TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)—IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The TCS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a
TCS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The traction control system (TCS) warning
light is located in the instrument cluster. The
TCS light will flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin. This
indicates that the TCS system is active. If the TCS
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailingroad conditions. When the TCS warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS, press the
traction control switch (the TCS warning light in the
instrument cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive
wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive train.
The traction control switch is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the traction control switch until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the traction control
switch.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 105
3
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor’s information varies from the
driver’s intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
ESP Control Switch
108 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........234
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........235
▫Tire Spinning........................235
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................236
▫Life Of Tire.........................237
▫Replacement Tires.....................237
▫Alignment And Balance.................238
All Wheel Drive—If Equipped...........239
Self–Sealing Tires—If Equipped..........239
Tire Pressure Monitor System—
If Equipped
..........................239
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring—Base System.....239
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring—Premium
System.............................241
▫General Information...................243
Tire Chains...........................244
Snow Tires...........................245
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........245
Fuel Requirements.....................246
▫2.7L Engines.........................246
▫3.5L And 5.7L Engines..................246
▫Spark Knock.........................247
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................247
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............247
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................248
▫Materials Added To Fuel................248
▫Fuel System Cautions..................248
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............249
Adding Fuel..........................250
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............250
Vehicle Loading.......................252
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............252
200 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph
(120 km/h).
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the“Maintenance Schedules”
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........306,332
Self-Sealing Tires....................... 239
Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................. 12
Service Assistance...................... 352
Service Contract........................ 354
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 147
Service Manuals........................ 355
Setting the Clock.................161,167,183
Settings, Personal....................... 155
Shift Speeds........................... 204
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 34
Side Airbag............................ 44
Signals, Turn.......................... 142
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 279
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 244
Snow Tires............................ 245
Spare Tire.......................234,235,271
Spark Plugs........................... 296
Speed Control (Cruise Control)............. 109
Speedometer.......................... 141
Starting.............................. 202
Engine Fails to Start................... 203Starting and Operating................... 202
Steering
Linkage............................ 302
Power...........................222,302
Tilt Column......................... 104
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 104
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 183
Storage...........................125,325
Storage, Vehicle.....................196,325
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 325
Sun Roof............................. 118
Sunglasses Storage...................... 112
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 38
System, Navigation..................... 182
Tachometer........................... 141
Telescoping Steering Column.............. 104
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)....... 190
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......141,269
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 24
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 24
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 130
370 INDEX
Tilt Steering Column.................... 104
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 227
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 226
Tire Markings......................... 223
Tire Safety Information................... 223
Tires ...........................60,231,356
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 237
Air Pressure......................... 231
Alignment.......................... 238
Chains............................. 244
Changing........................269,273
Compact Spare....................... 234
Flat Changing........................ 269
General Information................... 231
High Speed......................... 233
Inflation Pressures.................... 232
Jacking..........................270,273
Life of Tires......................... 237
Load Capacity....................227,228
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 239
Quality Grading...................... 356
Radial............................. 234
Replacement......................... 237Rotation............................ 245
Safety...........................223,231
Self-Sealing.......................... 239
Sizes............................... 224
Snow Tires.......................... 245
Spare Tire........................... 271
Spinning............................ 235
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 236
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 259
Torque Converter Clutch................. 207
Towing.............................. 254
Behind a Motor Home................. 265
Disabled Vehicle...................... 281
Guide.............................. 257
Recreational......................... 265
Weight............................. 257
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 265
Traction Control........................ 105
Traction Control Switch.................. 105
Trailer Towing......................... 254
Cooling System Tips................... 264
Hitches............................. 256
Minimum Requirements................ 260
INDEX 371
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