WARNING!(Continued)
Never leave children alone in avehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location acces-
sible to children), and do not
leave the ignition of a vehicle
equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever outof PARK, you must place the ig-
nition from the LOCK/OFF posi-
tion to the ON/RUN position, and
also press the brake pedal. Other-
wise, 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, firmly move the shift lever all the way
forward and to the left until it stops
and is fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear posi- tion display and verify that it indi-
cates the PARK position.
With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out
of PARK.
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.
209
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
If a requested downshift wouldcause the engine to over-speed, that
shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
To disengage AutoStick® mode, press
and hold the (+) shift paddle until
“D” or “S” is once again indicated in
the instrument cluster. You can shift
in or out of the AutoStick® mode at
any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional en-
gine braking on a slippery surface.
The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal in-
jury.
OPERATION – 3.0L DIESEL
ENGINE
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between the five available gears. To engage
AutoStick®, simply tap the shift lever
to the right or left (+/-) while in the
DRIVE position, or tap one of the
steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-), for versions/markets, where
provided. 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 (using the shift lever, or
the shift paddles, for versions/
markets, where provided), unless an
engine lugging or overspeed condition
would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or
downshift is chosen, except as de-
scribed below.
The transmission will automati-
cally upshift when necessary to pre-
vent engine over-speed. If the accelerator is fully depressed,
the transmission will downshift
when possible (based on vehicle
speed and gear).
The transmission will automati- cally downshift as the vehicle slows
(to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
The transmission will automati- cally downshift to first gear when
coming to a stop. After a stop, the
driver should manually upshift (+)
the transmission as the vehicle is
accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at
a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear is
helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is engaged.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick® is
engaged.
212
The Electronic Brake Force Distribu-
tion (EBD) prevents the rear wheels
from over-braking and provides
greater control of available braking
forces applied to the rear axle.
When the vehicle is driven over
11 km/h, you may also hear a slight
clicking sound as well as some related
motor noises. These noises are the sys-
tem performing its self check cycle to
ensure that the ABS is working prop-
erly. This self check occurs each time
the vehicle is started and accelerated
past 11 km/h.
ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.
You also may experience the following
when the brake system goes into Anti-
Lock:
The ABS motor running (it maycontinue to run for a short time
after the stop), The clicking sound of solenoid
valves,
Brake pedal pulsations, and
A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused
by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause
possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such
equipment should be performed
by qualified professionals.
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.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
The ABS cannot prevent thenatural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it in-
crease braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent colli- sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner that could jeopardize
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.
218
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an ad-
vanced electronic brake control sys-
tem that include Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control Sys-
tem (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), and the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). All four of these sys-
tems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driv-
ing conditions.
Also, your vehicle may be equipped
with Hill Start Assist (HSA), Ready
Alert Braking, and Rain Brake Sup-
port.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in main-
taining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions by controlling hy-
draulic brake pressure. This prevents
wheel lock-up to help avoid skidding
on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in
“Starting and Operating” for further
information.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The ABS cannot
prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery sur-
faces, or hydroplaning. The capa-
bilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner that
could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of
wheel spin of each driven wheel. If
wheel spin is detected, brake pressure
is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and
engine power is reduced to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability.
A feature of the TCS system, Brake
Lock Differential (BLD), controls the
wheel spin across a driven axle. If one
wheel on a driven axle is spinningfaster than the other, the system will
apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque to
be applied to the wheel that is not
spinning. This feature remains active
even if TCS and ESC are in the “Par-
tial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in this sec-
tion for more information.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
(BAS)
This system complements the ABS by
optimizing the vehicle braking capa-
bility during emergency brake ma-
neuvers. This system detects an emer-
gency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake applica-
tion and then applies optimum pres-
sure to the brakes. This can help re-
duce braking distances.
Applying the brakes very quickly re-
sults in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefits of this system, you
must apply continuous brake pedal
pressure during the stopping se-
quence. Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer
219
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