2012 FIAT FREEMONT manual transmission

KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new FIAT vehicle. Be
assured that it represents precision workmanship, dis-
tinctive styling, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read this Owner's
Manual and all the supplements. Be sure you are familiar
with all vehicle controls, particularly those used for
braking, steering, and transmission shifting. Learn how
your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Your
driving skills will improve with experience, but as in
driving any vehicle, take it easy as you begin. Always
observe local laws wherever you drive.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information,
it should be stored in the vehicle for convenient
referencing and remain with the vehicle whensold. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a collision.
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds or while
intoxicated may result in loss of control, collision with
other vehicles or objects, going off the road, or over-
turning; any of which may lead to serious injury or
death. Also, failure to use seat belts subjects the driver
and passengers to a greater risk of injury or death.
To keep your vehicle running at its best, have your
vehicle serviced at recommended intervals by an au-
thorized dealer who has the qualified personnel, special
tools, and equipment to perform all service.
The manufacturer and its distributors are vitally inter-
ested in your complete satisfaction with this vehicle. If
you encounter a service or warranty problem, which is
not resolved to your satisfaction, discuss the matter
with your dealer's management.
Your authorized dealer will be happy to assist you with
any questions about your vehicle.
1
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

motor will engage automatically, run for 10 seconds,
and then disengage. Once this occurs, release the
accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, wait 10 to
15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
NORMAL STARTING – DIESEL ENGINE
Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position bypressing the ENGINE START/STOP button twice.
2. Watch the “Wait To Start Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in
“Warning Lights And Messages” for further infor-
mation. It will illuminate for two to ten seconds or
more, depending on engine temperature. When the
“Wait To Start Indicator Light” goes out, the engine
is ready to start.
3. DO NOT press the accelerator. To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
Press the brake pedal (automatic transmission only)
or press and hold the clutch pedal (manual transmis-
sion only) while pressing and holding the ENGINE
START/STOP button. Release the button when the
engine starts. NOTE:
The starter motor may need to remain en-
gaged for up to 30 seconds in very cold conditions until
the engine is started. If the vehicle does not start,
release the button. Wait for 25-30 seconds and then
try to start again.
4. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for approxi- mately 30 seconds before driving. This allows oil to
circulate and lubricate the turbocharger.
To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
1. With the vehicle stopped, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, then press and release the ENGINE
START/STOP button.
2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
3. Place the shift lever in first gear or Reverse and then apply the parking brake.
NOTE:
• If the ignition switch is left in the ACC position, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity and the ignition will switch to the OFF posi-tion.
• If the ignition switch is left in the RUN position, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity if the vehicle speed is 0 km/h and the engine is
not running.
• If the vehicle speed is above 8 km/h, the ENGINE
START/STOP button must be held for two seconds
198
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmis-
sion in REVERSE or first gear.
Manual Transmission – For Versions/Markets,
Where Provided
The parking brake lever is located in the center con-
sole. To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as
firmly as possible. To release the parking brake, pull the
lever up slightly, press the center button, then lower
the lever completely. (fig. 141)Automatic Transmission – For Versions/Markets,
Where Provided
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage. (fig. 142)
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the automatic
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime(fig. 141)
Parking Brake
(fig. 142)Parking Brake
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KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
 Never use PARK position on an auto-
matic transmission as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
 Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the park-
ing brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and
remove the key fob from the ignition.When leav-
ing the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
and do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC
or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident .
 Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, a manual trans-
mission in REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage
or injury.
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on
with the parking brake released, a brake
system malfunction is indicated. Have
the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
201
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you
leave the vehicle unattended without
having the parking brake fully applied.The park-
ing brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelera-
tor pedal. (fig. 143) Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
To shift into REVERSE, pull up on the ring just below
the gear shift knob and then move into the REVERSE
(R) position.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
NOTE:
During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher
shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to thetransmission.
(fig. 143) Shift Pattern(Six-Speed)
202
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The shift lever position display (located in the instru-
ment panel cluster) indicates the transmission gear
range. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift
lever out of the PARK position (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section).
To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL
to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred kilometers.
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and
the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the
brake pedal when moving the shift lever between thesegears.
The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick
®
shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick
®shift
control (refer to “AutoStick
®” in “Starting And Driv-
ing” for further information). Moving the shift lever to
the left or right (-/+) while in the AutoStick
®position
(below the Drive position) will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear in
the instrument cluster as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. (fig. 144) GEAR RANGES
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking
the transmission. The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is
in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may place the
shift lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on
(fig. 144)
Shift Lever
205
KNOWING
YOURVEHICLE SAFETYSTARTING ANDDRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW(Gross Trailer Wt.)
(5 and 7 Passenger Model) Max.Tongue Wt.
(5 and 7 Passenger Model)
3.6L/Automatic 3.7 sq m 1,100 kg 55 kg
2.0L Diesel/Manual 3.7 sq m 1,100 kg 55 kg
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
◊ The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo and it should
never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and
trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped
on your trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers. NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard, located on the face of the driver's door or on
the driver's side “B” pillar, for the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
216
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

(fig. 150)
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
1 Left Turn Signal Yellow
2 Rear Fog Light Blue
3a
Ground/Common Return for
Contacts (Pins) 1 and 2 and 4 to 8 White
4 Right Turn Signal Green
5 Right Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, and Rear Registration PlateIllumination Device.
b
Brown
6 Stoplights Red
7 Left Rear Position, Side Marker Lights, and Rear Registration PlateIllumination Device.
b
Black
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
8 Reverse lights Red/ Black
9 Permanent Power Supply (+12V) Brown/ White
10 Power Supply Controlled by Ignition Switch (+12V) Red
11
a
Return for Contact (Pin) 10 White
12 Reserve for Future Allocation Red/Blue
13
a
Return for Contact (Pin) 9 White
Note: The allocation pin 12 has been changed from
“Coding for coupled Trailer” to “Reserve for Future
Allocation.”
aThe three return circuits shall not be connected
electrically in the trailer.bThe rear position registration plate illumination device
shall be connected such that no light of the device has a
common connection with both pins 5 and 7.
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission (for versions/markets,
where provided)
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid clutch slippage.
(fig. 150) Thirteen-Pin Connector
220
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGWARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS