
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have ormight begin programs to inspect the emission controlequipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle passan inspection:
.The vehicle will not pass this inspection if thecheck engine light is on with the engine running,or if the key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
.The vehicle will not pass this inspection if theOBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determinesthat critical emission control systems have notbeen completely diagnosed by the system.The vehicle would be considered not ready forinspection. This can happen if the battery hasrecently been replaced or if the battery has rundown. The diagnostic system is designed toevaluate critical emission control systems duringnormal driving. This can take several days ofroutine driving. If this has been done and thevehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack ofOBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer canprepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance candamage the engine. The repairs would not becovered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow themaintenance schedule in this manual for changingengine oil.
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine.If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
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Transmission Temperature
Press the trip/fuel button until TRANS TEMP displays.This display shows the temperature of the automatictransmission fluid in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) ordegrees Celsius (°C).
Instantaneous Economy
If your vehicle has this display, press the trip/fuel buttonuntil INST ECON displays. This display shows thecurrent fuel economy at a particular moment and willchange frequently as driving conditions change. Thisdisplay shows the instantaneous fuel economy in milesper gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km).Unlike average economy, this screen cannot be reset.
The display may also show if the vehicle is currentlyin V4, V6 or V8 mode.
Average Vehicle Speed
Press the trip/fuel button until AVERAGE SPEEDdisplays. This display shows the average speed inmiles per hour (MPH) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Menu Items
T(Vehicle Information):Press this button to scrollthrough the following menu items:
Oil Life
Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFEREMAINING displays. This display shows an estimateof the oil's remaining useful life. If you see 99% OILLIFE REMAINING on the display, that means 99% ofthe current oil life remains. The engine oil life systemwill alert you to change the oil on a schedule consistentwith your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on thedisplay. See“CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON”underDICWarnings and Messageson page 4!48. You shouldchange the oil as soon as you can. SeeEngine Oilonpage 7!17. In addition to the engine oil life systemmonitoring the oil life, additional maintenance isrecommended in the Maintenance Schedule in thismanual. SeeScheduled Maintenanceo n p a g e 8!3formore information.
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You should take any messages that appear on thedisplay seriously and remember that clearing themessages will only make the messages disappear,not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can bedisplayed and some information about them.
BATTERY LOW START VEHICLE
When the vehicle’s battery is severely discharged, thismessage will display and four chimes will sound. Startthe vehicle immediately. If the vehicle is not started andthe battery continues to discharge, the climate controls,heated seats, and audio systems will shut off and thevehicle may require a jump start. These systems willfunction again after the vehicle is started.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs to bechanged. When you change the engine oil, be sure toreset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message. SeeEngine Oil Life Systemon page 7!20for informationon how to reset the message. SeeEngine Oilonpage 7!17andScheduled Maintenanceo n p a g e 8!3for more information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driverdoor is not fully closed and the vehicle is shifted out ofP (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the doorfor obstructions, and close the door again. Check to seeif the message still appears on the DIC.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning)
TURNED OFF
This message displays when the engine coolantbecomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gageon page 4!35.To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the airconditioning compressor automatically turns off.When the coolant temperature returns to normal,the air conditioning compressor turns back on. You cancontinue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the systemrepaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible toavoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the engine oil becomeshotter than the normal operating temperature. Stop andallow the vehicle to idle until it cools down. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Gageon page 4!35.
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Before You Go Off-Roading
.Have all necessary maintenance and servicework done.
.Make sure there is enough fuel, that fluid levels arewhere they should be, and that the spare tire, if thevehicle has one, is fully inflated.
.Be sure to read all the information aboutall-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.
.Make sure all underbody shields, if the vehicle hasthem, are properly attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to off-roading whereyou will be driving or check with law enforcementpeople in the area.
.Be sure to get the necessary permission if you willbe on private land.
If you think you will need some more ground clearanceat the front of your vehicle, you can remove the frontfascia lower air dam. The air dam is held in place bytwo bolts and 10 snaps accessible from underneaththe front fascia.
To remove the air dam:
1. Remove the two outboard air dam bolts.
2. With a flat!blade tool, disengage the snaps.
3. After the bolts are removed and the snaps aredisengaged, push forward on the air dam untilit is free.
Notice:Operating your vehicle for extended periodswithout the front fascia lower air dam installed cancause improper air flow to the engine. Always besure to replace the front fascia air dam when youare finished off-road driving.
After off-roading, be sure to reinstall the air dam:
1. Line up the snaps and push the air dam rearwardto engage the snaps.
2. Install the two outboard bolts.
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Driving in Water
{WARNING:
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 flash flooding, and flood watersdemand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before driving throughit. Do not try it if it is deep enough to cover the wheelhubs, axles, or exhaust pipe—you probably will not getthrough. Deep water can damage the axle and othervehicle parts.
If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.At faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition systemand the vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if youget the tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is underwater, you will never be able to start the engine. Whengoing through water, remember that when the brakesget wet, it might take longer to stop. SeeDriving in Rainand on Wet Roads on page 6!25.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collectedon the underbody, chassis, or under the hood.These accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake liningscleaned and checked. These substances can causeglazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust systemfor damage and check the fuel lines and cooling systemfor any leakage.
The vehicle requires more frequent service due tooff-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule foradditional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day drivingbecause some drivers are likely to be impaired—byalcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or byfatigue.
Night driving tips include:
.Drive defensively.
.Do not drink and drive.
.Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the insiderearview mirror.
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4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parkingbrake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
If the engine has been left running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always put the shift
lever fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine
3. Shift into a gear
4. Release the parking brake
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and storethe chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling atrailer. See this manual's Maintenance Schedule orIndex for more information. Things that are especiallyimportant in trailer operation are automatic transmissionfluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling systemand brake system. It is a good idea to inspect thesebefore and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and boltsare tight.
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Section 7 Service and Appearance Care
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . 7-57
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-60Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-62Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-65High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-68Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-71When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-75Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-78If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86Secondary Latch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-91Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . 7-94Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades . . . . 7-104Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
7-2

Doing Your Own Service Work
If this vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see the Two!modeHybrid manual for more information.
{WARNING:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
.Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.
.Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.
If doing some of your own service work, use the properservice manual. It tells you much more about how toservice the vehicle than this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeService PublicationsOrdering Information on page 9!17.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attemptingto do your own service work, seeServicing YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2!89.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileageand the date of any service work performed. SeeMaintenance Record on page 8!14.
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affectthe airflow around it. This can cause wind noise andcan affect fuel economy and windshield washerperformance. Check with your dealer/retailer beforeadding equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
7-6