2013 FIAT FREEMONT service

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced
po
wer steering assist could pose a safety
risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.Prolonged operation of the steering sys-
tem at the end of the steering wheel
travel will increase the steering fluid tem-
perature and it should be avoided when possible.
Damage to the power steering pump may occur. POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as an-
ticipated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an
authorized dealer.
Do not use chemical flushes in your
power steering system as the chemicals
can damage your power steering compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
sur
face and with the engine off to pre-
vent injury from moving parts and to ensure
accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer's recommended power steer-
ing fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indi-
cated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid
from all surfaces.
128
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
S

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

SERVICE THE PARKSENSE
®REAR PARK
ASSIST SYSTEM
When the ParkSense
®
Rear Park Assist system is
malfunctioning, the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) will actuate a single chime, once per
ignition cycle, and it will display the “CLEAN PARK
ASSIST”, “SERVICE PARK ASSIST” or “SERVICE PARK
ASSIST SYSTEM” message. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” for further information.
When the shift lever is moved to REVERSE and the
system has detected a fault condition, the EVIC will
display the “CLEAN PARK ASSIST”, “SERVICE PARK
ASSIST” or “SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” mes-
sage for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE. Under this
condition, ParkSense
®will not operate.
If “CLEAN PARK ASSIST” appears in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) make sure the
outer surface and the underside of the rear fascia/
bumper is clean and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt or
other obstruction and then cycle the ignition. If the
message continues to appear see an authorized dealer.
If “SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” or “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” appears in the EVIC, see your
authorized dealer.
CLEANING THE PARKSENSE
®SYSTEM
Clean the ParkSense
®
sensors with water, car wash
soap and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not scratch or poke the sensors. Otherwise, you
could damage the sensors.
PARKSENSE
®SYSTEM USAGE
PRECAUTIONS
NOTE:
 Ensure that the rear bumper is free of snow, ice,
mud, dirt and debris to keep the ParkSense
®system
operating properly.
 Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could affect the performance of ParkSense®.
 When you turn ParkSense
®off, the EVIC will display
“PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF.” Furthermore, once
you turn ParkSense
®off, it remains off until you turn
it on again, even if you cycle the ignition key.
 When you move the shift lever to the REVERSE position and ParkSense®is turned off, the EVIC will
display the “PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF” message
for as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE.
 Clean the ParkSense
®sensors regularly, taking care
not to scratch or damage them. The sensors must
not be covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or
debris. Failure to do so can result in the system not
working properly. The ParkSense
®system might not
detect an obstacle behind the fascia/bumper, or it
139
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind the fascia/bumper.
 Objects such as bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc., must not be placed within 30 cm from the rear
fascia/bumper while driving the vehicle. Failure to do
so can result in the system misinterpreting a close
object as a sensor problem, causing the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST” message to be displayed in the EVIC.
 ParkSense
®is only a parking aid and it
is unable to recognize every obstacle,
including small obstacles. Parking curbs
might be temporarily detected or not detected at
all. Obstacles located above or below the sensors
will not be detected when they are in close prox-
imity.
 The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense
®
in order to be able to stop in time
when an obstacle is detected. It is recommended
that the driver looks over his/her shoulder when
using ParkSense
®.
WARNING!
 Dr
ivers must be careful when backing
up even when using the Rear Park Assist
system. Always check carefully behind your ve-
hicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstruc-
tions, and blind spots before backing up.You are
responsible for safety and must continue to pay
attention to your surroundings. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
 Before using the Rear Park Assist system, it is
strongly recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected from the ve-
hicle when the vehicle is not used for towing.
Failure to do so can result in injury or damage to
vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball will
be much closer to the obstacle than the rear
fascia when the loudspeaker sounds the continu-
ous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its
size and shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
140
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
S

