WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system light explanation later in this section for additional
information.
Note:Some warning lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicators;
they will display in the message center and function the same as the
warning light, but they will not display on startup as regular warning
lights do.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon light illuminates when
the ignition is turned to the on
position to check the bulb.
•Illuminates with key on, vehicle off:If the light illuminates, the
service engine soon light is working properly.
•Illuminates with key on, vehicle off, then starts to blink:The
light illuminates when the ignition is turned to the on position to
check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. If after 15 seconds the service
engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. This can occur if the
vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the battery
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has recently run down or been disconnected. If the vehicle does not
need I/M testing, do nothing. The vehicle is designed to check the
emission control system during normal driving. If the vehicle needs
I/M testing, refer to theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingsection in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
•Illuminates with engine running:The light stays on after the
engine is started. It indicates that the on board diagnostics system has
detected a problem with the engine, transmission or an
emission-related component or system. Contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not
require towing. Refer toOn-board diagnostics (OBD-II)section in
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for information on
temporary malfunctions that may not require vehicle service.
•Blinks with engine running:The light stays on after the engine is
started and sometimes blinks. It indicates that the On Board
Diagnostics System has detected an engine misfire problem with the
engine. While the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which
could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion
(avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Brake system warning:To confirm
the brake system warning light is
functional, it will momentarily
illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the on position (when the
engine is not running), or in a position between on and start, or by
applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or brake
system malfunction. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
P!
BRAKE
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Safety belt:The warning light
illuminates momentarily when the
ignition is turned to the on position.
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter to activate/deactivate the
Belt-Minderchime feature.
Stop safely hazard warning
(RTT):Indicates Hybrid component
fault/failure that will cause the
vehicle to shutdown, fail to start or
enter into a limited operating mode. A message may also display in the
message center.
Note: If the vehicle is still running, the vehicle may soon
shutdown without further warning and should be stopped safely.
If this lamp is lit, stop the vehicle, shift to P (Park), turn the key to the
off position, and attempt to restart the vehicle. If the fault remains, the
vehicle may require refueling, jump starting or service. For information
regarding the low-voltage (12–volt) battery only, please refer toJump
starting (low voltage [underhood] battery only)in theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Ready to drive:Illuminates once
the vehicle has successfully started
and will remain lit throughout the
drive. Indicates the vehicle is ready
to drive even when you don’t hear
the gasoline engine running.
Ready to drive (RTT):Illuminates
briefly once the vehicle has
successfully started. Indicates that
the vehicle is ready to drive even
when you don’t hear the gasoline
engine running.
Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the low-voltage
(12-volt) battery is not charging
properly. The message center
displays CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. If it stays on while the vehicle is
running (Ready to drive indicator is illuminated), there may be a
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malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a
related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. The
message center displays LOW OIL
PRESSURE when the engine oil level is low. Check the oil level and add
oil if needed. If the warning light or message stays on, even though the
oil level is correct, do not start the engine and contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the engine or a
related component. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
High engine or high motor
electronic coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant or motor electronics coolant temperature is high. The message
center displays HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE / HIGH MOTOR
TEMPERATURE when the engine coolant or motor electronics are
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine, and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If the light
and message stays on or continues to turn on after the vehicle warms
up, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Continuing to
drive with an overheated engine can cause serious engine damage. This
indicates a problem with the engine or a related component. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
AdvanceTrac:Illuminates when
AdvanceTracis active. If the light
remains on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
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Throttle Control/Powertrain
malfunction (RTT):Illuminates
when a powertrain fault has been
detected. If the indicator stays on or
continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is not completely closed. A
message may also display in the
message center.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off, lock or accessory position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
left on and the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park
brake is off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Turn signal on warning chime:Sounds when the turn signal has been
left on for an extended period of time.
HEV Engine off reminder chime:Sounds for 10 seconds when the
PRNDL is in the P (Park) position and the Driver’s door is ajar (open)
while ignition is on. Always turn your ignition key to off and remove key
before leaving your vehicle. (The engine may be off when the vehicle is
stopped, yet the key is on, and the engine can turn on at any time)
Message center activation chime:Sounds when some messages
appear in the message center display for the first time.
Memory seat feedback chime:Sounds during memory seat
programming to confirm that a memory position has been set.
Perimeter alarm warning chime:Sounds when using a key to unlock
the driver’s doors and the perimeter alarm is armed.
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How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake application and compensates for this
tendency. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation
may be observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or mechanical noise
you may feel or hear is normal. In addition, the ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
P!
BRAKE
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The AdvanceTracsystem includes
a stability control switch on the
instrument panel, a stability control
light and a stability control off light
in the instrument cluster. Both the stability control light and the stability
control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily
during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The stability
control light may illuminate (flash) during certain driving situations
which cause the AdvanceTracsystem to operate. If the stability control
light illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will
also indicate a failure with the AdvanceTracsystem.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyin theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
When AdvanceTracperforms a normal system self-check, some drivers
may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracyou may experience
the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, a vibration in the pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem; engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
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When the traction control system is off, the stability control off light will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control switch again will turn off
the stability control off light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features
will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
AdvanceTracFeatures
Control
switch
functionsStability
control
lightStability
control off
lightESCTraction
control
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled
Control switch
pressed
momentarilyNot
illuminatedIlluminated
solidEnabled Disabled
Control switch
pressed again
after
deactivationNot
illuminatedNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to theMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter for more information.
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