GENERAL INFORMATION Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy
Wheels (page 264).E144522
See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 81).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Move the transmission selector lever
to position P, switch the engine off and
apply the parking brake. Inspect the
accelerator pedal for any interference. If
none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized dealer. Brake Assist Brake assist detects when you brake
heavily by measuring the rate at which you
press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce
stopping distances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the anti-lock braking system may
be disabled. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer. E144522
If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates
when you release the parking brake, have
your system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Regenerative Braking System This feature is used to simulate the engine
braking of an internal combustion engine
and assist the standard brake system while
recovering some of the energy of motion
and storing it in the battery to improve fuel
economy. The standard brake system is
designed to fully stop the car if
regenerative braking is not available.
During regenerative braking, the motor is
spun as a generator to create electrical
current. This recharges the battery and
slows the vehicle. In effect, once the
accelerator pedal is released, the motor
changes from an energy user to an energy
producer.
169Brakes
E147230
Pull the switch up to apply the electric
parking brake.
The brake system warning lamp will
illuminate to confirm that the electric
parking brake has been applied. See
Information Displays (page 86).
Applying the electric parking brake
when the vehicle is moving WARNINGS
Applying the electric parking brake
while moving will result in use of the
anti-lock braking system. Do not use
the electric parking brake system when the
vehicle is moving unless the normal brake
system is unable to stop the vehicle.
With the exception of emergency
conditions (for example, the brake
pedal does not work or is blocked),
do not apply the electric parking brake
while the vehicle is moving. On bends, or
poor road surfaces or weather conditions,
emergency braking can cause the vehicle
to skid out of control or off the road.
If you apply the electric parking brake when
your vehicle is moving, the brake system
warning lamp will illuminate and a warning
chime will sound. See Information
Displays (page 86). If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph (6
km/h), the braking force is applied ias long
as the switch is applied. Releasing or
pressing the switch or pressing the
accelerator pedal will stop the braking
force.
Releasing the electric parking
brake E147231
You can release the electric parking brake
either manually by pressing the switch or
automatically.
Manual release
WARNING
If the brake system warning light
remains illuminated or flashes after
you have released the parking brake,
there could be a problem with you braking
system. Have the system checked by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
You can manually release the electric
parking brake by turning the ignition on,
pressing the brake pedal and then pressing
the electric parking brake switch.
When the electric parking brake is released,
the brake system warning lamp will turn
off.
171Brakes
Automatic release - drive away release
Note: The driver's door must be closed and
the driver's safety belt must be fastened
before this feature will operate.
Note: If the electric parking brake warning
lamp stays illuminated, the electric parking
brake will not automatically release. You
must release the electric parking brake using
the electric parking brake switch.
Note: The engine must be running and the
accelerator pedal must be pressed before
the drive away release feature will operate.
Note: On hybrid vehicles, the vehicle must
be Ready-to-Drive as indicated by the green
Ready indicator light.
The brake system warning lamp will go off
to confirm that the electric parking brake
has been released.
Note: The electric parking brake drive away
release makes starting on a hill easier. This
feature will release the parking brake
automatically when the vehicle has
sufficient drive force to move up the hill. To
assure drive away release when starting
uphill, press the accelerator pedal quickly.
Battery With No Charge WARNING
You will not be able to apply or
release the electric parking brake if
the battery is low or has no charge.
If the battery is low or has no charge, use
jumper cables and a booster battery.
HILL START ASSIST WARNINGS
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and put the vehicle in position P. WARNINGS
You must remain in your vehicle once
you have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and
intervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, (for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space).
The system will activate automatically on
any slope that will cause significant vehicle
rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist 1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle
is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.
172Brakes
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL In certain situations (for example, stuck in
snow or mud), turning the traction control
off may be beneficial as this allows the
wheels to spin with full engine power. Turn
off the traction control system through the
information display. See General
Information (page 86).
System Indicator Lights and
Messages WARNING
If a failure has been detected within
the AdvanceTrac system, the
stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac
system was not manually disabled through
the information display. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with AdvanceTrac disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. E138639
The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system. The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on
when you turn the traction control system
off.
When you turn the traction control system
off or on, a message appears in the
information display showing system status.
174Traction Control
3. The information display will show a
green indicator light, current gap
setting and desired set speed.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal. E164805
5. A lead vehicle graphic will illuminate if
there is a vehicle detected in front of
you.
Note: When adaptive cruise control is
active, the set speed displayed in the
information display may vary slightly from
the speedometer.
Following a Vehicle WARNINGS
When following a vehicle in front of
you, your vehicle will not decelerate
automatically to a stop, nor your the
vehicle always decelerate quickly enough
to avoid a crash without driver intervention.
Always apply the brakes when necessary.
Failing to do so may result in a crash,
serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control only warns
of vehicles detected by the radar
sensor. In some cases there may be
no warning or the warning may be delayed.
The driver should always apply the brakes
when necessary. Failing to do so may result
in a crash, serious injury or death.
Note: The brakes may emit a sound when
modulated by the adaptive cruise control
system. When a vehicle ahead of you enters the
same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in
the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts
to maintain a preset gap distance. The
distance setting is adjustable.
