2012 FIAT FREEMONT brake fluid

BRAKE SYSTEMYour vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining system
will still function. However, there will be some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the “Brake System Warning Light”
will turn on as the brake fluid level drops in the master
cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine OFF) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required
to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that
required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
 Riding the brakes can lead to brake
failure and possibly an accident . Driving
with your foot resting or riding on the brake
pedal can result in abnormally high brake tem-
peratures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage.You wouldn't have your full brak-
ing capacity in an emergency.
 Driving a vehicle with the “Brake System Warn-
ing Light” on is dangerous. A significant decrease
in braking performance or vehicle stability dur-
ing braking may occur. It will take you longer to
stop the vehicle or will make your vehicle harder
to control.You could have an accident . Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle con-
trol under adverse braking conditions. The system
controls hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel
lock-up to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces
during braking. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS)” under “Knowing Your Vehicle/Electronic Brake
Control System” for further information.
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(Continued)
 Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and inter-
fering with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
 Never put floor mats or other floor coverings
on top of already installed floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings will reduce the
size of the pedal area and interfere with the
pedals.
 Check mounting of mats on a regular basis.
Always properly reinstall and secure floor mats
that have been removed for cleaning.
 Always make sure that objects cannot fall into
the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal causing a loss of
vehicle control.
 If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation
or mounting can cause interference with the
brake pedal and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle. PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
MAKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven
wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other
objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the
tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold infla-
tion pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check Turn Signal and
High Beam Indicator Lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering
fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
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The TPMS has been optimized for the
original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been
established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style.Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor
damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result . (Re-
fer to “Tire Inflation Pressures” under “Tires —
General Information” and to “Tire Pressure Moni-
tor System (TPMS)” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information).
10. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check,
if the driver's seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light
will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occu-
pant Restraints” in “Safety” for further information. 11. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem
with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with
the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) system. In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is
related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run
when applying the brake and a brake pedal pulsation
may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking
capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the
hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake
system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which
will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master
cylinder has dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE: The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
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vehicle as necessary to place the valve stem in this
position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual transmission) and turn Off theignition.
4. Set the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use TIREFIT:
1. Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to the Sealant Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
3. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto
the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws
or nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning ON the
TIREFIT kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shift lever in NEUTRAL. • After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1)
through the Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0
– 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn Off the TIREFIT
kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve
stem. Make sure the valve stem is free of debris.
Reconnect the Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob (5) is in the
Sealant Mode position and not Air Mode. Press the
Power Button (4) to turn On the TIREFIT kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if
available. Make sure the engine is running before
turning ON the TIREFIT kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previ- ous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (5) is on Air Mode
and the pump is operating, air will dispense from the
Air Pump Hose (7) only, not the Sealant Hose (6).
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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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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for the required maintenance intervals.
Thousands Of Kilometers30 60 90 120 150 180
Months 24 48 72 96 120 144
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure if required. • • • • • •
Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard lights, passenger compartment lights, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.). • • • • • •
Check windshield wiper/washer operation. • • • • • •
Check the position/wear of the windshield/rear window wiper
blades. • • • • • •
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and operation
of pad wear indicator. • • • • • •
Check rear disc brake pad condition and wear. • • • • • •
Conditions and visual check: bodywork exterior, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - braking
system), rubber elements (boots - sleeves - etc.), CV joints, front
suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, and replace if necessary. • • • • • •
Check cleanliness of hood latches, as well as cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages. • • • • • •
Check all fluid levels (engine coolant, brake/hydraulic clutch fluid,
windshield washer fluid, battery fluid, etc.), add if necessary. • • • • • •
Check the parking brake lever travel and adjust it, if necessary. • • • • • •
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Thousands Of Kilometers30 60 90 120 150 180
Months 24 48 72 96 120 144
Check exhaust fumes/emissions. • • • • • •
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge. • • • • • •
Check engine control system operation (via diagnostic socket). • • • • • •
Visually inspect the condition of the auxiliary drive belt. • •
Replace auxiliary drive belts. •
Check timing belt conditions. • •
Replace the timing belt (*). •
Replace fuel filter (Or at least change every 24 months). • • •
Replace air filter cartridge (Or at least change every 24 months). • • •
Change engine oil and oil cartridge (**) (***).
Change brake fluid. • • • • • •
Change pollen filter. • • • • • •
Replace rear drive assembly (RDA) fluid (for versions/markets,
where provided). • •
Replace power transfer unit (PTU) fluid (for versions/markets,
where provided). • •
* Regardless of the distance covered, the timing belt
must be changed every 4 years for particularly demand- ing use (cold climates, city driving, long periods of
idling) or at least every 5 years.
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