There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the
airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 201for more information.Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
73
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever comes on
and stays on, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system.
If this ever happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an adult-size
person sitting in the right front passenger’s
seat may not have the protection of the
airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 201for more on this, including
important safety information.A thick layer of additional material such as a
blanket, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters and seat massagers
can affect how well the passenger sensing system
operates. Remove any additional material from
the seat cushion before reinstalling or securing the
child restraint or small occupant. You may want
to consider not using seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the
passenger sensing system. SeeAdding Equipment
to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 89for
more information about modi cations that can
affect how the system operates.
87
Sun Visors
Swing down the primary visor to block out glare.
It can also be detached from the center mount
and moved to the side to block glare from
that direction.
The driver’s visor may also have buttons for a
built-in garage door opener. SeeUniversal Home
Remote System on page 147for more
information.
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror
Pull the visor down and lift the cover to access the
mirror. A light comes on when the cover is lifted
and goes out when it is closed.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some
cities. Although your vehicle has a number of
theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we
put on it can make it impossible to steal.
Theft-Deterrent System
If your vehicle has this
feature, the security
light is located on
the instrument panel
cluster.
If the ignition is off and a door is open, the
security light will ash, reminding you to arm the
theft-deterrent system.
111
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear
and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding
underLoss of Control on page 303
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only
the accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. If you are stuck, do not spin
the tires. When stopping on a hill, use
the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive your vehicle at high RPMs
without upshifting while using Driver Shift
Control (DSC), you could damage your
vehicle. Always upshift when necessary while
using DSC.
Your automatic transmission has a Driver Shift
Control (DSC) feature that allows you to change
gears similar to a manual transmission. To use the
DSC feature:
1. Slide the shift lever over from DRIVE (D) to
the right into the DSC area.
The sport mode light in
the instrument panel
cluster will come on.
If you do not move the shift lever forward or
rearward, the vehicle will be in sport mode.
When you are in the sport mode the
vehicle will still shift automatically.
124
While driving in sport mode, the transmission
may remain in a gear longer than it would
in the normal driving mode based on braking,
throttle input, and vehicle lateral acceleration.
2. To enter the DSC mode, press the shift lever
forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.
The odometer on the instrument panel cluster will
change from the mileage to a number indicating
the requested gear range when moving the
shift lever forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer
and Odometer on page 200for more information
on the odometer.
While using the DSC feature, the vehicle will have
rmer shifting and increased performance. You
can use this for sport driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to
down shift for more power or engine braking.The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission
will not automatically shift to the next higher
gear if the engine RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating
that the transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the DSC mode, the transmission will
automatically downshift when the vehicle comes to
a stop and while quickly applying the accelerator
to increase speed. This will allow for more
power during take-off.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in
snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift
into second gear. A higher gear ratio allows you to
gain more traction on slippery surfaces.
125
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
on the instrument panel cluster should come
on. If it does not, you need to have your vehicle
serviced. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 205for more information.
To release the parking brake, pull the release
lever located to the left of the steering wheel on
the instrument panel.Notice:Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake
is set, the ignition is on, and the vehicle begins
to move. To stop the chime, fully release the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 328for more
information.
129
Instrument Panel Overview........................ 166
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 168
Other Warning Devices............................. 168
Horn.......................................................... 168
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 169
Recon gurable Steering Wheel
Controls (SWC) (CTS)........................... 169
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 171
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 171
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 172
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 172
Windshield Wipers..................................... 173
Windshield Washer.................................... 174
Headlamp Washer..................................... 175
Cruise Control........................................... 176
Headlamps................................................ 180
Wiper Activated Headlamps....................... 180
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 181
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 181
Fog Lamps................................................ 183
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver.................. 183
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 184
Entry Lighting............................................ 184Parade Dimming........................................ 185
Reading Lamps......................................... 185
Electric Power Management...................... 185
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 186
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 186
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 188
Climate Controls......................................... 189
Dual Climate Control System..................... 189
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 194
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 195
Steering Wheel Climate Controls (CTS)..... 196
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 197
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 198
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 200
Trip Odometers......................................... 200
Tachometer............................................... 200
Engine Speed Limiter................................ 201
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 201
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 201
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 202
Charging System Light.............................. 204
Brake System Warning Light..................... 205
Section 3 Instrument Panel
163
The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 194.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 171.
C. Recon gurable Steering Wheel Controls (CTS)
(If Equipped) or Message Center Controls
(CTS-V). SeeRecon gurable Steering Wheel
Controls (SWC) (CTS) on page 169or
Message Center (CTS-V) on page 215.
Steering Wheel Climate Controls (CTS).
SeeSteering Wheel Climate Controls (CTS) on
page 196. Traction Control Disable Button
(CTS-V). SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
(CTS) on page 293orTraction Control
System (TCS) (CTS-V) on page 295.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 198.
E. Windshield Wiper Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 173.
F. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 168.
G. Audio (Base Audio System) or Audio/Navigation
System (If Equipped). SeeAudio System(s)
on page 258orNavigation/Radio System
on page 279.H. Voice Recognition Button (If Equipped).
See Navigation System Supplement.
I. Audio Volume Knob and Source Button
(CTS Only). SeeAudio Steering Wheel
Controls (CTS) on page 279orAudio Steering
Wheel Controls (CTS-V) on page 280.
J. Storage Compartment or Ashtray (If Equipped).
SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 188.
K. Transmission Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 122or
Manual Transmission Operation on page 126.
L. Accessory Power Outlet or Cigarette Lighter
(If Equipped). SeeAccessory Power Outlet(s)
on page 186orAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 188.
M. Climate Control System. SeeDual Climate
Control System on page 189.
N. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 159.
Traction Control Disable Button (CTS).
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) (CTS) on
page 293orTraction Control System (TCS)
(CTS-V) on page 295.
167