This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it
does not come on, have it fixed so it is ready to warn if
there is a problem.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
If this warning light stays on after the engine is started,
the parking brake may still be set or there could be a
brake problem. Refer to Parking Brake
on page 3‑34to
see if it is set. If the parking brake is not set, have the
brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving and a CHECK
BRAKE FLUID message shows on the DIC, pull off the
road and stop carefully. The pedal may be harder to
push or the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing Your Vehicle
on
page 5‑33and DIC Warnings and Messageson
page 4‑52for more information.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is
started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator
light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the
vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System
Warning Light on page 4‑36.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52for all
brake related DIC messages.
4-37
BUCKLE PASSENGER
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger's
safety belt.
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the ignition is on, the driver's safety belt is buckled, the
passenger's safety belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their safety belt.
The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the
vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled, and the passenger airbag
is enabled. If the passenger's safety belt is already
buckled, this message will not come on.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
This message reminds you to buckle the driver's
safety belt.
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the ignition is on, the driver's safety belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your
safety belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is
on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be
repeated. If the driver's safety belt is already buckled,
this message will not come on. This message is an additional reminder to the safety
belt reminder light in the instrument panel cluster.
See
Safety Belt Reminders
on page 4‑32for more
information.
CHANGE BRAKE PADS
On vehicles with electronic brake pad wear sensors,
this message will be displayed when the pads are worn.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays when the life of the engine
oil has expired. See Scheduled Maintenanceon
page 7‑3. After an oil change, the engine oil life
system must be reset. See “Engine Oil Life”under
DIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑47. Also, see
Engine Oilon page 6‑19and Engine Oil Life Systemon page 6‑25for more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, a sound will be heard, and the
brake system warning light on the instrument panel
cluster turns on if the ignition is on to inform the driver
that the brake fluid level is low. See Brake System
Warning Light
on page 4‑36. Have the brake system
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
See Brakes on page 6‑43.
4-54
PERF TRAC 5–RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
This message displays and a sound will be heard
when this Performance Traction Management mode
is selected. The instrument panel cluster light will also
be on when this mode is selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode selected. In this mode the
Traction Control is available but intended for use on dry
race track conditions. The Active Handling System is
disabled when this mode is selected. This mode will
require more driver skill than modes 1-4. Adjust your
driving accordingly. This system is available only on
ZR1 models. See “Performance Traction Management”
and “Launch Control” underCompetitive Driving Mode
on page 5‑9andRacing or Other Competitive Drivingon page 5‑19for more information about the use of
this mode.
PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE
(Automatic Transmission Only)
This message displays if you try to start the engine by
pressing the keyless ignition start button without having
the brake pressed. The brake needs to be pressed
when starting the engine. See Ignition Positions
on
page 3‑23for more information.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
If this message displays and the check engine light
comes on, a noticeable reduction in the vehicle's
performance may occur. If the REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message is displayed, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime the
check engine light stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer as soon as possible for diagnosis
and repair. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on
page 4‑41for more information.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every five minutes until this
condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, see Engine Overheating
on
page 6‑38.
4-62
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Active Handling System and the vehicle needs service.
The active handling system light on the instrument
panel cluster also turns on and a sound will be heard.
See your dealer/retailer. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Active Handling System
on page 5‑8for more information.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING
This message displays when the electronic sensors
that control the air conditioning and heating systems
are no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES
If this message displays while you are driving, stop as
soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the message stays
on, or comes back on again while you are driving, the
vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer. If the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light is on
and the regular brake system warning light is not on,
you still have brakes, but do not have ABS. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, you do
not have ABS and there is a problem with the brakes.
See
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on
page 4‑37and Brake System Warning Lighton
page 4‑36.
If this message is displayed, the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the Active Handling System will
also be disabled. The DIC will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM, and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and the
instrument panel cluster lights will come on along with a
sound. When the service message is displayed, the
computer controlled systems will not assist the driver.
Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To acknowledge these messages, press the RESET
button.
4-63
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
If this message displays when you are driving, there is a
problem with the Traction Control System (TCS) and the
vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer.
