
Instrument Panel Overview........................ 148
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 150
Other Warning Devices............................. 150
Horn.......................................................... 150
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 151
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 151
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 152
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 152
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 153
Windshield Wipers..................................... 153
Windshield Washer.................................... 154
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...................... 155
Cruise Control........................................... 155
Headlamps................................................ 159
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 159
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 160
Automatic Headlamp System..................... 160
Fog Lamps................................................ 161
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 161
Dome Lamp.............................................. 162
Entry Lighting............................................ 162
Map Lamps............................................... 162
Cargo Lamp.............................................. 162
Electric Power Management...................... 163Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 164
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 164
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 165
Climate Controls......................................... 166
Climate Control System............................. 166
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 170
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 170
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 172
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 173
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 174
Trip Odometer........................................... 174
Tachometer............................................... 174
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 175
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 175
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 176
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 177
Battery Warning Light................................ 179
Brake System Warning Light..................... 180
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 181
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light........................................ 182
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 182
Section 3 Instrument Panel
145

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 or voltage
display on the Driver Information Center (DIC), 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 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 200.
163

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed
to protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition
is turned off, the battery rundown protection
system will automatically turn the lamp off after
20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery.
This vehicle also has a retained accessory power
feature. If the radio is on, it will turn off after
10 minutes or if any door on the vehicle is opened.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 116.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets can be used to
connect electrical equipment such as a cellular
phone or CB radio.
The accessory power outlets located in front of the
center console storage area, at the rear of the
center console, and the vehicle may have
one located 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:If electrical devices are left plugged
into a power outlet, the battery may drain
causing your vehicle not to start or damage to
the battery. This would not be covered by
the warranty. Always unplug all electrical
devices when turning off your vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlets and
could result in blown vehicle or adapter fuses.
If you experience a problem, see your dealer for
additional information on the accessory power
outlet.
164

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the
airbag status indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has turned off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 82for more on this,
including important safety information.
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. See
Airbag Readiness Light on page 176.
Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light
will come on brie y as a
check, when you turn on
the ignition. Then it
should go out when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on when you start your
vehicle, have your vehicle serviced right away.
This condition may indicate your battery warning
light is not functioning properly. If this light
comes on while you are driving, be sure to turn off
accessories such as the radio and climate
control system. Have your vehicle serviced right
away. The SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM message may also appear in the Driver
Information Center. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 200for more information.
179

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 Light
If you have a low engine
oil pressure problem,
this light will stay on after
you start your engine, or
come on when you are
driving.
This indicates that your engine is not receiving
enough oil.
The engine could be low on oil, or could have
some other oil problem. Have it xed immediately.
The oil light could also come on in three other
situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to
show you it is working, but the light will go out
when you turn the ignition to START. If it
does not come on with the ignition on,
you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb.
Have it xed right away.
187