2012 FIAT FREEMONT transmission fluid

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:
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When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds,
or while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick
®
mode (refer to “AutoStick
®” in “Starting And Driving”
for further information) to select a lower gear. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature
improves warm up time of the engine and transmission
to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the
torque converter clutch is inhibited until the transmis-
sion fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque
Converter Clutch” in this section). During extremely
cold temperatures (

• 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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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and
prevent damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on, or cross, a road or a
path where water is flowing and/or rising
(as in storm run-off ). Flowing water can wear
away the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Furthermore,
flowing and/or rising water can carry your vehicle
away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
 Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it . Never
drive through standing water that is
deeper than the bottom of the tire rims mounted
on the vehicle.
 Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
 Do not exceed 8 km/h when driving through
standing water.This will minimize wave effects. Driving through standing water may
cause damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain
components. Always inspect your vehi-
cle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc .)
for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through
standing water. Do not continue to operate the
vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out , and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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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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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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