WARNING!(Continued)
Always make sure that objects
cannot fall into the driver footwell
while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under
the brake pedal and accelerator
pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
If required, mounting posts must
be properly installed, if not
equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat
installation or mounting can cause
interference with the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle. Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear
and uneven wear patterns. Check for
stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. In-
spect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and
bulges. Check the wheel nuts for
tightness. Check the tires (including
spare) for proper cold inflation pres-
sure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation
of exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instru-
ment panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching,
and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after over-
night parking for fuel, engine coolant,
oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gaso-
line fumes are detected or if fuel,
power steering fluid, or brake fluid
leaks are suspected, the cause should
be located and corrected immediately.
65
If the ABS light is on, the brake sys-
tem should be serviced as soon as
possible to restore the benefits of
Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
8. Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light (for versions/
markets, where provided)Each tire, including the
spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the in-
flation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.) As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop
and check your tires as soon as pos-
sible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumina-
tion of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly. The TPMS malfunc-
tion indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the tell-
tale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle start-
ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is il-
luminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
165
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for
the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warn-
ing have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Un-
desirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of
the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor
damage. Do not use tire sealant from
a can or balance beads if your ve-
hicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
9. Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is part of an on-
board diagnostic system,
called OBD, that monitors en-
gine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate
when the key is in the ON/RUN posi-
tion, before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the
key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly. Certain conditions, such as a loose or
missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,
etc., may illuminate the MIL after en-
gine start. The vehicle should be ser-
viced if the light stays on through
several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require
towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and drivability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is re-
quired.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic con-
verter, as referenced above, can
reach higher temperatures than in
normal operating conditions. This
can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard,
etc. This could result in death or
serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
10. Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light (for versions/
markets, where provided) The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument
cluster will come on when
the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out
with the engine running. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with
the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several ig-
nition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several kilometers at speeds
166
SHALLOW STANDING WATER . . . . . . . . . . . 237
POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK . . . . . . . . 238
PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . . 240 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT . . . . . 240
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . . 241 TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) . . . . . . 241
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . 242
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) . . 242
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . 244 TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . 245
TIRE PRESSURES FOR HIGH-SPEEDOPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
RADIAL-PLY TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
SPARE TIRE MATCHING ORIGINAL EQUIPPED TIRE AND WHEEL (for
versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . . . . 246
COMPACT SPARE TIRE (for versions/ markets, where provided) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
FULL SIZE SPARE (for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
LIMITED-USE SPARE (for versions/ markets, where provided) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
TIRE SPINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
222
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
LIFE OF TIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
REPLACEMENT TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
TIRE CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . 250
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . 250 BASE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
PREMIUM SYSTEM (for versions/markets,where provided) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
TPMS DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
METHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
ETHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
CLEAN AIR GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
MMT IN GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . 258
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — DIESEL ENGINE . . . 258
ADDING FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 LOCKING FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)(for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . 258
TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . 259
223
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will
not engage until the transmission
fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1.6 to 4.8 km of driv-
ing]. Because the engine speed is
higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem
as if the transmission is not shift-
ing into Overdrive when cold. This
is normal. Using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) feature, when
the transmission is sufficiently
warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into
and out of Overdrive.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered,
wet, or other slippery surfaces may
cause the driving wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenom-
enon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery sur-
faces is dangerous. Unequal traction
can cause sudden pulling of the front
wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor
traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose
sand, etc.).
TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
it is possible for a layer of water to
build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplan-
ing and may cause partial or complete
loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the
following precautions should be ob-
served:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or
when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing
water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear
indicators first become visible.
4. Keep the tires properly inflated. 5. Maintain sufficient distance be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
DRIVING THROUGH
WATER
Driving through water more than a
few centimeters deep will require ex-
tra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or
path where water is flowing and/or
rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing
water can wear away the road or
path's surface and cause your
ve-
hicle to sink into deeper water. Fur-
thermore, flowing and/or rising wa-
ter can carry your vehicle away
swiftly. Failure to follow this warn-
ing may result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you.
236
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 hydraulic pressure to pre-
vent wheel lock-up and help avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces.
ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.
You may experience the following
when the brake system goes into anti-
lock:
The ABS motor running (it maycontinue to run for a short time
after the stop)
A clicking sound of solenoid valves
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System con-tains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be suscep-
tible to interference caused by im-
properly installed, or high output
radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause pos-
sible loss of anti-lock braking ca-
pability. Installation of such
equipment should be performed
by qualified professionals.
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 Anti-Lock Brake System can-
not prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be
the same size and type, and tires must
be properly inflated to produce accu-
rate signals for the computer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
WARNING LIGHT The “Anti-Lock Brake
Warning Light” monitors
the anti-lock brake system.
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
240
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 ABS and Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) systems are not functioning.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is
required. Consult with your autho-
rized dealer service center as soon as
possible.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an ad-
vanced electronic brake control sys-
tem that includes the Traction Control
System (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS) and Electronic Stability Con-trol (ESC). These systems comple-
ment the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) by optimizing the vehicle brak-
ing capability during emergency
braking maneuvers.
TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
monitors the amount of wheel spin of
each of the driven wheels. If wheel
spin is detected, brake pressure is ap-
plied to the slipping wheel(s) and en-
gine power is reduced, to provide en-
hanced acceleration and stability. A
feature of the TCS functions similarly
to a limited-slip differential, and con-
trols the wheel spin across a driven
axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the sys-
tem will apply the brake of the spin-
ning wheel. This will allow more en-
gine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. This feature re-
mains active even if the ESC is in the
“Partial Off” mode.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” (in the instrument
cluster) will start to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels
begin to spin. This indicates that the
TCS is active. If the indicator light
flashes 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, and do not switch
off the ESC or TCS.
WARNING!
The TCS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
The TCS cannot prevent colli-
sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a TCS-
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.
241