2015 FIAT FREEMONT manual transmission

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you
leave t

he vehicle unattended without
having the parking brake fully applied.The park-
ing brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelera-
tor pedal.
(fig. 157)
Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
To shift into REVERSE, pull up on the ring just below
the gear shift knob and then move into the REVERSE
(R) position.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
NOTE: During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher
shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the
transmission.
(fig. 157)
Shift Pattern (Six-Speed)
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The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick® (-/+) shift posi-
tions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick®
shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for
further information). Moving the shift lever into the
AutoStick® (-/+) position (below the Drive position)
activates Autostick® mode, providing manual shift
control and displaying the current gear in the instru-
ment cluster. In AutoStick® mode, tapping the shift
lever left (-) or right (+) will manually select the
transmission gear.
(fig. 158)
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before accelerat-
ing. This is especially important when the engine is
cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking
the transmission. The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is
in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the park-
ing brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
(fig. 158)
Shift Lever
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AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize en-
gine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situ-
ations.
OPERATION
When the shift lever is in the AutoStick position
(below the DRIVE position), it can be moved from side
to side. This allows the driver to manually select the
transmission gear being used. Moving the shift lever to
the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an
upshift. The current gear will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.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 when
necessary 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 first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear is helpful in snow or
icy conditions.
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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) (5 and 7 Passenger Model Max.Trailer Tongue
Weight ♦(5 and 7
Passenger Model)
2.4L/Automatic 2.0 sq m454 kg25 kg
3.6L/Automatic 3.7 sq m1,100 kg 55 kg
2.0L Diesel/Manual 3.7 sq m1,250 kg 62 kg
2.0L Diesel/Automatic 3.7 sq m1,100 kg 44 kg
When towing a trailer the technically permissible laden weight may be exceeded by not more than 10% or 100 kg,
whichever is lower provided that the operating speed is restricted to 100 km/h or less.
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
♦ The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo and it should
never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and
trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped
on your trailer hitch. Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
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TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission (for versions/markets,
where provided)
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission (for versions/
markets,where provided)
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
AutoStick® shift control to manually select a lower
gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the
transmission fluid and filter as specified for “police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the
“Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals. NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level (four-speed
transmission only) before towing. The six-speed trans-
mission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or trans-
mission malfunction, see your authorized dealer imme-
diately for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 16 km/h, disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick®
• When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the highest gear that allows for adequate performance
and avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose
“4” if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose
“3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return
to a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF
the Ground FWD MODELS MANUAL
TRANSMISSION FWD MODELS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION AWD MODELS
Flat Tow NONE • Transmission in NEUTRAL
• Ignition in ACC or ON/RUN
position NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front OK OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK OK OK
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, al-
ways follow applicable state and provincial laws. Con-
tact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for
additional details.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED.
The only acceptable method for towing this vehicle
(behind another vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all
four wheels OFF the ground.Towing this vehicle with ANYof its
wheels on the ground can cause severe
transmission and/or power transfer unit
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Manual
Transmission
Front-wheel drive vehicles withmanual transmis-
sions may be flat towed (with all four wheels on the
ground) at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if
the manual transmission is in NEUTRAL and the
ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
These vehicles may also be towed using a tow dolly
(with the front wheels OFF the ground), or on a flatbed
or vehicle trailer (with all four wheels OFF the ground).
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe en-
gine and/or transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models - Automatic
Transmission
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle
trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
This vehicle may also be towed using a tow dolly (with
the front wheels OFF the ground).
•
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped
with an automatic transmission. Damage
to the drivetrain will result . If these ve-
hicles require towing, make sure all drive wheels
are OFF the ground.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling
f an

whenever the hood is raised. It can
start anytime the ignition switch is ON.You can
be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadver-
tent electrical contact . You could be seriously
injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn
your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Keep open
flames or sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis- sion into PARK and the manual transmission into
gear and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary elec- trical accessories.
3. Remove the protective cover over the remote posi- tive (+)battery post. To remove the cover, press
the locking tab and pull upward on the cover.
4. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set
the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each
oth er

as this could establish a ground
connection and personal injury could result .
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump-starting pro-
cedure c

ould result in personal injury or
property damage due to battery explosion.
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system
of the booster vehicle or the discharged
vehicle.
Connecting The Jumper Cables
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to
the remote positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the booster
battery.
3. Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable to
the negative (-)post of the booster battery.
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