2013 FIAT FREEMONT Owner handbook (in English)

 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
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads
wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Technical Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
 Us
e only manufacturer's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lu-
bricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)(Continued)
 To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all
times. Brake fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in a lower boiling
point . This may cause it to boil unexpectedly
during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a acci-
dent .
 Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
 Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or complete
brake failure.This could result in an accident .
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
308
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may adversely affect
seals.
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can dam-
age your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – Six-Speed Automatic
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore
the transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized
dealer can check your transmission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid leakage or
transmission malfunction, visit your authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid
level can cause severe transmission damage.
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.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect manual transmission for leakage at each
oil change. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the
proper fluid level.
309
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and
a point not more that 4.7 mm below the bottom of the
hole.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Do not add any materials (other than leak detec-
tion dyes). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Change the manual transmission fluid at the intervals
shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.
REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY (RDA) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, Check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
310
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

APPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTION
FROM CORROSION
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, ex-
treme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim,
and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corro-
sion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
 Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
 Stone and gravel impact.
 Insects, tree sap and tar.
 Salt in the air near seacoast localities. Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
 Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
 Use a high quality cleaner wax to protect your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
 Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning
materials such as steel wool or scouring
powder that will scratch metal and
painted surfaces.
Special Care
 If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month.
 It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels, and cargo area be kept
clear and open.
 If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner.
311
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
CARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

 If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident orsimilar cause, which destroys the paint and protec-
tive coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as
possible. The cost of such repairs is considered the
responsibility of the owner.
 If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertiliz- ers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are
well packaged and sealed.
 If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
 Use Touch Up Paint or equivalent on scratches as soon as possible. Your authorized dealer has touch
up paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with
a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use a nonabra-
sive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel
wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use
acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the
wheels’ protective finish. Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure (for
versions/markets, where provided)
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following
manner:
 Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
 Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
 For tough stains, apply a mild soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the stain. Use a fresh,
damp towel to remove soap residue.
 For grease stains, apply a Multi-Purpose Cleaner or equivalent to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.
 Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of protectants on Stain Repel products.
Interior Care
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,
which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not
use protectants or other products, which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
312
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Cleaning Interior Trim
Interior trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners.
Cleaning Leather Upholstery
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by
regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles
of dirt can act as an abrasive and damage the leather
upholstery and should be removed promptly with a
damp cloth. Stubborn soils can be removed easily with
a soft cloth. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use
polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or
ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather uphol-
stery. Application of a leather conditioner is not re-
quired to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
pur
poses. Many are potentially flam-
mable, and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed. To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution
followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents,
steel wool or other aggressive material to clean the
lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped with an
electric defroster. Do not use scrapers or other sharp
instruments that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on
the towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray
cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may
be used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
313
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS
AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
CLEANING THE CUP HOLDERS
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild deter-
gent.VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days, you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery.
 Disengage the mini-fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
 Or disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
 Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run
the air conditioning system at idle for about five
minutes in the fresh air and high blower setting. This
will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize
the possibility of compressor damage when the sys-
tem is started again.
314
KNOWING YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTSAND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
C
ARETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONSCONTENTS