CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever outof PARK, you must start the en-
gine, 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 transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:
When shifting into PARK, press the lock button on the shift lever and
push the lever all the way forward
until it stops. When released, the
lever will return to its home posi-
tion.
With brake pedal released, look at the transmission gear position dis-
play and verify that it indicates the
PARK position.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
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 (D)
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
transmission automatically upshifts
through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all nor-
mal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
shift control (if equipped) or the LOW
205
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 (D)
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
transmission automatically upshifts
through underdrive first, second, and
third gears, direct fourth gear and
overdrive fifth gear. The DRIVE posi-
tion provides optimum driving char-
acteristics under all normal operating
conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towingheavy trailers), use the “AutoStick®”
shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in
this section for further information)
to select a lower gear. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is ac-
tivated. In this mode, the transmis-
sion remains in the current gear until
the vehicle is brought to a stop. After
the vehicle has stopped, the transmis-
sion will remain in second gear re-
gardless of which forward gear is se-
lected. PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) may be illuminated. Limp
Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for ser-
vice without damaging the transmis-
sion.
In the event of a momentary problem,
the transmission can be reset to regain
all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If
the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal op-
eration.
NOTE: Even if the transmission
can be reset, we recommend that
you visit your authorized dealer at
your earliest possible conve-
nience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to deter-
mine if the problem could recur. If
the transmission cannot be reset,
authorized dealer service is re-
quired.
210
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes
an electronically controlled Overdrive
(fifth gear). The transmission will au-
tomatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
The shift lever is in the DRIVE po-sition.
Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
AUTOSTICK® (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
AutoStick® is a driver-interactive
transmission feature providing
manual shift control, giving you more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick® al-
lows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall ve-
hicle performance.
This system can also provide you with
more control during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and
many other situations.
OPERATION – 3.6L ENGINE
When the transmission is in DRIVE or
SPORT mode, it will operate auto-
matically, shifting between the eight
available gears. To engage
AutoStick®, simply tap one of the
steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-) while in DRIVE or SPORT
mode. Tapping (-) to enter
AutoStick® mode will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear,
while using (+) to enter AutoStick®
mode will retain the current gear.
When AutoStick® is active, the cur-
rent transmission gear is displayed in
the instrument cluster. In AutoStick®
mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected
by the driver, unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result.
It will remain in the selected gear until
another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen, except as described below.
If AutoStick® is engaged while in
DRIVE mode, the transmission will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. If the
accelerator is fully depressed, the
transmission will downshift when
possible (based on current vehicle
speed and gear). Lack of accelera-
tor pedal activity will cause the
transmission to revert to automatic
operation.
If AutoStick® is engaged while in SPORT mode, manual gear selec-
tion will be maintained until either
SPORT mode is exited or as de-
scribed below. The transmission
will not upshift automatically at
redline in this mode, nor will down-
shifts be obtained if the accelerator
pedal is pressed to the floor.
In either DRIVE or SPORT mode, the transmission will automatically
downshift as the vehicle slows to a
stop (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
Tapping the (+) paddle (at a stop)
will allow starting in second gear.
After a stop, the driver should
manually upshift (+) the transmis-
sion as the vehicle accelerates.
211
started, the ESC system will be in this
mode. This mode should be used for
most driving conditions. The ESC
should only be turned OFF for spe-
cific reasons as noted in the following
paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended
for times when a more spirited driving
experience is desired. It is also in-
tended for driving in deep snow, sand,
or gravel. This mode disables the TCS
portion of the ESC and raises the
threshold for ESC activation, which
allows for more wheel spin than what
ESC normally allows.
The “ESC Off” switch is located on
the switch bank in the center of the
instrument panel. To enter the “Par-
tial Off” mode, momentarily press the
“ESC Off” switch and the “ESC off
indicator light” will illuminate. To
turn the ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC Off” switch and the
“ESC off indicator light” will turn off.WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, theTCS functionality of ESC, (ex-
cept for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. When in “Partial Off”
mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and
the enhanced vehicle stability of-
fered by the ESC system is re-
duced
Trailer Sway control (TSC) is dis- abled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains,
or when starting off in deep
snow, sand, or gravel, it may be
desirable to switch to the “Par-
tial Off” mode by momentarily
pressing the “ESC Off” switch.
Once the situation requiring
“Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn the ESC on again by mo-
mentarily pressing the “ESC Off”
switch. This may be done while
the vehicle is in motion.
Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC system is
in the “Partial Off” mode.
Full Off (for versions/markets,
where provided)
This mode is intended for off-
highway or off-road use only and
should not be used on any public
roadways.
In this mode, all TCS and ESC stabil-
ity features are turned OFF. To enter
the “Full Off” mode, press and hold
the “ESC Off” switch for five seconds
while the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running. After five seconds, a
chime will sound, the “ESC Off Indi-
cator Light” will illuminate, and the
“ESC OFF” message will display in
the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). To turn ESC ON
again, momentarily press the “ESC
Off” switch.
221
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the
engine torque reduction and stabil-
ity features are disabled. In an
emergency evasive maneuver, the
ESC system will not engage to assist
in maintaining stability. “ESC Off”
mode is intended for off-highway
or off-road use only.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist
the driver when starting a vehicle
from a stop on a hill. HSA will main-
tain the level of brake pressure the
driver applied for a short period of
time after the driver takes their foot
off of the brake pedal. If the driver
does not apply the throttle during this
short period of time, the system will
release brake pressure and the vehicle
will roll down the hill. The system will
release brake pressure in proportion
to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the in-
tended direction of travel.HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in
order for HSA to activate:
Vehicle must be stopped.
Vehicle must be on a 6% (approxi-
mate) grade or greater hill.
Gear selection matches vehicle up- hill direction (i.e., vehicle facing
uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in REVERSE
gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all
forward gears when the activation cri-
teria have been met. The system will
not activate if the vehicle is placed in
NEUTRAL or PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor
hills with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer, when the system
will not activate and slight rolling
may occur. This could cause a col-
lision with another vehicle or ob-
ject. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle. Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when
starting on a grade when pulling a
trailer.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake control-
ler with your trailer, your trailer
brakes may be activated and de-
activated with the brake switch.
If so, when the brake pedal is
released there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle
and trailer on a hill and this could
cause a collision with another ve-
hicle or object behind you. In or-
der to avoid rolling down the hill
while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer
brake prior to releasing the brake
pedal. Always remember the
driver is responsible for braking
the vehicle.
(Continued)
222
It is not recommended driving a ve-
hicle loaded at full capacity or to tow
a trailer while a tire is in the run flat
mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring sec-
tion for more information.
Spare Tires (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
NOTE: For vehicles equipped
with TIREFIT instead of a spare
tire, please refer to “TIREFIT KIT”
in “In an emergency” for further
information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground
clearance, do not take your vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with a compact, full size or limited-
use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in
look and function to the original
equipment tire and wheel found on
the front or rear axle of your vehicle.
This spare tire may be used in the tire
rotation for your vehicle. If your ve-
hicle has this option, refer to an au-
thorized tire dealer for the recom-
mended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire (for
versions/markets, where
provided)The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a com-
pact spare by looking at the spare tire
description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire. Compact spare tire
descriptions begin with the letter “T”
or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life,
the original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled
on your vehicle at the first opportu-
nity.
Do not install a wheel cover or at-
tempt to mount a conventional tire on
the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install
more than one compact spare tire and
wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than
80 km/h. Temporary use spares
have limited tread life. When the
tread is worn to the tread wear in-
dicators, the temporary use spare
tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could
result in spare tire failure and loss
of vehicle control.
228
WARNING!(Continued)
Never add fuel when the engine isrunning. This is in violation of
most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the “Mal-
function Indicator Light” to turn
on.
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable container that is
inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel con-
tainers on the ground while fill-
ing.
EMERGENCY FUEL
FILLER DOOR RELEASE
If you are unable to open the fuel filler
door, use the fuel filler door emer-
gency release.
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the access cover (located
on the left side inner trim panel). 3. Pull the release cable.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips
and information on limits to the type
of towing you can reasonably do with
your vehicle. Before towing a trailer,
carefully review this information to
tow your load as efficiently and safely
as possible.To maintain the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in
this manual concerning vehicles used
for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING
DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related
definitions will assist you in under-
standing the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable
weight of your vehicle. This includes
driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consum-
ables and equipment (permanent or
temporary) loaded in or on the trailerAccess Cover
Release Cable
240
in its "loaded and ready for opera-
tion" condition. The recommended
way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must
be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle and trailer
when weighed in combination.
NOTE: The GCWR rating in-
cludes a 68 kg allowance for the
presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity
of the front and rear axles. Distribute
the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.WARNING!
It is important that you do not ex-
ceed the maximum front or rear
GAWR. A dangerous driving condi-
tion can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of
the vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward
force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases, it should not be
less than 7% or more than 10% of the
trailer load. Tongue weight must not
exceed the lesser of either the hitch
certification rating, or the trailer
tongue chassis rating. It should never
be less than 4% of the trailer load, and
not less than 25 kg. You must consider
tongue load as part of the load on your
vehicle and its GAWR.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum
height multiplied by the maximum
width of the front of a trailer. Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a me-
chanical telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver
and the trailer tongue that typically
provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to
dampen any unwanted trailer sway-
ing motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically ap-
plies individual wheel brakes and/or
reduces engine power to attempt to
eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the
trailer tongue weight, just as if it were
luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are the most
popular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small and
medium sized trailers.
241