Alarm/Security
MessagesAction / Description
Vehicle Alarm To Stop
Alarm, Start Vehicle.Displayed when the perimeter alarm system is
armed and the vehicle is entered using the key
on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent
the perimeter alarm system from triggering,
the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires.
Automatic Engine
Shutdown MessagesAction / Description
Engine Shuts Off in
XX SecondsDisplays when the engine is getting ready to
shut off.
Engine Shut Off for
Fuel EconomyDisplays when the engine has shut off to help
increase fuel economy.
Engine Shuts Off in
XX Seconds Press OK
to OverrideDisplays when the engine is getting ready to
shut off. You can press OK on the left steering
wheel button to override the shut down.
AWD Messages Action / Description
AWD Off Displayed when the AWD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is
caused by operating the vehicle with the
compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The AWD system will resume
normal function and clear this message after
driving a short distance with the road tire
re-installed or after the system is allowed to
cool.
Check AWD Displayed in conjunction with the Throttle
Control/Transmission/AWD light when the
AWD system is not operating properly. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
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Passenger Sensing
System MessageAction / Description
Occupant Sensor
BLOCKED Remove
Objects Near
Passenger SeatDisplayed when objects are by the passenger
seat. After the objects are moved away from
the seat, if the warning stays on or continues
to come on contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Reminder Messages Action / Description
Steering column lock:
Remove and re-insert
key while turning
wheel to unlockDisplays when you need to turn the steering
wheel in order to disengage the steering lock.
Shift to Park Displayed when the engine is turned off and
shift select lever is in any position other than
P (Park).
Tire Messages Action / Description
LOW Tire Pressure Displays when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure.
Tire Pressure Monitor
FaultDisplays when the tire pressure monitoring
system is malfunctioning. If the warning stays
on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer.
Tire Pressure Sensor
FaultDisplayed when a tire pressure sensor is
malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use.
For more information on how the system
operates under these conditions, refer toTi r e
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Wheels and tireschapter . If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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REMOTE START CLIMATE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
The climate control system adjusts the cabin temperature during remote
start.
You cannot adjust the system during remote start operation. Turn the
ignition on to return the system to its previous settings. You can now
make adjustments. You will need to turn certain vehicle-dependent
features back on, such as:
•heated seats
•cooled seats
•heated steering wheel
•heated mirrors
•heated rear window.
You can adjust the settings using the information display controls. See
theInformation Displayschapter.
Manual Climate Systems
In hot weather, the climate control system is set to MAX A/C.
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on
previous settings). The rear defroster and heated mirrors are not
automatically turned on.
In cold weather, maximum heat is provided in floor/defrost mode.
The rear defroster and heated mirrors are automatically turned on.
Automatic Climate Systems
In hot weather, the system is set to 72°F (22°C). Cooled seats are set to
high (if available and selected to AUTO in the information display).
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on
previous settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated/cooled
seats are not automatically turned on.
In cold weather, the system is set to 72°F (22°C). The heated seats and
heated steering wheel are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO
in the information display). The rear defroster and heated mirrors are
automatically turned on.
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SITTING IN THE CORRECT POSITION
WARNING:Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in
serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your seat
back, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING:Do not recline the seat back as this can cause the
occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe
personal injury in the event of a crash.
WARNING:Do not place objects higher than the seat backs to
reduce the risk of injury in a crash or during heavy braking or
when stopping suddenly.
When you use them properly, the
seat, head restraint, safety belt and
airbags will provide optimum
protection in the event of a crash.
We recommend that you follow these guidelines:
•Do not recline the seat back more than 30 degrees from vertical.
•Sit in an upright position with the base of your spine as far back as
possible.
•Adjust the head restraint so that the top of it is level with the top of
your head and as far forward as possible, remaining comfortable.
•Keep sufficient distance between yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of 10 inches (250 millimeters) between your
breastbone and the airbag cover.
•Hold the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent.
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Recalling a memory position
You can recall a programmed memory position:
•in any gearshift position if the ignition is not on.
•only in positionPorNif the ignition is on.
Press the desired memory control to recall a memory position.
Recalling memory positions with the remote control
You can recall the memory positions when you press unlock on your
remote control (if the transmitter is programmed to a memory position)
or, when you enter a valid personal entry code that is programmed to a
memory position. If you enable the easy entry feature, the seat will first
move to the easy entry position. The seat will move to the final position
when the key is in the ignition or when the push button start system (if
equipped) is put in accessory mode or started.
To program the memory feature to a remote control, see theKeys and
Remote Controlchapter.
Easy Entry and Exit Feature (If Equipped)
This feature can move the seat rearward and the steering column up and
forward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.
This occurs when:
•the transmission selector lever is in positionNorP
•the key is removed from the ignition or the push button start system
is switched off.
The seat and steering wheel will move to their original positions when:
•the transmission selector lever is in positionNorP
•the key is placed in the ignition or when the push button start system
is put in accessory mode or started.
Turn the easy entry feature off or on through the information display.
See theInformation Displayschapter.
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S (Sport)
Moving the gearshift lever to S (Sport):
•Provides additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This will increase engine RPM during engine
braking.
•Provides additional lower gear operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Gears are selected more quickly and at higher engine speeds.
SelectShift Automatic® Transmission (If Equipped)
Your SelectShift automatic transmission gives you the ability to manually
change gears if you’d like. To use SelectShift, move the gearshift lever
into S (Sport). Now you can use select shift to manually change gears.
If your vehicle is equipped with (+)/(–) buttons on the side of your
gearshift lever:
•Press (–) on the gearshift lever
button to manually downshift the
transmission.
•Press (+) on the gearshift lever
button to manually upshift the
transmission.
Paddle Shifters (if equipped)
The paddle shifters allow you to shift gears quickly, without taking your
hands off the steering wheel. Temporary manual control is provided
when pulling the paddles with the gearshift in the D (Drive) position.
The system will determine when temporary manual control is no longer
desired and reverts back to automatic control. Extensive manual control
can be achieved by moving the shifter to the S (Sport) position. The
system will stay in manual control until the shifter is moved out of the
manual position.
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If your vehicle is equipped with paddles on the steering wheel:
•Pull the left paddle (–) to
downshift the transmission.
•Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift
the transmission.
Upshift to the recommended shift speeds according to the following
chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 15 mph (24 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 - 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
The instrument cluster will show the selected gear you are currently in.
In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which
may cause it to stall, SelectShift will automatically make some downshifts
if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time. It will still
allow you to downshift at any time as long as SelectShift determines that
the engine will not be damaged from over-revving.
Note:Return the gear shift lever from S (Sport) to D (Drive) when
manual control is no longer desired.
Note:Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held
without shifting.
Automatic Transmission Adaptive Learning
This feature is designed to increase durability and provide consistent
shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may
have firm shifts, soft shifts or both. This operation is considered normal
and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time,
the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.
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When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Lower gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles in special conditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the Pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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