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

ACTIVE HOOD SYSTEM (for versions/
markets, where provided)
The Active Hood system is intended to enhance pe-
destrian protection by elevating the vehicle’s hood
upon an impact with a pedestrian or other object. The
system is automatically activated when the vehicle is
moving within a specified vehicle speed range. In order
to detect a range of pedestrians, other objects that are
impacted may result in an Active Hood deployment.
Deployment Sensors And Controls
The Electronic Pedestrian Protection Module (EPPM)
determines if deployment of the actuators in a frontal
impact is required. Based on the impact sensors signals,
the EPPM determines when to deploy the actuators.
The impact sensors are located within the front bum-
per area.
The EPPM monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the Active Hood system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If the key
is in the LOCK position, in the ACC position, or not in
the ignition, the Active Hood system is not on and the
Active Hood will not deploy.
The EPPM contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the actuators even if the battery loses
power or it becomes disconnected prior to deploy-
ment.Service Active Hood System
If the EPPM has deployed the Active Hood, or if it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the Air Bag Warning Light and it will display the
“SERVICE ACTIVE HOOD” message in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), for versions/
markets, where provided. A single chime will sound if
the Air Bag Warning Light comes on again after initial
startup. It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate
the Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is noted that
could affect the Active Hood system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction. If the Air Bag
Warning Light is illuminated, or if “SERVICE ACTIVE
HOOD” appears in the EVIC, see your authorized
dealer.
In the event of an Active Hood deployment, the vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer. The hood
hinges must be serviced and the actuator assemblies
replaced to restore system functionality.
Following an Active Hood deployment, the hood posi-
tion can be temporarily reset by pushing down at the
rear edge over the hood hinges as the internal pressure
of each actuator is relieved. The temporary hood reset
position is intended to improve forward driving visibil-
ity over the hood until the vehicle can be serviced. The
temporary hood reset position will leave the hood
174
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

approximately 5 mm above the fender surface.
(fig. 126)
The front bumper assembly may affect proper opera-
tion of the Active Hood system. The front bumper
components should be inspected for damage and re-
placed if necessary in the event of a frontal impact, even
if it occurs at a low rate of speed.
NOTE:After any Active Hood deployment, the ve-
hicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam
the rear of the hood to reset it . Press the
rear of the hood down until it is approxi-
mately 5 mm above the fender.This should secure
both hood hinge reset mechanisms.
WARNING!
 Ign
oring the Air Bag Warning Light in
your instrument panel or the “SERVICE
ACTIVE HOOD” message in the EVIC could mean
you won’t have the Active Hood to enhance pe-
destrian protection. If the light does not come on
as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, see your authorized
dealer.
 Modifications to any part of the Active Hood
system could cause it to fail when you need it . Do
not modify the components or wiring. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add an aftermarket front bumper or cover.
 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
Active Hood system yourself. Be sure to tell any-
one who works on your vehicle that it has an
Active Hood system.
(Continued)
(fig. 126)Temporary Hood Reset Position
175
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

(Continued)
 Do not attempt to modify any part of your
Active Hood system.The Active Hood may deploy
accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for any hood service.
 Drivers must be aware of pedestrians. Always
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, and obstructions.You are responsible for
safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
ENHANCED SEAT BELT USE REMINDER
SYSTEM (BELTALERT
®)
BeltAlert
®is a feature intended to remind the driver
and front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert®) to fasten their seatbelts. The feature is
active whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front
seat passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light will turn on and remain on until both front
seatbelts are fastened.
The BeltAlert
®
warning sequence begins after the
vehicle speed is over 8 km/h, by blinking the Seat Belt
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime.
Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the
entire duration or until the respective seatbelts are
fastened. After the sequence completes, the Seatbelt Reminder Light remains illuminated until the respective
seatbelts are fastened. The driver should instruct all
other occupants to fasten their seatbelts. If a front
seatbelt is unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater
than 8 km/h, BeltAlert
®will provide both audio and
visual notification.
The front passenger seat BeltAlert
®is not active when
the front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert
®may
be triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained
in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
BeltAlert
®can be enabled or disabled by your autho-
rized dealer. FIAT Group Automobiles S.p.A. does not
recommend deactivating BeltAlert
®.
NOTE: Although BeltAlert
®has been deactivated,
the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with
BeltAlert
®) seat belt remains unfastened.
SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat
belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother
safe is the best way to keep the baby safe.
176
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

The side air bags will not deploy in all side collisions.
Side air bag deployment will depend on the severity and
type of collision.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are
not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all
collisions, and also are needed to help keep you in
position, away from an inflating air bag.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position. If the ignition is in the OFF
position, or in the ACC position, the air bag system is
not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power
or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-
check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunc-
tion is noted that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in
y
our instrument panel could mean you
won't have the air bags to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a bulb
check when the ignition is first turned on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as
you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation
rates are possible, based on several factors, including
the collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub
193KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer's
instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have
deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the
air bags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt preten-
si
oners cannot protect you in another
collision. Have the air bags, seat belt pretension-
ers, and the front seat belt retractor assemblies
replaced by an authorized dealer immediately.
Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) system serviced as well.
Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the
air bag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any
of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.  The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition is first
cycled to the ON/RUN.
 The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight-second interval.
 The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any en-
gine related gauges are not working, the Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The
air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection.
Promptly check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to
the label located on the inside of the fuse block cover
for the proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer
if the fuse is good.
196
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
W
ARNING LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS