolly, or wheel lift
equipment with the front wheels raised). WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flatbed towing
is the preferred towing method. However, if a flatbed
towing vehicle is not available, wheel lift towing equip-
ment may be used. Rear towing (with the front wheels
on the ground) is not allowed, as transmission damage
will occur. If rear towing is the only alternative, the
front wheels must be placed on a towing dolly. Proper
towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to
the vehicle.
Failure to follow these towing methods
could result in severe damage to the
transmission. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads
wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Technical Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
 Use only manufacturer's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lu-
bricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)(Continued)
 To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all
times. Brake fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point . This may cause it to boil unexpectedly
during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a acci-
dent .
 Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
 Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or complete
brake failure.This could result in an accident .
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect manual transmission for leakage at each
oil change. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the
proper fluid level.
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KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS