
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 244.Battery Run-Down Protection
This vehicle has a feature to help prevent the
battery from being drained, if the interior courtesy
lamps, reading/map lamps, visor vanity lamps
or trunk lamp are accidentally left on. If any
of these lamps are left on, they will automatically
turn off after 10 minutes, if the ignition is off.
The lamps will not come back on again until
one of the following occurs:
The ignition is turned on.
The exterior lamps control is turned off,
then on again.
The headlamps will timeout after 10 minutes,
if they are manually turned on before the
ignition is off.
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If this occurs, URPA assumes the object is still
attached, so you will have to wait until the
vehicle is driven forward above 15 mph
(25 km/h) before URPA will return to normal
operation.
The ultrasonic sensors need to be kept clean.
So, be sure to keep your vehicle’s rear bumper
free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. For
cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your
Vehicle on page 482. If the DIC still displays the
PARK ASSIST OFF message after cleaning the
bumper and driving forward at a speed of at
least 15 mph (25 km/h), see your dealer/retailer.
Other conditions that may affect system
performance include vibrations from a
jackhammer or the compression of air brakes
on a very large truck or other mechanical
devices that interfere with URPA performance.
As always, drivers should use care when backing
up a vehicle. Always look behind you, being
sure to check for other vehicles, obstructions
and blind spots.
If the vehicle bumper is damaged, the URPA
system may not work properly. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to
connect electrical equipment such as a cellular
phone or CB radio.
Your vehicle may have four accessory power
outlets. They are located on the instrument panel
below the climate controls, inside the front
center console storage bin, at the rear of the
center console, and in the rear cargo area.
To use the outlets, remove the cover. When not in
use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
turn off electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds
the maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
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If, after several seconds, both status indicator
lights remain on, or if there are no lights at
all, there may be a problem with the lights
or the passenger sensing system. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
{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 217for more on this, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on brie y
when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as a check
to show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it
stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the charging system.
It could indicate that you have problems with a
generator drive belt, or another electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. Driving while this light
is on could drain your battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will also display the SERVICE
BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 244for more
information.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner.
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Voltmeter Gage
When the engine is
not running, but the
ignition is turned to ON,
this gage shows the
battery’s state of charge
in DC volts.
When the engine is running, this gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The vehicle’s
charging system regulates voltage based on
the state of charge of the battery. The voltmeter
may uctuate. This is normal. Readings between
the low and high warning zones indicate the
normal operating range.Readings in the low warning zone may occur
when a large number of electrical accessories
are operating in the vehicle and the engine is
left idling for an extended period.
If there is a problem with the battery charging
system, a SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM message will appear in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and/or the charging
system light will come on. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 244andCharging System
Light on page 220for more information.
However, readings in either warning zone may
indicate a possible problem in the electrical
system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon
as possible.
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Did you just drive through a deep puddle
of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be
wet. The condition is usually corrected when
the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 388. Poor fuel
quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed. You might notice this as stalling
after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle
into gear, mis ring, hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration — these conditions
might go away once the engine is warmed up.
This will be detected by the system and cause
the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle.
Your dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment
and diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or
electrical problems that might have developed.Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or might begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced the battery or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This can take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for
lack of OBD system readiness, your dealer/retailer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
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AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message displays when the automatic
headlamps are turned on. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects
that the battery voltage is dropping below expected
levels. The battery saver system starts reducing
certain features of the vehicle that you may be able
to notice. At the point that the features are disabled,
this message is displayed. It means that the vehicle
is trying to save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow
the battery to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is
11.5 to 15.5 volts.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs
to be changed. When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 400
for information on how to reset the message.
SeeEngine Oil on page 397andScheduled
Maintenance on page 502for more information.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in
one or more of the vehicle’s tires need to
be checked. This message also displays LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or
RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs to be
checked. You can receive more than one tire
pressure message at a time. To read the other
messages that may have been sent at the
same time, press the set/reset button or the trip
odometer reset stem. If a tire pressure message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can.
Have the tire pressures checked and set to those
shown on the Tire Loading Information label.
SeeTires on page 435,Loading Your Vehicle
on page 361, andInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 442. The DIC display also shows the
tire pressure values for the front and rear tires by
pressing the vehicle information button. See
“DIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons)”
earlier in this section. If the tire pressure is
low, the low tire pressure warning light comes on.
SeeTire Pressure Light on page 225.
245

REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
This message displays if a Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. The battery
needs to be replaced in the transmitter. See
“Battery Replacement” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 100.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed
and the vehicle is in a drive gear. Stop and turn
off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions,
and close the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC.
SERVICE A/C (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic
sensors that control the air conditioning and
heating systems are no longer working. Have
the climate control system serviced by your
dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in heating
and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your dealer/retailer
inspect the system for problems. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 217andAirbag System
on page 76for more information.
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
system, this message displays if there is a problem
with this system. If this message appears, stop
as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle.
Restart the vehicle after 30 seconds and check for
the message on the DIC display. If the message
is still displayed or appears again when you
begin driving, the AWD system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer.
250

SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
On some vehicles, this message displays if there
is a problem with the battery charging system.
Under certain conditions, the charging system light
may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeCharging System Light on page 220.
Driving with this problem could drain the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Have
the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays along with the brake
system warning light if there is a problem with
the brake system. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 222. If this message appears, stop
as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle.
Restart the vehicle and check for the message on
the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the
brake system needs service as soon as possible.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system, this message displays
if there is a problem with the URPA system.
Do not use this system to help you park. See
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on
page 194for more information. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when a problem is
detected with the power steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that
the effort required to steer the vehicle increases
or feels heavier, but you will still be able to
steer the vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer immediately.
251