Page 37 of 457
NOTE:
•In the event of a power malfunction, or the RKE
transmitter is inoperative, insert the key into the
liftgate lock cylinder and turn to the right (manual
lock models only). Using the liftgate handle, pull the
liftgate open with one fluid motion.
•Although the liftgate has no inside release mechanism,
the liftgate trim panel includes an opening with a
snap-in cap that provides access to release the latch in
the event of an electrical system malfunction.
WARNING!
•Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
•If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.Opening The Liftgate
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
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Page 71 of 457

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
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Page 166 of 457
Remote Sound System Controls —
If Equipped........................... 240
▫Radio Operation..................... 240
▫CD Player.......................... 241
CD/DVD Maintenance.................. 241
Radio Operation And Cellular Phones....... 242Climate Controls...................... 242
▫Manual Heating, Ventilation And Air
Conditioning (HVAC) System............ 242
▫Air Conditioning (A/C)................ 246
▫Air Filtration System — If Equipped....... 247
▫Operating Tips...................... 248
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 167 of 457
INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 - Air Outlet 5 - Storage Bin 9 - Heated Seat Switch – If Equipped
2 - Demisters 6 - Glove Compartment 10 - Hazard Warning Flasher
3 - Instrument Cluster 7 - Climate Controls 11 - ESP OFF Switch – If Equipped
4 - Radio 8 - Power Outlet 12 - Heated Seat Switch – If EquippedUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165
4
Page 244 of 457

NOTE:If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-
lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e. scratched, reflective
coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc)
oversized, or have theft protection encoding. Try a
known good disc before considering disc player service.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Manual Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning
(HVAC) System
The Manual Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning
(HVAC) System allows you to balance the temperature,
amount, and direction of air circulating throughout the
vehicle. The controls are located on the instrument panel,
below the radio.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 245 of 457
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere.The controls are as follows:
Mode Control (Air Direction)
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution as identified by the
symbols.
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct air
flow.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
Climate Controls
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243
4
Page 247 of 457

NOTE:For maximum airflow to the rear seat passen-
gers, the center instrument panel outlets can be aimed, so
that the left center outlet is directed toward the right rear
passenger and the right center outlet is directed toward
the left rear passenger.
Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the
system in any mode you select.
The fan speed increases as you
move the control from left (OFF)
to right.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the
climate controls will not function during Remote Start
operation if the fan control is left in the “O” (Off)
position.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the
temperature of the air inside the
passenger compartment. The blue
area of the scale indicates cooler
temperatures while the red area
indicates warmer temperatures.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser: located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
4
Page 435 of 457

Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 433
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