provide a freshbiteinto the surface and will usually
provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do
not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in
severe injury.
Driving Downhill
Before driving down a steep hill, you need to determine
if it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow,
controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight
descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill
to regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident in your ability to proceed, then make sure you
are in 4L (Low) and proceed with caution. Allow engine
braking to control the descent and apply your brakes, if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking.
Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured.
Driving Across an Incline
If at all possible, avoid driving across an incline. If it is
necessary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving across
an incline places more weight on the downhill wheels,
which increases the possibilities of a downhill slide or
rollover. Make sure the surface has good traction with
firm and stable soils. If possible, transverse the incline at
an angle heading slightly up or down.
362 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Trailer Sway Control (TSC). All of these systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in vari-
ous driving conditions, and are commonly referred to as
ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the ve-
hicle, nor can they increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The capabilities of an ABS-equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 373
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS
system functions similar to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This
will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if
TCS and ESP are in either the “Partial Off” or “Full Off”
modes. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability Program)” in
this section.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Or
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 533
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
534 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Disarming, Theft System................... 18
Disposal Engine Oil ........................... 462
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 474
Door Locks ............................. 30
Doors ................................. 26
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 126
Driving ............................... 354
Off-Pavement ......................... 354
Off-Road ............................ 354
Dual Top .............................. 154
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 150
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 150
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 373
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 373
Brake Assist System .................... 374
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 378
Electronic Stability Program ............... 379 Traction Control System
................. 374
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 378
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 146
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 379
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 260
Emergency Brake ........................ 369
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 442
Jump Starting ......................... 446
Tow Hooks .......................... 450
Emission Control System Maintenance ......457,506
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... 463
Block Heater ......................... 335
Break-In Recommendations ................ 75
Compartment ......................... 455
Compartment Identification ............... 455
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 76,415
Fails to Start .......................... 332
10
INDEX 539
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 406
Pressure Warning Light .................. 252
Quality Grading ....................... 533
Radial .............................. 401
Replacement ......................... 403
Rotation ............................ 404
Safety .............................. 387
Sizes ............................... 389
Spare Tire ........................... 443
Spinning ............................ 401
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 402
To Open Hood .......................... 135
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 427
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 345
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 450
Towing ............................ 420,451
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 103
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 451
Guide .............................. 424 Recreational
.......................... 435
Weight .............................. 424
Towing Assistance ....................... 103
Trac-Lok Rear Axle ...................... 349
Traction Control ......................... 374
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 386
Trailer Towing .......................... 420
Cooling System Tips .................... 434
Hitches .......................... 41 1,424
Minimum Requirements ................. 428
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 427
Wiring .............................. 432
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 424
Trailer Weight .......................... 424
Transfer Case ........................... 481
Four-Wheel-Drive Operation .............. 345
Maintenance ......................... 481
Transmission Automatic ........................... 341
550 INDEX