
Exterior Lamps
The control on the driver’s side of the instrument
panel operates the exterior lamps.
O(Exterior Lamps):Turn the knob, located to
the right of this symbol, to choose one of the
four exterior lamp positions.
9(Off):Turn the knob to this position to turn off
all exterior lamps including the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL).AUTO:Turn the knob to this position to
automatically turn on the headlamps at normal
brightness, together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
Parking Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
SeeAutomatic Headlamp System on page 168for
more information.
;(Parking Lamps):Turn the knob to this
position to turn on the parking lamps, together with
the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
2(Headlamps):Turn the knob to this position to
turn on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
You can switch the headlamps from low to high
beam by pushing the turn signal/multifunction lever
toward the instrument panel.
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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic
headlamp system will turn on after the
transmission has been shifted from PARK (P) to
DRIVE (D). The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker,
parking lamps, roof marker lamps, and the
instrument panel lights will turn on at normal
brightness. The radio lights will become more dim
when the headlights are off compared to when
the headlights are on.
Your vehicle has a light sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel. Be sure it is not
covered, or the system will be on whenever the
ignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic
headlamp system so that driving under bridges
or bright overhead street lights does not affect
the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp
system will only be affected when the light sensor
detects a change in lighting lasting longer than
the delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system will come on
immediately. Once you leave the garage, it will
take about one minute for the automatic headlamp
system to change to DRL if it is light outside.
During that delay, the instrument panel cluster
may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the
full bright position. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 170.
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Interior Lamps
The thumbwheel for the interior lamps is located
next to the exterior lamps control. SeeExterior
Lamps on page 166for additional information on
location.
Instrument Panel Brightness
D(Instrument Panel Lights):Turn the
thumbwheel up or down to brighten or dim the
instrument panel lights and the radio display.
The instrument panel lights, cluster, and radio
display do not dim to complete darkness.
The instrument panel light brightness control will
only work if the headlamps or parking lamps
are on. SeeExterior Lamps on page 166.
Dome Lamp
The dome lamp will come on when a door is
opened. They will shut off several seconds after
all doors are closed.
You can also turn the dome lamp on manually by
turning the interior lamps thumbwheel all the
way up. In this position, the dome lamp will remain
on whether a door is opened or closed. See
Interior Lamps on page 170for additional
information on location.
Dome Lamp Override
E(Dome Override):Press this button, located
below the exterior lamp control, to turn the
dome lamp off even when a door is opened. See
Exterior Lamps on page 166for more information
on location.
To return the lamp to automatic operation, press
the button again.
170

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages
that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will
help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes serious
enough to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to your warning
lights and gages could also save you or others
from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
As you will see in the details on the next few
pages, some warning lights come on brie y when
you start the engine just to let you know they
are working. If you are familiar with this section,
you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Often gages and warning lights work together to
let you know when there is a problem with
your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on when you are driving, or when one of
the gages shows there may be a problem, check
the section that tells you what to do about it.
Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly — and even dangerous.
So please get to know your warning lights and
gages. They are a big help.
Your vehicle has a DIC that works along with the
warning lights and gages. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 194for more information.
177

If, after several seconds, all 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 for service.
{CAUTION:
If the off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on together,
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 seat
may not have the protection of the frontal
airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 181.
Battery Warning Light
This light will come on
brie y when you start
the vehicle, as a
check to show you it is
working; then it
should go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the electrical
charging system. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is on could drain your
battery and result in a vehicle that may stall. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 198for
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 climate control system.
184

Surface Obstacles:Unseen or hidden obstacles
can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or
bump can startle you if you are not prepared
for them. Often these obstacles are hidden
by grass, bushes, snow, or even the rise and
fall of the terrain itself. Here are some things
to consider:
Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change abruptly
up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill?
There is more discussion of these subjects later.
Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?
When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain,
keep a rm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts,
troughs, or other surface features can jerk the
wheel out of your hands if you are not prepared.
When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other
obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground.
If this happens, even with one or two wheels,
you cannot control the vehicle as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden turns, or sudden braking.In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind
of alertness from driving on paved roads and
highways. There are no road signs, posted speed
limits, or signal lights. You have to use your own
good judgment about what is safe and what is not.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on
any road. And this is certainly true for off-road
driving. At the very time you need special alertness
and driving skills, your re exes, perceptions,
and judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a serious — or
even fatal — accident if you drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking.
SeeDrunken Driving on page 243.
Driving on Off-Road Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or
across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good
judgment and an understanding of what your
vehicle can and cannot do. There are some hills
that simply cannot be driven, no matter how
well built the vehicle.
260