Page 60 of 424

Enhanced Accident Response System (E.A.R.S.)
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, the interior lights will turn on
and the power door locks (if equipped) will unlock 5
seconds after airbag deployment.
Also, the fuel system will shut off immediately upon
airbag deployment (gasoline models only). The ignition
switch will need to be cycled (i.e. turn the ignition key
from the ON position to the LOCK position) after ap-
proximately 5 seconds in order to restart the vehicle.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause
it to fail when you need it. You could be injured if the
airbag system is not there to protect you. Do not modify
the components or wiring, including adding any kind of
badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or add
aftermarket side steps or running boards.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced
airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may
not function properly if modifications are made. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any advanced
airbag system service. If your seat including your trim
cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take
the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer
approved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to
modify an advanced airbag system for persons with
disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 61 of 424

WARNING!
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free. If any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
•Does not come on during the 6 to 8 seconds after the
ignition switch is first turned on.
•Remains on after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•Comes on for any period of time while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time — babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2
Page 72 of 424

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve-
hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 73 of 424

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
pretensioners, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
NOTE: The “Seat Belt Indicator Light” will remain on
until the driver’s seat belt is buckled.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2
Page 77 of 424

Electronic Brake Control System ............125
▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............125
▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ............126
▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) ...............127
▫ ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation) .......128
▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) .........129
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Lamp ................132
Electronic Speed Control ..................133
▫ To Activate ..........................133
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............134
▫ To Deactivate ........................134
▫ To Resume Speed .....................134
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............134 ▫
To Accelerate For Passing ...............135
Overhead Console — If Equipped ...........135
▫ Dome/Reading Lights ..................136
▫ Electronic Vehicle Information Center .......137
▫ Customer Programmable Features .........138
▫ Mini-Trip Computer ...................141
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........145
▫ When Your Vehicle Is New ..............146
▫ Programming HomeLink ................147
▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .....150
▫ Using HomeLink .....................150
Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............151
▫ Express Open Feature ..................152
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
3
Page 115 of 424

secure both latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the
hood is fully closed, with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are latched fully before
driving.
LIGHTS
Interior Lights
The overhead lights will come on when a door is opened,
and when the rotating ring on the multi-function control
lever is in a position other than OFF. They may also be
turned on by rotating the control for the dimmer switch
on the multi-function control lever fully upward or by
pressing the “Unlock” button on the keyfob. The overhead lights will automatically turn off in about 8
minutes if a door is left open or the dimmer control is left
in the dome light position. Turn the ignition switch ON to
restore the overhead light operation.
Rear Cargo Light (If Equipped)
The rear cargo light includes an independent “On/Off”
switch, which when “off” will not allow the illumination
of any interior lighting when the rear swing gate or
flipper glass is opened. All other methods of turning the
interior lighting on/off will function normally regardless
of the rear cargo light switch position.
Dimmer Control
With the park lights or headlights on, rotating the control
for the dimmer switch on the multi-function control lever
upward will increase the brightness of the instrument
panel lights. Rotating the control completely upward
turns on the dome light.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3
Page 132 of 424

overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the “ESP Control Switch”. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
4WD Low Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD low
range. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD low range
or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 2WD,
4WD high range, or neutral to 4WD low range, the ESP
system will be in this mode. In 4WD low range, ESP and
TCS, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the
TCS section, are turned off until the vehicle reaches a
speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). At 30 mph (48 km/h), the
normal ESP stability function returns but TCS remains
off. When the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40
km/h) the ESP system shuts off. ESP is off at low vehicle
speeds in 4WD low range so that it will not interfere with
off-road driving but ESP function returns to provide the stability feature at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h). The
“ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will always be illuminated in
4WD low range when ESP is off.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 133 of 424

NOTE:
•TheESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp come on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera-
tions beginning at speeds of approximately 30 mph (48
km/h). The controls are mounted on the steering wheel
and consist of ON·OFF, SET, RES·ACCEL, CANCEL, and
DECEL controls.To Activate
Press and release the ON·OFF button to turn the system
on. To turn the system off, press the ON·OFF button
again. The system should be turned off when not in use.
The CRUISE indicator light in the instrument cluster
illuminates when the system is on.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3