Gas props support the liftgate in the open
position. However, because the gas pressure
drops with temperature, it may be necessary to
assist the props when opening the liftgate in
cold weather.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
•Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the
driver and all passengers
• Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front
passenger
• Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR)
located on top of the front seats (integrated
into the head restraint)
• Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Cur-
tains (SABIC) for the driver and passengers
seated next to a window
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air
Bags (SAB) •
An energy-absorbing steering column and
steering wheel
•
Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupant
• Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners
that may enhance occupant protection by
managing occupant energy during an impact
event
• All seat belt systems (except the driver’s and
front passenger) include Automatic Locking
Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt
webbing into position by extending the belt all
the way out and then adjusting the belt to the
desired length to restrain a child seat or
secure a large item in a seat — if equipped
Please pay close attention to the information in
this section. It tells you how to use your restraint
system properly, to keep you and your passen-
gers as safe as possible.
If you will be carrying children too small for
adult-sized seat belts, the seat belts or the ISO-
FIX feature also can be used to hold infant and
child restraint systems. Refer to ISOFIX — Child
Seat Anchorage System for more information.
NOTE:
The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multi-
stage inflator design. This allows the air bag
to have different rates of inflation based on
several factors, including the severity and
type of collision.
Here are some simple steps you can take to
minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air
bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should
always ride buckled up in a rear seat.
WARNING!
Infants in rear facing child restraints should
never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a
passenger Advanced Front Air Bag. An air
bag deployment can cause severe injury or
death to infants in that position.
Children that are not big enough to wear the
vehicle seat belt properly (see section on Child
Restraints) should be secured in the rear seat in
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats.
31
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag Inflator Units are located in the center of the
steering wheel and on the right side of the
instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the Advanced Front Air Bags,
it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation
rates are possible, based on several factors,
including the collision type and severity. The
steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper
right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to their
full size. The air bags fully inflate in about 50 to
70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it
takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger.
The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented
through the vent holes in the sides of the air
bag. In this way, the air bags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
Inflator Unit
The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
unit is located in the instrument panel trim
beneath the steering column. When the ORC
detects a collision requiring the air bag, it sig-
nals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-
toxic gas is generated to inflate the Supplemen-
tal Driver Side Knee Air Bag. The trim cover
separates and folds out of the way allowing the
air bag to inflate to the full size. The air bag fully
inflates in about 15 to 20 milliseconds.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag
(SAB) Inflator Units
The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
are designed to activate only in certain side
collisions.
The ORC determines if a side collision requires
the side air bags to inflate, based on the severity
and type of collision.
Based on the severity and type of collision, the
side air bag inflator on the crash side of the
vehicle may be triggered, releasing a quantity of
non-toxic gas. The inflating SAB exits through
the seat seam into the space between the
occupant and the door. The SAB fully inflate in
about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag moves
at a very high speed and with such a high force
that it could injure you if you are not seated
properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the side air bag inflates. This especially
applies to children.
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable
Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units
During collisions where the impact is confined
to a particular area of the side of the vehicle, the
ORC may deploy the SABIC air bags depend-
ing on the severity and type of collision. In these
events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on
the impact side of the vehicle.
46
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot-
well of your vehicle. Use only floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed and that are
firmly secured so that they cannot slip out of
position and interfere with the pedals or impair
safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
WARNING!
Pedals that cannot move freely can cause
loss of vehicle control and increase the risk
of serious personal injury.
•
Always make sure that floor mats are prop-
erly attached to the floor mat fasteners.
•Never place or install floor mats or other
floor coverings in the vehicle that cannot
be properly secured to prevent them from
moving and interfering with the pedals or
the ability to control the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Never put floor mats or other floor cover-
ings on top of already installed floor mats.
Additional floor mats and other coverings
will reduce the size of the pedal area and
interfere with the pedals.
• Check mounting of mats on a regular
basis. Always properly reinstall and secure
floor mats that have been removed for
cleaning.
• Always make sure that objects cannot fall
into the driver footwell while the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped un-
der the brake pedal and accelerator pedal
causing a loss of vehicle control.
• If required, mounting posts must be prop-
erly installed, if not equipped from the
factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installa-
tion or mounting can cause interference with
the brake pedal and accelerator pedal opera-
tion causing loss of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight park-
ing for fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel, power steering fluid, or brake fluid leaks
are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
61
10. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Display/Odometer Display
The odometer display shows the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center”.
11. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale LightEach tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated
to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continu-
ously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the origi-
nal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pres-
sures and warning have been established for
the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Un-
desirable system operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from
a can or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the
sensors may result.
164
•PARKING BRAKE .............................250
• ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .............252
•Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...................252
• Traction Control System (TCS) ....................252
• Brake Assist System (BAS) ..................... .252
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ...................253
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..................253
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................... .255
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) ........................ .256
• Ready Alert Braking ......................... .257
• Rain Brake Support .......................... .257
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel Drive Models With
MP3023 Two-Speed Transfer Case Only ..............257
• ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And ESC OFF
Indicator Light ............................ .258
•TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ..................259•Tire Pressure ............................. .259
• Tire Inflation Pressures ........................260
• Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation .............260
• Radial Ply Tires ............................ .261
• All Season Tires – If Equipped ....................261
• Summer Or Three Season Tires – If Equipped ...........261
• Snow Tires .............................. .261
• Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel – If
Equipped ................................ .262
• Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ..................262
• Full Size Spare – If Equipped .................... .262
217
•If the vehicle has not been driven for
several days, the first few seconds of
operation after shifting the transmission
into gear may seem sluggish. This is due
to the fluid partially draining from the
torque converter into the transmission.
This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five sec-
onds after starting the engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
Quadra-Trac II® Operating
Instructions/Precautions
The Quadra-Trac II® transfer case is fully auto-
matic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode.
The Quadra-Trac II® transfer case provides
three mode positions:
•4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD
HI mode.
When additional traction is required, the 4WD
LOW position can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. The
4WD LOW position is intended for loose, slip-
pery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOW position on dry, hard-surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to drive-
line components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 4WD HI position at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and cir-
cumference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect shifting and cause damage to
the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case
in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The trans-
fer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages
both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The
parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
237
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel – If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option refer to an autho-
rized tire dealer for the recommended tire rota-
tion pattern.
Compact Spare Tire – If EquippedThe compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and Load-
ing Information Placard located on the driver’s
side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare TireSince this tire has limited tread life the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first op-
portunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at
any given time.
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary emer-
gency use only. With these spares, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Tempo-
rary use spares have limited tread life. When
the tread is worn to the tread wear indicators,
the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings,
which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Full Size Spare – If EquippedThe full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the
same as your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and reinstall on
the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited-Use Spare – If EquippedThe limited-use spare tire is for temporary emer-
gency use only. This tire is identified by a label
located on the limited-use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This
tire may look like the original equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited-use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. Since it is not the same as your
original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle
at the first opportunity.
262
Life Of TireThe service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and summer tires typically have
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle maintenance schedule is
highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can
result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in seri-
ous injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressure. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph
on “Tread Wear Indicators”. Refer to the “Tire
and Loading Information” placard for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall. See the Tire
Sizing Chart example found in the Tire Safety
Information section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and
Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires
or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire
can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If
you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the origi-
nal wheels. It is recommended you contact your authorized
tire or original equipment vehicle dealer with
any questions you may have on tire specifica-
tions or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other
than that specified for your vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, re-
sulting in changes to steering, handling,
and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress
to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
(Continued)
264