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Setting the Gap Distance
Note:It is the driver’s responsibility to select a gap appropriate to the
driving conditions.
The distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle in front of you can
be decreased or increased by
pressing the GAP control up or
down. The selected gap will be
displayed in the message center as shown by the bars in the graphic.
Four gap distance settings are available.
Graphic display
(bars between
vehicles)Following
distanceFollowing distance
at 60 mph
(100 km/h)Dynamic
behavior
1 bar 1 second 29 yards (28 m) Sporty
2 bars 1.5 seconds 44 yards (42 m) Normal
3 bars 1.9 seconds 56 yards (53 m) Normal
4 bars 2.3 seconds 66 yards (64 m) Comfort
Each time the vehicle is restarted, the last chosen gap for the current
driver will be automatically selected.
Disengaging Adaptive Cruise Control
Press the brake pedal or press CNCL to disengage the system. The last
set speed will be displayed with a strikethrough.
Disengaging the system will not erase your previous set speed.
Overriding Adaptive Cruise Control
WARNING:Whenever the driver is overriding the ACC by
pressing the accelerator pedal, the ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes to maintain separation from any vehicle ahead.
The set speed and gap distance can be overridden by pressing the
accelerator pedal.
When the driver is overriding the system, the green indicator
light is illuminated, and the follow vehicle is not shown in the
information display. The system will resume operation when you
release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle speed will decrease to the set
speed, or a lower speed if following a slower vehicle.
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Changing the Set Speed
There are three ways to change the set speed:
•Accelerate or brake to the desired speed and press SET upward and
release.
•Increase or decrease the speed by holding SET upward or downward
until the desired set speed is shown on the information display. The
vehicle speed will gradually change to the selected speed.
•Increase or decrease the speed in increments of 1 mph (2 km/h) by
briefly pressing the SET upward or downward.
The system may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to the new
set speed. The set speed will display continuously in the information
display while the system is active.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Resume should only be used if the driver is aware of the set speed
and intends to return to it.
Press and release RES/CNCL. The vehicle will return to the previously
set speed. The set speed will display continuously in the information
display while the system is active.
Low Speed Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle speeds below 16 mph (26 km/h).
An audible alarm will sound and the automatic braking will be released if
the vehicle drops below this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm will sound and the system will shut down if it is
applying brakes for an extended period of time. This allows the brakes to
cool down. The system will function normally again when the brakes
have cooled down.
You should select a lower gear position when the system is active in
situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades (i.e.,
driving in mountainous areas). Additional engine braking is needed in
these situations to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake system
to prevent them from overheating.
Switching Off Adaptive Cruise Control
Note:The set speed memory is erased when you turn off the system.
Press and release OFF or turn off the ignition.
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Detection Issues
The radar sensor has a limited field of vision. It may not detect vehicles at
all or detect a vehicle later than expected in some situations. The lead
vehicle graphic will not illuminate if a vehicle is not detected in front of you.
Detection issues can occur:
A. When driving on a different line
than the vehicle in front.
B. With vehicles that edge into your
lane. These vehicles can only be
detected once they have moved fully
into your lane.
C. There may be issues with the
detection of vehicles in front when
driving into and coming out of a
bend or curve in the road.
In these cases the system may brake late or unexpectedly. The driver
should stay alert and intervene when necessary.
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, the radar sensing zone may
be altered causing missed or false vehicle detections. See your authorized
dealer to have the radar checked for proper coverage and operation.
Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available
Several conditions exist which can cause the system to deactivate or prevent
the system from activating when requested. These conditions include:
•a blocked sensor
•high brake temperature
•a failure in the system or a related system.
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Blocked Sensor
WARNING:Do not use ACC when towing a trailer with brake
controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly
when ACC is activated because the brakes are electronically controlled.
Failing to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury.
WARNING:Do not use tires sizes other than those
recommended because this can affect the normal operation of
ACC. Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control, which
could result in serious injury.
A message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed if the radar
signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensor is located
behind a fascia cover near the driver
side of the lower grille. A vehicle
ahead cannot be detected and the
system will not function when the
radar signals are obstructed. The
following table lists possible causes
and actions for this message being
displayed.
