Page 274 of 454

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if the ESP is in the
ªPartial Offº mode. Refer to ªElectronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)º in this Section of the manual.
The Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator
Light, located in the instrument cluster, starts
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the
wheels begin to spin. This indicates that theTCS is active. If the indicator light flashes during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
²The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded.
²The TCS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 278 of 454

When in ªPartial Offº mode, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. However, a fea-
ture of the system remains active. This feature controls
wheel spin across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip
differential. If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster
than the other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel and allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
To enter the ªPartial Offº mode, momentarily
depress the ªESP OFFº switch in the switch
bank above the climate controls. To turn the
ESP on again, momentarily depress the ªESP
OFFº switch again. This will restore the normal ªESP Onº
mode of operation. This may be done while the vehicle is
in motion.WARNING!
In the Partial Off mode, the engine torque reduction
is cancelled and the stability features are desensi-
tized. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability of-
fered by ESP is unavailable.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The ªESP/
BAS Malfunction Indicator Lightº and the
ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the instrument
cluster both come on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ªONº position. They should go out with the engine
running.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 343 of 454

and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the nuts
toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid the
risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the
nuts fully until the vehicle has been lowered.
WARNING!
To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp
edges.
NOTE:For vehicles so equipped, the wheel cover is
held on the wheel by the wheel nuts. When reinstalling
the original wheel, properly align the wheel cover to the
valve stem, place the wheel cover onto the wheel, and
then install the wheel nuts.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.8. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts, until
each nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut
torque is 100 ft. lbs (135 N. m). If you doubt that you have
tightened the nuts correctly, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
9. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is
free. Reassemble the lug wrench to the jack assembly and
stow it in the spare tire area. Secure the assembly using
the means provided.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343
6
Page 386 of 454

CAUTION!
²Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer's recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Partsº for the correct fluid type.
²Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering
the transaxle after checking or replenishing fluid,
make certain that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter at the
intervals shown in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this
manual.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transaxle is
disassembled for any reason.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE