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23. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 297 for
more information.)24. Low Fuel Indicator Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. (See
page 341 for more information.)
25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD. The OBD system monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems. The
MIL will turn on when the key is in the ON position
before engine start. If the MIL does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 226 of 476

Operating Instructions — Voice Recognition
System (VR) (If Equipped)
For the radio, refer to “Voice Recognition System (VR)” in
Section 3.
For UConnect“Voice Recognition System (VR),” refer to
“Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)” in Section 3.
Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone
(UConnect) (If Equipped)
Refer to “Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)” in
Section 3.
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio Mode (If
Equipped)
Refer to “Satellite Radio” in this section.
Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment
System (VES™) (If Equipped)
Refer to separate “Video Entertainment System (VES™)
Guide.”Dolby
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Dolbyand the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories.
Macrovision
This product incorporates copyright protection technol-
ogy that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellec-
tual property rights. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is
intended for home and other limited viewing uses only,
unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited
DTS™
DTSandDTS 2.0are trademarks of Digital Theater
Systems, Inc.
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 263 of 476

the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take into account
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple. Begin by turning
the mode control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
the blower control knob (on the left) to either LO AUTOor HI AUTO. The LO AUTO position should be used for
front seat occupants only. The HI AUTO position should
be used when more airflow is desired, or when rear seat
occupants are present. Then, dial in the temperature you
would like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger temperature control knob. Once the comfort
level is selected, the system will maintain that level
automatically using the heating system. Should the de-
sired comfort level require air conditioning, the system
will automatically make the adjustment.
You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the OFF position on the fan control stops the system
completely and closes the outside air intake.
72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
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Page 268 of 476

Press this button a second time to turn off the air
conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control
This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 for proper
coolant selection.
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 272 of 476
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and rear window washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold 1 gal (4 l) of fluid
when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 275 of 476
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................277
▫Automatic Transmission................278
▫Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............279
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)................279
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................280
▫After Starting........................281
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........281
Automatic Transmission..................281▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................282
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 284
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission..........285
AutoStick...........................290
▫AutoStickOperation..................290
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........291
Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............292
▫Acceleration.........................292
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Page 277 of 476

▫LifeOfTire .........................321
▫Replacement Tires.....................322
▫Alignment And Balance.................323
Tire Chains...........................323
Snow Tires...........................324
Tire Rotation Recommendations............325
▫Tire Rotation — Standard Tires............325
▫Tire Rotation — All Season Tires..........326
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................327
▫Base System — If Equipped..............329
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........332
▫General Information...................337Fuel Requirements......................337
▫6.1L Engine.........................337
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................338
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............338
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................339
▫Materials Added To Fuel................339
▫Fuel System Cautions..................339
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............340
Adding Fuel..........................341
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............341
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............343
Vehicle Loading........................344
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............344
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5
Page 279 of 476

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked ve-
hicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
•Be sure to turn OFF the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep in
your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the shift lever. Accidents can also be caused
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause serious
or fatal injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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