Page 100 of 655

WARNING!• An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchorage position directly
behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top
tether strap.
• If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat,
make sure the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove
slack in the strap.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts. ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 miles (800 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided. Trailer tow is not recom-
mended during break in period.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.98 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 307 of 655

gauge to pass H. In this case, a continuous chime will
sound, until the engine is allowed to cool or the 4 minutes
duration is expired, whichever come first.
17. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
18. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range. CAUTION!Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
WARNING!A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to (Continued)
4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 305
Page 311 of 655

Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
ECO ..................... Fuel Saver Indicator
door ............................ Door Ajar
gATE ....................... Swing Gate Ajar
LoW tirE ...................LowTirePr essure
HOTOIL ...........T ransmission Oil Temperature
Above Normal Limits
gASCAP ...................... Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE ......................... Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL ..............Oil Change Required ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
The ECO indicator will illuminate when you are driving
in a fuel efficient manner and can be used to modify
driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three
cycles.
“ HOTOIL” Transmission Temperature Warning
Message
The “HOTOIL” cluster message will appear in the odom-
eter accompanied with a chime to indicate that there is
excessive transmission fluid temperature that might oc-
cur with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may also
occur when operating the vehicle in a high torque
converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel drive operation
4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 309
Page 409 of 655

▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... .457
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. .457
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ .458
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... .462
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... .463
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light ........... .468
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. .469
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . .470
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ............ .471
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .471
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) .......... .475
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... .476 ▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... .477
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........ .482
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .482
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ .483
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .485
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .485
▫ All Season Tires – If Equipped ........... .485
▫ Summer Or Three Season Tires – If Equipped. .486
▫ Snow Tires ......................... .486
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped ............... .487
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ .487
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ .488
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 407
Page 411 of 655
TRAILER TOWING .................... .515
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ .515
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. .518
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... .519
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. .524
▫ Towing Requirements ................. .525
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .530 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .................. .532
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .532
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ............................ .533
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 409
Page 417 of 655
Shifting
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
You should always use first gear when starting from a
standing position.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
Engine Speeds 1 to 22to
3 3to
4 4to
5 5to
6
3.6L Accel. 15 (24)24
(39) 34
(55) 47
(76) 56
(90)
Cruise 10 (16)19
(31) 27
(43) 37
(60) 41
(66)
NOTE: Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for
2H and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L would be signifi-
cantly less.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 415
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 427 of 655

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section) to select a lower
gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear
range will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, the transmission will
remain in second gear regardless of which forward gear
is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will con-
tinue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the engine OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 425
Page 458 of 655

WARNING! (Continued)• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can they increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety
of others.
CAUTION!The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused by
improperly installed aftermarket radios or telephones. NOTE: During severe braking conditions, a pulsing sen-
sation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard. This
is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake System is
functioning.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and Hill Descent Control
(HDC). All of these systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving condi-
tions, and are commonly referred to as ESC.456 STARTING AND OPERATING