Instrument Panel Storage
Your vehicle has a storage area
located to left of the steering wheel.
Pull down on the handle to access.
Sunglasses Storage
Compartment
Your vehicle may have a
sunglasses storage compartment
located near the rearview mirror.
Push the cover to open.
Front Storage Area
For vehicles with a storage area
located under the front passenger
seat, lift up on the end of the
tray and pull it forward to access it.
Center Console Storage
Your vehicle has a center console
with an upper, lower and rear
storage area. To access the upper
storage area, lift up on the top
lever. To access the lower storage
area, lift up on the bottom lever.
The top of the center console can
extend forward. To adjust, hold
the top of the lever up and pull the
top of the center console forward.
2-42 Features and Controls
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If they become damaged, install
new blades or blade inserts.
SeeWindshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 5-42.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. A circuit breaker will
stop the motor until it cools down.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
For vehicles with Rainsense™ II
windshield wipers, the moisture
sensor is located next to the inside
rearview mirror and is mounted
on the windshield. When active,
these sensors are able to detect
moisture on the windshield and
automatically turn on the wipers.
To turn on the Rainsense feature,
the wipers must be set to one
of the ve delay settings on the
multifunction lever. Each of the
ve settings adjusts the sensitivity
of the sensor.Since different drivers have
different setting preferences, it is
recommended that the mid-range
setting (position 3) be used initially.
For more wipes, select the higher
settings; for fewer wipes, select the
lower settings located closer to the
off position on the multifunction lever.
The sensor will automatically control
the frequency of the wipes from the
off setting to the high speed setting
according to the weather conditions.
The wipers can be left in a rainsense
mode even when it is not raining.
When Rainsense is active, the
headlamps will turn on automatically
if the exterior lamp control is in the
AUTO position and the wipers are
active.
Notice:Going through an
automatic car wash with the
wipers on can damage them.
Turn the wipers off when going
through an automatic car wash.
Windshield Washer
{CAUTION
In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray washer uid
on the windshield. The wipers will
run for a few cycles to clear the
windshield. For more wash cycles,
pull the lever forward and hold.
Heated Windshield Washer
Nozzles
This feature prevents the windshield
washer uid from freezing on the
nozzle during cold conditions.
The heated nozzles are turned on
when the rear window defogger is
activated. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.
3-8 Instrument Panel
ProCarManuals.com
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when the
three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not
have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up.
Keep trying to steer and constantly
seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of
the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid
most skids by taking reasonable care
suited to existing conditions, and by
not overdriving those conditions.
But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond
to the vehicle’s three control
systems. In the braking skid, the
wheels are not rolling. In the steeringor cornering skid, too much speed
or steering in a curve causes tires to
slip and lose cornering force. And in
the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Remember: Any traction control
system helps avoid only the
acceleration skid. If the traction
control system is off, then an
acceleration skid is best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease
your foot off the accelerator pedal
and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering
quickly enough, the vehicle may
straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced
when water, snow, ice, gravel,
or other material is on the road.
For safety, slow down and adjust
your driving to these conditions.It is important to slow down on
slippery surfaces because stopping
distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear.
Any sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. You may not realize
the surface is slippery until the
vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.
4-12 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com
Driving in Water
{CAUTION
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow
water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and
you could lose traction and roll
the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding,
and ood waters demand extreme
caution.
Find out how deep the water is
before driving through it. Do not
try it if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe — you probably will not get
through. Deep water can damage
the axle and other vehicle parts.If the water is not too deep, drive
slowly through it. At faster speeds,
water splashes on the ignition
system and the vehicle can stall.
Stalling can also occur if you get the
tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is
under water, you will never be able to
start the engine. When going through
water, remember that when the
brakes get wet, it might take longer to
stop. SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet
Roads on page 4-23.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that
has collected on the underbody,
chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,
have the brake linings cleaned and
checked. These substances can
cause glazing and uneven braking.
Check the body structure, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, axles, and
exhaust system for damage and
check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.The vehicle requires more frequent
service due to off-road use.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than
day driving because some drivers
are likely to be impaired — by alcohol
or drugs, with night vision problems,
or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by
adjusting the inside rearview
mirror.
Slow down and keep more space
between you and other vehicles
because headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
4-22 Driving Your Vehicle
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Before Leaving on a
Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, consider having it serviced by
your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own
include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All
levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are
lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires
in ated to recommended
pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to
travel? Have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, nd
a safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on at or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
4-24 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
To get help and keep everyone
in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-5.
Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{CAUTION
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from
around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window about
two inches (5 cm) on the side
of the vehicle that is away
from the wind to bring in
fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the
Index.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-28.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so
you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking the
exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm,
but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for
only short periods as needed
to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and close the window
most of the way to save heat.
4-26 Driving Your Vehicle
ProCarManuals.com
CAUTION (Continued)
To maximize safety when towing
a trailer:
Have the exhaust system
inspected for leaks and make
necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
Never drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-28.Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Get to know
the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of
handling and braking with the added
weight of the trailer. And always keep
in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that
require heavy braking and sudden
turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-41
ProCarManuals.com
FusesUsage
PWR SEAT Power Seat PASS
P/WIN Passenger Side
Power Window
DRIV
P/WIN Driver Side Power
Window
S/ROOF Sunroof ModuleFuses Usage
CIGAR Cigarette Lighter
ECM/TCM Engine Control
Module (ECM)/
Transmission
Control Module
(TCM)
FSCM Fuel Storage Control
Module
Fuses
Usage
ISRVM Inside Rearview
Mirror
CLUSTER Instrument Panel
Cluster
AIR BAG Airbag System
OSRVM Outside Rearview
Mirror
KEY CAP Key Capture
Solenoid
WHL S/W Steering Wheel
Switch
F/DR LCK Front Driver
Door Lock
APO2 Accessory Power
Outlet 2
BCM (VB3) Body Control Module
(BCM) (VB3)
DR LCK Door Lock
BCM (VB6) Body Control
Module (VB6)
Service and Appearance Care 5-81
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