Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear
and uneven wear patterns. Check for
stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. In-
spect 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 pres-
sure.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.
67
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display — If
Equipped
The Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) features a driver-
interactive display that is located in
the instrument cluster. For further in-
formation, refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC)”.
7. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) LightThis light monitors the
Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn
on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four sec-
onds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on
while driving, it indicates that the
Anti-Lock portion of the brake sys-
tem is not functioning and that service
is required. However, the conven-
tional brake system will continue to
operate normally if the BRAKE warn-
ing light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake sys-
tem should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of
Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
8. Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale Light (for versions/markets,
where provided)
Each 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 continuously170
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 malfunctions
may 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(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
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.
9. Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is part of an on-
board diagnostic system,
called OBD, that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when
the key is in the ON/RUN position,
before engine start. If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON/RUN, have the con-
dition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or
missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,
etc., may illuminate the MIL after en-
gine start. The vehicle should be ser-
viced if the light stays on through
several of your typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require
towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and drivability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service
is required.WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic con-
verter, as referenced above, can
reach higher temperatures than in
normal operating conditions. This
can cause a fire if you drive slowly
or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, card-
board, etc. This could result in
death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
171
POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240 POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK . . . . . . . . .240
PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . .242
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT . . . . . .243
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM (FOR VERSIONS/MARKETS, WHERE PROVIDED) . . .243
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) (FOR VERSIONS/MARKETS, WHERE
PROVIDED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) (FOR VERSIONS/MARKETS,
WHERE PROVIDED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) . .245
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . .247
TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . .248
TIRE PRESSURES FOR HIGH-SPEEDOPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
RADIAL-PLY TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
SPARE TIRE MATCHING ORIGINAL EQUIPPED TIRE AND WHEEL
(for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .249
COMPACT SPARE TIRE (for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .249
FULL SIZE SPARE (for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .250
224
LIMITED-USE SPARE(for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .250
TIRE SPINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
LIFE OF TIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
REPLACEMENT TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . .256
Tire Terminology And Definitions. . . . . . . . . . .257
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . .258
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . .261
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .261
BASE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
PREMIUM SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .264
TPMS DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION . .267
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267
METHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
ETHANOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
CLEAN AIR GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
MMT IN GASOLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . .269
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — DIESEL ENGINE . . . .269
225
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel
economy has been included in the au-
tomatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter
engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during
normal operation in the upper gears.
When the vehicle speed drops or dur-
ing some accelerations, the clutch au-
tomatically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter
clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine
coolant are warm [usually after 2
to 5 km of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the
torque converter clutch is not en-
gaged, it may seem as if the trans-
mission is not shifting into Over-
drive when cold. This is normal.
Using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm,
will demonstrate that the trans-
mission is able to shift into and out
of Overdrive.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
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 layer of water to
build up between the tire and road surface. This is known as hydroplan-
ing and may cause partial or complete
loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the
following precautions should be ob-
served:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or
when 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 the 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.
238
WARNING!(Continued)
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 Anti-Lock Brake System cannot prevent collisions, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing.
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.
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. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
WARNING LIGHT
The “Anti-Lock Brake
Warning Light” monitors
the anti-lock brake system.
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
functioning and that service is re-
quired. However, the conventional
brake system 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. If both the “Brake Warning Light”
and the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remain on, the ABS and Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) systems are not functioning.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is
required. Consult with your autho-
rized dealer service center as soon as
possible.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM (FOR
VERSIONS/MARKETS,
WHERE PROVIDED)
Your vehicle is equipped with an ad-
vanced electronic brake control sys-
tem that includes the Traction Control
System (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS) and Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC), Trailer Sway Control
(TSC), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
These systems complement the Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS) by opti-
mizing the vehicle braking capability
during emergency braking maneu-
vers.
243
TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS) (FOR
VERSIONS/MARKETS,
WHERE PROVIDED)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
monitors the amount of wheel spin of
each of the driven wheels. If wheel
spin is detected, brake pressure is ap-
plied to the slipping wheel(s) and en-
gine power is reduced, to provide en-
hanced acceleration and stability. A
feature of the TCS functions similarly
to a limited-slip differential, and con-
trols the wheel spin across a driven
axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the sys-
tem will apply the brake of the spin-
ning wheel. This will allow more en-
gine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. This feature re-
mains active even if the ESC is in the
“Partial Off” mode.The “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” (in the instrument
cluster) will start to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels
begin to spin. This indicates that the
TCS is active. If the indicator light
flashes during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt
your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions, and do not switch
off the ESC or TCS.
WARNING!
The TCS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it in-
crease the traction afforded.
The TCS cannot prevent colli- sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a TCS- 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. BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
(BAS) (FOR VERSIONS/
MARKETS, WHERE
PROVIDED)
The Brake Assist System (BAS) is de-
signed to optimize the vehicle’s brak-
ing capability during emergency
braking maneuvers. The system de-
tects 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 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.
244