2012 FIAT FREEMONT service interval

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

Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge
to passH,the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off.
Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
 Transmission Temperature Warning Light This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If
this light turns on, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated and you continue
operating the vehicle, in some circumstances you
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
OIL CHANGE DUE
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Due” message will
flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds
after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next
scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent
upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position.
To turn off the message temporarily, press and release
the BACK button. To reset the oil change indicator
system please refer to a Fiat Dealership.
FUEL ECONOMY
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until “Fuel
Economy” displays highlighted in the EVIC and press
the SELECT button. The following Fuel Economy func-
tions will display in the EVIC:
23KNOWING
YOURVEHICLESAFETY
STARTING ANDDRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Prolonged operation of the steering sys-
tem at the end of the steering wheel
travel will increase the steering fluid tem-
perature and it should be avoided when possible.
Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as an-
ticipated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an
authorized dealer.Do not use chemical flushes in your
power steering system as the chemicals
can damage your power steering compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to pre-
vent injury from moving parts and to ensure
accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer's recommended power steer-
ing fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indi-
cated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid
from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for the
correct fluid type.
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KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmainte-
nance services determined by the engineers who de-
signed your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the
future.
 Failure to properly maintain your ve-
hicle or perform repairs and service when
necessary could result in more costly re-
pairs, damage to other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Immediately have
potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealership or qualified repair center.
 Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended mainte-
nance intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in
these components as the chemicals can damage
your engine, transmission, power steering or air
conditioning. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure. ENGINE OIL
Checking Oil Level – Gasoline Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil
level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground
and only when the engine is hot, will improve the
accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level
between the range markings on the dipstick. Either the
range markings consist of a crosshatch zone marked
SAFE or a crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low
end of the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
Adding 1 Liter of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the range marking will raise the oil level to the high
end of the range marking.
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the
engine will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an in-
crease in oil temperature.This could damage your
engine.Also, be sure the oil fill cap is replaced and
tightened after adding oil.
272
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc .) can provide a measure of
protection in the case of engine backfire. Do not
remove the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc .) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc .) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
You will never have to add water, and periodic mainte-
nance is not required.
NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment that
is located behind the left front fender and is accessible
through the wheel well. The wheel and tire assemble
do not need to be removed to access the compart- ment. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to
the right and remove the access panel from the inner
fender shield.
WARNING!
 Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solu-
tion and can burn or even blind you. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin,
or clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or on
skin, flush the area immediately with large
amounts of water.
 Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not
use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not
allow cable clamps to touch each other.
 Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
hands after handling.
274
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake fail-
ure 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 would not have your full brak-
ing capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads
wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Technical Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
 Use only manufacturer's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lu-
bricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
284
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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.
286
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Exhaust Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106,192
Fails to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Flooded, Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272,301,302
Oil Change Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,273
Oil Filler Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271,273
Oil Filter Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Oil Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Engine Oil Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Enhanced Accident Response Feature . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Entry System, Illuminated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Event Data Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Exhaust Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106,192,279
Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192,279
Exterior Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Exterior Light Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Exterior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194,249
Fabric Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Filler Location Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Filters Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,276
Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Engine Oil Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Flash-To-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Flashers Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73,194,226
Flooded Engine Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Floor Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Fluid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284,303
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272,273
Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122,303
Fluid, Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Fog Light Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249,250
Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72,226,249,250
Fog Lights, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230,250
Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,54
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298,300 Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Conserving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300,302
Ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
310
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS