2012 FIAT FREEMONT Owner handbook (in English)

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded web-bing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the
top of the latch plate.
4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing.
SEAT BELTS IN PASSENGER SEATING
POSITIONS
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
or a cinching latch plate which are used to secure a
child restraint system. For additional information refer
to “Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt” under the “Child Restraint” section. The chart
below defines the type of feature for each seatingposition.
Driver Center Passenger
First Row N/A N/A ALR
Second Row ALR ALR ALR
• N/A — Not Applicable
• ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor
If the passenger seating position is equipped with an
ALR and is being used for normal usage:
Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfort-
ably wrap around the occupant's mid-section so as to
not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will
hear a ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the
webbing to retract completely in this case and then
carefully pull out only the amount of webbing neces- sary to comfortably wrap around the occupant's mid-
section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you
hear a "click."
AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR MODE
(ALR) (for versions/markets, where provided)
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-
locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is
available on all passenger-seating positions with a com-
bination lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking
Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating
position that has a belt with this feature. Children
12 years old and under should always be properly
restrained in the rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until
the entire belt is extracted.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety
belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic LockingMode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow
it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic
Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emer-
gency) locking mode.
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WARNING!
 The belt and retractor assembly must
be replaced if the seat belt assembly
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or
any other seat belt function is not working prop-
erly when checked according to the procedures in
the Service Manual.
 Failure to replace the belt and retractor assem-
bly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS
The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed
to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of an
accident. These devices may improve the performance
of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about
the occupant early in an accident. Pretensioners work
for all size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper
seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still
must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten-
sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner
or a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately. SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVE HEAD
RESTRAINTS (AHR) (for versions/markets,
where provided)
These head restraints are passive, deployable compo-
nents, and vehicles with this equipment cannot be
readily identified by any markings, only through visual
inspection of the head restraint. The head restraint will
be split in two halves, with the front half being soft
foam and trim, the back half being decorative plastic.
How The Active Head Restraints (AHR) Work
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines
whether the severity, or type of rear impact will require
the Active Head Restraints (AHR) to deploy. If a rear
impact requires deployment, both the driver and front
passenger seat AHRs will be deployed.
When AHRs deploy during a rear impact, the front half
of the head restraint extends forward to minimize the
gap between the back of the occupant’s head and the
AHR. This system is designed to help prevent or
reduce the extent of injuries to the driver and front
passenger in certain types of rear impacts.
NOTE:
The Active Head Restraints (AHR) may or
may not deploy in the event of a front or side impact.
However if during a front impact, a secondary rear
impact occurs, the AHR may deploy based on the
severity and type of the impact. (fig. 123)
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All occupants, including the driver, should
not operate a vehicle or sit in a vehicle's
seat until the head restraints are placed
in their proper positions in order to minimize the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident .
NOTE: For more information on properly adjusting
and positioning the head restraint, refer to “Adjusting
Active Head Restraints” in “Knowing Your Vehicle”. Resetting Active Head Restraints (AHR)
If the Active Head Restraints are triggered in an acci-
dent, you must reset the head restraint on the driver’s
and front passenger seat. You can recognize when the
Active Head Restraint has been triggered by the fact
that they have moved forward (as shown in step three
of the resetting procedure).
1. Grasp the deployed AHR from the rear seat.
(fig. 124)
2. Position the hands on the top of the deployed AHR at a comfortable position.
(fig. 123) Active Head Restraint (AHR) Components
1 — Head Restraint Front
Half (Soft Foam and Trim) 3 — Head Restraint Back
Half (Decorative Plastic
Rear Cover)
2 — Seatback 4 — Head Restraint Guide
Tubes
(fig. 124)
Hand Positioning Points On AHR
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3. Pulldownthenrearward towards the rear of the
vehicle then downto engage the locking mecha-
nism. (fig. 125) (fig. 126)
4. The AHR front soft foam and trim half should lock into the back decorative plastic half. (fig. 127)
NOTE:
• If you have difficulties or problems resetting the
Active Head Restraints, see an authorized dealer.
• For safety reasons, have the Active Head Restraints
checked by a qualified specialist at an authorized dealer.(fig. 125) 1 — Downward Movement
2 — Rearward Movement
(fig. 126)3 — Final Downward Movement To Engage Locking Mechanism(fig. 127) AHR In Reset Position
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ACTIVE HOOD SYSTEM (for versions/
markets, where provided)
The Active Hood system is intended to enhance pe-
destrian protection by elevating the vehicle’s hood
upon an impact with a pedestrian or other object. The
system is automatically activated when the vehicle is
moving within a specified vehicle speed range. In order
to detect a range of pedestrians, other objects that are
impacted may result in an Active Hood deployment.
Deployment Sensors And Controls
The Electronic Pedestrian Protection Module (EPPM)
determines if deployment of the actuators in a frontal
impact is required. Based on the impact sensors signals,
the EPPM determines when to deploy the actuators.
The impact sensors are located within the front bum-
per area.
The EPPM monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the Active Hood system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If the key
is in the LOCK position, in the ACC position, or not in
the ignition, the Active Hood system is not on and the
Active Hood will not deploy.
The EPPM contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the actuators even if the battery loses
power or it becomes disconnected prior to
deployment.Service Active Hood System
If the EPPM has deployed the Active Hood, or if it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the Air Bag Warning Light and it will display the
“SERVICE ACTIVE HOOD” message in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), for versions/
markets, where provided. A single chime will sound if
the Air Bag Warning Light comes on again after initial
startup. It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate
the Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is noted that
could affect the Active Hood system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction. If the Air Bag
Warning Light is illuminated, or if “SERVICE ACTIVE
HOOD” appears in the EVIC, see your authorized
dealer.
In the event of an Active Hood deployment, the vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer. The hood
hinges must be serviced and the actuator assemblies
replaced to restore system functionality.
Following an Active Hood deployment, the hood posi-
tion can be temporarily reset by pushing down at the
rear edge over the hood hinges as the internal pressure
of each actuator is relieved. The temporary hood reset
position is intended to improve forward driving visibil-
ity over the hood until the vehicle can be serviced. The
temporary hood reset position will leave the hood
approximately 5 mm above the fender surface.
(fig. 128)
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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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(Continued)
 Drivers must be aware of pedestrians. Always
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, and obstructions.You are responsible for
safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
ENHANCED SEAT BELT USE REMINDER
SYSTEM (BELTALERT
®)
BeltAlert
®is a feature intended to remind the driver
and front passenger (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided 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 seconds 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 sec-
ond 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 (for
versions/markets, where provided). 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.
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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. (fig. 129)
WARNING!
 “Extreme Hazard! Do not use a
rearward-facing child restraint on a seat
protected by an air bag in front of it!” Refer to
visor and door shut face mounted labels for infor-
mation.
 In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a projectile inside the vehicle.
The force required to hold even an infant on your
lap could become so great that you could not
hold the child, no matter how strong you are.The
child and others could be badly injured. Any child
riding in your vehicle should be in a proper re-
straint for the child's size.
(fig. 129)
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