
Cooling the Interior Quickly
1 Adjust the fan speed to the highest speed setting.
2 Adjust the temperature control toMAX A/C.
3 Adjust the air distribution control to the instrument panel air
vents position.
Recommended Settings for Cooling
1 Adjust the fan speed to the second speed setting.
2 Adjust the temperature control to the midway point of the
cold settings.
3 Adjust the air distribution control to the instrument panel air
vents position.
Vehicle Stationary for Extended Periods During Extreme High
Ambient Temperatures
1 Apply the parking brake.
2 Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
3 Adjust the temperature control toMAX A/C.
4 Adjust the fan speed to the lowest speed setting.
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather
1 Adjust the air distribution control to the instrument panel and
footwell air vents positions.
2 PressA/C.
3 Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting.
4 Adjust the fan speed to the highest setting.
5 Direct the instrument panel side air vents toward the side
windows.
6 Close the instrument panel vents.
Maximum Cooling Performance in Instrument Panel or Instrument
Panel and Footwell Positions
1 Adjust the temperature control to the lowest setting.
2 Press the A/C and recirculated air buttons.
3 Adjust the fan speed to the highest setting initially and then
adjust it to suit the desired comfort level.
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IGNITION SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
0 (Off):The ignition is off.
Note:When you switch the ignition off and leave your vehicle, do not
leave your key in the ignition. This could cause your vehicle battery to
lose charge.
I (Accessory):Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to
operate while the engine is not running.
Note:Do not leave the ignition key in this position for too long.
This could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.
II (On):All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
III (Start):Cranks the engine.
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.
•Switch the ignition on.
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Move the transmission selector lever to positionPorN.
3. Start the engine. The engine may continue cranking for up to
15 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.
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If you cannot start your engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds,
then follow this procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Move the transmission selector lever to positionPorN.
4. Start the engine.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C
electrical source.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
Note:The vehicle can potentially roll back in D (Drive) on a grade.
To prevent this from occurring, it is recommended that you move the
gearshift lever into the 2 (second) position.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Press the shifter button and 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.
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Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely.
To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
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.
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
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 ignition key to off, then remove the key.
2. Using a flat head screwdriver, remove the plastic cover.
3. Insert the ignition key and push
it straight down to release the
interlock.
4. Apply the parking brake, then
shift to N (Neutral).
5. Start the vehicle.Note:Starting
the vehicle in N (Neutral) still
requires following the steps in the
Preparing to start your vehicle
section.
6. To drive, with the brake pedal still pressed, release the parking brake
and shift to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is used.
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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 your
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while
braking, you should take it to an authorized dealer for inspection.
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. See theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See 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
If the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow your 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 positionPand apply the parking
brake, 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
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The anti-lock brake system lamp momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during
start-up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
If the anti-lock brake system 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 anti-lock braking system 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 transmission selector lever is securely latched in position
P(automatic transmission) or position1(manual transmission).
To set the parking brake, pull the parking brake handle up as far as
possible.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press and hold the button located at the end of the parking brake
handle.
2. 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 (for example, 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 the traction control system off
by using the TCS OFF button (if
equipped) located on the instrument
panel next to the hazard warning
switch. OFF will illuminate in the
switch. During normal operation, TCS
will be illuminated in the switch.
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.
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 stays on when a problem occurs in the system.
TCSOFF
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