Page 121 of 492

If you need to leave your key in the ignition but not
in LOCK for an extended period, it is recommended
that you disconnect the battery cable from the
battery to prevent discharging your battery.
There are several different positions for your
shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 132. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 300.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transmission shift lock control system.
You must fully apply your regular brakes before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key
is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 134.
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Page 171 of 492

Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on
when you remove the key from the ignition.
The lamps will not come on if the dome override
button is pressed in.
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, 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.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamp if it is left on
for more than 20 minutes when the ignition is
in LOCK. This will help prevent your battery from
running down.
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Page 184 of 492

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
Page 202 of 492

SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)
This message displays if your vehicle needs
service. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer
as soon as possible.
SERVICE CHARG (Charge)
SYS (System)
This message displays if there is a problem with
the battery charging system. Under certain
conditions, the battery warning light may also turn
on in the instrument panel cluster. SeeBattery
Warning Light on page 184. The battery will not be
charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle will
lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode.
The vehicle is safe to drive, however have
the electrical system checked by your dealer.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
TRACTION FAULT
If your vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message may display if
there is a problem with the TCS. Check the
TCS as soon as possible and have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 249for more information.
Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the display.
TURN SIGNAL
This message displays when the turn signal is on
for about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press
and release the reset stem to acknowledge the
message and clear it from the display.
202