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 76 of 424

▫Front Seat Adjustment — Recline ..........107
▫ Head Restraints ......................108
▫ Power Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ........109
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped .............110
▫ 65/35 Split Folding Rear Seat .............111
To Open And Close The Hood .............114
Lights ...............................115
▫ Interior Lights .......................115
▫ Front Map/Reading Lights ..............116
▫ Multi-Function Control Lever .............116
▫ Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, And
Headlights ..........................116
▫ High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .......117 ▫
Passing Light ........................117
▫ Turn Signals .........................117
▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................118
▫ Battery Saver Feature — Exterior Lights .....118
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ...............118
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .....118
▫ Light Bar — If Equipped ................119
Windshield Wipers And Washers ............121
▫ Windshield Washers ...................122
▫ Mist Feature .........................123
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............123
▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............123
Tilt Steering Column ....................124
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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 78 of 424
▫Sunroof Maintenance ...................153
Power Outlet ..........................153
Cup Holders ..........................155
▫ Smoker’s Package — If Equipped ..........156
Cargo Area Features .....................157
▫ Cargo Light .........................157
▫ Retractable Cargo Area Cover — If Equipped . 157 ▫
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks .................158
▫ Cargo Organizer — If Equipped ...........160
Rear Window Features ...................162
▫ Rear Window Wiper/Washer .............162
▫ Rear Window Defroster .................163
Roof Luggage Rack .....................164
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 79 of 424
MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view
through the rear window. A two-point pivot system
allows for horizontal and vertical adjustment of the
mirror. The mirror should be adjusted while set in the
day position (toward windshield).
Annoying headlight glare from vehicles behind you can
be reduced by moving the small control under the mirror
to the night position (toward rear of vehicle).
Adjusting Rear View Mirror
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79
3