
has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop and
set the parking brake before shifting
into P (Park). Make sure the
gearshift lever is securely latched in
P (Park). This locks the transaxle
and prevent the front wheels from rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting
into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.
(Overdrive) Ð column mounted gearshift with O/D off switch
The(Overdrive) position with
the O/D OFF switchnotdepressed
is the normal driving position for
this automatic overdrive transaxle.
When your vehicle cruises at a
constant speed for any length of time, this fourth gear will increase your
fuel economy.
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188

2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to accelerate from a
stop on slippery roads, or to give
you more engine braking to slow
your vehicle on downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (First) when added engine
braking is desired while descending
steep hills. Manual downshifts to
1(first) can be obtained at speeds
below 15 mph.
The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper gear to ascend any grade
without any need to shift to 1 (First).
Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to overdrive at any time.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The reverse sensing system (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the reverse gear is selected.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations on the reverse sensing system described below.
Reverse sensing is only an assist for some (generally large and fixed)
objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at ªparking speedsº of
approximately 4.8 km/h (3 mph) or less. The weather may also affect
the function of RSS. RSS may have reduced performance, or be
activated in inclement weather. It is the driver's responsibility for
ensuring that their path is clear when operating the vehicle.
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190

The reverse sensing system is
automatically enabled when the gear
selector is placed in R (Reverse)
and the ignition is ON. A reverse
sensing control allows the driver to
disable the reverse sensing system
only when the ignition is ON, and
the gear selector is in R (Reverse).
The OFF indicator remains
illuminated when the system is
disabled. The system defaults to ON
every time the reverse gear is selected. Press the control to disable or
enable the system.
The indicator will remain illuminated to indicate a failure of the reverse
sensing system.
Always keep the sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from dirt, snow and ice (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects). These elements may cause the system to operate
inaccurately.
If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
Driving
192

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle requires the optional trailer tow
electrical package and may require the use of an additional medium duty
trailer tow option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special Operating Conditions in the scheduled maintenance guide.
²Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional heavy duty trailer tow
wiring, it is pre-wired for trailer towing. An electrical connector is
provided under the instrument panel for installing a customer-supplied
electric brake controller. Another electrical connector is provided at the
hitch. This connector provides power to the trailer for taillamps, stop
and turn lamps, back up lamps, battery charge, electric brakes (when a
customer provided controller is installed) and ground. The kit included
with your vehicle provides you with adaptors to attach the brake
controller and convert the hitch connector for Class I trailer usage.
Driving
195

Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure that your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal Regulations.
Do not splice or modify the vehicle electrical wiring or lamps for
trailer towing.
Your vehicle uses an advanced electronic module with ground side
switching to control and monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the
wiring or attaching wiring to the vehicle bulbs will DISABLE the rear
vehicle lamps from functioning. Your lamp outage feature will also be
disabled or provide incorrect information.
Your vehicle is ready to install a Trailer Tow module that will provide the
proper communication with the vehicle electrical system so your trailer
lamps will function properly. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for
proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
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197

Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
Driving
198

Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Pull Fuse feature that when used, can
extend the duration of your battery life while your vehicle is parked for
long periods of time. This time will be increased from 31 days to 45 ± 55
days (based on option content). You should use this feature when your
vehicle will be parked for long periods of times to ensure the vehicle
starts upon your return.
The pull fuse is located under the instrument panel and is visible from
the exterior of the fuse panel cover.
The fuse holder is designed to allow you to pull the fuse (#6) from the
fuse panel circuit without having to completely remove it from the fuse
panel. The fuse and fuse holder will remain in the fuse panel.
If the fuse (#6) must be replaced, the fuse and fuse holder can be
removed by pulling it completely out from the fuse panel cover.
With the fuse (#6) removed, the following systems will not be functional:
²radio
²power sliding door(s) ± (if equipped)
²keyless entry system± (if equipped)
When the pull fuse is reinstalled, the following features will need to be
reset.
²radio pre-sets
²power sliding door(s) ± (if equipped)
Please refer to theEntertainmentchapter andPower Sliding Door
section in theDriver controlschapter for instructions to reset these
features.
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204

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
3 15A LH Power Mirror Motor, RH
Power Mirror Motor, Adjustable
Pedal Motor, Memory Module (if
equipped)
4 Ð Not Used
5 20A Console Power Point
6 15A Radio, Compact Disc Changer,
Remote Keyless Entry Module,
PSD (Power Sliding Door) Module
RH and LH, Rear Seat Radio
Controller (if equipped), Rear
Seat Entertainment Module (if
equipped)
7 15A Left Rear Turn Lamp, Right
Backup Lamp, Right Stop Lamp,
Right Rear Park Lamp, Right
License Lamp, Left License Lamp,
LH Backup Lamp
8 20A Rear Electronic Module (RHF/RH
Sliding/LH Sliding/Liftgate Door
Lock Motors, Aux. Air Blend Door
Motor, Aux. Air Mode Door
Motor)
9 10A Cluster, Powertrain Control
Module Relay (coil)
10 15A Heated Backlite Relay (coil),
Speed Control Module, ABS
Module or IVD Module, Heat Seat
Switch (RH/LH) (if equipped),
Heated Seat Module (RH/LH) (if
equipped), Cluster, Front Temp
Blend Door Actuator, Brake Shift
Interlock Solenoid, Powertrain
Control Module, Power Sliding
Door Module RH and LH, Reverse
Sensing System, Front A/C
Control Head, Steering Wheel
Angle Sensor (if equipped)
Roadside Emergencies
206