Rearming The System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn off the
horn after three minutes, turn off all of the visual signals
after 15 minutes, and then the Vehicle Security Alarm will
rearm itself.
To Set the Alarm
The Vehicle Security Alarm will set when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to lock the doors
and swing gate, or when you use the power door lock
switch while the door is open. After all the doors are
locked and closed, the Vehicle Security Light (located on
the instrument cluster) will flash rapidly for about 16 sec-
onds to signal that the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming.
During this 16 second arming period, opening any door
or the swing gate will cancel the arming. If the Vehicle
Security Alarm successfully arms, the Vehicle Security
Light will flash at a slower rate to indicate the Vehicle
Security Alarm is set.
To Disarm the System
To disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm, you will need to
press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter, or
turn the ignition key to the ON position. 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.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will arm unexpectedly. If you
remain in the vehicle and lock the doors with the RKE
transmitter, once the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed
(after 16 seconds), when you pull the door handle to exit,
the alarm will sound. If this occurs, press the UNLOCK
button on the RKE transmitter to disarm the Vehicle
Security Alarm. You may also accidentally disarm the
Vehicle Security Alarm by unlocking the driver’s door
with the key and then locking it. The door will be locked
but the Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
11. Brake Warning LightThis 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.
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.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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.
12. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light After the ignition is turned on, the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) light illuminates to indicate
function check at vehicle start-up. If the light remains on
after start-up or comes on and stays on at road speeds, it
may indicate that the ABS has detected a malfunction or
has become inoperative. The system reverts to standard
non-anti-lock brakes.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Warning
Light are on, see an authorized dealer immediately. Refer
to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this manual.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 316
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 318
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 319
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 319
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 320
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 321
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 324
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 325
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ............... 331
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 332
Tire Safety Information ................. 333
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 333
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 337▫
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 338
Tires — General Information ............. 342
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 342
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 343
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 345
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 346
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 346
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 347
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 347
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 348
Tire Chains .......................... 350
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 350
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 351
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked, and
the shift lever is in the PARK position (automatic trans-
mission), or REVERSE, or first gear (manual transmis-
sion). When parking on a hill, you should apply the
parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK;
otherwise, the load on the transmission locking mecha-
nism may make it difficult to move the shifter out of
PARK.
WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
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
316 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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 Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If for any reason your
foot is on the brake when the vehicle reaches 12 mph
(20 km/h), this check will be delayed until 25 mph
(40 km/h). The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test, and during an ABS stop, to provide the
regulated hydraulic pressure. The motor pump makes a
low humming noise during operation; this is normal.
During off-road use, loss of traction can temporarily
defeat the system and cause the warning light to illumi-
nate. Turn the ignition to LOCK and ON again to restore
Anti-Lock Brake System function.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.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
WARNING! (Continued)
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can they increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded 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.
•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 Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused
by improperly installed aftermarket radios or tele-
phones.
NOTE: During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Trailer Sway Control (TSC). All of these systems work
318 STARTING AND OPERATING
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in vari-
ous driving conditions, and are commonly referred to as
ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the ve-
hicle, nor can they increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 319