2014 FIAT FREEMONT engine overheat

4. Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a high tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
in heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the pointer
rises to the “H” mark, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. If the Air Conditioning A/C system is on, turn
it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
idle the vehicle. If the needle remains on the “H” mark,
turn the engine OFF immediately and call for service.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended
with the engine running, as you would not
be able to react to the temperature indi-
cator light if the engine overheats.
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN).
Keyless Enter-N-Go Feature™
This vehicle is equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-
Go™ feature, refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Start-
ing And Driving” for further information.
KEYLESS IGNITION NODE (KIN)
This feature allows the driver to operate the ignition
switch with the push of a button, as long as the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is in the passenger
compartment.
The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) has four operating
positions, three of which are labeled and will illuminate
when in position. The three positions are LOCK/OFF,
ACC, and ON/RUN. The fourth position is START.
During start RUN will illuminate.
NOTE: In case the ignition switch does not change
with the push of a button, the RKE transmitter (Key
Fob) may have a low or dead battery. In this situation a
back up method can be used to operate the ignition
switch. Put the nose side (side opposite of the emer-
gency key) of the Key Fob against the ENGINE START/
STOP button and push to operate the ignition switch.
(fig. 4)
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EVIC RED TELLTALE LIGHTS
This area will show reconfigurable red telltales. These
telltales include:
• Door AjarThis light will turn on to indicate that one or
more doors may be ajar.
• Oil Pressure Warning Light This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will
sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
• Charging System Light This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on when
the ignition is first cycled ON and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle's non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer. If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “In An Emergency”.
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
The light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position (for versions/markets,
where provided). The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light
is flashing when the engine is running, immediate ser-
vice is required. You may experience reduced perfor-
mance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
• Engine Temperature Warning Light This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this indicator will illuminate and a
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single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge
to passH,a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off.
Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
• Transmission Temperature Warning Light
(for versions/markets, where provided) This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If
this light turns on, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle
when t

he Transmission Temperature
Warning Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine
or exhaust components and cause a fire.
Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) — for
versions/markets, where provided
The Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) system is enabled on
vehicles with a manual transmission, or when a vehicle
with an automatic transmission is in manual shift mode.
The GSI provides the driver with a visual indication
within the EVIC when the recommended gear shift point
has been reached. This indication notifies the driver that
changing gear will allow a reduction in fuel consumption.
When the shift up indicator (+) is shown on the display,
the GSI is advising the driver to engage a higher gear.
(fig. 10) (fig. 11)
When the shift down indicator (-) is shown on the
display, the GSI is advising the driver to engage a lower
gear.
(fig. 12) (fig. 13)
The GSI indicator in the EVIC remains illuminated until
the driver changes gear, or the driving conditions re-
turn to a situation where changing gear is not required
to improve fuel consumption.
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REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave
the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never
turn of f

the ignition to coast down a hill.
These are unsafe practices that limit your re-
sponse to changing traffic or road conditions.You
might lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving
for any other reason with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL can result in severe
transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in “Starting and Driving” and “Towing A Dis-
abled Vehicle” in “In An Emergency” for further
information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds,
or while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for
further information) to select a lower gear. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal oper-
ating limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
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In AutoStick® mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when the driver moves the shift lever to the right
(+) or left (-), unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain in the selected
gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen,
except as described below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift whennecessary to prevent engine over-speed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in any gear except top gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in
second gear. Starting out in second gear is helpful in
snow or icy conditions. • If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is en- gaged.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick® is engaged.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick® mode, return the shift lever
to the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the
AutoStick® position at any time without taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on

a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could
skid, causing a collision or personal injury.
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•Racing the engine or spinning the
wheels may lead to transmission over-
heating and failure. Allow the engine to
idle with the shift lever 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
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 24 km/h, or drivetrain
damage may result .
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin
the wheels above 48 km/h while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces gen

erated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause damage, or even failure, of the
axle and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 48 km/h or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
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WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if
you par k

over materials that can burn.
Such materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the engine
OFF, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter, obtain
service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifi-
cations immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
• Do not shut OFF the engine or interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec- tors disconnected for prolonged periods. COOLING SYSTEMWARNING!
•
When working near the radiator cool-
ing fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or
turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
The fan is temperature controlled and can start at
any time the ignition switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from
under the hood, do not open the hood until the
radiator has had time to cool. Never tr y to open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radiator is
hot .
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.
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Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
WARNING!
• The warning words “DO NOT OPEN
HO T

” on the cooling system pressure
cap are a safety precaution. Never add engine
coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system.To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result . Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules
for your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a
physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills im-
mediately.
Coolant Level
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there
is no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking
for coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise
your service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When
additional coolant is needed to maintain the proper
level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not
overfill.
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KNOWING
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WARNING LIGHTSAND
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CONTENTS