2014 FIAT FREEMONT Owners Manual

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. You may:
• Disconnect the battery negative cable.
• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out ofservice (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.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worth-
while with aggressive tread designs such as those on all
season type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help
to maintain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
NOTE: Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular
wear.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is on the left
front corner of the instrument panel and is visible from
outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears stamped on the right front door sill
under the sill moulding and printed on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title.
(fig. 198)
(fig. 199)
NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
(fig. 198)
VIN Location(fig. 199)Stamped VIN Location
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TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are danger-
ous an d

can cause collisions.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in over-heating and tire failure.
• Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability to cush-
ion shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes
can cause damage that result in tire failure.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems.You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift
totherightorleft.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnor-
mal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a
need for earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation also
increases tire rolling resistance resulting in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride. Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of
sluggish response or over responsiveness in the steer-
ing.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver's side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver's side
door.
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At least once a month:
•
Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires
may look properly inflated even when they are under-
inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire
pressure, always reinstall the valve stem
cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt
from entering the valve stem, which could damage
the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pres-
sure 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 infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide
range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 7 kPa per 7°C
of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
winter. Example: If garage temperature = 20°C and the outside
temperature = 0°C then the cold tire inflation pressure
should be increased by 21 kPa, which equals 7 kPa for
every 7°C for this outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 13 to 40 kPa during
operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build
up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or
conditions are such that the vehicle can be driven at
high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure
is very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced
vehicle loading may be required for high-speed vehicle
operation. Refer to your authorized tire dealer or
original equipment vehicle dealer for recommended
safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle un-
der maxim um

load is dangerous. The
added strain on your tires could cause them to
fail. You could have a serious collision. Do not
drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity
at continuous speeds above 120 km/h.
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Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other
types of t

ires on your vehicle will cause
your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial ply tires
in sets of four. Never combine them with other
types of tires.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it
meets the following criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage is not repairable).
• The puncture is no greater than 6 mm.
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs and
additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have
experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced
immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical size
and service description (Load Index and Speed Code). Tire Types
All Season Tires (for versions/markets, where
provided)
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (spring,
summer, fall and winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All season tires can
be identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation
on the tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of
four; failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in snow
or on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires,
be aware these tires are not designed for winter or cold
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
authorized dealer. Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on
the tire sidewall.
Use summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
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Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow
tires during the winter. Snow tires can be identified by
a mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size
and type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely affect
the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than
what was originally equipped with your vehicle and
should not be operated at sustained speeds over
120 km/h. For speeds above 120 km/h refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire
inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states
prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.Run Flat Tires (for versions/markets, where
provided)
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive 80 km at
80 km/h after a rapid loss of inflation pressure. This
rapid loss of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat
mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 96 kPa. Once a Run Flat tire
reaches the run flat mode it has limited driving capa-
bilities and needs to be replaced immediately. A Run
Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at full
capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the run flat
mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for more
information.
Spare Tires (for versions/markets, where
provided)
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with TIREFIT instead of
a spare tire, please refer to “TIREFIT KIT” in “In an
emergency” for further information.
Because of the reduced ground clear-
ance, do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact , full
size or limited-use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result .
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Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And
Wheel (for versions/markets, where provided)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and
wheel equivalent in look and function to the original
equipment tire and wheel found on the front or rear
axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the
tire rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this
option, refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire (for versions/markets,
where provided)
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use
only. You can identify if your vehicle is equipped with a
compact spare by looking at the spare tire description
on the Tire and Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of the
tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equip-
ment tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since
the wheel is designed specifically for the compact sparetire. Do not install more than one compact spare tire
and wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary
emergency use

only. With these spares,
do not drive more than 80 km/h. Temporary use
spares have limited tread life. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the temporary
use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to your spare.
Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure
and loss of vehicle control.
Full Size Spare (for versions/markets, where
provided)
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only.
This tire may look like the originally equipped tire on
the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. This
spare tire may have limited tread life. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the temporary use
full size spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not
the same as your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and reinstall on the
vehicle at the first opportunity.
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Limited-Use Spare (for versions/markets,
where provided)
The limited-use spare tire is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire is identified by a label located on the
limited-use spare wheel. This label contains the driving
limitations for this spare. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited-use
spare tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the
same as your original equipment tire, replace (or re-
pair) the original equipment tire and reinstall on the
vehicle at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Limited-use spares are for emergency
use only. Ins

tallation of this limited-use
spare tire affects vehicle handling.With this tire,
do not drive more than the speed listed on the
limit-use spare wheel. Keep inflated to the cold
tire inflation pressures listed on your Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the driv-
er ’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver ’s
side door. Replace (or repair) the original equip-
ment tire at the first opportunity and reinstall it
on your vehicle. Failure to do so could result in
loss of vehicle control. Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do
not spin your vehicle's wheels above 48 km/h or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In an emer-
gency” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces gen

erated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire
could explode and injure someone. Do not spin
your vehicle's wheels faster than 48 km/h for
more than 30 seconds continuously when you are
stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
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