Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
2
Remote Key Unlock
WhenDriver Door 1st Press is selected, only the driver’s
door will unlock on the first press of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter UNLOCK button. When Driver
Door 1st Press is selected, you must press the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button twice to unlock the passen-
ger’s doors. When All Doors 1st Press is selected, all of
the doors will unlock on the first press of the RKE
transmitter UNLOCK button. To make your selection,
press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until
“Driver Door 1st Press” or “All Doors 1st Press” appears.
Recall Memory with Remote Key Unlock — If
Equipped
When on is selected, you can use your RKE transmitter to
recall one of two pre-programmed memory profiles. Each
memory profile contains desired position settings for the
driver seat, side mirror, adjustable pedals (if equipped),
power tilt and telescopic steering column (if equipped),
and a set of desired radio station presets. When OFF is selected, only the memory switch on the driver’s door
panel will recall memory profiles. To make your selec-
tion, press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button
until “ON” or “OFF” appears. Refer to “Driver Memory
Seat” in Section 3 of this manual for more information.
Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock
When on is selected, a short horn sound will occur when
the RKE transmitter LOCK button is pressed. This feature
may be selected with or without the Flash Lights with
Remote Key Lock feature. To make your selection, press
and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until “On”
or “Off” appears.
Rain Sensing Intermittent Wipers — If Equipped
When on is selected, the system will automatically acti-
vate the windshield wipers if it senses moisture on the
windshield. To make your selection, press and release the
FUNCTION SELECT button until “On” or “Off” appears.
When Off is selected, the system reverts to the standard
intermittent wiper operation.
224 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!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush, or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence, (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the
chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
driving maneuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to
other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the road-
way, or striking objects or other vehicles.
NOTE:ERM is disabled anytime the ESP is in “Full Off”
mode. Refer to Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for a
complete explanation of the available ESP modes.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING
The “Hill Descent” button is located in the lower switch
bank below the climate control.
Enabling HDC
1. Shift the transfer case into 4WD LOW range. Refer to
“Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section for transfer
case operation information.2. Press the “Hill Descent” button. The “Hill Descent
Control Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will
turn on solid.
NOTE:
If the transfer case is not in 4WD LOW range,
the “Hill Descent Control Indicator Light” will flash for
five seconds and HDC will not be enabled.
Disabling HDC
1. Press the “Hill Descent” button or shift the transfer
case out of 4WD LOW range. The “Hill Descent Control
Indicator” light in the instrument cluster will turn off.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over-steering and under-steering the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain
the desired path.
Hill Descent Button
332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Cav-ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M18 — 15 Amp BlueExterior Lighting —
Right Front Park and
Side Marker, Right Tail
and Running Lights
M19 — 25 Amp NaturalAuto Shut Down (ASD)
#1 and #2
M20 — 15 Amp BlueInterior Lighting/Steering
Wheel Switches - if
equipped/Switch Bank/
Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC) - if
equipped
M21 — 20 Amp YellowAuto Shut Down (ASD)
#3
M22 — 10 Amp RedRight Horn (Hi/Low)Cav-
ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M23 — 10 Amp RedLeft Horn (Hi/Low)
M25 — 20 Amp YellowFuel Pump
M26 — 10 Amp RedPower Mirror Switch/
Driver Window Switch
M27 — 10 Amp RedIgnition Switch/Wireless
Control Module (WCM)/
Steering Column Lock - if
equipped
M28 — 10 Amp RedPowertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM)
M29 — 10 Amp RedOccupant Classification
Module (OCM)
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE