2013 FIAT FREEMONT fuel

Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect
fuel economy and drivability.The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
 If the MIL is flashing while the engine is run-
ning, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE (for
versions/markets, where provided)
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
a “Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). If this occurs,
tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions, you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds
and during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
 Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not
indicate that there is a problem with the power
steering system.
 Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering pump may make noise for a short amount of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the
steering system. This noise should be considered
normal, and it does not in any way damage the
steering system.
127
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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 .
 After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap.This will pre-
vent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage theTire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.
NOTE:
 The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
 The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
 Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
 The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte- nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light.
 Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres- sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire
pressure in the tire.
BASE SYSTEM
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wire-
less technology with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors,
mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem,
transmit tire pressure readings to the receiver module.
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check
the tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle
monthly and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
 Receiver Module
 Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
 Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
130
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
S

TARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE
PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance
from your radio. This condition may be lessened or
eliminated by relocating the mobile phone antenna.
This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio
performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the
repositioning of the antenna, it is recommended that
the radio volume be turned down or off during mobile
phone operation.ADDING FUEL
FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP) (for
versions/markets, where provided)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.
(fig. 116)
Locking Fuel Filler Cap (for versions/markets,
where provided)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a locking fuel cap.
Use the standard blade key to lock/unlock this fuel cap.
(fig. 116) Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
163
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
S
TARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door
reinforcement.

Damage to the fuel system or emis-
sions control system could result from
using an improper fuel tank filler tube
cap (gas cap).
 A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
 A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
 To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off ” the fuel tank after filling.When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
 N
ever have any smoking materials lit
in or near the vehicle when the gas cap is
removed or the tank is being filled.
 Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine
is running.
 A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
 Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious injury or death.
NOTE:
 Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
 When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
164
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
S

TARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE (for
versions/markets, where provided)
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
a “Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). If this occurs,
tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started.165
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

NOTE:In a rollover the pretensioners and/or SAB
and SABIC air bags may deploy on both sides of the
vehicle.
Front And Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the
ORC in determining appropriate response to impact
events.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the fol-
lowing functions:
 Cut off fuel to the engine.
 Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or until the ignition is cycled off.
 Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
 Unlock the doors automatically.
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response
System functions after an event, the ignition switch
must be changed from IGN ON to IGN OFF. If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in
all collisions. This does not mean something is wrong
with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any
or all of the following may occur:
 The nylon air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and
front passenger as the air bags deploy and unfold.
The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or
those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymna-
sium floor. They are not caused by contact with
chemicals. They are not permanent and normally
heal quickly. However, if you haven't healed signifi-
cantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering,
see your doctor immediately.
 As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of
the process that generates the non-toxic gas used for
air bag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate
the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye
irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or
throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle
195
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

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 brake lights
and exterior lights while you work the controls. Check
turn signal and high beam indicator lights on the instru-
ment 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.
201
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

NOTE:If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or
RUN (engine not running) position and the transmis-
sion is in PARK, the system will automatically time out
after 30 minutes of inactivity and the ignition will switch
to the OFF position.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions –
With Driver’s Foot OFF The Brake Pedal (In
PARK Or NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to
an ignition switch. It has four positions, OFF, ACC,
RUN and START. To change the ignition switch posi-
tions without starting the vehicle and use the accesso-
ries follow these steps.
 Starting with the ignition switch in the OFF position:
 Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once to change the ignition switch to the ACC position,
 Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to change the ignition switch to the RUN
position,
 Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to return the ignition switch to the OFF position. EXTREME COLD WEATHER (BELOW
29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use
of an externally powered electric engine block heater is
recommended.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
WARNING!
 N
ever pour fuel or other flammable
liquids into the throttle body air inlet
opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This
could result in a flash fire causing serious per-
sonal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and
vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from
a booster battery or the battery in another ve-
hicle.This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting” in “In An
Emergency” for further information.
204
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSA
GES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS