
NOTE:The front airbags are certified to the Federal
regulations that allow less forceful deployment.
The front airbags have a multistage inflator design. This
may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation
that are based on collision severity.WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to open them. You may damage
the airbags and you could be injured because the
airbags are no longer functional. These protective
covers for the airbag cushions are designed to
open only when the airbags are inflating.
•Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.
•Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios
etc.
This vehicle may also be equipped with supplemental
side curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers
sitting next to a window and/or supplemental front seat
mounted side airbags.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for cleaning.
•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, and the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
NOTE:The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2

wipe interval from a minimum of one cycle every second
to a maximum of approximately 23 seconds between
cycles.
WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with the defroster before and during
windshield washer use.
Mist Feature
Push the multifunction lever inward (toward the steering
column) to the first detent to activate a single wipe cycle
to clear off road mist or spray from a passing vehicle. The
wipers will continue to operate until you release the
lever.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push the multifunction lever inward
(toward the steering column) to the second detent and
hold it for as long as washer spray is desired.
If you activate the washer while the windshield wiper
control is in the delay range, the wipers will operate for
two wipe cycles after releasing the lever and then resume
the intermittent interval previously selected.
If you activate the washer while the windshield wiper is
turned OFF, the wipers will operate for three wipe cycles
and then turn OFF.
Headlights On with Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned ON
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

The automatic transmission will downshift while climb-
ing uphill or descending downhill. This downshift is
necessary to maintain vehicle set speed.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur, so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
WARNING!
Speed control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLink),
storage for sunglasses, and an optional power SUNROOF
switch.
Overhead Console
140 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the ESP. (See page 284 for more
information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light
will turn on when the key in the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. The light should go
out with the engine running. If the light remains
on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30
mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected. (See
page 291 for more information.)
14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut OFF the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in Section 7. (See page 353 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the multifunction lever
away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 129 for more information.)
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for five to eight seconds as
a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. A chime will sound if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt
Warning Light will flash or remain on continuously if the
driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check
or when driving. (See page 45 for more information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 128 for more information.)
19. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
This display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (See page 174 for more information.)Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the EVIC.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
(See page 349 for more information.)
20. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

Brake System........................281,371
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................281,285
Fluid Check.......................373,397
Hoses.............................. 372
Master Cylinder....................... 373
Parking............................. 279
Warning Light.....................169,281
Brakes.............................281,371
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 268
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 72
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 131
Bulb Replacement.....................388,389
Bulbs,Light .......................... 76,388
Calibration, Compass..................... 184
Capacities, Fluid........................ 395
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 324
Oil (Engine).......................... 354Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 368
Car Washes............................ 376
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 74,324
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 327
Catalytic Converter...................... 357
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............194,213
Cellular Phone..................... 85,213,214
Certification Label....................... 327
Chains, Tire............................ 307
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 293
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 350
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 73
Checks, Safety........................... 73
Child Restraint.................. 63,64,65,68,70
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 67,68
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 321
420 INDEX

Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 131
Daytime Running Lights................... 128
Dealer Service.......................... 352
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 37
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 36
Defroster, Rear Window................... 256
Defroster, Windshield................ 76,246,252
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 132
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 349
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........194,213
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 130
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 353
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 342
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 369
Engine Oil........................... 355
Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 28Door Opener, Garage..................... 141
DriveBelts ............................ 355
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 276
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 277
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 234
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 256
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 84
Electrical Power Outlets................... 151
Electronic Brake Control System............. 284
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 380
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 137
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 287
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 166
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 174
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 37
422 INDEX