Cause Action
The surface of the radar in the
grille is dirty or obstructed in
some wayClean the grille surface in front of
the radar or remove the object
causing the obstruction
The surface of the radar in the
grille is clean but the message
remains in the displayWait a short time. It may take
several minutes for the radar to
detect that it is no longer
obstructed
Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
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Cause Action
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
Desert / remote area with no other
vehicles and no roadside objectsWait a short time or switch to
normal cruise control.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This can happen, for example, when driving
in sparse rural or desert environments. A false blocked condition will
either self clear or clear after a key cycle.
Switching to Normal Cruise Control
WARNING:Normal cruise control will not brake due to slower
vehicles. Always be aware of which mode is selected and apply
the brakes when necessary.
You can manually change from adaptive cruise control to normal cruise
control through the information display.
The cruise control indicator light will replace the adaptive
cruise control indicator light if normal cruise control is selected.
The gap setting will not be displayed, the system will not
automatically respond to lead vehicles and automatic braking will not be
activated. The system will default to adaptive cruise control when the
engine is started.
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DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The driver alert system is designed to aid you. It is
not intended to replace your attention and judgment. You are still
responsible to drive with due care and attention.
Note:The system will store the on/off setting in the information display
menu through ignition cycles.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the system will be active above the
40 mph (64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as one lane marking can be detected by
the camera.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if the windshield is damaged, the
system may not function.
Note:The system may not be available in poor weather or other low
visibility conditions.
The system automatically monitors your driving behavior using various
inputs including the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your driving alertness is reduced below a
certain threshold, the system will alert you using a chime and a message
in the cluster display
Switching the System On and Off
By default, the system is enabled. You may disable or re-enable the
system by selecting Setting then Driver Assist then Driver Alert in the
menu. When activated, the system will monitor your alertness level based
upon your driving behavior in relation to the lane markings, and other
factors.
System Warnings
Note:The system will not issue warnings below approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h).
The warning system is in two stages. At first the system issues a
temporary warning that you need to take a rest. This message will only
appear for a short time. If the system detects further reduction in driving
alertness, another warning may be issued which will remain in the
information display for a longer time. Press OK on the steering wheel
control to clear the warning.
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System Display
When active the system will run automatically in the background and
only issue warning if required. You can view the status at any time using
the information display.
Select Information then Driver Alert to show the status screen in the
information display.
The alertness level is shown by six steps in a colored bar.
The current assessment of your
alertness is within a typical range.
The current assessment of your
alertness indicates that you should
rest as soon as safely possible.
The status bar will travel from left to right as the calculated alertness
level decreases. As the rest icon is approached the color turns from
green to yellow to red. The yellow position represents the first warning is
active and the red position represents the second warning is active.
Note:If you have recently received a warning; you should consider
resting, even if the current assessment is with the typical range.
Note:The alertness level will be show in grey if the camera sensor
cannot track the road lane markings or if the vehicle speed drops below
approximately 40 mph (65 km/h).
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then opening and closing the driver’s door.
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LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The system is designed to aid the driver. It is not
intended to replace the driver’s attention and judgment. The
driver is still responsible to drive with due care and attention.
The system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane
and alerts and/or aids the driver to stay in the lane through the steering
system and instrument cluster display. The system automatically detects
and tracks the road lane markings using a camera that is mounted behind
the interior rear view mirror.
Note:The system needs to be activated by the driver at each key cycle.
Note:The system works above 40 mph (64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as one lane marking can be detected by
the camera.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if the windshield is damaged, the
system may not function.
Note:When Aid mode is on and the driver’s hands are off the steering
wheel for a short continuous period of time, the system alerts the driver
to put their hands on the steering wheel. The system may detect a light
grip/touch on the steering wheel as hands off driving. SeeSystem
settings.
Switching the System On and Off
To turn the system on, the button
must be pressed each time the
vehicle is started. The system can
be turned off by pressing the button
again.
Note:The system is defaulted to off
each time the vehicle is started,
unless a MyKeyis detected. If a
MyKeyis detected, the system is
defaulted to on.
Note:If a MyKeyis detected, pressing the button will not affect the
on/off status of the system. Only the Mode, Sensitivity and Intensity
settings can be changed when a MyKeyis present.
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