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AXLE INFORMATION
Traction-Lok™ Axle (If Equipped)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok™ axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on
a Traction-Lok™ rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
Axle with TORSEN® Differential (If Equipped)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
axle equipped with a TORSEN® differential functions like a standard
rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on
a rear axle equipped with a TORSEN® differential could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does
not affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
HILL START ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into position P for automatic
transmission or position 1 for manual transmissions.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING:During all times, you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the hill start assist system and
intervening, if required.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is active,
the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
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This feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is on a slope
without the need to use the parking brake. When this feature is active, the
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 the 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).
This feature is activated automatically on any slope that can result in
significant vehicle rollback. This feature will not operate if the parking
brake is activated.
Using Hill Start Assist
Note:If the engine is revved excessively, hill start assist will be
deactivated.
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two or
three seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are
in the process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
Disabling and Enabling the Hill Start Assist Feature
Your vehicle comes with hill start assist already enabled. If desired, you
can disable the feature by following the procedure below.
The following procedure must be completed within 45 seconds or the
process will have to be repeated. Begin this procedure with the ignition
turned off. This procedure is for both disabling and enabling the hill start
assist system.
1. Apply the parking brake to make sure the vehicle is not moving.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Place the vehicle in neutral gear.
4. Slowly press and release the brake pedal five times – make sure the
brake pedal is completely released each time.
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5. Rotate the steering wheel at least one full turn to the right and return
the steering wheel to the original starting position.
6. Rotate the steering wheel at least one full turn to the left and return
the steering wheel to the original starting position.
7. Slowly press and release the brake pedal five times – ensure the brake
pedal is completely released each time.
When the procedure has been completed successfully, the ABS icon in
the instrument cluster will flash:
•three times indicating that the feature has been disabled.
•twice indicating it has been enabled.
Once the feature is programmed as desired, it will remain in that mode
until the above procedure is repeated.
Note:When the AdvanceTrac® system is disabled (see theTraction
Controlchapter in yourowner’s manualfor information on how to do
this), the hill start assist feature is also disabled for the duration that the
AdvanceTrac® system is in that mode. Re-enabling AdvanceTrac® will
also re-enable hill start assist.
Note:If you have used the above procedure to disable the hill start
assist feature, then enabling or disabling AdvanceTrac® will not effect
the hill start assist system.
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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 and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If your
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while
braking, you should take it to an authorized dealer for inspection.
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 theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
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
If the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring your vehicle to
a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to positionPand apply the parking
brake, then inspect the accelerator pedal for any interferences. If none are
found and the condition persists, have your vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized dealer.
Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The anti-lock brake system lamp momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during
start-up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.
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HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not eliminate the dangers inherent
when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
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 as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the transmission selector lever is securely latched in position
P(automatic transmission) or position1(manual transmission).
To set the parking brake, pull the parking brake handle up as far as
possible.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press and hold the button located at the end of the parking brake
handle.
2. Pull the handle up slightly, then push the handle down.
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PRINCIPLES 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 the traction
control system off by pressing the stability control button
located on the center console.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTrac® system, the stability control light and the stability
control off light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the traction control
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.
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 the system is in sport mode, the
traction control system is turned off, or AdvanceTrac® is
turned off.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
OFF
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel or tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac® system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac®
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac® sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac® system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It is always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac® system is an indication that at least some
of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce
the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If your
AdvanceTrac® system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac® system helps you keep control of your vehicle when
on a slippery surface. The electronic stability control portion of the
system helps avoid skids and lateral slides and the traction control
system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction. See the
Traction Controlchapter for details on traction control system
operation.
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AVehicle without AdvanceTrac®
skidding off its intended route.
BVehicle with AdvanceTrac®
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
USING ADVANCETRAC®
The system automatically is enabled when you start your engine. The
electronic stability control portion of the system is disabled when the
transmission is in positionRor, on some models, if the stability control
button is pressed and held for more than five seconds when the brakes
are applied and the vehicle is at a stop. The traction control portion of
the system can be turned off independently. See theTraction Control
chapter.
AdvanceTrac® Features
Button
functionsModeIcon
statusESC TCS
Default at
start-up—On during
bulb
checkEnabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyTraction
control offOn Enabled Disabled
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