Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
TiresExamine 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 over-
night parking for fuel, engine coolant,
oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gaso-
line fumes are detected or if fuel,
power steering fluid (2500/3500), or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
50
25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale LightEach tire, including the
spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the in-
flation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel. (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 ve-
hicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop
and check your tires as soon as pos-
sible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumina-
tion 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 oper-
ating properly. The TPMS malfunc-
tion indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the tell-
tale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle start-
ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is il-
luminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctionsmay occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment 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 original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warn-
ing have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is
not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire seal-
ant from a can or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
117
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY
(L/100KM)
Shows the average fuel economy since
the last reset. Average Fuel Economy
can be reset by pressing and holding
the SELECT button (as prompted in
the EVIC display). Upon reset, the
history information will be erased,
and the averaging will continue from
the last fuel average reading before
the reset.
DISTANCE TO EMPTY
(DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can
be traveled with the fuel remaining in
the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of
the instantaneous and average fuel
economy, according to the current
fuel tank level. DTE cannot be reset.
NOTE: Significant changes in
driving style or vehicle loading
will greatly affect the actual driv-
able distance of the vehicle, re-
gardless of the DTE display value.When the DTE value is less than
48 km estimated driving distance, the
DTE display will change to a text
display of "LOW FUEL”. This dis-
play will continue until the vehicle
runs out of fuel. Adding a significant
amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn
off the LOW FUEL text and a new
DTE value will display.
TIRE BAR
Press and release the MENU button
until "Tire BAR" is displayed.
Tire pressure information is displayed
as follows:
If tire pressure is OK for all tires,
TIRE and a vehicle graphic are dis-
played with tire pressure values in
each corner or the graphic.
If one or more tires have low pres- sure, LOW TIRE and a vehicle
graphic are displayed with tire
pressure values in each corner of
the graphic. Tire pressure values
that are too low will be flashing.
If the Tire Pressure System requires
service, "Check TPM System" is dis-
played. Tire BAR is an information
only function and cannot be reset.ELAPSED TIME
Shows the total elapsed time of travel
since the last reset. Elapsed time will
increment when the ignition switch is
in the RUN or START position.
Elapsed time is displayed as follows:
hours:minutes:seconds
Elapsed time can be reset by pressing
and holding the SELECT button (as
prompted in the EVIC display). Upon
reset all digits will change to zeros and
time will start incrementing again if
the ignition switch is in RUN or
START.
DISPLAY UNITS IN
Displays the units used for the Out-
side Temperature, Average Fuel
Economy, Distance to Empty and Tire
Pressure features. Press and Release
the SELECT button to toggle units
between "U.S." and "METRIC".
125
POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK . . . . . . . . .153
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . . .153
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . .154
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) . . . . . . .154
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . .154
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) . .154
ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTION INDICATORLIGHT AND ESC OFF INDICATOR LIGHT . . . .156
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . .157
TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . .157
RADIAL-PLY TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
TIRE SPINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
LIFE OF TIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
REPLACEMENT TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
TIRE CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . .161
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .161
PREMIUM SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
FUEL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
METHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
ETHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
CLEAN AIR GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
MMT IN GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . .166
138
WARNING!Do not downshift for additional en-
gine braking on a slippery surface.
The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a
collision or personal injury.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered,
wet, or other slippery surfaces may
cause the driving wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenom-
enon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery sur-
faces is dangerous. Unequal trac-
tion can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control
of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
carefully whenever there is likely to
be poor traction (ice, snow, wet,
mud, loose sand, etc.).
TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
it is possible for a wedge of water to
build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and
may cause partial or complete loss of
vehicle control and stopping ability.
To reduce this possibility, the follow-
ing precautions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or
when the roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing
water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear
indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop. DRIVING THROUGH
WATER
Driving through water more than a
few centimeters deep will require ex-
tra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or
path where water is flowing and/or
rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road
or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising
water can carry your vehicle away
swiftly. Failure to follow this warn-
ing may result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you.
148
WARNING!(Continued)
Always fully apply the parking
brake when leaving your vehicle
or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” re-
mains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system oper-
ates with a separate computer to
modulate the hydraulic pressure to
prevent wheel lock-up and avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces.
WARNING!
Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness
and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping dis-
tance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it in-
crease braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent colli- sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety
of others. The “Anti-Lock Brake
Warning Light” monitors
the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remains on or comes on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock
portion of the brake system is not func-
tioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake sys-
tem will continue to operate normally
if the “Brake Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to re-
store the benefits of anti-lock brakes.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, have the bulb repaired as
soon as possible.
151
If both the “Brake Warning Light”
and the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remain on, the Anti-Lock
Brake (ABS) and Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD) Systems are
not functioning. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required. See your
authorized dealer.
When the vehicle is driven over
11 km/h, you may hear a slight click-
ing sound as well as some related mo-
tor noises. These noises are the system
performing its self-check cycle to en-
sure that the ABS system is working
properly. This self check occurs each
time the vehicle is started and accel-
erated past 11 km/h.
ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.You also may experience the following
when the brake system goes into anti-
lock:
The ABS motor running (it may
continue to run for a short time
after the stop),
the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
brake pedal pulsations,
and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System con-
tains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible
to interference caused by improp-
erly installed or high output radio
transmitting equipment. This in-
terference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. In-
stallation of such equipment should
be performed by qualified profes-
sionals. All vehicle wheels and tires must be
the same size and type, and tires must
be properly inflated to produce accu-
rate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system
will give you good vehicle response
and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will pro-
vide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is
interrupted, it will still be possible to
steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially
at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
Increased noise levels at the end
of the steering wheel travel are
considered normal and do not
indicate that there is a problem
with the power steering system.
152
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in main-
taining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system con-
trols hydraulic brake pressure to pre-
vent wheel lock-up and help avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces during
braking. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake
System” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information.
TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of
wheel spin of each of the driven
wheels. If wheel spin is detected,
brake pressure is applied to the slip-
ping wheel(s) and engine power is
reduced to provide enhanced accel-
eration and stability. A feature of the
TCS system functions similar to a lim-
ited slip differential and controls the
wheel spin across a driven axle. If one
wheel on a driven axle is spinning
faster than the other, the system will
apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque tobe applied to the wheel that is not
spinning. This feature remains active
even if TCS and ESC are in the “Par-
tial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in this sec-
tion of this manual.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
(BAS)The BAS is designed to optimize the
vehicle’s braking capability during
emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking
situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the
brakes. This can help reduce braking
distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Ap-
plying the brakes very quickly results
in the best BAS assistance. To receive
the benefit of the system, you must
apply continuous braking pressure
during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the
brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it in-
crease braking efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from ex-
cessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hy-
droplaning.The capabilities of a BAS-equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner,
which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional con-
trol and stability of the vehicle under
various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for over/under steering of the
vehicle by applying the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition.
154