The lead vehicle graphic will illuminate.
The vehicle will maintain a constant
distance between the vehicle ahead until:
• the vehicle in front of you accelerates
to a speed above the set speed
• the vehicle in front of you moves out of
your lane or out of view
• the vehicle speed falls below 12 mph
(20 km/h)
• a new gap distance is set.
The vehicle will apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. The maximum
braking which the system can apply is
limited. You can override the system by
applying the brakes.
If the system predicts that its maximum
braking level will not be sufficient, an
audible warning will sound while the
system continues to brake. This is
accompanied by a heads-up display; a red
warning bar illuminating on the windshield.
You should take immediate action.
Setting the Gap Distance Note: It is your responsibility to select a gap
appropriate to the driving conditions.
187Cruise Control
E144529
When you override the system,
the green indicator light
illuminates and the lead vehicle
graphic does not show in the
information display.
The system will resume operation when
you release the accelerator pedal. The
vehicle speed will decrease to the set
speed, or a lower speed if following a
slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed • Accelerate or brake to the desired
speed, then press and release SET+ .
• Press and hold SET+ or SET- until the
desired set speed shows on the
information display. The vehicle speed
will gradually change to the selected
speed.
• Press and release SET+ or SET- . The
set speed will change in approximately
1 mph (2 km/h) increments.
The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed will display continuously in the
information display while the system is
active.
Resuming the Set Speed Note: Only use resume if you are aware of
the set speed and intend to return to it.
Press and release RES . The vehicle will
return to the previously set speed. The set
speed will display continuously in the
information display while the system is
active.
Low Speed Automatic
Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle
speeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). An
audible alarm will sound and the
automatic braking releases if the vehicle
drops below this speed. Hilly Condition Usage Note: An audible alarm will sound and the
system will shut down if it is applying brakes
for an extended period of time. This allows
the brakes to cool down. The system will
function normally again when the brakes
have cooled down.
You should select a lower gear position
when the system is active in situations
such as prolonged downhill driving on
steep grades, for example in mountainous
areas. The system needs additional engine
braking in these situations to reduce the
load on the vehicle’s regular brake system
to prevent them from overheating.
Switching the System Off Note: The set speed memory erases when
you switch off the system.
Press and release OFF or turn off the
ignition.
Detection Issues The radar sensor has a limited field of
vision. It may not detect vehicles at all or
detect a vehicle later than expected in
some situations. The lead vehicle graphic
will not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you.
189Cruise Control
A message displays if something obstructs
the radar signals from the sensor. The
sensor is located behind a fascia cover
near the driver side of the lower grille. The
system cannot detect a vehicle ahead and will not function when something obstructs
the radar signals. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for this
message displaying. ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radar
or remove the object causing the obstruc-
tion.The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty
or obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the radar to detect that it is no
longer obstructed.The surface of the radar in the grille is clean
but the message remains in the display.
Do not use the system in these conditions
because it may not detect any vehicles
ahead.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with the
radar signals.
Do not use the system in these conditions
because it may not detect any vehicles
ahead.Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surface
of the road may interfere with the radar
signals.
Wait a short time or switch to normal cruise
control.You are in a desert or remote area with no
other vehicles and no roadside objects.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is
possible to get a blockage warning and not
be blocked. This can happen, for example,
when driving in sparse rural or desert
environments. A false blocked condition
will either self clear or clear after a key
cycle.
Switching to Normal Cruise
Control
WARNING
Normal cruise control will not brake
due to slower vehicles. Always be
aware of which mode is selected and
apply the brakes when necessary.
You can manually change from adaptive
cruise control to normal cruise control
through the information display. E71340
The cruise control indicator light
replaces the adaptive cruise
control indicator light if you
select normal cruise control. The gap
setting will not display, the system will not
automatically respond to lead vehicles and
automatic braking will activate. The
system defaults to adaptive cruise control
when you start the vehicle.
ECO Cruise Control This feature saves vehicle energy by
relaxing acceleration compared to
standard cruise control. For example, your
vehicle may temporarily lose speed when
going uphill. ECO will appear in the
information display when you activate ECO
cruise control. It can be switched on or off
in the information display. See General
Information (page 86).
191Cruise Control
If it is, a red warning light illuminates and
an audible warning chime sounds.
The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light
illuminates, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking. This
may be apparent to the driver. The system
does not automatically activate the brakes
but, if the brake pedal is pressed, full force
braking is applied even if the brake pedal
is lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs if
the driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The
brake pedal must be pressed just like any
typical braking situation.
The warning system sensitivity can be
adjusted to one of three possible settings
by using the information display control.
See General Information (page 86).
Note: If the system cannot be turned off in
a vehicle equipped with MyKey®, See
Principle of Operation (page 50). Note: If collision warnings are perceived as
being too frequent or disturbing then the
warning sensitivity can be reduced, though
the manufacturer recommends using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer
and later system warnings. See General
Information (page 86).
Blocked Sensors E145632
If a message regarding a blocked sensor
appears in the information display, the
radar signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensors are located behind
a fascia cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. When the sensors are
obstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot be
detected and the collision warning system
does not function. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for this
message being displayed.
203Driving Aids