2015 FIAT FREEMONT Engine

•Turn the rear wiper off when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage
to the rear wiper may result if the rear
wiper switch is left in the ON position.
• In cold weather, always turn off the rear wiper
switch and allow the rear wiper to return to the
park position before turning off the engine. If the
rear wiper switch is left on and the rear wiper
freezes to the window, damage to the rear wiper
motor may occur when the vehicle is restarted.
• Always remove any buildup of snow that pre-
vents the rear wiper blade from returning to the
park position. If the rear wiper control is turned
off and the blade cannot return to the park
position, damage to the rear wiper motor may
occur.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear window defroster button is located on
the climate control panel. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated
outside mirrors (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided). An indicator in the button will illuminate when
the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. NOTE:
To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
rear window defroster only when the engine is oper-
ating.
Failure to follow these cautions can
cause damage to the heating elements:
• Use care when washing the inside of
the rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the window.
Use a soft cloth and a mild washing solution,
wiping parallel to the heating elements. Labels
can be peeled off after soaking with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of
the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the win-
dow.
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•Many accessories that can be plugged
in draw power from the vehicle's battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular
phones, etc .). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge suffi-
ciently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the
engine from starting.
• Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., cool-
ers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc .) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
• After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
• Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug.CUPHOLDERS
There are two cupholders, located in the center floor
console, for the front passengers.
(fig. 87)
For passengers in the second row there are two cup-
holders, located in the center armrest between the
two seats.
(fig. 87)
Floor Console Cupholders
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BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining system
will still function. However, there will be some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the “Brake System Warning Light”
will turn on as the brake fluid level drops in the master
cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine OFF) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required
to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that
required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
• Riding the brakes can lead to brake
f ailure

and possibly a collision. 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.
• Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning
Light” on is dangerous. A significant decrease in
braking performance or vehicle stability during
braking may occur. It will take you longer to stop
the vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to
control. You could have a collision. Have the ve-
hicle checked immediately.
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TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration
and stability. A feature of the TCS system, Brake Lim-
ited Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited
slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a
driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning
faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of
the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque
to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This
feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in the
“Partial Off ” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC)” for further information.
ELECTRONIC ROLL MITIGATION (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the
rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle's
speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it
then applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the
chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
driving maneuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due toother factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading,
road c on

ditions, and driving conditions,
influence the chance that wheel lift or rollover
may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or
rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles.The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability
of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC
corrects for over-steering and under-steering the ve-
hicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
path that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the
actual path does not match the intended path, the ESC
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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. 112)
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
fun ct

ionality of ESC (except for the lim-
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. 112)
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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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
s w

aying. 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.
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.
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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
surf a

ce 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 7°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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