Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic
headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the
top of the instrument panel under the radio speaker grill.
Be sure it is not covered or the system will be on
whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also turn on your headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street
lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
automatic headlamp system will only be affected when
the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting
longer than the delay.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, set the parking brake while the ignition is off.
Then start your vehicle. The automatic headlamp
system will stay off until you release the parking brake.As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
You may be able to turn off your automatic headlamp
system. See “Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)” later
in this section for more information.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness Control” underInterior Lamps
on page 3-15.
Lamps On Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or
parking lamps are manually turned on, the driver’s door
is opened and your ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY. To turn the chime off, turn the control
counterclockwise or turn the instrument panel brightness
thumbwheel down to the fully dimmed position. In the
automatic mode, the headlamps turn off once the ignition
key is in OFF.
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Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make your headlamps come on at
reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:
•The ignition is on,
•the exterior lamp control is in OFF,
•the sensor detects daytime light,
•an automatic transmission is not in PARK (P), and
•the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your headlamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be
on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the headlamps will
automatically switch from DRL to the regular headlamps.
The DRL system on some vehicles may turn off
temporarily while the turn signals are activated.To idle an automatic transmission vehicle with the DRL
off, put the transmission in PARK (P). To idle a
manual transmission vehicle with the DRL off, set the
parking brake. The DRL will stay off until you shift out of
PARK (P) or release the parking brake.
The following does not apply to vehicles sold in Canada.
When necessary, you may turn off the automatic
headlamp system and the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) feature by following the steps below:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Press the DOME OVERRIDE button four times
within six seconds. After the fourth press of the
button, a chime will sound informing you that
the system is off. The system will revert back to the
automatic on mode when the ignition is turned to
OFF and then to RUN again.
3. To return to the automatic mode, push the DOME
OVERRIDE button four times within six seconds (a
chime will sound), or turn the ignition to OFF
and then to RUN again.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
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Fog Lamps
Your vehicle may be equipped with fog lamps. Use your
fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty conditions.
Your parking lamps or headlamps must be on for
your fog lamps to work.
The fog lamp button is located on the instrument panel
near the lamp control.
Press the button to turn the fog lamps on. Press the
button again to turn them off. A light will glow in
the button when the fog lamps are on.
Fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high-beams go off, the
fog lamps will come on again.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
It is located on the driver’s side of your instrument panel
next to the exterior lamps control.
Turn the thumbwheel up to make your instrument panel
lights brighter or down to dim them. Turn the
thumbwheel all the way up to turn on the interior lamps.
Entry Lighting
Your vehicle is equipped with an entry lighting feature.
When either front door is opened, the dome lamps
will come on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is in the
out position. If your vehicle is equipped with remote
keyless entry and all the front doors are closed, or the
front door handles are lifted and released, the lamps will
stay on for a short period of time and will turn off
automatically. If you use your remote keyless entry
transmitter to unlock the vehicle, the interior lights will
come on for a short time whether or not the DOME
OVERRIDE button is in the out position.
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Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition to help you
see while exiting the vehicle. These lights will stay on
for a short period of time and then will go out, if the
DOME OVERRIDE button is in the out position.
Front Map Lamps
If your vehicle has front map lamps, they are located in
the overhead console. The front map lights that are
located on the inside rearview mirror will automatically
come on for approximately 40 seconds when the
doors are unlocked with the remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped) or until the ignition key is turned
to RUN or ACCESSORY. The lamps will also stay on
for approximately 40 seconds after you exit the vehicle,
unless you lock the doors with the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
You can also turn the lamps on and off by pressing the
switch near each lamp.
Dome Lamp
The dome lamp will come on when you open either
front door.
You can also turn the dome lamps on by turning the
instrument panel brightness thumbwheel, located next to
the exterior lamps control, all the way up to the
second notch. In this position, the dome lamps will
remain on whether a door is opened or closed.
You can use the DOME OVERRIDE button, located
below the exterior lamps control, to set the dome lamps
to come on automatically when either front door is
opened, or to remain off. To turn the lamps off, press
the button in. With the button in, the dome lamps
will remain off when either front door is opened. To
return the lamps to automatic operation, press the button
again and return it to the out position. With the button
in this position, the dome lamps will come on when you
open either front door. This will override the illuminated
entry feature, unless you use your remote keyless
entry transmitter (if equipped) to unlock the vehicle.
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Battery Rundown Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, courtesy, vanity,
reading, glove box, cargo and underhood lamps if they
are left on for more than 20 minutes when the ignition
is off. This will keep your battery from running down.
If the battery rundown protection shuts off the interior
lamps, it may be necessary to do one of the following to
return it to normal operation:
•Shut off all lamps and close all doors, or
•turn the ignition key to RUN.
Accessory Power Outlets
Your vehicle may be equipped with an accessory power
outlet.
With accessory power outlets you can plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
There may be an accessory power outlet located near
the center of the vehicle on the lower part of the
instrument panel. A small cap must be pulled down to
access an accessory power outlet. When not using
an outlet be sure to cover it with the protective cap.Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
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Operation
Mode Knob:Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to direct the airflow inside of your
vehicle.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets, with a little air directed toward the floor
vents.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, then directs most of the
remaining air to the floor outlets. A little air is also
directed toward the windshield and the side window
outlets. Cooler air is directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets with a little air directed to the windshield and
the side window outlets.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the mode knob to OFF to turn off the fan.
The mode knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost mode. For more information, see “Defogging”
later in this section.
Temperature Knob:Turn the center knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to raise or lower the temperature
on the inside of your vehicle.
When it’s cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if equipped, to provide warmer air
faster to your vehicle. An engine coolant heater warms
the coolant that the engine uses to provide heat to
warm the inside of your vehicle. For more information,
seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-19.
A/C (Air Conditioning):Turn the knob to the A/C
position to turn the air-conditioning system on or
off. When the system is on, this setting cools and
dehumidifies the air entering your vehicle and directs it
through the floor outlets as well as the instrument
panel outlets.
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MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning):This mode
recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so
it cools quickly. It directs most of the air through the
instrument panel outlets and a small amount through the
floor outlets.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select A/C.
2. Select the coolest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air-conditioning compressor shuts off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from your windshield and side windows.
Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog
or moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost
mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. For best results, clear all snow and ice
from the windshield before defrosting.
-(Defog):This mode can be used on cool, humid
days to keep the windshield and side windows clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window outlets, with only a
little air directed to the floor outlets. When you select this
mode, the system runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, about how much fuel you’ve used, and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely
and economically.
Base Level Cluster United States, Canada similar
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