2012 FIAT FREEMONT automatic transmission fluid

• the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-perature,
• the engine coolant has reached an adequate tem- perature, and
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages auto-
matically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a
slightly different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch auto-
matically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1.6 to 4.8 km of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the AutoStick
®feature, when the transmission
is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the trans-
mission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
This feature provides on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs
or additional driving skills required. Under normal
driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of
the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction,
power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The
greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the
power transfer to the rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will
be sent to the rear in a pre-emptive effort to improve
vehicle launch and performance characteristics.
All wheels must have the same size and
type tires. Unequal tire sizes must not be
used. Unequal tire size may cause failure
of the power transfer unit .
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Automatic Transmission (for versions/markets,
where provided)
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range,
select a lower gear (using the AutoStick
®
shift con-
trol).
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the ve-
hicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and automatic transmission filter accord-
ing to the interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 16 km/h, disengage until you can get
back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick
®
By using the AutoStick
®shift control to select a specific
gear, frequent shifting can be avoided. Select the highest
gear that allows for adequate performance. For example,
choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained.
Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desiredspeed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to pr e-
vent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle speed
may be required to avoid extended driving at high RPM.
Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed when road
conditions and RPM level allows.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions: City DrivingWhen stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed. Highway DrivingReduce speed. Air ConditioningTurn off temporarily.
TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING POINTS
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow a
trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow hitch must
be attached to your vehicle using the provided attach-
ing points on the vehicle's frame. Refer to the following
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Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and
operation of pad wear indicator. • • • • • • • •
Check condition and wear of rear disc brake pads and
operation of pad wear indicator. • • • • • • • •
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
(brakes/hydraulic clutch, windshield washer, battery,
engine coolant, etc.). • • • • • • • •
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt/s. •
Check the handbrake lever stroke and adjust it, if
necessary. • • • •
Check exhaust gas emissions. • • • • • • • •
Check engine management system operation (via
diagnostic socket). • • • • • • • •
Replace the automatic transmission fluid and filter (*). •
Replace spark plugs. •
Replace accessory drive belt/s. •
Replace air filter cartridge. • • • •
Change engine oil and replace oil filter. every 12.000 km or every 6 months
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months). • •
Replace pollen filter. • • • • • • • •
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(*) Change the automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter(s) at 96 000 km or 48 months if using your vehicle
for any of the following: city driving, short (less than
7-8 km) and repeated journeys, or frequent trailer or
caravan towing.
Periodic Checks
Every1 000 km or before long journeys, check and, if
necessary, restore:
• engine coolant;
• brake fluid;
• windshield washer fluid level;
• tire inflation pressure and condition;
• operation of lighting system (headlights, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, etc.);
• operation of windshield washer/wiper system and positioning/wear of windshield/rear window wiper
blades.
Every 3 000 km , check and top up, if required, the
engine oil level. Heavy-Duty Use Of The Car
If the car is used mainly under one of the followingconditions:
• towing a trailer or caravan;
• dusty roads;
• short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub-
zero outside temperatures;
• engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long periods of idleness.
You should perform the following inspections more
frequently than shown on the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
• check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
• check cleanliness of hood and trunk locks, cleanli- ness and lubrication of linkage;
• visually inspect conditions of: engine, transmission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes - etc.);
• check battery charge and battery fluid level (electro- lyte);
• visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belts;
• check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
• check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter;
• check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
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(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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CHASSISComponent Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (for
versions/markets, where provided)TUTELA TRANSMISSION FORCE4 Totally synthetic lubricant that meets FIAT
Classification 9.55550- AV4
Manual Transmission (for
versions/markets, where provided) Grade SAE 75W synthetic lubricant that meets Qualification FIAT
9.55550-MZ6 (TUTELA TRANSMISSION GEARFORCE Contractual Technical
Reference No. F002.F10).
Wheel-Side Constant Velocity Joints Molybdenum disulphide grease, for use at high temperatures. FIAT 9.55580
certification. NL.GI. 1-2 consistency (TUTELA ALL STAR Contractual
Technical Reference No. F702.G07)
Differential-Side Constant Velocity
Joints Grease for constant-velocity joints with low friction coefficient. FIAT 9.55580
certification. NL.GI. 0-2 consistency (TUTELA STAR 700 Contractual Technical
Reference No. F701.C07)
Brake/Clutch Master Cylinder Synthetic fluid, FMVSS no. 116, DOT 4, ISO 4925 SAE J-1704. Qualification
FIAT 9.55597 (TUTELA TOP 4 Contractual Technical Reference No. F001.A93)
Power Steering Reservoir Please refer to your Dealership.
Windshield/Rear Window Washer Fluid Mixture of alcohol, water and surfactants CUNA NC 956-II FIAT 9.55522
certification (TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 Contractual Technical Reference
No. F201.D02)
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CONTENTS
About Your Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113,200
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) . . . . . . . . . . 113,114,229
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . 281,282
Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Additives, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . . . 274
Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Air Conditioning Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,276
Air Conditioning Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Air Conditioning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65,275
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227,292
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181,188
Airbag Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Airbag Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187,190,193,225
Airbag Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Airbag, Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183,186,188
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) . . . . . . . . . 184,186,188
Alarm (Security Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,230
Alarm System (Security Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,16
All Wheel Drive (AWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113,114
Anti-Lock Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114,115,229
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) . . . . . . . . . 15
Anti-Theft System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) . . . . . . . . . . . 281,282,301 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Auto Down Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Auto Unlock, Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Automatic Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Automatic Oil Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) . . . . . . . . . . 65
Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Fluid and Filter Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Selection Of Lubricant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Special Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) . . . . . . . . 89
Auxiliary Power Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Back-Up Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) . . . . . . . . 13
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Belts, Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159,193
Body Mechanism Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Booster Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Brake Assist System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Brake Control System, Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
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