However, your vehicle can automatically shift to
lower gears as required by various driving
conditions. This means that all gears below that
number are available. For example, when
FOURTH (4) is shown next to the L, FIRST (1)
through FOURTH (4) gears are automatically
shifted by the vehicle. You cannot shift into
FIFTH (5) until the plus (+) button is used or you
shift back into DRIVE (D) mode.
While in LOW (L), the transmission will prevent
shifting to a lower gear range if the engine speed
is too high for the gear range you are trying to
select. You have a brief period of time to slow the
vehicle speed. If vehicle speed is not reduced
within the timeframe allowed, the lower gear range
attempted will not be available. The highest
possible gear that is allowed for that engine speed
will display next to the L in the DIC. Try again
to slow the vehicle speed and press the minus (−)
button to the desired lower gear range.
Automatic Engine Grade braking is not available
when the ERS is active. It is available in
DRIVE (D) for both normal and Tow/Haul mode.
While using the ERS, cruise control and the
tow/haul mode can be used. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 132for more information.Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may have a Tow/Haul mode.
The button to turn it on
or off is located on
instrument panel under
the climate controls.
Push the button to turn it on, push it again to
deactivate the system. You can use this feature to
assist when towing or hauling a heavy load.
When Tow/Haul is activated the Tow/Haul symbol
will come on the instrument panel cluster. See
Tow/Haul ModeunderTowing a Trailer on
page 362for more information.
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Automatic Engine Grade Braking
Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists when
driving on a downhill grade. It maintains the
vehicle’s speed by automatically implementing a
shift schedule that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control
of the vehicle. The system constantly monitors
the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, throttle position,
and whether the brake pedal is being pressed,
and determines when to keep the current vehicle
speed or to slow down. The system will then
automatically command downshifts that reduces
the vehicle’s speed, until the brake pedal is
no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode,
grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver
to select a range and limiting the highest gear
available. Grade braking is available for normal
driving and in Tow/Haul mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 129.
Parking Brake
To set the parking
brake, push down the
parking brake pedal
down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 217.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
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To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down
momentarily on the parking brake pedal with
your left foot until you feel the pedal release, then
slowly pull your foot up off the park brake
pedal. If the parking brake is not released when
you begin to drive, the brake system warning light
will be on and a chime will sound warning you
that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 362.
Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. If you have left
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 362.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot
and set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding
in the button on the shift lever and pushing
the shift lever all the way toward the front
of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust
into your vehicle. See the earlier caution
underEngine Exhaust on page 137.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your
vehicle even if the climate control fan is at
the highest setting. One place this can
happen is a garage. Exhaust — with
CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in
a garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 347.
{CAUTION:
It can be 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 move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle
will not move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 134.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 362.
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Outside Power Mirrors
If your vehicle is
equipped with outside
power mirrors, the
controls are located on
the driver’s door
armrest.
Press (A) to select the driver’s side mirror or (B) to
select the passenger’s side mirror. Press either
(A) or (B) again to deselect the mirror.
To adjust each mirror, press one of the four
arrows located on the control pad to move the
mirror in the direction you want it to go. Adjust
each outside mirror so that you can see a little of
your vehicle, and the area behind your vehicle.
SeeMemory Seat and Mirrors on page 13for more
information.The mirrors can be manually folded inward to
prevent damage when going through an automatic
car wash. To fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. To return the mirror to its original position,
push outward. Be sure to return both mirrors to
their original unfolded position before driving.
The use of hood-mounted air de ectors and
add-on convex mirror attachments may adversely
affect mirror performance.
Turn Signal Indicator
Your vehicle may have a turn signal indicator on
the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in
the direction of the turn or lane change.
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