Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clearwindshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in over-heating and tire failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
switch bank near the top center of the instrument panel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
NOTE: With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
310 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween 1st and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
326 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine OFF, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 352
Engine Oil ........................... 338
Door Locks ............................. 25
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 27
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 140
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 255
Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water ................. 256
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 156
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 149
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 265
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 136
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 267
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 164Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
.... 174
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 36
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 325
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 310
Jump Starting ......................... 321
Overheating .......................... 310
Towing ............................. 327
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 36
Emission Control System Maintenance ......333,384
Engine ............................... 331
Air Cleaner .......................... 338
Block Heater ......................... 245
Break-In Recommendations ................ 71
Checking Oil Level ..................... 336
Compartment ......................... 331
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 349,381
Cooling ............................. 348
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 73,302
416 INDEX
Fails to Start.......................... 244
Flooded, Starting ...................... 244
Fuel Requirements ..................... 298
Jump Starting ......................... 321
Oil ........................... 336,380,381
Oil Change Interval .................... 336
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 337
Oil Filter ............................ 338
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 338
Oil Selection ....................... 337,380
Oil Synthetic ......................... 337
Overheating .......................... 310
Temperature Gauge .................... 164
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 337
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 57
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 18
Ethanol ............................... 299
Exhaust Gas Caution ................73,302,346
Exhaust System ....................... 73,345Exterior Folding Mirrors
................... 83
Exterior Lighting ........................ 127
Exterior Lights .......................... 75
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 302
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 338
Air Conditioning .................... 237,342
Engine Oil ........................ 338,381
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 338
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 310
Turn Signal ...................... 75,130,165
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 130
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 244
Floor Console .......................... 153
Fluid, Brake ........................... 382
Fluid Capacities ......................... 380
Fluid Leaks ............................. 75
10
INDEX 417
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 82
Overhead Console ....................... 139
Overheating, Engine ...................... 310
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,407
Paint Care ............................. 358
Panic Alarm ............................ 21
Parking Brake .......................... 260
Passing Light ........................... 130
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 134
Personal Settings ........................ 187
Pets .................................. 71
Phone, Cellular .......................... 85
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 85
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 277
Power Brakes .............................. 262
Deck Lid Release ....................... 35 Distribution Center (Fuses)
............... 366
Door Locks ........................... 26
Mirrors .............................. 84
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 149
Seats ............................... 119
Steering .......................... 258,259
Sunroof ............................. 146
Windows ............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 382
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 47
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................ 45
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 187
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 19
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 284
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 351
Radio Operation ........................ 231
424 INDEX