2012 FIAT FREEMONT Owner handbook (in English)

2 All seating positions occupied, plus anevenly distributed load in the luggage
compartment. The total weight of
passengers and load does not exceed the
maximum load capacity of the vehicle.
Driver, plus an evenly distributed load in
the luggage compartment. The total
weight of the driver and load does not
exceed the maximum load capacity of the
vehicle.
Calculations based on a passenger weight of 75 kg.
MAP/READING LIGHTS
Refer to “Overhead Console” for further information
on Map/Reading Lights. ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to unlock the
doors or open any door or liftgate.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting in the
outside mirrors (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided). Refer to “Mirrors” in “Knowing Your Vehicle”
for further information.
The interior lights will fade to off after approximately
30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off once
the ignition is cycled to the ON/RUN position from the
OFF position.
NOTE:
• The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in the
"Dome ON" position (extreme top position).
• The Illuminated Entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “Dome defeat” position (ex-
treme bottom position).
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WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND
WASHERS
The windshield wiper/washer control lever is located
on the left side of the steering column. (fig. 53)
The front wipers are operated by rotating a switch,
located at the end of the lever. Refer to “Rear Window
Features” for further information on using the rear
window wiper/washer.
INTERMITTENT WIPER SYSTEM
Use the intermittent wiper system when weather con-
ditions make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause
between cycles, desirable. Rotate the end of the wind-
shield wiper/washer control lever to one of the first
five detents to select the desired delay interval.
(fig. 54)There are five delay settings, which allow you to regu-
late the wipe interval from a minimum of one cycle
every second to a maximum of approximately 36 sec-
onds between cycles at vehicle speeds below 16 km/h.
At speeds greater than 16 km/h, the delay varies to a
maximum of approximately 18 seconds between
cycles.
NOTE:
The wiper delay times depend on vehicle
speed. If the vehicle is moving less than 16 km/h, delay
times will be doubled.
WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION
Rotate the end of the lever upward, to the first detent
past the intermittent settings for low-speed wiperoperation.(fig. 53) Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
(fig. 54) Front Wiper Control
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Rotate the end of the lever upward to the second
detent past the intermittent settings for high-speed
wiper operation. (fig. 55)
NOTE:The wipers will automatically return to the
“park” position if you turn OFF the ignition switch
while they are operating. The wipers will resume op-
eration when you turn the ignition switch back to the
ON position.
 Turn the windshield wipers OFF when
driving through an automatic car wash.
Damage to the windshield wipers may
result if the wiper control is left in any position
other than OFF.
 In cold weather, always turn OFF the wiper
switch and allow the wipers to return to the park
position before turning OFF the engine. If the
wiper switch is left ON and the wipers freeze to
the windshield, damage to the wiper motor may
occur when the vehicle is restarted.
 Always remove any buildup of snow that pre-
vents the windshield wiper blades from returning
to the “park” position. If the windshield wiper
control is turned OFF, and the blades cannot
return to the “park” position, damage to the wiper
motor may occur.
WINDSHIELD WASHERS
To use the windshield washer, push the washer knob,
located on the end of the multifunction lever, inward to
the second detent.
If you activate the washer while the wiper control is in
the delay range, the wipers will operate in low-speed
for two or three wipe cycles after releasing the lever
and then resume the intermittent interval previously
selected.
(fig. 55) Front Wiper Control
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If you activate the washer while the wiper control is in
the OFF position, the wipers will operate for two or
three wipe cycles and then turn OFF.
WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the
windshield could lead to a collision. You
might not see other vehicles or other obstacles.To
avoid sudden icing of the windshield during freez-
ing weather, warm the windshield with the de-
froster before and during windshield washer use.
MIST FEATURE
Push the washer knob, located on the end of the
multifunction lever, inward to the first detent to acti-
vate a single wipe cycle to clear the windshield of road
mist or spray from a passing vehicle. The wipers will
continue to operate until you release the lever.
NOTE: The mist feature does not activate the
washer pump; therefore, no washer fluid will be
sprayed on the windshield. The wash function must be
used in order to spray the windshield with washer fluid. HEADLIGHT WASHERS (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
The Headlight Washers are recessed into the top of
the fascia, centrally located below each headlight.
The windshield wiper/washer control lever operates
the headlight washers when the ignition switch is in the
ON position and the headlights are ON. The lever is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To use the headlight washers, push the washer knob,
located on the end of the multifunction lever, inward to
the second detent to activate the windshield washers
and release it. When this is done, the two stationary
washer nozzles at each headlight spray one timed
high-pressure spray of washer fluid onto each headlight
lens. In addition, the windshield washers will spray the
windshield and the windshield wipers will cycle.
NOTE:
After turning the ignition switch and head-
lights ON, the headlight washers will operate on the
first spray of the windshield washer and then every
eleventh spray after that.
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
The rear window wiper/washer control is located on
the right side of the steering column. (fig. 56)Rotate the switch upward to the first detent
position for rear wiper operation.
Rotate the switch upward past the first detent
position to activate the rear washer. The washer
pump will continue to operate as long as the
switch is held. Upon release, the wiper will cycle three
times before returning to the set position. (fig. 57) If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is
turned to the LOCK position, the wiper will automati-
cally return to the “Park” position. When the vehicle is
restarted, the wiper will resume function at whichever
position the switch is set at.(fig. 56)
Rear Wiper/Washer
(fig. 57)Rear Wiper/Washer Control
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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 (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided). An indicator in the button 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.
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ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
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
(fig. 58)
1 — ON/OFF 2 — RES +
4 — CANCEL 3 — SET -
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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.
TO RESUME SPEED
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+)
button and release. Resume can be used at any speed
above 32 km/h.
TO VARY THE SPEED SETTING
When the Electronic Speed Control is set, you can
increase speed by pushing the RES (+) button. If the
button is continually pressed, the set speed will con-
tinue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.
Pressing the RES (+) button once will result in a 2 km/h
increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
button results in an increase of 2 km/h.
To decrease speed while the Electronic Speed Control
is set, push the SET (-) button. If the button is continu-
ally held in the SET (-) position, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released.
Release the button when the desired speed is reached,
and the new set speed will be established.
Pressing the SET (-) button once will result in a 2 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
button results in a decrease of 2 km/h.TO ACCELERATE FOR PASSING
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the setspeed.
Using Electronic Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain
the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Electronic Speed Control system main-
tains speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur
so it may be preferable to drive without Electronic
Speed Control.
WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be danger-
ous where the system cannot maintain a
constant speed.Your vehicle could go too fast for
the conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident . Do not use Electronic Speed
Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
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