CONT INUED
To see the inf lation pressures of all
f our tires, press the SEL/RESET
button. The display changes as
shown above.Each tire pressure is shown in
PSI (U.S. models) or in kPa
(Canadian models).
Each tire has its own pressure
sensor. If the air pressure of a tire
becomes significantly low, the
sensor in that tire immediately
sends a signal that causes the low
tire pressure/TPMS indicator
in the instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, you will see
which tire is losing pressure on the
multi- information display
along with a ‘‘CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE’’ message.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
281
U.S. models
Canadian models
12/08/09 16:36:18 31SJC670_288
Driving
If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on, or the multi-
inf ormation display shows a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’ message,
the VSA system automatically turns
on even when the VSA system is
turned of f by pressing the VSA OFF
switch (see page ). If this
happens, you cannot turn the VSA
system of f by pressing the VSA OFF
switch again.
When you restart the vehicle with
thecompactsparetire,theTPMS
system message will also be
displayed on the multi-inf ormation
display af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving.This indicator and the warning
message on the multi-information
display will go of f , af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving, when the spare
tire is replaced with the specified
regular tire equipped with the tire
pressure monitor sensor.
If you have a f lat tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS and tire monitor
indicators will come on. Replace the
indicated f lat tire with the compact
sparetire(seepage ).
After the flat tire is replaced
with the spare tire, the low tire
pressure/ TPMS indicator
stays on while driving. After
several miles (kilometers) driving,
this indicator begins to flash,
then stays on again.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
information display. This is normal;
the system cannot monitor the
spare tire pressure. Manually check
the spare tire pressure to be sure it
is correct. Each wheel (except the compact
sparetirewheel)isequippedwitha
tire pressure sensor. You must use
TPMS specif ic wheels. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by your dealer or
qualif ied technician.
Never use a puncture-repairing agent
in a f lat tire. If used, you will have to
replace the tire pressure sensor.
Havetheflattirerepairedbyyour
dealer as soon as possible.
290
358
CONT INUED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Changing a T ire with T PMS
283
12/08/09 16:36:31 31SJC670_290
Driving
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you
turned it off the last time you drove
the vehicle.
This switch is above the parking
brake release handle. To turn the
VSA system on and of f , press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
When VSA is off, the VSA OFF
indicator comes on as a reminder.
Press and hold the switch again. It
turns the system back on. In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
350
VSA OFF Switch
VSA and Tire Sizes
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
290
12/08/09 16:37:24 31SJC670_297
Driving
with VSA. if your vehicle was not equipped
Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
before changing a flat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency
where and how to store the
trailer’s spare tire.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
dealer or rental agency can tell you
what kind of sway control you need
and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot. 350
364
359
Saf et y Chains
Sway Cont rol Spare Tires
Trailer Mirrors
Towing a Trailer
297
12/08/09 16:38:20 31SJC670_304
Driving
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle’s handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills
and techniques.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system,
and lights are in good
operating condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are
within limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
When preparing to tow, and
before driving away, be sure to
check the following:
Towing performance can be
affected by high altitude, high
temperature, or when climbing
steep grades. Therefore,
premium fuel (premium
unleaded gasoline
with pump octane number
of 91 or higher)
is recommended when
towing more than
3,500 lbs (1,590 kg). The trailer tires and spare are
in good condition and
inflated as recommended by
the trailer maker. Your vehicle tires and spare
are in good condition and
properly inflated. The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are
working properly.Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
on thef ollowing page.
CONT INUED
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
301
12/08/09 16:38:56 31SJC670_308
Driving
If the vehicle’s tires slip when
retrieving a boat f rom the water,
shif t to f irst gear, and turn on VTM-4
lock (see page ). Disengage
VTM-4 lock as soon as the boat is
out of the water to prevent damage
to the VTM-4 system.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
Do not park on an incline unless it is
unavoidable. If you must park on an
incline, f ollow the steps below to
help prevent the vehicle and trailer
f rom rolling and possibly injuring
someone.
Turn the f ront wheels toward the
curb on a downhill, and away f rom
the curb on an uphill.
With the f oot brake f ully pressed,
have someone place wheel chocks
on the downhill side of the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
Firmly apply the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
putting pressure on the parking
mechanism in the transmission. It
also makes it easier to move the
shif t lever out of Park when you
want to drive away.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
When parking on level ground,
f ollow all normal precautions (see
page ) including putting the
transmission in Park, and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t. Turn
the wheel to the right to move the
trailer to the right.
1.
2.
3.
284 274
381
bottom Ret rieving a Boat
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Parking
Backing Up
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle
303
12/08/09 16:39:15 31SJC670_310
Driving
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to
recognize limits and take the
proper precautions.
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.
Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your cargo load
limits (see page and ).
Be aware that a heavy load can
reduce ground clearance and your
ability to clear obstacles.
Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually
assess the situation and drive
within the limits. 258 291
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember
Important Saf ety Precautions
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
305
12/08/09 16:39:31 31SJC670_312
Driving
The banks and surf ace under the
water provide good traction. The
water may hide hazards such as
rocks, holes, or mud.
Before driving through water, stop,
get out if necessary, and make
sure that:
If you decide it is saf e to drive
through water, choose a suitable
speed, and proceed without shif ting,
changing speeds, stopping, or
shutting of f the engine.
Do not try to cross water at high
speeds, as this may cause severe
damage to the cooling system or
result in loss of control.
After driving through water, test
your brakes. If they got wet, gently
‘‘pump’’ them while driving slowly
until they operate normally.
If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service may
be required. This service is not
covered by your warranties.
The water is not f lowing too f ast.
Deep rushing water can sweep you
downstream. Even very shallow
rushingwatercanwashthe
ground f rom under your tires and
cause you to lose traction and
possibly roll over. The banks are sloped so you can
drive out. The water is not deep enough to
cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe. You could stall and
not be able to restart your engine.
The water can also damage
important vehicle components. If you get stuck, and cannot get
unstuck with the VTM-4 system,
engage the VTM-4
Lock (see page
), and carefully try to go in the
direction (f orward or reverse) that
you think will get you unstuck. Do
notspinthetiresathighspeeds.It
will not help you get out and may
cause damage to the transmission or
VTM-4 system.
If you are still unable to f ree yourself ,
your vehicle is equipped with f ront
and rear tow hooks designed f or this
purpose (see page ). 274
381
CONT INUED
If You Get Stuck
Crossing a Stream
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
307
12/08/09 16:39:47 31SJC670_314
Driving