When this message is displayed, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system (TCS) warning light on the
instrument panel cluster will also turn on and a sound
will be heard.
When this message is displayed, the computer
controlled systems will not assist the driver in controlling
the vehicle. Have the system repaired by your dealer/
retailer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
there may be an electrical or another system problem
with the vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by your
dealer/retailer if this message keeps appearing.
SET PARK BRAKE FOR SEAT RECALL
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, this message
displays if you try to recall the memory positions when
the ignition is on and the parking brake is not set. If the
vehicle is on, you must set the parking brake in order
for the memory positions to recall. See Memory Seat,
Mirrors and Steering Wheel
on page 2‑4for more
information.
SET PARK BRAKE TO MOVE TOP
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, this message
displays and a sound will be heard if you try to operate
the power convertible top without first setting the
parking brake. Set the parking brake before trying to
operate the power convertible top. See Convertible Top
(Manual)
on page 3‑59or Convertible Top (Power)on
page 3‑66for more information.
SHIFT TO PARK
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park) when
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACCESSORY Once the shift lever is moved to P (Park),
the vehicle will turn off.
4-65
The vehicle will remain in ACCESSORY, without the
20 minute time-out period, until the shift lever is moved
to P (Park) or until the driver presses the pushbutton to
restart the vehicle. See Ignition Positions
on page 3‑23for more information.
SHIFT TO PARK OR SET PARK BRAKE
FOR TOP
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, this
message displays and a sound will be heard if you
try to operate the power convertible top without first
shifting into P (Park) or setting the parking brake.
Either shift the vehicle into P (Park) or set the parking
brake before trying to operate the power convertible
top. See Convertible Top (Manual)
on page 3‑59or
Convertible Top (Power)on page 3‑66for more
information.
SHOCKS INOPERATIVE
This message displays when a malfunction is present in
the Selective Ride Control system which is causing the
shocks to be in their full soft mode. This is a warning to
the driver that the vehicle handling may be affected.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes.
TIRE FLAT
{WARNING:
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT
message is displayed on the Driver Information
Center, your vehicle's handling capabilities will
be reduced during severe maneuvers. If you drive
too fast, you could lose control of your vehicle.
You or others could be injured. Do not drive
over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is displayed.
Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures as
soon as you can.
This message displays when one or more of the tires is
flat. This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT
FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate
which tire is affected. Multiple chimes sound and the tire
pressure light on the instrument panel cluster comes on
when this message is displayed. See Tire Pressure
Light
on page 4‑40.
4-66
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING –OFF
This message displays, the instrument panel cluster
light turns on, and a sound will be heard when the
Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Handling
System are turned off by pressing the Active Handling
System button on the console for five seconds. The
Antilock Brake System (ABS) remains on with the TCS
and Active Handling System off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6and Active Handling Systemon page 5‑8for more information.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET
button.
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING –ON
If the Traction Control System (TCS) and Active
Handling System are off, this message displays briefly,
the instrument panel cluster light turns off, and a sound
will be heard when the TCS and Active Handling
System are turned on by briefly pressing the Active
Handling System button on the console. See Traction
Control System (TCS)
on page 5‑6and Active
Handling Systemon page 5‑8for more information.
TRACTION SYSTEM –OFF
This message displays and stays on, a sound will be
heard, and the traction control system (TCS) warning
light on the instrument panel cluster turns on when the
TCS is turned off by pressing the Active Handling
System button on the console. See Traction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 4‑38. See
Traction Control System (TCS)on page 5‑6for more
information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
TRACTION SYSTEM –ON
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned on by
pressing the Active Handling System button on the
console. This message automatically clears from the
DIC display on its own. See Traction Control System
(TCS)
on page 5‑6for more information.
4-68
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4‑36.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three‐fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three‐fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between the
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight
of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts, heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking,
rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lot of
heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Under certain weather or operating conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal, or other noise might
be heard with the vehicle's performance braking
system. This brake system is designed for superior fade
resistance and consistent operation using high
performance brake pads. Brake noise and brake dust
are normal and do not affect system performance.
Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications on page 6‑3.
5-4