2013 FIAT FREEMONT brakes

– Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damagebefore towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Technical Specifications” for the
proper tire inspection procedures.
– When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Technical Specifications” for proper
tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a
higher load carrying capacity will not increase the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
– Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the
trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and pos-
sible personal injury.
– When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake
controller is not required.
– Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 450 kg and required for trailers in excess of 750 kg.
If the trailer weighs more than 450 kg
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and
they should be of adequate capacity. Fail-
ure to do this could lead to accelerated brake
lining wear, higher brake pedal effort , and longer
stopping distances.
WARNING!
 Do
not connect trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can
overload your brake system and cause it to fail.
You might not have brakes when you need them
and could have an accident .
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident .
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are
required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a seven-pin or a
thirteen-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved
trailer harness and connector.
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KNOWING
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SAFETY
STARTING
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LIGHTS
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SERVICING
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CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light
on
is dangerous. Part of the brake sys-
tem may have failed. It will take longer to stop
the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn
off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault
is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
12. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS). The light will turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake sys-
tem is not functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will continue
to operate normally if the Brake System Warning Light
is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be
serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefit of
Anti-Lock brakes. Furthermore, the ABS light should
be checked frequently to assure that it is operating
properly. If the light does not turn on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. (Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in “Knowing Your Vehicle” for
further information).
243KNOWING
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Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. 
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.        
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if
necessary.        
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment,
passenger compartment, glove compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.).        
Check windshield/rear window wiper blade
position/wear.        
Check operation of windscreen washer system and
adjust jets if necessary.        
Check cleanliness of hood and tailgate locks and
cleanliness and lubrication of linkages.        
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork,
underbody protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel
system - brakes), rubber elements (boots, sleeves,
bushes, etc.).        
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads.        
Check condition and wear of rear disc brake pads.        
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels
(brakes/hydraulic clutch, windshield washer, battery,
engine coolant, etc.).        
284
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SAFETY
STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
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SERVICING AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Periodic Checks
Every1,000 km or before long journeys, check and, if
necessary, restore:
 engine coolant;
 brake fluid;
 windshield washer fluid level;
 power steering fluid;
 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 following
conditions:
 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL
ENGINE
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
286
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STARTING AND
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WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Heavy-Duty Use Of The Car
If the car is used mainly under one of the following
conditions:
 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.
290
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

 Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
 Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in thecoolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also
be protected against freezing.
 If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
 Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
 Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
 Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Win- ter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
may result in unsatisfactory coolant performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
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.Car maintenance should be done at a
FIAT Dealership. For routine and minor
maintenance operations you wish to
carry out yourself, we do recommend you have
the proper equipment , genuine FIAT spare parts
and the necessary fluids; do not however carry out
these operations if you have no experience.
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.
307
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CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

CONTENTS
About Your Brakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118, 207
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) . . . . . . . . . .119, 120, 243
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305
Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301
Additives, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187, 194
Airbag Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Airbag Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193, 196, 199, 239
Airbag, Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189, 192, 194
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) . . . . . . . . . .190, 192, 194
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . . . .296
Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297
Air Conditioning Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73, 298
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Air Conditioning Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297, 298
Air Conditioning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68, 297
Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241, 317
Alarm (Security Alarm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 244
Alarm System (Security Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 17
All Wheel Drive (AWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) . . . . . . . . . . . .304, 305, 327 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .306
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119, 120
Anti-Lock Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120, 121, 243
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . .15
Anti-Theft System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Auto Down Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Automatic Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Automatic Oil Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211, 308
Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
Fluid and Filter Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213, 217
Auto Unlock, Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) . . . . . . . . . .94
Auxiliary Power Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Back-Up Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296 Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) . . . . . . . . .13
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
Belts, Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167, 199
Body Mechanism Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
Booster Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181
Brake Assist System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
Brake Control System, Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Brake, Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118, 307
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118, 307
Anti-Lock (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119, 120
Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .307
Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .307
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
333
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YOUR
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SAFETY
STARTING
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WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . . . . .239
Load Floor, Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Auto Unlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Child Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184, 185
Low Tire Pressure System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
Lubrication, Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Maintenance Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
Maintenance, General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294
Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
Maintenance, Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . .239
Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309 Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310
Lubricant Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210 Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
Frequency of Fluid Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310
Lubricant Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310
Map/Reading Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Marker Lights, Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
Master Cylinder (Brakes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .307
Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324
Methanol Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324 Mini-Trip Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60, 88
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Electric Powered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Electric Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Exterior Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Vanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Mode Fuel Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Monitor, Tire Pressure System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
Multi-Function Control Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps) . . . . . . . . .141, 143
New Vehicle Break-In Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166, 192, 195
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) . . . . . . . .189, 190, 192, 194
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel). . . . . . . . . . . . . .324, 328
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Oil Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 240
Oil Change Indicator, Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 240
Oil, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294, 328 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .327
Change Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 295, 296
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294, 295
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .294, 295
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .328
Filter Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
339
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS