Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Ð If
Equipped
Pressing the MENU button will change the
display to one of the following features:
Trip Functions
Pressing the STEP button allows you to scroll through
one of the following Trip Function features:
²TRIP ± Shows the total distance traveled since the last
reset. To reset the TRIP function, press and hold the
RESET button.
²ELAPSED TIME ± Shows the total elapsed time of
travel since the last reset. Elapsed time will increment
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or START
positions.
²UNIT IN U.S./METRIC ± Press the RESET button to
toggle between U.S. and METRIC.
²AVG. MPG ± Shows the average fuel economy since
the last reset. When the fuel economy is reset, the
display will show dashes for two seconds. Then the
history information will be erased, and theaveraging
will continue from the last fuel average readingHG EVIC
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167
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before the reset. (Example: If your EVIC displays 18
AVG. MPG and the RESET button is pressed, the
previous averaging history will be erased and the
display will return to the 18 AVG. MPG, not to 0 AVG.
MPG). The display may take several miles/kilometers
for the value to change, depending upon driving
habits. If equipped with a 5.7L engine and Multi
Displacement System (MDS), FUEL SAVER may be
displayed along with the actual AVG. MPG. If
equipped with MDS option, the EVIC will display
FUEL SAVER when in fuel economy mode.
²MI TO EMPTY (Distance To Empty) ± Shows the
estimated distance that can be traveled with the fuel
remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of fuel economy,
according to the current fuel tank level. MI TO EMPTY
cannot be reset through the RESET button.NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
²When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will
change to a text display of9LOW FUEL.9This display
will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding
a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off
the9LOW FUEL9text and a new DTE value will
display.
²Global Reset ± If the RESET button is pressed twice
within two seconds while in any of the three resettable
displays (AVG. MPG, ET (ELAPSED TIME) and TRIP),
all three displays will be reset.
System Status (EVIC Displays)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8 engines
will likely indicate a high temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or
when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to the ªHº mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL and increase engine
speed for two to three minutes. If the temperature
reading does not return to normal, see your authorized
dealer for service immediately..
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 203
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left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gage reads 1/16
of a tank or less.
5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the airbag system. Have the system checked by
your authorized dealer.7. Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned ON. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift
into NEUTRAL and increase the engine speed for two to
three minutes. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, see your authorized dealer for service imme-
diately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in NEUTRAL with the air conditioner turned off
until the light turns off. If the if the light remains on,
turn the engine off immediately, and call for service.
204 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 10
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service. See your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required. See your authorized dealer for
service immediately.
24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 211
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by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should deter-
mine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
212 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor cycles. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Front Blower Control
The front blower controls the
amount of air delivered to the
passenger compartment.
There are four blower speeds.
The fan speed increases as
you turn the control clock-
wise. When the front blower
control is turned to OFF, the
blower will be turned off and
the system will be positioned
in recirculation mode.
Front Mode Control
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution.
NOTE:To improve your selection choices, the system
allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots and give an even blend of both
modes.
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