Window Lockout
o
(Window Lockout):Press to disable the rear
window controls. The light on the button illuminates,
indicating that the feature is in use. The rear windows
can still be raised or lowered using the driver’s window
switches. To restore power to the rear windows, press
the button again.
The front passenger window can be programmed
to be disabled using the window lockout button.
SeeVehicle Personalization on page 2-61.
Secure Car Feature
The windows can be closed by pressing the lock button
on the keyless access transmitter. SeeKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-5for more information.
If any window is unable to close completely, it reverses
and the horn chirps. See “Anti-Pinch Feature” previously.
The engine must be off to operate this feature.
Sun Visors
Swing down the visor or detach it from the center mount
and move to the side to block out glare. The visors also
have side-to-side slide capability for greater coverage.
Pull the visor down and lift the cover. Move the slide
switch up or down to brighten or dim the lamp.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however,
they do not make it impossible to steal.
Theft-Deterrent System
Your vehicle has a theft-deterrent alarm system.
The security light is
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
If the ignition is off and a door is open, the security
light will ash, reminding you to arm the theft-deterrent
system.
2-21
If the engine does not start and the security light comes
on, there may be a problem with the immobilizer
system. Press the START button again.
If the vehicle does not start and the keyless access
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another
keyless access transmitter. Or, place the transmitter in
the transmitter pocket. See “NO FOBS DETECTED”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for
additional information. Check the fuse. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-123. If the engine still does
not start with the other transmitter, the vehicle needs
service. If the engine does start, the rst transmitter may
be faulty. See your dealer/retailer or have a new keyless
access transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
The immobilizer system can learn new or replacement
keyless access transmitters. Up to four keyless access
transmitters can be programmed for the vehicle.
To program additional transmitters, see “Matching
transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-5.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy Duty Cooling) on
page 4-31orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles With
Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-32for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-25
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an
electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be running or
in ACCESSORY mode and the regular brake pedal
must be applied.
/(START):Press to start the engine with your foot
on the brake pedal. The shifter must be in P (Park)
or N (Neutral) and the keyless access transmitter
must be in the vehicle.If the start button does not work, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing interference
to the keyless access system. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79for more information.
9/Acc. (OFF/ACCESSORY):Press to turn the engine
off in any gear. If the shifter is in P (Park), RAP will
engage if all doors are closed. RAP will turn off when
a front door is opened. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-27for more information.
If the engine is off, press this button to turn on the
accessory mode. ACCESSORY ACTIVE will display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). Accessory mode
allows use of the audio system and windshield wipers.
Accessory mode must be used if the vehicle must
be towed or in motion when the engine is not running.
After the vehicle has been in accessory mode for
more than 20 minutes, the vehicle will enter RAP or turn
off, depending on if the doors are opened or closed.
2-26
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Power Windows
Power to these accessories will work up to 20 minutes
or until one of the front doors is opened. For an additional
20 minutes of operation, close all the doors and press
Acc. to place the vehicle in accessory mode. Press the
button again to return to RAP.
Starting the Engine
To place the transmission in the proper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
To restart the engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral).
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.The keyless access transmitter must be inside the
vehicle for the ignition to work.
Cell phone chargers can interfere with the operation of
the Keyless Access System. Battery chargers should
not be plugged in when starting or turning off the engine.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot on the brake pedal, press the
START button located on the instrument panel.
If there is not a keyless access transmitter in
the vehicle or if there is something causing
interference with it, the DIC will display NO FOBS
DETECTED. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-79for more information.
2. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the
button and the engine cranks automatically until
it starts. If the battery in the keyless access
transmitter is weak, the DIC displays KEY FOB
BATTERY LOW. You can still drive the vehicle.
See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-5for more information.
If the fob battery is dead, you need to insert the
fob into the fob slot to enable engine starting.
See “No Fobs Detected” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79.
2-27
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
4. If the engine does not start and no DIC message is
displayed, wait 15 seconds before trying again to let
the cranking motor cool down.
If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
while cranking for up to 15 seconds maximum.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by pressing the START button immediately
after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.When the engine starts, let go of the accelerator.
If the vehicle starts brie y but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine and
protects components. Once cranking has been initiated,
the engine continues cranking for a few seconds or until
the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start, cranking
automatically stops after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system
also prevents cranking if the engine is already running.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
2-28
Stopping the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) and press the
Acc. button located on the instrument panel. If the
shifter is not in P (Park), the engine shuts off and the
vehicle goes into the Accessory Mode. The DIC
displays SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shifter is moved
to P (Park), the vehicle turns off.
The DIC displays NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?, if the
keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the
vehicle when it is turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for
more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with
an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. Some models have an internal
thermostat in the cord which will prevent engine coolant
heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
For the 3.6L V6 and 4.4L V8 engine, the cord is
located in the front of the engine compartment,
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
For the 4.6L V8 engine, the cord is located in the
engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle
near the inner fender and above the strut.
3. You must remove the plastic cap to access
the plug.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
2-29
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged
in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for
the best advice on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-34. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy
Duty Cooling) on page 4-31orTowing a Trailer
(Vehicles With Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-32.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has an
automatic transmission shift lock control system.
You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the vehicle is running.
2-30
If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press
the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on page 2-35.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use R (Reverse)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission.
SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-23for additional information.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
You can also use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear
and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-15.
2-31