illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the RUN
position regardless of the fuel level (refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
Low washer fluid (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to RUN and when the
windshield washer fluid is low.
Bulb Warning (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the RUN position and one of the
exterior bulbs has burned out.
Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
Flashes when the Traction Controly
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. If the light
remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
AdvanceTrac (if equipped)
Flashes when the AdvanceTrac
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and/or adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
sideways wheelspin condition. If the
light remains on while the engine is
running, have the system serviced immediately.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Instrumentation
12
3. Pull out ashtray assembly.
Installation:
1. Insert ashtray into opening with face tilted upward.
2. Push face down until it clicks into position.
STEERING COLUMN LOCK (IF EQUIPPED)
The steering column will automatically lock when the key is removed
from the ignition. When the vehicle key is inserted into the ignition, the
steering column will automatically unlock. The steering column lock is
equipped on manual transmission vehicles only.
POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
(automatic transmission only) and
allows key removal.
2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel (if equipped).
3. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
4. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Key system
The vehicle is equipped with a master key; and may be equipped with a
valet key lock system. The master key will actuate the driver's door,
2
3
4
5
1
Controls and features
71
Push the control on the end of the
stalk to activate washer. Push and
hold for a longer wash cycle. The
washer will automatically shut off
after ten seconds of continuous use.
When the washer system senses low fluid in the washer bottle and the
control is pushed to activate the system, washer fluid will spray onto the
windshield (if the reservoir still has fluid in it), but the windshield wiper
will not automatically cycle if low fluid is sensed. The wiper must be
engaged by manually selecting a position on the wiper/washer control.
This is to let you know that the washer fluid is low or empty and needs
to be refilled. Refer to theWindshield Washer Fluidsection of the
Maintenance and Carechapter.
Moisture sensitive wipers (if equipped)
When the windshield wiper control
is set to INT and the intermittent
position is AUTO, moisture sensitive
front wipers automatically activate
when moisture accumulates on the
windshield. When the ignition is
turned to Off and then back to Run
and the wiper setting has remained
in AUTO position, the wipers may
cycle one time.
The moisture sensitive wiper feature should be turned off before
entering a car wash.
TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN
Power tilt/telescope steering column
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
INT
INTOFF
AUTO
INT
INTOFF
AUTO
Controls and features
73
The steering column can be
adjusted manually by moving the
four-way rocker adjustment control
located on the multi-function
control below the turn signal/wiper
control stalk. The control will adjust
the column as long as held or until
the column reaches the end of
travel.
The telescope function is adjusted
by moving the control toward the
driver to telescope out and moving
the control toward the instrument
panel to telescope in.
The tilt function is adjusted by moving the control up to tilt up and
moving the control down to tilt down.
The steering column positions are automatically saved and can be
recalled along with the vehicle personality features when a memory
position is selected through the remote entry transmitter or memory
switch on the driver's door (if equipped with memory feature).
During easy exit (if activated through the Message Center) operation,
the column will move to the full in and up position. When the key is
inserted into the ignition switch, the column will return to the previous
setting. When you remove the key, the column will move away.
If the steering column adjustment control is pressed during memory
recall it will cancel the automatic operation and the column will respond
to manual adjustment of the control.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
These controls allow you to operate some audio control features.
Controls and features
74
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metalº, ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
149
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Your brake handle may need to be
pulled up slightly to release
pressure before pushing in the
button.
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Driving
151
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
The Traction Controlysystem helps maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces. The system operates at all speeds by detecting and
controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and
mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads. This is especially evident if wheel spin-up should occur
while turning.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
Driving
152
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out
or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still help control wheels from over-spinning. When
the rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function
normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will
function normally during the cool down period.
AdvanceTracYStability Enhancement System (if equipped)
The AdvanceTracysystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steerability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking system
(ABS), Traction Controlyand a more advanced function to further
enhance the stability of the vehicle. The system shares many of the
electronic and mechanical elements already present in the Traction
Controlyand ABS systems.
The AdvanceTracyconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to
the driver's intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. When there is a discrepancy between the driver's inputs and
the vehicle motion, AdvanceTracychanges the force at each tire to help
control the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or
right, spin out, or slide sideways, the system will attempt to correct the
excessive motion. If the vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the
system will attempt to increase the turning response of the vehicle.
The AdvanceTracyenhances stability during maneuvers that require all
available tire traction to control the vehicle. The benefits of the
AdvanceTracysystem are most noticeable when driving in wet/snowy/icy
road conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle
traction, and have better control of the vehicle.
OFF
TRAC
Driving
153