
NOTE:If the indicator light in the instrument cluster
does not go out after starting the engine, the telescoping
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle
until you have properly locked the steering column.TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when on or
more of your tires is significantly under—inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure, Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduced fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses wireless
technology to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors
mounted to each wheel as part of the valve stem transmit
tire pressure readings to a receiver located inside the
vehicle.
NOTE:The TPM system can inform you about a low
tire pressure condition, but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. The TPM system is not intended to provide
you with notification of rapid tire pressure loss.
CAUTION!
The TPM system is designed to monitor your tire
pressure and will not function as a tire pressure
gauge. After adjusting the air pressure in a tire, there
will be a delay before the system updates the dis-
play.
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The TPM system will cause the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster to illuminate whenever the pressure in
one tire falls 25% below the recommended pressure
shown on the vehicle’s tire label.
NOTE:The pressure in your tires changes with tem-
perature. A significant decrease in temperature could
reduce cold inflation pressure below the TPM setpoint.
For example, tires inflated to the proper cold inflation
pressure on a warm day or in a warm garage could
illuminate the TPM indicator lamp on the following day
if the temperature is very cold.ALWAYScheck the
pressure in your tires if the TPM lamp is illuminated.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85
3

CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use aftermarket tire sealant or balance beads, as
damage to the sensors may result.
NOTE:The standard TIREFIT system (refer to What To
Do In Emergencies for more information) is specifically
designed to operate in conjunction with the TPM system,
and will not damage the sensors.
If your tire pressure is low, you should correct your tire
inflation pressure as soon as possible and inspect all of
your tires. Low tire pressure will cause the tire pressure
light to illuminate and the alert will sound. They will
remain on for the rest of the driving cycle, or until the tire
pressure is corrected.In addition to monitoring tire pressures, the TPM system
also monitors faults within the system. If the TPM light
and alarm continue after the tire pressure has been
corrected, see your authorized dealer.
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.NOTE:Changes and modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
The TPMS is designed to monitor your tire pressure
and will not function as a tire pressure gauge. After
adjusting the air pressure in a tire, there will be a
delay before the system updated the display
NOTE:The TPMS can inform you about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. The TPMS is not intended to provide you
with notification of a rapid pressure loss.
NOTE:The pressure in your tires changes with tem-
perature. A significant decrease in temperature could
reduce cold inflation pressure below the TPMS setpoint.
ALWAYS check pressure in your tires if the TPMS telltale
lamp is illuminated.
3. Coolant Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when the engine
coolant has dropped below the required
level in the reservoir or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high (see the Temperature gauge
section).
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on
level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when the coolant is cold.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don’t open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radia-
tor or coolant bottle is hot.
4. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows engine coolant temperature. Any read-
ing between the Hot and Cold gauge marks show that the
engine cooling system is operating properly. The gauge
pointer may show a higher temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, or in heavy stop-and-
go-traffic.
If the pointer rises to the red (Hot) area, stop the vehicle
and turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........152
▫Synchronizing ESP....................153
▫ESP Control Switch....................154
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............155
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................158
Power Steering........................158
Tire Safety Information..................159
Tires—General Information...............159
▫Tire Pressure.........................159
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................160
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................162
▫Tire Spinning........................162
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................163
▫Replacement Tires.....................163
▫Alignment And Balance.................165
Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped). . 165▫General Information...................167
Tire Chains...........................167
Original Equipment Tires................168
Snow Tires...........................168
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........169
Fuel Requirements.....................171
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................171
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............171
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................172
▫Materials Added To Fuel................172
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................172
Adding Fuel..........................173
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............173
Vehicle Loading.......................175
▫Roof Luggage Rack....................175
Trailer Towing........................176
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steady
brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.In the case of an emergency brake maneuver, keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the in-
creased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.WARNING!
Significant over- or under-inflation of tires, or mix-
ing sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the
vehicle can reduce braking effectiveness. Maintain
proper tire pressure and always use the tires and
wheels specified in this manual for your vehicle.
The anti-lock brake system conducts a low-speed self-test
at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly
on the brake while this test is occurring, you may feel
slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
5

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
See general tire safety information included in the “If You
Need Consumer Assistance” section of this manual.
TIRES—GENERAL INFORMATION
Please take time to read the tire warranty booklet in your
Owner’s Manual package. It contains valuable informa-
tion on tire maintenance.
Specific recommendations on guidelines for long—term
tire storage should be requested of the tire manufacturer.
Please refer to the tire warranty booklet for contact
information.
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety—
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
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