Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management
(EPM) that estimates the battery’s temperature and
state of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for
best performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the
voltage is raised slightly to quickly put the charge
back in. When the state of charge is high, the
voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging.
If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage or voltage
display on the Driver Information Center (DIC),
you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will
be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for all
vehicles. This is because the generator (alternator)
may not be spinning fast enough at idle to
produce all the power that is needed for very
high electrical loads.A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged
into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge
of the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator’s output and the vehicle’s electrical
needs. It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action, this action
may be noticeable to the driver. If so, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or
Service Battery Charging System. If this message
is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 224.
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Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, courtesy, and
vanity lamps if they are left on for more than
20 minutes when the ignition is off. This will
keep the battery from running down.
If the battery run-down protection shuts off the
interior lamps, it may be necessary to do one
of the following to return to normal operation:
Shut off all lamps and close all doors.
Turn the ignition key to RUN.
This feature will also turn off the parking lamps
and headlamps under most circumstances, if they
are left on. If you would like to turn them back
on, turn the exterior lamps knob.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
With the accessory power outlets, you can plug in
auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
Your vehicle has three accessory power outlets.
There are two outlets located below the climate
controls and one outlet is on the rear of the
center oor console.Remove the cover from the outlet to use the
outlet. Be sure to put the cover back on when
not using the accessory power outlet.
Certain electrical accessories may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlet and
could result in blown vehicle or adaptor fuses. If you
experience a problem, see your dealer for additional
information on the accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to
your vehicle may damage it or keep other
components from working as they should.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not use equipment exceeding
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to
follow the proper installation instructions included
with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug because the power
outlets are designed for accessory power
plugs only.
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