cancel the arming process. If the Vehicle Security Alarm
arms successfully, the Vehicle Security Light will flash at
a slower rate to indicate the alarm is set.
NOTE:For added security, whenever the Security
Alarm is armed, the HomeLink/Garage Door Opener
(if equipped) is disabled as well.
To Disarm the System
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid Sentry Key into the ignition lock
cylinder and turn the key to the ON position.
NOTE:
•Unlocking the doors with the manual door lock plung-
ers or the driver’s door lock cylinder will not disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm.
•When the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed, the interior
power door lock switches will not unlock the doors. The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will give you a false alarm. If the
previously described arming sequence has occurred, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether
you are inside or outside the vehicle. If you remain inside
the vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
The interior lights will turn on when you use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open a door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting (if so
equipped). For details, refer to “Illumination Approach,”
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
13. Oil Pressure Warning LightThis light indicates 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
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood. 14. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) 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, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional 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.
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
28. Cruise Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator lights when the electronic speed
control system is turned on.
29. Shift Lever Indicator
This display indicator shows automatic transmission
shift lever selection.
30. Seat Belt Reminder Light This light will turn on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to “buckle
up.” This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled.
31. Brake 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 reservoir. If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
4
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required. Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
32. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash rapidly for approximately
16 seconds when the vehicle security system is
arming and then flash slowly when the system
is armed. The light will also turn on for about
three seconds when the ignition is first turned ON.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 314
▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range .......... 314
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 314
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 315
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 316
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 317
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 317
Power Steering ....................... 318
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 319
Parking Brake ........................ 320
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 321
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 324
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 324▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 325
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 325
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 326
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) —
If Equipped ........................ 327
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 328
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) —
If Equipped ........................ 331
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 332
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light ...................... 336
Tire Safety Information ................. 337
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 337
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 341
288 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
•Always apply the parking brake fully when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
the PARK position. Failure to do so may allow the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type, and tires must be properly inflated, to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 321
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WARNING!
Significant over or under-inflation of tires or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
The ABS conducts a low-speed self-test at about 12 mph
(20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake
while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal
movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice
and snow. This is normal.
The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 12 mph
(20 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
WARNING!
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. (Continued)
322 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING! (Continued)
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
CAUTION!
The ABS is subject to possible detrimental effects of
electronic interference caused by improperly in-
stalled aftermarket radios or telephones.
NOTE: During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the ABS is functioning.
•Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the
pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-
ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission or locking out overdrive whenever pos-
sible.
•Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up,
which could cause rear wheels to spin and result in
loss of vehicle control. Be especially careful while
driving on slippery roads, in close-quarter maneuver-
ing, parking, or stopping.
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
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