SHALLOW STANDING
WATER
Although your vehicle is capable of
driving through shallow standing
water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.CAUTION!
Always check the depth of thestanding water before driving
through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper
than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the path that is under
water and if there are any ob-
stacles in the way before driving
through the standing water.
Do not exceed 8 km/h when driv- ing through standing water. This
will minimize wave effects.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
Driving through standing water may cause damage to your vehi-
cle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission,
axle, etc.) for signs of contamina-
tion (i.e., fluid that is milky or
foamy in appearance) after driv-
ing through standing water. Do
not continue to operate the ve-
hicle if any fluid appears con-
taminated, as this may result in
further damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s
engine can cause it to lock up and
stall out, and cause serious inter-
nal damage to the engine. Such
damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s traction ca-
pabilities. Do not exceed 8 km/h
when driving through standing
water.
Driving through standing water
limits your vehicle’s braking ca-
pabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after
driving through standing water,
drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to
dry the brakes.
Getting water inside your vehi-
cle’s engine can cause it to lock up
and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
Failure to follow these warnings may result in injuries that are se-
rious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you.
149
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully ap-
plied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in
the center console. To apply the park-
ing brake, pull the lever up as firmly
as possible. To release the parking
brake, pull the lever up slightly, press
the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch ON, the
“Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
When the parking brake is ap-
plied and the transmission is
placed in gear, the “Brake Warn-
ing Light” will flash. If vehicle
speed is detected, a chime will
sound to alert the driver. Fully
release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does
not show the degree of brake
application.
When parking on a hill, it is important
to turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
Apply the parking brake before plac-
ing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be ap-
plied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob from the igni-
tion and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving; failure
to do so can lead to brake failure
and a collision.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
150
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
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
To turn ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC Off” switch. This will
restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.WARNING!
In partial ESC mode, the engine
power reduction feature of ESC is
disabled. Therefore, enhanced ve-
hicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.
NOTE: To improve the vehicle's
traction when driving with snow
chains, or starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be
desirable to switch to the “Partial
Off” mode by pressing the “ESC
Off” switch. Once the situation re-
quiring ESC to be switched to the
“Partial Off” mode is overcome,
turn ESC on again by momentarily
pressing the “ESC Off” switch.
This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
ESC ACTIVATION/
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT
The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light”
in the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. It
should go out with the engine running.
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several igni-
tion cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESC system
becomes active. The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be
sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” and the “ESC
OFF Indicator Light” come on
momentarily each time the igni-
tion switch is turned ON.Each time the ignition is turned ON,
the ESC system will be ON even if it
was turned off previously. The ESC system will make buzz-
ing or clicking sounds when it is
active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC be-
comes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” indicates the Elec-
tronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
156
TIRE SPINNING
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or icy
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's
wheels faster than 48 km/h or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for fur-
ther information.WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be danger-
ous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode
and injure someone. Do not spin
your vehicle's wheels faster than
48 km/h or for more than 30 sec-
onds continuously when you are
stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are in the origi-
nal equipment tires to help you in
determining when your tires should
be replaced.
These indicators are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves. They will
appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 2 mm. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the
tire should be replaced. LIFE OF TIRE
The service life of a tire is dependent
upon varying factors including but
not limited to:
Driving style
Tire pressure
Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be re-
placed after six years, regardless of
the remaining tread. Failure to fol-
low this warning can result in sud-
den tire failure. You could lose con-
trol and have a collision resulting in
serious 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.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
159
and Operating” for information on
how to properly inflate the vehicle’s
tires. The tire pressure will also in-
crease as the vehicle is driven - this is
normal and there should be no adjust-
ment for this increased pressure.
The TPM System will warn the driver
of a low tire pressure if the tire pres-
sure falls below the low-pressure
warning limit for any reason, includ-
ing low temperature effects and natu-
ral pressure loss through the tire.
The TPM System will continue to
warn the driver of low tire pressure as
long as the condition exists, and will
not turn off until the tire pressure is at
or above the recommended cold plac-
ard pressure. Once the low tire pres-
sure warning (Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light) illuminates, you
must increase the tire pressure to the
recommended cold placard pressure
in order for the “Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Telltale Light” to turn off. The
system will automatically update and
the “Tire Pressure Monitoring TelltaleLight” will turn off once the system
receives the updated tire pressures.
The vehicle may need to be driven for
up to 20 minutes above 24 km/h in
order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
For example, your vehicle may have a
recommended cold (parked for more
than three hours) placard pressure of
207 kPa. If the ambient temperature
is 20°C and the measured tire pres-
sure is 186 kPa, a temperature drop to
7°C will decrease the tire pressure to
approximately 158 kPa. This tire
pressure is sufficiently low enough to
turn ON the “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light.” Driving the ve-
hicle may cause the tire pressure to
rise to approximately 186 kPa, but
the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will still be ON. In this situa-
tion, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” will turn OFF only
after the tires are inflated to the vehi-
cle’s recommended cold placard pres-
sure value.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for
the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for
the tire size equipped on your ve-
hicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equip-
ment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage.
Do not use aftermarket tire seal-
ants or balance beads if your ve-
hicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result. After inspecting or adjusting the
tire pressure, always reinstall the
valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering
the valve stem, which could dam-
age the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Sensor.
162