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![FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English) NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 2 to 5 km of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque conve FIAT FREEMONT 2013 Owner handbook (in English) NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 2 to 5 km of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque conve](/manual-img/10/33591/w960_33591-227.png)
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 2 to 5 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
®shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission 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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Page 234 of 352
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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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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WARNING!
T
ake care to avoid the radiator cool-
ing fan whenever the hood is raised. It
can start anytime the ignition switch is ON.You
can be injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as watch
bands or bracelets that might make an inadver-
tent electrical contact . You could be seriously
injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn
your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Keep open
flames or sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis- sion into PARK and the manual transmission into
gear and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary elec- trical accessories.
3. Remove the protective cover over the remote posi- tive (+)battery post. To remove the cover, press
the locking tab and pull upward on the cover.
4. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set
the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each
ot
her as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could result .
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could
resul
t in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system
of the booster vehicle or the discharged
vehicle.
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to
the remote positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the booster
battery.
3. Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable to
the negative (-)post of the booster battery.
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WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the
si
de of the vehicle close to moving traf-
fic . Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever in PARK (automatic transmis- sion) or in GEAR (manual transmission) .
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite of the
jacking position. For example, if
changing the right front tire, block
the left rear wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked. Spare Tire Removal
NOTE:
On seven-passenger models, fold the third-
row passenger seats flat. This will provide more space
when accessing the jacking tools and when operating
the winch mechanism.
1. Remove the jack-handle components 1, 2 and 3 from storage and assemble them. (fig. 151)
(fig. 151) Lowering/Raising Spare Tire
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4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert a screwdriver or similar small tool into theaccess port, and push and hold the override release
lever forward.
6. Move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover. FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around
the front wheels. Then shift back and forth between
DRIVE and REVERSE (with automatic transmission) or
2nd gear and REVERSE (with manual transmission),
while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine.
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating
and failure. Allow the engine to idle with
the transmission in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles.
This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of transmission failure during prolonged ef-
forts to free a stuck vehicle.
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