2014 FIAT FREEMONT Owners Manual

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has two available operating modes.
Full On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started the system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving situations.
ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off ” for specific
reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off ” for additional
information.
Partial Off
The “ESC OFF” button is located in the switch bank
above the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off ”
mode, momentarily press the “ESC OFF” button and
the “ESC OFF” Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn
the ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC OFF”
button and the “ESC OFF” Indicator Light will turn off.
This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of opera-
tion.
(fig. 114)
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off ” mode by momentarily pressing the “ESC
OFF” button. Once the situation requiring “Partial
Off ” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momen-
tarily pressing the “ESC OFF” button. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
• When in “Partial Off ” mode, the TCS
fu n

ctionalityofESC(exceptforthelim-
ited slip feature described in the TCS section) has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator Light”
will be illuminated.When in “Partial Off ”mode,
the engine power reduction of TCS is disabled,
and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off ” mode.
(fig. 114)
ESC OFF Button
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ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHTThe “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the engine
running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
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 cycles, and
the vehicle has been driven several kilometers at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diag-
nosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. NOTE:
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is in Partial
OFF mode.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will
maintain the level of brake pressure the driver applied
for a short period of time after the driver takes their
foot off of the brake pedal. If the driver does not apply
the throttle during this short period of time, the
system will release brake pressure and the vehicle will
roll down the hill. The system will release brake pres-
sure in proportion to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the intended direction of
travel.
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HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
• Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate) grade orgreater hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing
uphill is in REVERSE gear).
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills
with a

loaded vehicle, or while pulling a
trailer where the system will not activate and
slight rolling may occur, which could cause a
collision with another vehicle or object . Always
remember the driver is responsible for braking
the vehicle.
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears when
the activation criteria have been met. The system will
not activate if the vehicle is placed in NEUTRAL or
PARK. Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
• If you use a trailer brake controller
wit h

your trailer, your trailer brakes may
be activated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, when the brake pedal is released,
there may not be enough brake pressure to hold
the vehicle and trailer on a hill and this could
cause a collision with another vehicle or object
behind you. In order to avoid rolling down the hill
while resuming acceleration, manually activate
the trailer brake prior to releasing the brake
pedal. Always remember the driver is responsible
for braking the vehicle.
• HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the
vehicle on a hill without putting the transmission
in PARK and using the parking brake, it will roll
down the hill and could cause a collision with
another vehicle or object . Always remember to
use the parking brake while parking on a hill, and
that the driver is responsible for braking the
vehicle.
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HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be done
using the Customer Programmable Features in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Knowing your vehicle” for further information.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When
TSC is functioning, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” will flash, the engine power will be
reduced, and you will feel the brake being applied to
individual wheels in an attempt to stop the trailer from
swaying.NOTE:
The TSC is disabled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off ” mode.
WARNING!
• TSC cannot stop all trailers from
sw ayin

g. Always use caution when tow-
ing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recom-
mendations. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting
and Driving” for further information.
• If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust
the trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
• Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM —
OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and auto-
matic transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light”
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect
fuel economy and driveability.The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
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.
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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 steeringwheel 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.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced
power s

teering 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.
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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
surfac e

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.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn
the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
0.07 BAR for every 6.5°C. This means that when the
outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on
cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at
least three hours, or driven less than 1.6 km after a
three hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure
must not exceed the maximum inflation pressure
molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Technical Specifications” for informa-
tion on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The
tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven.
This is normal and there should be no adjustment for
this increased pressure.
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The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if
the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low temperature effects
and natural pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not
turn off until the tire pressure is at or above the
recommended cold placard pressure. Once the low
tire pressure warning (Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale Light) illuminates, you must increase the tire pres-
sure to the recommended cold placard pressure in
order for the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light to
turn off. The system will automatically update and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn off
once the system receives the updated tire pressures.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 25 km/h in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.•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. Using aftermarket tire sealants may
cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After using
an aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended
that you take your vehicle to your local dealership
to have your sensor function checked.
• 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.
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