2012 FIAT FREEMONT instrument panel

LIGHTS
HEADLIGHT SWITCHThe headlight switch is located on the left side
of the instrument panel. This switch controls
the operation of the headlights, parking lights,
instrument panel lights, instrument panel light dim-
ming, interior lights and fog lights. (fig. 50)
Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first
detent for parking light and instrument panel light
operation. Rotate the headlight switch to the second
detent for headlight, parking light and instrument panel
light operation. AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS (for
versions/markets, where provided)
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off
according to ambient light levels. To turn the system
on, rotate the headlight switch counterclockwise to
the AUTO position. When the system is on, the
headlight time delay feature is also on. This means the
headlights will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you
turn the ignition switch OFF. To turn the automatic
system off, move the headlight switch out of the AUTOposition.
NOTE:
The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the automatic mode.
HEADLIGHTS ON WITH WIPERS
(AVAILABLE WITH AUTOMATIC
HEADLIGHTS ONLY)
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned
on if the headlight switch is placed in the AUTO
position. In addition, the headlights will turn off when
the wipers are turned off if they were turned on by this
feature.
NOTE: The Headlights On with Wipers feature can
be turned on and off using the Uconnect Touch™
System, refer to “Uconnect Touch™ Settings” in
“Knowing Your Vehicle” for further information.(fig. 50)
Headlight Switch
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DIMMER CONTROLS
The dimmer control is part of the headlight switch and
is located on the left side of the instrument panel.
(fig. 52)
Rotating the left dimmer control upward with the
parking lights or headlights on will increase the bright-
ness of the instrument panel lights.
DOME LIGHT POSITION
Rotate the dimmer control completely upward to the
second detent to turn on the interior lights. The
interior lights will remain on when the dimmer control
is in this position.INTERIOR LIGHT DEFEAT (OFF)
Rotate the dimmer control to the extreme bottom off
position. The interior lights will remain off when the
doors are open.
PARADE MODE (DAYTIME BRIGHTNESS
FEATURE)
Rotate the dimmer control upward to the first detent.
This feature brightens all text displays such as the
odometer, EVIC (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided), and radio when the parking lights or headlights
are on.
HEADLIGHT LEVELING SYSTEM (for
versions/markets, where provided)
This system allows the driver to maintain proper head-
light beam position with the road surface regardless of
vehicle load.
The headlight leveling switch is located next
to the dimmer control on the left side of the
instrument panel.
To operate, rotate the headlight leveling switch until
the appropriate number, which corresponds to the
load listed on the following chart, illuminates on the
switch.
0 Driver only, or driver and front passenger.
1 All seating positions occupied.
(fig. 52) Dimmer Control Switch
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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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HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
instrument panel switch bank, above the climate con-
trols.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a
second time to turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance,
the Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate
even though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning
flashers may wear down your battery. STORAGE
GLOVEBOX STORAGE
The glovebox storage compartment is located on the
passenger side of the instrument panel. Pull on the
release handle to open the glovebox storage compart-
ment. (fig. 63)
(fig. 63)
Glovebox Storage Compartment
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 Do not exceed the maximum power of
160Watts (13 Amps) at 12Volts. If the 160
Watt (13 Amp) power rating is exceeded
the fuse protecting the system will need to be
replaced.
 The power outlet on the bottom of the center
console shares the fuse with the power outlet on
the back of the console.The combined usage must
not exceed 160 Watts (13 Amps) at 12 Volts.
 Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not insert any other object in the power
outlets as this will damage the outlet and blow
the fuse. Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
(fig. 76)
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
 Only devices designed for use in this
type of outlet should be inserted into any 12 Volt
outlet .
 Do not touch with wet hands.
 Close the lid when not in use and while driving
the vehicle.
 If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an
electric shock and failure.
(fig. 76) Power Outlet Fuses
1 — F103 20 A Yellow Power Outlet Console Bin &
Power Outlet Console Rear
2 — F102 20 A Yellow Cigar Lighter Instrument Panel &
Power Outlet Left Rear Cargo Area
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WARNING!
A cargo cover that is unsecured in the
vehicle could cause injury in a collision. It
could become airborne during a sudden stop and
strike someone inside the vehicle. Do not store
the cargo cover on the cargo floor or in the
passenger compartment . Remove the cover from
the vehicle when taken from its mounting. Do not
store it in the vehicle. TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
Two latches must be released to open the hood.
1. Pull the hood release lever located under the left
side of the instrument panel. (fig. 97)
2. Outside of the vehicle, locate the safety latch lever near the center of the grille between the grille and
hood opening. Push the safety latch lever to the
right and then raise the hood. (fig. 98)
Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the upper end of the prop rod in the
hole on the underside of the hood. (fig. 99)
(fig. 97) Hood Release
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The front bumper assembly may affect proper opera-
tion of the Active Hood system. The front bumper
components should be inspected for damage and re-
placed if necessary in the event of a frontal impact, even
if it occurs at a low rate of speed.
NOTE:After any Active Hood deployment, the ve-
hicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam
the rear of the hood to reset it . Press the
rear of the hood down until it is approxi-
mately 5 mm above the fender.This should secure
both hood hinge reset mechanisms.
WARNING!
 Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in
your instrument panel or the “SERVICE
ACTIVE HOOD” message in the EVIC could mean
you won’t have the Active Hood to enhance pe-
destrian protection. 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, see your authorized
dealer.
 Modifications to any part of the Active Hood
system could cause it to fail when you need it . Do
not modify the components or wiring. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add an aftermarket front bumper or cover.
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
Active Hood system yourself. Be sure to tell any-
one who works on your vehicle that it has an
Active Hood system.
 Do not attempt to modify any part of your
Active Hood system.The Active Hood may deploy
accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for any hood service.
(Continued)
(fig. 128)
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WARNING!
 Child Restraint Anchorages are de-
signed to withstand only those loads im-
posed by correctly-fitted child restraints. Under
no circumstances are they to be used for adult
seat belts, harnesses or for attaching other items
or equipment to the vehicle.
 An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead
to increased head motion and possible injury to
the child. Use only the anchor positions directly
behind the child seat to secure a child restraint
top tether strap. SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) — AIR BAGS
This vehicle has Advanced Front Air Bags for both the
driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat
belt restraint systems. The driver's Advanced Front Air
Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger's Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The
words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the air bag
covers. (fig. 138)
NOTE:
These air bags are certified to the new
regulations for Advanced Air Bags.
(fig. 137) Seat Track Release Lever
(fig. 138)Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations
1 — Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bags
2 — Knee Bolsters (for versions/markets, where
provided)
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