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
Upon initial start-up in cold
weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short
amount of time. This is due to the
cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be con-
sidered normal, and it does not
in any way damage the steering
system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced
power steering assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering
system at the end of the steering
wheel travel will increase the steer-
ing fluid temperature and it should
be avoided when possible. Damage
to the power steering pump may
occur.POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid
level at a defined service interval is
not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnor-
mal noises are apparent, and/or the
system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts
through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
power steering system as the
chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.WARNING!Fluid level should be checked on a
level surface and with the engine off
to prevent injury from moving parts
and to ensure accurate fluid level
reading. Do not overfill. Use only
manufacturer's recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the
proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further in-
formation.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEMYour vehicle may be equipped with an
optional advanced electronic brake
control system that includes Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS), Traction Control
System (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), and Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC). All systems work together
to enhance vehicle stability and con-
trol in various driving conditions and
are commonly referred to as ESC.
153
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
Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired
path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle
to determine the vehicle path in-
tended by the driver and compares it
to the actual path of the vehicle. When
the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or under-
steer condition.
Over-steer - when the vehicle isturning more than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the trac-
tion afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent ac-
cidents, including those resulting
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
from excessive speed in turns, driv-
ing on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inap-
propriate driver input for the con-
ditions. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be ex-
ploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
ESC Operating Modes
All ESC equipped vehicles can choose
the following ESC operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for
ESC. Whenever the vehicle is started
the ESC system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for almost
all driving situations. ESC should
only be turned to “Partial Off” for
specific reasons as noted below. Partial ESC Mode
This mode is entered by momentarily
pressing the “ESC Off” switch (located
in the lower switch bank below the
heater/air conditioning controls). When
in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion
of ESC, except for the limited slip fea-
ture described in the TCS section, has
been disabled and the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” will be il-
luminated. All other stability features of
ESC function normally, with the excep-
tion of engine power reduction. This
mode is intended to be used if the ve-
hicle is in deep snow, sand, or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than
ESC would normally allow is required
to gain traction.
ESC Off Switch
155
REPLACEMENT TIRES
The tires on your new vehicle provide
a balance of many characteristics.
They should be inspected 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 re-
placement is needed (refer to the
paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-
tors”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size des-
ignation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on registration Document/log
book.
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 original wheels.It is recommended you contact your
original equipment or an authorized
tire dealer with any questions you
may have on tire specifications or ca-
pability. Failure to use equivalent re-
placement 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 character-
istics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause un-
predictable handling and stress to
steering and suspension compo-
nents. 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)
WARNING!
(Continued)
Never use a tire with a smaller load
index or capacity, other than what
was originally equipped on your ve-
hicle. Using a tire with a smaller
load index could result in tire over-
loading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.Failure to equip your vehicle with
tires having adequate speed capa-
bility can result in sudden tire fail-
ure and loss of vehicle control.CAUTION!Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.TIRE CHAINSUse of Security Chain Company (SCC)
Super Z6 low profile (P/N SZ-139) or
equivalent are recommended on 215/55
R18 95H tires with 18 x 7.0 wheels,
40 mm offset.
160
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or
tires, observe the following precau-
tions:
Because of restricted chain clear-
ance between tires and other sus-
pension components, it is impor-
tant that only chains in good
condition are used. Broken chains
can cause serious damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate chain
breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further
use. Do not exceed 70 km/h.
Drive cautiously and avoid severeturns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.
Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about
0.8 km.
Do not drive for prolonged peri- ods of time on dry pavement.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
Observe the tire chain manufactur-
er's instructions on the method of
installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
lower suggested operating speed of
the chain manufacturer, if different
from the speed recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer.
This notice applies to all chain trac-
tion devices, including link and cable
(radial) chains.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of
vehicles operate at different loads and
perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these rea-
sons, they wear at unequal rates.These effects can be reduced by timely
rotation of tires. The benefits of rota-
tion are especially worthwhile with ag-
gressive tread designs such as those on
all season type tires. Rotation will in-
crease tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow, and wet traction levels, and con-
tribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to ro-
tation being performed.
TIRE PRESSURE
MONITOR SYSTEM
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) will warn the driver of a low
tire pressure based on the vehicle rec-
ommended cold placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with tem-
perature by about 7 kPa for every
7°C. This means that when the out-
side temperature decreases, the tire
pressure will decrease. Tire pressure
should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined
as the tire pressure after the vehicle
has not been driven for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1.6 km after
a three hour period. The cold tire in-
flation pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure molded
into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires –
General Information” in “Starting
161
CAUTION!Accessories that can be plugged into
the vehicle power outlets draw power
from the vehicle’s battery, even when
not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle’s battery will dis-
charge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.FREEING A STUCK
VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud,
sand, or snow, it can often be moved
using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear
the area around the front wheels.Then shift back and forth between
DRIVE and REVERSE, while gently
pressing the accelerator. Use the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure
that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels, or racing
the engine.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the
wheels may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one min-
ute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize over-
heating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck ve-
hicle.NOTE:
Press the "ESC Off" switch,
to place the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system in "Partial Off"
mode, before rocking the vehicle.
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control”
in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information. Once the vehicle
has been freed, press the "ESC Off"
switch again to restore "ESC On"
mode.
CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between DRIVE and
REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 24 km/h, or
drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning
the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 48 km/h while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
182