WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as asubstitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and in-
jure you and others if it is not
completely in PARK. Check by
trying to move the shift lever rear-
ward (with the brake pedal re-
leased) after you have placed it in
PARK. Make sure the transmis-
sion is in PARK before leaving the
vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
It is dangerous to move the shift
lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly pressing on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the en-
gine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
Unintended movement of a ve-
hicle could injure those in or near
the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Be-
fore exiting a vehicle, always ap-
ply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and re-
move the ignition key. Once the
key is removed, the shift lever is
locked in the PARK position, se-
curing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle. Never leave children
alone in a vehicle, or with access
to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could
be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle, and do not leave the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
138
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever outof PARK, you must turn the igni-
tion switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position,
and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the shift le-
ver could result.
DO NOT race the engine when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL
into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be
used to ensure that you have engaged
the shift lever into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever all the way forward and
to the left until it stops and is fully
seated.
Look at the shift lever position dis- play and verify that it indicates the
PARK position.
With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out
of PARK. REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when vehicle is stand-
ing for prolonged periods with engine
running. The engine may be started in
this range. Set the parking brake and
shift the transmission into PARK if
you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and
never turn off the ignition to coast
down a hill. These are unsafe prac-
tices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions.
You might lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with the
transmission in NEUTRAL can re-
sult in severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in
What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts
through underdrive first, second,
third, and fourth gears, direct fifth
gear and overdrive sixth gear. The
DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all nor-
mal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
139
mode (refer to “AutoStick®” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmis-
sion operation may be modified de-
pending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed.
This feature improves warm up time
of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engage-
ment of the torque converter clutch is
inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this
section). During extremely cold tem-
peratures (27°C or below), operation
may briefly be limited to third gear
only. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage,Transmission Limp Home Mode is ac-
tivated. In this mode, the transmis-
sion remains in third gear regardless
of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL
will continue to operate. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) may
be illuminated. Limp Home Mode al-
lows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem,
the transmission can be reset to regain
all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If
the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal op-
eration.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be
reset, we recommend that you visit
an authorized dealer at your earli-
est possible convenience. Your au-
thorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to determine if the
problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset,
authorized dealer service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes
an electronically controlled Overdrive
(sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive
gear if the following conditions are
present:
the shift lever is in the DRIVE po-
sition,
the transmission fluid has reached an adequate temperature,
the engine coolant has reached an adequate temperature,
vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
140
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully ap-
plied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in
the center console. To apply the park-
ing brake, pull the lever up as firmly
as possible. To release the parking
brake, pull the lever up slightly, press
the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch ON, the
“Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
When the parking brake is ap-
plied and the transmission is
placed in gear, the “Brake Warn-
ing Light” will flash. If vehicle
speed is detected, a chime will
sound to alert the driver. Fully
release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does
not show the degree of brake ap-
plication.
When parking on a hill, it is important
to turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
Apply the parking brake before plac-
ing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be ap-
plied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the key fob from the igni-
tion and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a
vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully
disengaged before driving; failure
to do so can lead to brake failure
and a collision.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
145
WARNING!(Continued)
Always fully apply the parking
brake when leaving your vehicle
or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” re-
mains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system oper-
ates with a separate computer to
modulate the hydraulic pressure to
prevent wheel lock-up and avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces.
WARNING!
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness
and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping dis-
tance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condi-
tion of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent colli-
sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety
of others. The
“Anti-Lock Brake
Warning Light” monitors
the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remains on or comes on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock
portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is re-
quired. However, the conventional
brake system will continue to operate
normally if the “Brake Warning
Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to re-
store the benefits of anti-lock brakes.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, have the bulb repaired as
soon as possible.
If both the “Brake Warning Light”
and the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remain on, the Anti-Lock
146
and more wheel spin than ESC would
normally allow is required to gain
traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC Off” switch. This will
restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.WARNING!
In partial ESC mode, the engine
power reduction feature of ESC is
disabled. Therefore, enhanced ve-
hicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction
when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by
pressing the “ESC Off” switch.
Once the situation requiring ESC
to be switched to the “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn ESC on
again by momentarily pressing the
“ESC Off” switch. This may be
done while the vehicle is in mo-
tion.
ESC ACTIVATION/
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND
ESC OFF INDICATOR
LIGHT
The “ESC Activation/Mal-
function Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. It
should go out with the engine running.
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several igni-
tion cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and cor-
rected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” (located in the instru-
ment cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is ac-
tive. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction 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 prevail-
ing road conditions.
NOTE:
The “ESC Activation/Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light” and the
“ESC OFF Indicator Light” come
on momentarily each time the ig-
nition switch is turned ON. Each time the ignition is turned
ON, the ESC system will be ON
even if it was turned off previ-
ously.
ESC Off Switch
150
Check TPMS Warning
When a system fault is detected, a
chime will sound and the “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid. In addition, the
EVIC will display a "CHECK TPM
SYSTEM" message for a minimum of
five seconds and then display dashes
(- -) in place of the pressure value to
indicate which sensor is not being re-
ceived.
If the ignition key is cycled, this se-
quence will repeat, providing the sys-
tem fault still exists. If the system
fault no longer exists, the “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
no longer flash, and the "CHECK
TPM SYSTEM" message will no lon-
ger display, and a pressure value will
display in place of the dashes. A sys-
tem fault can occur due to any of the
following:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices
or driving next to facilities emitting
the same Radio Frequencies as the
TPM sensors.2. Installing some form of aftermar-
ket window tinting that affects radio
wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the
wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped
with TPM sensors.
The EVIC will also display a
"CHECK TPM SYSTEM" message
for a minimum of five seconds when a
system fault related to an incorrect
sensor location fault is detected. In
this case, the "CHECK TPM SYS-
TEM" message is then followed with a
graphic display with pressure values
still shown. This indicates that the
pressure values are still being received
from the TPM sensors but they may
not be located in the correct vehicle
position. The system still needs to be
serviced as long as the "CHECK TPM
SYSTEM" message is displayed.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
All engines are designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide ex-
cellent fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded
gasoline with a minimum research oc-
tane rating of 91.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds
is not harmful to your engine. How-
ever, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and im-
mediate service is required. Poor qual-
ity gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling, and hesitations.
If you experience these symptoms, try
another brand of gasoline before con-
sidering service for the vehicle.Over 40 auto manufactur
er's world
wide have issued and endorsed con-
sistent gasoline specifications (the
Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC)
which define fuel properties necessary
to deliver enhanced emissions, perfor-
mance, and durability for your ve-
hicle. The manufacturer recommends
the use of gasoline that meets the
WWFC specifications if they are
available.
158
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 ENGINE OIL OVERHEATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
TIREFIT KIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 TIREFIT STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
TIREFIT KIT COMPONENTS ANDOPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
TIREFIT USAGE PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . 168
SEALING A TIRE WITH TIREFIT . . . . . . . . . 169
JUMP-STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP-START . . . . . . . 173
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . 173
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . 176 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY . . . . . . . . . . . 177
165