Page 212 of 361
TRACTION CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system will
operate at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the ªstand byº mode unless,
²The Traction Control Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
²There is a Traction Control System malfunction
²The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 213 of 361
NOTE:
²The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
²Extended heavy use of Traction Control may cause the
system to deactivate and turn on the traction control
indicator located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and
is a normal condition. The system will remain disabled
for about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The
system will automatically reactivate and turn off the
traction control indicator.
²If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow,
turn the Traction Control System OFF before at-
tempting to ªrockº the vehicle free.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
²P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
Page 260 of 361

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
260 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 342 of 361

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
342 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 352 of 361

Holder, Cup........................... 126
Homelink Transmitter..................... 115
Hood Release.......................... 100
Hoses.............................291,294
Ignition
Key ................................. 11
Illuminated Entry........................ 15
Immobilizer............................ 12
Indicator, Traction Control................. 141
Infant Restraint.......................... 56
Information Center, Vehicle................. 145
Instrument Cluster....................137,138
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 136
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 303
Integrated Power Module.................. 305
Interior Appearance Care.................. 302
Interior Fuses.......................... 305
Interior Lights.......................103,104Intermittent Wipers...................... 108
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 253
Jack Operation.......................252,255
Jump Starting.......................... 258
Key, Programming........................ 14
Key, Replacement........................ 14
Key, Sentry............................. 12
Key-In Reminder......................... 12
Keyless Entry System...................... 19
Keys.................................. 11
Knee Bolster..........................47,50
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 32
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether
for CHildren).........................53,55
352 INDEX
Page 359 of 361

Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 128
Tilt Steering Column..................... 110
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 218
Tire Markings.......................... 213
Tire Safety Information.................... 213
Tires ............................63,222,342
Alignment........................... 229
Chains.............................. 233
Changing............................ 252
Compact Spare........................ 226
High Speed.......................... 225
Inflation Pressures..................... 223
Jacking............................. 252
Load Capacity.....................218,219
Pressure Monitor System................. 230
Quality Grading....................... 342
Radial.............................. 226
Replacement.......................228,230
Rotation............................. 234Safety...........................213,222
Sizes............................... 215
Snow Tires........................... 234
Spare Tire........................... 253
Spinning............................ 227
Tread Wear Indicators................... 228
Towing............................... 244
Disabled Vehicle....................... 261
Trailering............................ 244
Traction Control................... 110,141,212
Trailer Towing.......................... 244
Minimum Requirements................. 245
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 245
Transaxle...........................201,295
Automatic........................201,295
Autostick...................... 112,203,204
Filter............................... 297
Operation........................... 201
Overdrive........................... 203
INDEX 359
10