2013 FIAT FREEMONT towing

 For fixed ball tow bar, loop the cable around the neckof the tow ball. If you fit the cable like this, use a single
loop only. (fig. 144) 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)
2.4L/Automatic 2.0 sq m454 kg22 kg
3.6L/Automatic 3.7 sq m1,100 kg 55 kg
2.0L Diesel/Manual 3.7 sq m1,250 kg 62 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.
(fig. 144) Fixed Ball Neck Loop Method
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TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside 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. TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:

Do not tow a trailer at all during the
first 805 km the new vehicle is driven.The
engine, axle or other parts could be dam-
aged.
 Then, during the first 805 km that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 80 km/h and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR ratings.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury
ac
cident . Follow these guidelines to
make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
 Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel.When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver to control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident .
 All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed on your vehicle.
 When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission,
steering, suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
 Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the frame or hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning cor-
ners.
(Continued)(Continued)
 Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake
on the tow vehicle. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
 GCWR must not be exceeded.
 Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following
four ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti- lized.
Towing Requirements – Tires
– Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
– Proper tire inflation pressures are essential for the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer
to “Tires – General Information” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for proper tire inflation procedures.
– Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres- sures before trailer usage.
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– 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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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.
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, use
the AutoStick
®shift control to select a lower gear.
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the ve-
hicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance 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
minutes of continuous operation, then change the
transmission fluid and automatic transmission filter as
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level (four-
speed transmission only) before towing. The six-speed
transmission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or trans-
mission malfunction, see your authorized dealer imme-
diately for assistance.
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
®(for versions/markets, where
provided)
– When using the AutoStick
®shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance
and avoids frequent downshifts. For example,
choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained.
Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired
speed.
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLETowing ConditionWheels OFF
the Ground FWD MODELS
MANUAL TRANS- MISSION FWD MODELS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONETransmission in
NEUTRAL
Ignition in ACC
or ON/RUN position If tranmission is
operable:
Transmission in
NEUTRAL
Ignition in ACC or
ON/RUN position
40 km/h max speed
24 kilometers max
distance NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift or Dolly
Tow Rear NOT ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED
Front OK OKNOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD OK
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All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a towing dolly) isNOT ALLOWED.
The only acceptable method for towing this vehicle
(behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all
four wheels OFF the ground.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Manual
Transmission
Front-wheel drive vehicles with manual transmis-
sions may be flat towed (with all four wheels on the
ground) at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if
the manual transmission is in NEUTRAL and the
ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
These vehicles may also be towed using a tow dolly
(with the front wheels OFF the ground), or on a flatbed
or vehicle trailer (with all four wheels OFF the ground). Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Automatic
Transmission
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped
with an automatic transmission. Damage
to the drivetrain will result . If these ve-
hicles require towing, make sure all drive wheels
are OFF the ground.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the
ground.
This vehicle may also be towed using a tow dolly (with
the front wheels OFF the ground).Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTIONS
1. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight sec-
onds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is
either not on during starting, stays on, or
turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occu-
pant Restraints” in “Safety” for further information.
2. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the
ON/RUN position, before engine start. If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause damage to the engine control sys-
tem. It also could affect fuel economy
and drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe cata-
lytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
ref
erenced above, can reach higher tem-
peratures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park
over flammable substances such as dry plants,
wood, cardboard, etc .This could result in death or
serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light (for versions/markets,
where provided) The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
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