2012 FIAT FREEMONT technical specification

(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 .
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where provided)
The automatic transmission and differential assembly
are contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life
of the transmission and the fluid.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be
maintained at the prescribed level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in
any transmission; only the approved lubricant may beused.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid
additives to the transmission. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers
as they may adversely affect seals.
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can dam-
age your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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Fluid Level Check – Six-Speed Automatic
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore
the transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized
dealer can check your transmission fluid level using a
special service dipstick. If you notice fluid leakage or
transmission malfunction, visit your authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid
level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect manual transmission for leakage at each
oil change. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the
proper fluid level.
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and
a point not more that 4.7 mm below the bottom of the
hole.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Do not add any materials (other than leak detec-tion dyes). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Change the manual transmission fluid at the intervals
shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.
REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY (RDA) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, Check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
APPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTION
FROM CORROSION
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, ex-
treme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim,
and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corro-
sion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt, and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap, and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax to protect your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
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Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning
materials such as steel wool or scouring
powder that will scratch metal and
painted surfaces.
Special Care
• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month.
• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels, and cargo area be kept
clear and open.
• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner.
• If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or similar cause, which destroys the paint and protec-
tive coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as
possible. The cost of such repairs is considered the
responsibility of the owner.
• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertiliz- ers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are
well packaged and sealed.
• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel. Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with
a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use a nonabra-
sive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel
wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use
acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the
wheels’ protective finish.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following
manner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply a mild soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the stain. Use a fresh,
damp towel to remove soap residue.
• For grease stains, apply a Multi-Purpose Cleaner or equivalent to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of protectants on Stain Repel products.
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Interior Care
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,
which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not
use protectants or other products, which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Cleaning Interior Trim
Interior trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners.
Cleaning Leather Upholstery
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by
regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles
of dirt can act as an abrasive and damage the leather
upholstery and should be removed promptly with a
damp cloth. Stubborn soils can be removed easily with
a soft cloth. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use
polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or
ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather uphol-
stery. Application of a leather conditioner is not re-
quired to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flam-
mable, and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm. Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution
followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents,
steel wool or other aggressive material to clean thelenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped with an
electric defroster. Do not use scrapers or other sharp
instruments that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on
the towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray
cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
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1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution maybe used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
CLEANING THE CUP HOLDERS
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild
detergent. TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worth-
while with aggressive tread designs such as those on all
season type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help
to maintain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is on the left
front corner of the instrument panel and is visible from
outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears stamped on the right front door
sill under the sill moulding and printed on the Automo-
bile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
(fig. 183) (fig. 184) TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
TIRE PRESSURE
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
(fig. 183)
VIN Location
(fig. 184)Stamped VIN Location
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Safety
WARNING!
 Improperly inflated tires are danger-
ous and can cause collisions.
 Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can
result over-heating and in tire failure.
 Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability to cush-
ion shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes
can cause damage that result in tire failure.
 Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.
 Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems.You could lose control of your vehicle.
 Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift
to the right or left .
 Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnor-
mal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a
need for earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also
increases tire rolling resistance resulting in higher fuelconsumption. Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver's side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver's side
door.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at
least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type
gauge to check tire pressure. Do not make a visual
judgement when determining proper inflation. Radial
tires may look properly inflated even when they are
under-inflated.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire
pressure, always reinstall the valve stem
cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt
from entering the valve stem, which could damage
the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pres-
sure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has
not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less
than 1.6 km after a three hour period. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
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