2012 FIAT FREEMONT brake light

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.
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.
116
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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.
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.
WARNING!
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road condi-
tions.
(Continued)
117
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

WARNING!
When in “Partial Off ” mode, the TCS
functionality of ESC, (except for the lim-
ited slip feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light”
will be illuminated. All other stability features of
ESC function normally. When in “Partial Off ”
mode, the engine power reduction feature of TCS
is disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the engine
running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and
the vehicle has been driven several kilometers at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diag-
nosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When
TSC is functioning, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” will flash, the engine power will be
reduced, and you will feel the brake being applied to
119KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the fourto 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,
• How fast the vehicle was traveling. These data can help provide a better understanding of
the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if
a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are re-
corded by the EDR under normal driving conditions
and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash
location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as
law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with
the type of personally identifying data routinely ac-
quired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is
required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is
needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other
parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if they have access
to the vehicle or the EDR.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your
pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and
possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic
braking or in an accident.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet har-
nesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
191
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

(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. PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
MAKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven
wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other
objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the
tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold infla-
tion pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check Turn Signal and
High Beam Indicator Lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering
fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
194
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLESAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
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 desirable.
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 “Maintaining
Your Vehicle”. 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!
 Before exiting a vehicle, always apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and remove the key fob from the
ignition. When leaving the vehicle, always lock
your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren 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 Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC
or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
(Continued)
195
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

(Continued)
 Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup
may cause serious injury or death.
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO This 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 – GASOLINE ENGINE
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK
or NEUTRAL. Press and hold the brake pedal while
pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The
system takes over and attempts to start the vehicle. If
the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 10 seconds. If you wish to stop the
cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting,
press the button again. To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. Place the shift lever in PARK, then press and release
the ENGINE START/STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
3. If the shift lever is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two seconds
and vehicle speed must be above 8 km/h before the
engine will shut off. The ignition switch position will
remain in the ACC position until the shift lever is in
PARK and the button is pressed twice to the OFF
position. If the shift lever is not in PARK and the
ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed once, the
EVIC (for versions/markets, where provided) will
display a “Vehicle Not In Park” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a vehicle out
of the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE: If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or
RUN (engine not running) position and the transmis-
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically time out
after 30 minutes of inactivity and the ignition will switch
to the OFF position.
196
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions –
With Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In
PARK Or NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to
an ignition switch. It has four positions, OFF, ACC,
RUN and START. To change the ignition switch posi-
tions without starting the vehicle and use the accesso-
ries follow these steps.
• Starting with the ignition switch in the OFF position:
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once tochange the ignition switch to the ACC position
(EVIC will display “ACC”),
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition switch to the RUN
position (EVIC will display “RUN”),
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition switch to the OFF position
(EVIC will display “OFF”).
EXTREME COLD WEATHER (BELOW29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use
of an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from your authorized dealer) is
recommended. IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flammable
liquids into the throttle body air inlet
opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This
could result in a flash fire causing serious per-
sonal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle
has a discharged battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from a booster battery or
the battery in another vehicle.This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to
“Jump Starting” in “In An Emergency” for further
information.
Clearing A Flooded Engine (Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button)
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather" proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
and hold the brake pedal, push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it, then press and release
the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The starter 197
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS