Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned
off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still in ate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an airbag when
it in ates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
quali ed to do so.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact
sensors, rollover sensor module, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
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Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp .................................................3-17
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-17
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-23
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-32
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-33
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-34
Charging System Light..................................3-36
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. . . .3-37
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light...........................................3-38
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light. . . .3-39
Electronic Stability Program Indicator Light.......3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-43
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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Low Oil Level Light.......................................3-44
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-44
Security Light...............................................3-44
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-45
Cruise Control Light......................................3-45
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-45
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-46
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-46
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light........................3-46
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-46
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-47
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-47
Fuel Gage...................................................3-47
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-48Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-49
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-49
DIC Compass..............................................3-50
Audio System(s).............................................3-52
Setting the Clock..........................................3-53
Radio(s)......................................................3-55
Using an MP3..............................................3-64
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-68
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-69
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-70
Radio Reception...........................................3-70
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-71
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-71
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper and rear wash button is located on the
instrument panel above the climate control system.
=(Rear Wiper/Washer):Press this button to wash
and wipe the rear window.
The rear window washer uses the same reservoir as
the windshield washer. Check the windshield washer
reservoir level if the front windshield can be worked, but
no uid is sprayed when the rear washer is activated.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-32.
5(Delay):Press this button to turn the delayed wiping
on or off.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, the vehicle can maintain a speed
of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
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Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps
are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8
for more information.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light comes on brie y
when the engine is started.
It also comes on when the windshield washer uid is
low. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-32
for more information.
All-Wheel Drive Disabled Light
This light will come
on when there is a
malfunction in the
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
system.
This light will ash when the AWD system is temporarily
disabled.
For more information seeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)
System on page 4-10.
Gate Ajar Light
If this light comes on, your
liftgate is not completely
closed. Driving with the
liftgate open can cause
carbon monoxide (CO) to
enter the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-32for more information.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
an advanced electronic braking system that will
help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on,
and you might even notice that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-lock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-37.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
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Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have
ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the
sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7andElectronic Stability
Program on page 4-8.What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions.
Under less favorable conditions you will want to go
slower.
If you need to reduce speed when approaching a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while the front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
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Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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