AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSIONCAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may
occur if the following precautions
are not observed:
Shift into PARK only after thevehicle has come to a complete
stop.
Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop and the engine is
at idle speed.
Do not shift between PARK, RE- VERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE
when the engine is above idle
speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold
the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine
speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling nor-
mally and when your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a ve- hicle could injure those in or near
the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Be-
fore exiting a vehicle, always ap-
ply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, turn the
engine OFF, and remove the key
fob. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the shift lever is
locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted move-
ment.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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, and do not leave a
vehicle equipped with Keyless
EnterNGo™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
KEY IGNITION PARK
INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key
Ignition Park Interlock which re-
quires the shift lever to be placed in
PARK before the ignition switch can
be turned to the LOCK/OFF position.
The key fob can only be removed from
the ignition when the ignition is in the
232
GEAR RANGES
DO NOT race the engine when shift-
ing from PARK or NEUTRAL into
another gear range.
NOTE: After selecting any gear
range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before ac-
celerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.
PARK
This range supplements the parking
brake by locking the transmission.
The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you
may place the shift lever in PARK
first, and then apply the parking
brake.When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake before placing 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. As an added pre-
caution, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade, and
away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of
PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine
speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling nor-
mally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Unintended movement of a ve- hicle could injure those in or near
the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Be-
fore exiting a vehicle, always ap-
ply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, turn the
engine OFF, and remove the key
fob. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the shift lever is
locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted move-
ment.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle.
(Continued)
234
WARNING!(Continued)
Allowing children to be in a ve- hicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fa-
tally injured. Children 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.CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever outof PARK, you must turn the igni-
tion switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position,
and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.
DO NOT race the engine when
shifting from PARK or NEU-
TRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain. The following indicators should be
used to ensure that you have engaged
the shift lever into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, firmly
move the shift lever all the way
forward and to the left until it stops
and is fully seated.
Look at the shift lever position dis- play and verify that it indicates the
PARK position.
With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out
of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is
standing for prolonged periods with
the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must leave the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and
never turn off the ignition to coast
down a hill. These are unsafe prac-
tices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions.
You might lose control of the ve-
hicle and have a collision.CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with
the transmission in NEUTRAL can
cause severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in
What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
235
WARNING!
Driving through standing waterlimits 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. 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.
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 considered normal, and it does not in any way dam-
age 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.
240
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. PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully applied
and place the shift lever in the PARK
position.
The foot operated parking brake is
positioned below the lower left corner
of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park
brake pedal fully. To release the park-
ing brake, press the park brake pedal
a second time and let your foot up as
you feel the brake disengage.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch in the ON
position, the “Brake Warning Light”
in the instrument cluster will illumi-
nate.NOTE:
When the parking brake is ap-
plied and the automatic trans-
mission is placed in gear, the
“Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is de-
tected, 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 ap-
plication.
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. For
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmis-
sion locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of
PARK. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied whenever the driver
is not in the vehicle.
Parking Brake
241
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as asubstitute 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, and do not leave a
vehicle equipped with Keyless
EnterNGo™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN mode. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light
remains 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 hydraulic pressure to pre-
vent wheel lock-up and help avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces.
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 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)
A clicking sound of solenoid valves
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake Systemcontains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be suscep-
tible to interference caused by
improperly installed, or high out-
put radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause
possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such
equipment should be performed
by qualified professionals.
(Continued)
242
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an in-
jury accident. Follow these guide-
lines to make your trailer towing as
safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is se-cured in the trailer and that it will
not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully
secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have
an accident.
All trailer hitches should be pro- fessionally installed on your ve-
hicle.
When hauling cargo or towing a
trailer, do not overload your ve-
hicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor per-
formance, or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steer-
ing, suspension, chassis structure,
or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and
trailer. Always connect the chains
to the frame or hook retainers of
the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and al-
low enough slack for turning cor-
ners.
Vehicles with trailers should not
be parked on a grade. When
parking, apply the parking brake
on the tow vehicle. Always, block
or "chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distrib-
uted between the tow vehicle
and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not
exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the
trailer hitch utilized. Towing Requirements – Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer
while using a compact spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential for the safe and satisfac-
tory operation of your vehicle. Re-
fer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating”
for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before
trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or vis- ible tire damage before towing a
trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for the proper inspection
procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing
tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehi-
cle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
274
PREPARATIONS FOR
JACKING
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level
surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on
the side of the vehicle close to mov-
ing traffic, pull far enough off the
road to avoid being hit when oper-
ating the jack or changing the
wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever into PARK.
5. Turn OFF the ignition. 6. Block both the
front and rear of
the wheel diago-
nally opposite the
jacking position.
For example, if
changing the right
front tire, block the left rear wheel. NOTE: Passengers should not
remain in the vehicle when the ve-
hicle is being jacked.
JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing
warnings to help prevent personal
injury or damage to your vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level sur-
face as far from the edge of the
roadway as possible before rais-
ing the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher.
Block the wheel diagonally oppo- site the wheel to be raised.
Set the parking brake firmly and
set an automatic transmission in
PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
Never start or run the engine with
the vehicle on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this ve-
hicle during a tire change.
If working on or near a roadway,
be extremely careful of motor
traffic.
To assure that spare tires, flat or
inflated, are securely stowed,
spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle
by jacking on locations other than
those indicated in the Jacking In-
structions for this vehicle.
Jack Warning Label
286