Full Off
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
only and should not be used on any public roadways.
In this mode, all TCS and ESP stability features are
turned off. To enter the “Full Off” mode, depress and
hold the “ESP OFF” button for 5 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After 5
seconds, a chime will sound, theESP/TCS Indicator
Lightwill illuminate, and theESP OFFmessage will
display in the vehicle odometer. Press and release the
trip odometer button located on the instrument cluster
to clear this message. The “ESP OFF” message may
appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress theESP OFF Button.
NOTE:
TheESP OFF,or “ESP System Deactivated”
message will display and the audible chime will sound
when the gear selector is moved into the PARK position
from any position other than PARK and then moved out
of the PARK position. This will occur when the message
was previously cleared.
WARNING!
In the ESP Full Off mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are cancelled. Therefore,
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:When the ESP is switched off a feature of the
system remains active. This feature controls wheel spin
across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip differential.
If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other,
the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel
and allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. To improve the vehicle’s traction
when driving with tire chains, or when starting-off in
deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch
to the “Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the
“ESP OFF” button.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufac-
turer will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessarySevere Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Front and Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
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