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.
Using Hill Start Assist
Note:If the engine is revved excessively, hill start assist will be
deactivated.
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two or three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
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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: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.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
To set the parking brake, pull the parking brake handle up as far as
possible.
To release the parking brake, press and hold the button located at the
end of the parking brake handle. Pull the handle up slightly, then push
the handle 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
by pressing the stability control button located on the center
console.
System indicator lights and messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracsystem, the stability control light and the stability
control off light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the traction control
system was not manually disabled through using the information display
control. If the stability control light still illuminates steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your
vehicle with AdvanceTracdisabled 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 system is in sport mode, the
traction control system is turned off, or AdvanceTracis 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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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. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal 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.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Selectable steering
Note:The steering setting defaults to standard if the battery is
disconnected or removed.
Refer to theInformation Displayschapter.
You can select the desired steering feel using the information display
control. The settings are:
•Standard: Default factory setting.
•Sport: Slightly higher effort required for steering with more road force
felt through the steering wheel.
•Comfort: Slightly less effort required for steering with less road force
felt through the steering wheel.
After selecting the desired setting, you may feel a soft feedback bump in
the steering wheel when the changeover occurs.
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Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the vehicle’s hook retainers. To
connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the rental agency’s instructions.
Note:Never attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) and do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) to aid in engine and transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
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3. Unclamp the top from the windshield header by pulling each latch
handle down and then rotating the latch to the rear until it clears the
header.
Note:If the top has not been opened for some time and sticks to the
windshield header, push the front of the top up slightly with your hand
to loosen it.
4. Press and hold the convertible
top switch on the overhead console
until the windows are completely
down and the top is completely
stored.
USING THE BOOT
Installing the Boot
WARNING:Always secure the retaining clips and boot straps on
the vehicle or the boot may come loose while driving.
Note:Be sure the boot is secure on the vehicle before driving. Improper
installation can result in loss or damage of the boot.
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CLOSING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP
Note:The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle is
stationary or traveling under 3 mph (5 kmh).
Note:Make sure that the latch handles are pulled down and in the fully
opened position before the top makes contact with the windshield
header. This allows for hand clearance and proper closure of the top.
To close the convertible top:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The ignition must be on. It is
recommended that the engine is running when opening the top to
prevent draining the battery.
2. Press and hold the convertible
top switch until the windows lower
completely and the top unfolds and
moves forward toward the
windshield header.
Make sure the latch handles are
pulled down and in the fully opened
position before the top and the
windshield header make contact.
3. Continue pressing the convertible top switch to close the top
completely. The top must be flush with the header.
4. Pull down on the drivers latch
handle and rotate it all the way
forward into the windshield header.
5. Press the latch handle up into the
stowed position to secure the latch.
6. Pull down on the passengers side
latch handle and rotate it all the
way forward into the windshield
header.
7. Press the latch handle up into the stowed position to secure the latch.
Note:If the top has been open for an extended period of time or if the
temperature is low, the top material may shrink slightly. If this happens,
pull on the latch handles or the center grip to fasten to top
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