TIRE FLAT:You will hear two chimes when this
message is displayed followed by the message
MAXIMUM SPEED 55 MPH (90 km/h). Also, the tire
pressure light on the instrument panel cluster will come
on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-42. If this
message appears, do not drive your vehicle above
this limit. The next message to appear is REDUCED
HANDLING. The active handling system will intervene
more quickly when a at tire has been detected.
Adjust your driving accordingly. To acknowledge these
warnings, press the RESET button. After you press
the RESET button, a message will reappear every
10 minutes until this condition changes. This message
indicates that the pressure in one of your tires is
lower than 10 psi (68 kPa). Next to the TIRE FLAT
message, you can see either LEFT FRONT, RIGHT
FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate
to you which tire is at. You can receive more than
one tire pressure message at a time. To read other
messages that may have been sent at the same time,
press the RESET button. If a tire pressure message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have
the tire pressures checked and set to those shown on
your Tire Loading Information Label. SeeExtended
Mobility Tires on page 5-62andIn ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-64.
{CAUTION:
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT
message is displayed on the Driver Information
Center, your vehicle’s handling capabilities will
be reduced during severe maneuvers. If you
drive too fast, you could lose control of your
vehicle. You or others could be injured. Don’t
drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW
TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is
displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire
pressures as soon as you can.
TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP:This message displays
and a chime sounds when the power convertible
top button is pressed and the power convertible top
pump motor temperature is below -4°F (-20°C). Wait
for the power convertible top pump motor to warm
up before using the power convertible top.
TOP MOTOR OVER TEMPERATURE:This message
displays and a chime sounds when the power convertible
top button is pressed and the power convertible top pump
motor temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the
power convertible top pump motor to cool down before
using the power convertible top.
3-64
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply your
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though
you have ABS.
4-8
The SERVICE ACTIVE
HANDLING message
will be displayed, the
instrument cluster light will
come on, and a chime will
sound to let you know if
there is a problem with the
system. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on
page 3-53for more
information.
When this light and the SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING
message are on, the system is not operational.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
The Active Handling System comes on automatically
whenever you start your vehicle. To help maintain
directional control of the vehicle, you should always
leave the system on. You can turn the system off if you
ever need to. If you turn the Active Handling System
off, the Traction Control System will also be turned off.
Adjust your driving accordingly.To turn the system off,
press the ACTIVE
HANDLING button on the
console for ve seconds.
You can turn the system on
at any time by pressing the
button. The DIC will display
the appropriate message
when you push the button.
If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system detects a at
tire and the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM system is malfunctioning and
the DIC displays SERVICE TIRE MONITOR, the
Active Handling System will be affected as follows:
The Active Handling System cannot be turned off by
the driver.
If the Active Handling System is off, it will be turned
on automatically.
Competitive Driving Mode is unavailable.
The Active Handling System will feel different in
aiding and maintaining directional control.
4-11
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build
up under your tires that they can actually ride on
the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle
is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see re ections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through owing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of
owing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear
room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-57.
4-21
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all in ated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on
the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of
the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Do not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle
can leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-25