Fast Restart
If a valid key is not present, the fast restart feature allows you to restart
your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching it off. Press the brake pedal
(automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal (manual transmission) if
the car is stationary. If the car is still moving, press the start button.
After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer start your vehicle
without the key present inside the vehicle.
Once your vehicle has started, it remains running until you press the
start button, even if a valid key has not been detected. If you open and
close a door while your vehicle is running, the system searches for a
valid key. You are not able to start your vehicle if a valid key is not
detected within 20 seconds.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start your engine, the idle speed increases to warm the engine
up. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Before starting your vehicle, check the following:
•Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Move the transmission selector lever to positionP(automatic
transmission) or neutral (manual transmission).
•Turn the key to position II.
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionPorN.
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. The engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until it starts.
Note:If you cannot start your engine on the first try, wait for a short
period of time and try again.
If you have difficulty starting the engine when the temperature is below
-13°F (-25°C), press the accelerator pedal slightly and try again.
If you cannot start your engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds,
then follow this procedure:
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionPorN.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Fully press the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more
than three seconds will limit engine rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Note:The automatic transmission performs a series of automated checks
when the ignition is turned to the off position. A slight clicking sound
may be heard and is considered a normal part of operation.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal.
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop.
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park).
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
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If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
theFuseschapter for more information.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P (Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition key to the off position and
remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the passenger side console cover to
expose the inside of the shifter
assembly.
3. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever on the passenger side of the
shifter assembly.
4. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the brake shift interlock
lever forward below the metal blade
while pulling the gearshift lever out
of the P (Park) position and into
the N (Neutral) position.
5. Install the console cover.
6. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is
used.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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HILL START ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park) for automatic
transmission or 1st gear for manual transmissions.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING:During all times, you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the hill start assist system and
intervening, if required.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is active,
the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
This feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is on a slope
without the need to use the parking brake. When this feature is active,
the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for two to three seconds
after you release the brake pedal. This allows you time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent
the vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, (for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights
or when reversing uphill into a parking space).
This feature is activated automatically on any slope that can result in
significant vehicle rollback. This feature will not operate if the parking
brake is activated.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: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.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. Refer to theVehicle Carechapter for
wheel cleaning instructions.
Refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released,
have your brake system serviced immediately.
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HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the transmission selector lever is securely latched in position
P(automatic transmission) or1(manual transmission).
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
To set the parking brake:
1. Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up to its fullest extent.
Note:Do not press the release button while pulling the lever up.
Note:If your vehicle is parked on a hill and facing uphill, select first
gear or positionPand turn the steering wheel away from the curb.
Note:If your vehicle is parked on a hill and facing downhill, select
reverse gear or positionPand turn the steering wheel towards the curb.
The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated
until the parking brake is released.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the lever up slightly.
3. Press the release button and push the lever down.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (e.g. stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction
control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full
engine power. Turn off the traction control system through the
information display. Refer to theInformation Displayschapter.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
through the information display. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
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•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.
Note:Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Note:Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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