Instrument Panel Overview........................ 168
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 170
Other Warning Devices............................. 170
Horn.......................................................... 170
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 171
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 171
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 172
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 173
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 173
Windshield Wipers..................................... 173
Windshield Washer.................................... 174
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...................... 174
Headlamp Washer..................................... 175
Cruise Control........................................... 176
Headlamps................................................ 179
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 180
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 180
Automatic Headlamp System..................... 181
Fog Lamps................................................ 182
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 182
Dome Lamps............................................. 182
Dome Lamp Override................................ 183
Entry Lighting............................................ 183
Exit Lighting.............................................. 183Reading Lamps......................................... 183
Electric Power Management...................... 184
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 185
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 185
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 186
Climate Controls......................................... 186
Dual Climate Control System..................... 186
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.... 189
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 194
Rear Climate Control System.................... 195
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 197
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 198
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 199
Trip Odometer........................................... 199
Tachometer............................................... 199
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 200
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 200
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 201
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 202
Charging System Light.............................. 205
Voltmeter Gage......................................... 205
Brake System Warning Light..................... 206
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 207
Section 3 Instrument Panel
165
Electric Power Management
This vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM), an advanced control
system. It estimates the battery’s temperature
and state of charge and 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.
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 Battery
Voltage Low. 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 222.
184