Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) thatestimates the battery's temperature and state of charge.It then adjusts the voltage for best performance andextended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge is low, the voltage israised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.When the state of charge is high, the voltage is loweredslightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has avoltmeter gage or a voltage display on the DriverInformation Center (DIC), you may see the voltagemove up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electricalloads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This isbecause the generator (alternator) may not be spinningfast enough at idle to produce all the power that isneeded for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of thefollowing are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, foglamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at highspeed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads,and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of thebattery. It does this by balancing the generator's outputand the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increaseengine idle speed to generate more power, wheneverneeded. It can temporarily reduce the power demandsof some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, withoutbeing noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels ofcorrective action, this action may be noticeable to thedriver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) messagemight be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVERACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOWBATTERY. If this message is displayed, it isrecommended that the driver reduce the electrical loadsas much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4!48.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they areleft on for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is inLOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent the battery fromrunning down.
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Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic) :When automatic operation isactive the system will control the inside temperature, theair delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system inautomatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change toshow the current temperature(s) and AUTO comeon the display. The current delivery mode and fanspeed will also be displayed for approximatelyfive seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioningoperation and air inlet will be automaticallycontrolled. The air conditioning compressor willrun when the outside temperature is over about4°C (40°F). The air inlet will normally be set tooutside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet mayautomatically switch to recirculate inside air tohelp quickly cool down the vehicle. The lighton the button comes on in recirculation.
2. Set the driver's and passenger's temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start with a 23°C(74°F) temperature setting and allow about20 minutes for the system to regulate. Use thedriver or passenger temperature buttons to adjustthe temperature setting as necessary. If atemperature setting of 15°C (60°F) is chosen, thesystem remains at the maximum cooling setting.If a temperature setting of 32°C (90°F) is chosen,the system remains at the maximum heat setting.Choosing either maximum setting will not causethe vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the top ofthe instrument panel near the windshield. This sensorregulates air temperature based on sun load and alsoturns on the headlamps.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the systemwill delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.The length of delay depends on the engine coolanttemperature. Pressing the fan switch will override thisdelay and change the fan to a selected speed.
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Highbeam On Light
This light comes on whenthe high-beam headlampsare in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changero n p a g e 4!5for more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the tow/haul mode feature, thislight comes on when theTow/Haul mode has beenactivated.
For more information, seeTow/Haul Modeonpage 3!36.
Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on,the fuel gage shows abouthow much fuel the vehiclehas left in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the side of thevehicle the fuel door is on.
The gage will first indicate empty before the vehicle isout of fuel, but the vehicle's fuel tank should befilled soon.
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SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays along with the brake systemwarning light if there is a problem with the brakesystem. SeeBrake System Warning Lightonpage 4!33. If this message appears, stop as soon aspossible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicleand check for the message on the DIC display. If themessage is still displayed or appears again when youbegin driving, the brake system needs service as soonas possible. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE BRAKES SOON
This message displays if there is a problem with thebrake system. If this message appears, stop as soon aspossible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicleand check for the message on the DIC display. If themessage is still displayed or appears again when youbegin driving, the brake system needs service.See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE LEFT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY
On some models, this message will be displayed whenthe left headlamp is out and needs to be serviced. SeeLED Lightingon page 7!55for more information.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
This message displays if there is a problem with theUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do notuse this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic RearParking Assist (URPA)on page 3!46for moreinformation. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE RIGHT HEADLAMP
ASSEMBLY
On some models, this message will be displayed whenthe right headlamp is out and needs to be serviced.SeeLED Lightingon page 7!55for more information.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system and this message displays, both SBZA displayswill remain on indicating there is a problem with theSBZA system. If these displays remain on aftercontinued driving, the system needs service. See yourdealer/retailer. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)onpage 3!48for more information.
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Entering the Feature Settings Menu
1. Turn the ignition on and place the vehiclein P (Park).
To avoid excessive drain on the battery, it isrecommended that the headlamps are turned off.
2. Press the customization button to scroll throughthe available customizable options.
Feature Settings Menu Items
The following are customization features that allow youto program settings to the vehicle:
DISPLAY IN ENGLISH
This feature will only display if a language other thanEnglish has been set. This feature allows you to changethe language in which the DIC messages appear toEnglish.
Press the customization button until the PRESSVTO
DISPLAY IN ENGLISH screen appears on the DICdisplay. Press the set/reset button once to display allDIC messages in English.
DISPLAY LANGUAGE
This feature allows you to select the language in whichthe DIC messages will appear.
Press the customization button until the DISPLAYLANGUAGE screen appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settings for thisfeature. Then press the customization button to scrollthrough the following settings:
ENGLISH (default) :All messages will appear inEnglish.
DEUTSCH :All messages will appear in German.
ITALIANO :All messages will appear in Italian.
FRANCAIS :All messages will appear in French.
ESPANOL :All messages will appear in Spanish.
ARABIC :All messages will appear in Arabic.
CHINESE :All messages will appear in Chinese.
NO CHANGE :No change will be made to this feature.The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while thedesired setting is displayed on the DIC.
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Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive up the hill:
.Use a low gear and get a firm grip on thesteering wheel.
.Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintainspeed. Not using more power than needed canavoid spinning the wheels or sliding.
{WARNING:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills,
always try to go straight up.
.Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.If the path twists and turns, you might want to findanother route.
.Ease up on the speed as you approach the top ofthe hill.
.Attach a flag to the vehicle to be more visible toapproaching traffic on trails or hills.
.Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hillto let opposing traffic know you are there.
.Use headlamps even during the day to make thevehicle more visible to oncoming traffic.
{WARNING:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed can
cause an accident. There could be a drop-off,
embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You
could be seriously injured or killed. As you near
the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert.
If the vehicle stalls, or is about to stall, and you cannotmake it up the hill:
.Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle andkeep it from rolling backwards and apply theparking brake.
.If the engine is still running, shift the transmissionto R (Reverse), release the parking brake, andslowly back down the hill in R (Reverse).
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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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.Slow down and keep more space between you andother vehicles because headlamps can only lightup so much road ahead.
.Watch for animals.
.When tired, pull off the road.
.Do not wear sunglasses.
.Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
.Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicleclean—inside and out.
.Keep your eyes moving, especially during turnsor curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.But, as we get older, these differences increase.A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as muchlight to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction andaffect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always driveslower in these types of driving conditions and avoiddriving through large puddles and deep!standing orflowing water.
{WARNING:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal
until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up underyour vehicle's tires so they actually ride on the water.This can happen if the road is wet enough and youare going fast enough. When your vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
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