Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the
engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be
stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or LOCK position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts brie y but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may 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 your battery or if your battery has
run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may 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
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil
pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) when the
engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but readings
above the low pressure zone indicate the normal
operating range.
United StatesCanada
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A reading in the low pressure zone may be
caused by a dangerously low oil level or some
other problem causing low oil pressure. Check
your oil as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil on
page 404.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is
low. If you do, your engine can become so
hot that it catches re. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
Security Light
This light will come on
brie y when you turn
the key toward START.
The light will stay on
until the engine starts.
If the light ashes, the Passlock
®system has
entered a tamper mode. If the vehicle fails to start,
seePasslock
®on page 118.
If the light comes on continuously while driving
and stays on, there may be a problem with
the Passlock
®system. Your vehicle will not be
protected by Passlock®, and you should see your
dealer.
Also, seeContent Theft-Deterrent on page 116for
additional information regarding the security light.
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DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed
and that some action may be needed by the driver
to correct the condition. Multiple messages may
appear one after another.
Some messages may not require immediate
action. Press any of the DIC buttons on the
steering wheel or the trip odometer reset stem
located on the instrument panel cluster to
acknowledge that you received the messages and
to clear them from the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the
display because they are more urgent. These
messages require action before they can be
removed from the DIC display. Take any messages
that appear on the display seriously and remember
that clearing the messages will only make the
messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can
be displayed and some information about them.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
This message displays if the battery is not
charging during operation. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible by your
dealer. SeeCharging System Light on page 209
andVoltmeter Gage on page 210for more
information. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the
trip stem, to acknowledge this message and
clear it from the DIC display.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays when the engine oil needs
to be changed. See “Engine Oil Life System”
underDIC Operation and Displays on page 222
andEngine Oil Life System on page 407for
information on how to reset the message. Also,
seeEngine Oil on page 404for more information.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds
until the next ignition cycle.
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CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
On some vehicles, this message displays, a chime
sounds, and the charging system light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on if there
is a problem with the generator and battery
charging system. SeeCharging System Light on
page 209andVoltmeter Gage on page 210
for more information. Driving with this problem
could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system
checked by your dealer immediately.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
This message displays if the oil level in the vehicle
is low. Check the oil level and correct it as
necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool
or warm up and cycle the ignition to make sure this
message clears. Once the problem is corrected,
press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem,
to acknowledge this message and clear it from the
DIC display. This message clears itself after
10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
This message displays if the windshield washer
uid level is low. Adding windshield washer uid to
the windshield washer uid reservoir clears the
message. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 426for more information. Press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge
this message and clear it from the DIC display.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds
until the next ignition cycle.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
driver’s 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. Press any of the DIC buttons, or
the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and
clear it from the DIC display.
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LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
driver’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. Press any of the DIC
buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge
this message and clear it from the DIC display.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message displays for about 10 seconds after
resetting the change engine oil message. See
Engine Oil on page 404and “Engine Oil Life
System” underDIC Operation and Displays on
page 222for more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if low
oil pressure levels occur. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible and do not operate it until
the cause of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible and
have your vehicle serviced by your dealer.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
passenger’s 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. Press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
On the SUV, this message displays and a chime
sounds if the liftgate is open while the ignition
is in RUN. Turn off the vehicle and check
the liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for the
message on the DIC display.
On the SUT, this message displays if the midgate
is open or one or both of the midgate latches
are not fully closed. Turn off the vehicle and check
that the midgate and the latches are closed.
Restart the vehicle and check for the message on
the DIC display.
Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to
acknowledge this message and clear it from
the DIC display.
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