
9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:
A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal
on.
NOTE:Check for a defective outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate. (See page 96 for more
information.)
10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on
during starting, or stays on, or turns on
while driving, then have the system inspected at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. (See page 47 for
more information.)11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condi-
tion. When this light turns on, the engine tem-
perature is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned
off immediately and serviced as soon as possible. (See
page 276 for more information.)
12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road condi-
tions, and do not switch off the ESP. (See page 222 for
more information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake
Assist System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the key in the
ignition switch is turned to the ªONº posi-
tion. The light should go out with the engine
running. If the light remains on after several ignition
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
4

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. (See page 222 for
more information.)
14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A single chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 295 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the Multi-Function
lever away from the steering wheel to switch the
headlights to high beam. (See page 96 for more
information.)16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. A chime will sound if the driver's
seat belt is unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat
Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on continu-
ously if the driver's seat belt remains unbuckled after
the bulb check or when driving. (See page 36 for more
information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights
are ON. (See page 95 for more information.)
19. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
This display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (See page 143 for more information.)
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

23. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as
long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 219 for
more information.)
24. Low Fuel Indicator Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. (See
page 257 for more information.)25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD. The OBD system monitors
engine and automatic transmission control sys-
tems. The light will turn on when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the light does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 292 for more information.)
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to turn on and turn off the air
conditioning. When the air conditioning is turned
on, cool dehumidified air will flow through the
outlets selected with the mode control. Press this button
a second time to turn off the air conditioning. An LED in
the button will illuminate when compressor operation is
selected.
Automatic Temperature Control Ð If EquippedAutomatic Operation
The Infrared Dual-Zone Climate Control System auto-
matically maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle
at the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.
To accomplish this, the system gathers information from
the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take account of
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple. Begin by turning
the Mode Control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
Automatic Temperature Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
²Recirculation Control
This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and rear window washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the message ªLow Washer Fluidº appears in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately 5 minutes for the second
push of the button.
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................204
NAutomatic Transmission................205
NNormal Starting......................205
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below220ÉF Or229ÉC)................205
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................205
NAfter Starting........................206
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........207
mAutomatic Transmission.................207
NAutomatic Transmission Ð General
Information.........................208
NBrake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 210N5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........211
mAutoStickt...........................215
NAutoSticktOperation..................215
NAutoSticktGeneral Information...........216
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............216
NAcceleration.........................216
NTraction............................216
mParking Brake.........................217
mBrake System.........................219
NAnti-Lock Brake System................219
mPower Steering........................221
5

N6.1L Engine.........................253
NReformulated Gasoline.................254
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............254
NMMT In Gasoline.....................255
NMaterials Added To Fuel................255
NFuel System Cautions..................255
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............256
mAdding Fuel..........................257
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............257
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............259
mVehicle Loading.......................259
NVehicle Certification Label...............259
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......260
NGross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........260
NOverloading.........................260NLoading............................261
mTrailer Towing........................262
NCommon Towing Definitions.............262
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............265
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................265
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............266
NTowing Requirements..................267
NTowing Tips.........................271
mRecreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)
................273
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................273
mGround Clearance.....................273
STARTING AND OPERATING 203
5