2012 FIAT FREEMONT ESP

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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Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide
range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 0.07 BAR per
7°C of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 20°C and the outside
temperature = 0°C then the cold tire inflation pressure
should be increased by 0.21 BAR, which equals 0.07
BARfor every 7°C for this outside temperature condi-tion.
Tire pressure may increase from 0.13 to 0.4 BAR during
operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build
up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or
conditions are such that the vehicle can be driven at
high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure
is very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced
vehicle loading may be required for high-speed vehicle
operation. Refer to original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle un-
der maximum load is dangerous. The
added strain on your tires could cause them to
fail. You could have a serious collision. Do not
drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity
at continuous speeds above 120 km/h.
RADIAL-PLY TIRES
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other
types of tires on your vehicle will cause
your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial ply tires
in sets of four. Never combine them with other
types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
SPARE TIRE MATCHING ORIGINAL
EQUIPPED TIRE AND WHEEL (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Your vehicle may be equivalent with a spare tire and
wheel in look and function as the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation 293
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FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE ENGINE
All engines are designed to meet all emissions regula-
tions and provide excellent fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high quality unleaded gasoline with a
minimum research octane rating of 91. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will not
provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these en-gines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful
to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock
at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service
is required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems
such as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you
experience these symptoms, try another brand of
gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturer's world wide have issued
and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the
Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel
properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasoline that
meets the WWFC specifications if they are available. Methanol
(Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is used in a variety of
concentrations when blended with unleaded gasoline.
You may find fuels containing 3% or more methanol
along with other alcohols called cosolvents. Problemsthat result from using methanol/gasoline or E-85 Etha-
nol blends are not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Metha-
nol, it does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
Do not use gasolines containing Metha-
nol or E-85 Ethanol. Use of these blends
may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system
components.
Ethanol
The manufacturer recommends that your vehicle be
operated on fuel containing no more than 10% ethanol.
Purchasing your fuel from a reputable supplier may
reduce the risk of exceeding this 10% limit and/or of
receiving fuel with abnormal properties. It should also
be noted that an increase in fuel consumption should
be expected when using ethanol-blended fuels, due to
the lower energy content of ethanol. Problems that
result from using methanol/gasoline or E-85 ethanol
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
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Use of fuel with Ethanol content higher
than 10% may result in engine malfunc-
tion, starting and operating difficulties,
and materials degradation.These adverse effects
could result in permanent damage to your vehicle.
Clean Air Gasoline
Many gasolines are now being blended to contribute to
cleaner air, especially in those areas where air pollution
levels are high. These new blends provide a cleaner
burning fuel and some are referred to as “reformulated
gasoline.”
The manufacturer supports these efforts toward
cleaner air. You can help by using these blends as they
become available.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gaso-
line blended with MMT provides no performance ad-
vantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces
spark plug life and reduces emission system perfor-
mance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends that gasoline without MMT be used in your
vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be
indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore, you should
ask your gasoline retailer whether or not his/her gaso-
line contains MMT. Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines
that have these additives will help improve fuel
economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle per-
formance.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should
be avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum
and varnish removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket
and diaphragm materials.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases
is deadly. Follow the precautions below
to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
 Do not inhale exhaust gases.They contain car-
bon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas,
which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed
area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked
vehicle with the engine running for an extended
period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area
with the engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to force
fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
(Continued)
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ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEALING WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE END OF ITS LIFE
FIAT has been committed for many years to safeguarding the environment through the constant improvement of its
production processes and manufacturing products that are increasingly “eco-compatible”.
To give customers the best possible service in terms of respecting environmental laws and in response to European
Directive 2000/53/EC governing vehicles at the end of their life, FIAT is offering its customers the opportunity of handing
over their vehicle* at the end of its life without incurring any additional costs.
The European Directive sets out that when the vehicle is handed over the last keeper or owner should not incur any
expenses as a result of it having a zero or negative market value.
In all European Union countries, until 1st January 2007, only vehicles registered after 1st July 2002 were collected free of
charge, while since 2007 collection has been free of charge irrespective of the year of registration as long as the vehicle
contains its basic components (in particular, the engine and bodywork) and has no additional waste.
To hand your vehicle over at the end of its life without extra cost, go to one of our Dealerships or FIAT-authorized
collection and scrapping centres.
These centres have been carefully chosen to offer high quality service for the collection, treatment and recycling of unused
vehicles with respect to the environment.
You can find further information on these collection and scrapping centres either from a FIAT or FIAT Commercial Vehicle
Dealership or by calling the freephone number 00800 3428 0000 or by going on the FIAT website.
(*) Vehicle for transporting passengers with a maximum of nine seats and a total permitted weight of 3.5 t304

Disposal of Used Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Drain, Flush, and Refill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Points to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Radiator Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . 281,301,302
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92,290
Data Recorder, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Defroster, Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Defroster, Windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64,193
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Diagnostic System, Onboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Diesel Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300,302
Diesel Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Dimmer Switch, Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Dipsticks Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Oil (Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272,273
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Disabled Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Door Locks, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Driving
On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Electric Remote Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) . . . . . . . . 89
Electrical Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Brake Assist System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Electronic Roll Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electronic Stability Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Traction Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) . . . . . . . . 81
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . 19,134
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195,271
Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Break-In Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Checking Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272,273
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Compartment Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280,302
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
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