2016 FIAT FREEMONT maintenance

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers
as they may adversely affect seals.
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can dam-
age your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check - Six-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore
the transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with
an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit
your authorized dealer immediately. Se-
vere transmission damage may occur.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
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.
Fluid Level Check — Four-Speed Automatic
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
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Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Do not add any materials (other than leak detec-
tion dyes). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Specifications” for further informa-
tion.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Change the manual transmission fluid at the intervals
shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.
REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY (RDA) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) – AWD
MODELS ONLY
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage.
If leakage is detected, Check the fluid level by removing
the fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained be-
tween the bottom of the fill hole to 4 mm below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
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Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
APPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTION
FROM CORROSION
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, ex-
treme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim,
and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corro-
sion resistance built into your vehicle.What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax to protect your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning
materials such as steel wool or scouring
powder that will scratch metal and
painted surfaces.
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Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped with an
electric defroster. Do not use scrapers or other sharp
instruments that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on
the towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray
cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution maybe used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth. Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a
collisi on

and leave you with no protec-
tion. Inspect the belt system periodically, check-
ing for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts
must be replaced immediately. Do not disas-
semble or modify the system. Seat belt assem-
blies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc .).
CLEANING THE CUP HOLDERS
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild deter-
gent.
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TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment
tires to help you in determining when your tires should
be replaced.
(fig. 210)
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the
tread grooves. They will appear as bands when the
tread depth becomes 2 mm. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further
information.LIFE OF TIRE
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
• Driving style
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across
the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will
reduce tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle
maintenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be re-
placed af

ter six years, regardless of the
remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning
can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in serious
injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from con-
tact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
(fig. 210)
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases
is deadly .

Follow the precautions below
to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases.They contain car-
bon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which
can kill. Never run the engine in a closed area,
such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running for an extended period.
If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with the
engine running for more than a short period,
adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, out-
side air into the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until re-
paired, drive with all side windows fully open.
• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your ve-
hicle to prevent carbon monoxide and other poi-
sonous exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL — 3.6L ENGINE
ONLY (for versions/markets where
provided)
E-85 GENERAL INFORMATION
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel
vehicles only. These vehicles may be identified by a
unique fuel filler door label that states Ethanol (E-85)
or Unleaded Gasoline Only. This section only cov-
ers those subjects that are unique to these vehicles.
Please refer to the other sections of this manual for
information on features that are common between
Flexible Fuel and gasoline-only powered vehicles.
(fig. 211) (fig. 212)
(fig. 211)
E-85 Fuel Cap
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SELECTION OF ENGINE OIL FOR FLEXIBLE
FUEL VEHICLES (E-85) AND GASOLINE
VEHICLES
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are in-
cluded in SELENIA K POWER fully synthetic engine
oils, and in equivalent oils meeting FIAT Qualification
9.55535-CR1 API SN, ILSAC GF-5. The manufacturer
only recommends engine oils that are API Certified and
meet the requirements of FIAT Qualification 9.55535-
CR1 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 that contain additional re-
quirements, developed during extensive fleet testing,
to provide additional protection for your engine. Use
SELENIA K POWER fully synthetic engine oils or an
equivalent oil meeting the requirements of FIAT Quali-
fication 9.55535-CR1 API SN, ILSAC GF-5.
STARTING
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for
use when ambient temperatures fall below -18°C. In
the range of -18°C to 0°C, you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start,
and a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesita-
tions) until the engine is fully warmed up.NOTE:
Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) is
beneficial for E-85 startability when the ambient tem-
perature is less than 0°C.
CRUISING RANGE
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per liter than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your kilometers per liter and
your driving range to decrease by about 30%, com-
pared to gasoline operation.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
are designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be
sure that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol
compatible parts.
Replacing fuel system components with
non-ethanol compatible components
can damage your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than
85% in your vehicle. It will cause difficulty
in cold starting and may affect drivability.
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CONTENTS
About Your Brakes..................... .140, 242
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) . . . . . .........141, 278
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) . . ............347
Adding Fuel ............................. .190
Adding Washer Fluid . . . .................... .343
Additives, Fuel . .......................... .380
Airbag................................ .205
Air Bag Advance Front Air Bag . ................205, 206
Air Bag Components . ................... .205
Air bag Operation ...................... .207
Air Bag Warning Light . ................... .213
Enhanced Accident Response . . . . ............212
Event Data Recorder (EDR) . . . . . ............215
FrontAirBag ......................... .205
If A Deployment Occurs . . . . . . .............211
Knee Impact Bolsters . . . . . . . . .............207
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............214
Side Air Bags . . . . . . . . .................. .208
Air bag Light ..................... .213, 235, 273
Air bag Maintenance ....................... .214
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......338
Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . ...........339
Air Conditioning Filter . . . .................90, 340
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips . . . . ..........89, 91
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone . . . . . . . . .........76, 86
Air Conditioning Refrigerant . . . ............339, 340
Air Conditioning System . ................... .339
Air Pressure, Tires ..................... .275, 370
Alarm (Security Alarm) ................... .16, 278
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............16, 18All Wheel Drive (AWD)
.................... .255
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle .................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............346, 347, 384
Disposal ............................ .348
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................141
Anti-Lock War

ning Light ..............141, 143, 278
Arming System (Security Alarm) .................16
Auto Down Power Windows ..................128
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................66
Automatic Door Locks ..................... .121
Automatic Headlights ........................92
Automatic Oil Change Indicator .................28
Automatic Transmission ................. .246, 351
Adding Fluid .......................... .352
Autostick ............................ .254
Fluid and Filter Changes .................. .354
Fluid Level Check ...................... .352
Gear Ranges .......................... .249
Autostick .............................. .254
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... .121
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .........112
Auxiliary Power Outlet ..................... .112
Back-Up Lights ........................... .305
Battery ................................ .338
Gas Caution .......................... .339
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) .........14
Location ............................ .338
Belts, Seat .............................. .234
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................341
B-Pillar Location .......................... .366
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