
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.NOTE:
Anytime the ESC system is in the “Full Off”
mode, ERM is disabled. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section for a complete explanation
of the available ESC modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or roll overs, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 301

For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following steps:
NOTE:You must complete Steps 1 through 8 within
90 seconds.
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing
straight forward).
2. Shift the transaxle into NEUTRAL.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Release the clutch pedal.
6. Rotate the steering wheel one-half turn to the left.
7. Press the “ESC Off” switch (located in the lower
switch bank below the climate controls) four times within
20 seconds. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” should turn on
and turn off two times. 8. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an
additional half-turn to the right.
9. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then
back to the ON position. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will blink several
times to confirm HSA is disabled.
10. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature
to it’s previous setting.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for over-steering or under-steering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the over-steering or under-steering condi-
tion. Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path. ESC uses sensors in
the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the intended path,
ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist
in counteracting the over-steer or under-steer condition
•Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC Off Indicator Light
The “ESC Off Indicator Light” (located in the
instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
WARNING!
•The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
•ESC cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
•The capabilities of an ESC-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive(+)jumper
cable from the positive (+)post of the booster battery.
9. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable
from the positive (+)post of the discharged vehicle.
10. Reinstall the air intake duct.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and 1st gear. Using minimal accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spin-
ning the wheels, is most effective.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol or Electronic Stability Control (ESC), turn the system
OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
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.
(Continued)
370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Manual Transaxle
•
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles can be flat towed (all four wheels on the
ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
•FWD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels
elevated.
•FWD or AWD vehicles can be towed on a flatbed truck
(all wheels off the ground).
All Transaxles
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not
in the LOCK position.
•Do not attempt to use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
372 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Flat Tire Stowage........................ 365
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 279
Fluid, Brake ........................... 423
Fluid Capacities ......................... 421
Fluid Leaks ............................. 83
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 401
Power Steering ........................ 293
Fluids ................................ 422
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 422
Fog Lights ....................... 142,195,415
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 136
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) .................. 136
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 287
Systems ............................. 287
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 287
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 370
Fuel .............................. 335,422
Adding ............................. 339 Additives
............................ 337
Capacity ............................ 421
Clean Air ............................ 335
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 339
Gasoline ............................ 335
Gauge .............................. 183
Light ............................... 184
Octane Rating ........................ 335
Requirements ......................... 335
Tank Capacity ........................ 421
Fuel System Caution ..................... 340
Fueling ............................... 339
Fuses ................................ 408
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 152
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............339,341,379
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 335
Gasoline (Fuel) ....................... 335,421
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 336
10
INDEX 461

Service Assistance....................... 447
Service Contract ......................... 449
Service Manuals ........................ 451
Setting the Clock .............208,222,224,227,236
Settings, Personal ........................ 201
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle .............. 281
Shoulder Belts ........................... 39
Side Airbag ............................. 65
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 271
Signals, Turn ...................... 83,184,416
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 288
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 324
Snow Tires ............................ 325
Spare Tire .......................... 320,361
Specifications Oil ................................ 384
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...........148,189
Speedometer ........................... 184 Starting
............................... 277
Automatic Transmission ................. 277
Engine Fails to Start .................... 279
Manual Transmission ................... 277
Remote .............................. 25
Starting Procedures ...................... 277
Steering Power ........................... 291,293
Tilt Column .......................... 147
Steering Wheel Mounted
Sound System Controls ................... 257
Storage ............................ 166,411
Storage Bin ............................ 166
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 270
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 370
Sun Roof .............................. 158
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 92
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 56
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 385
10
INDEX 469