NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have
failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the
MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical
driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than
30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction
and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on
the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. The light also flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's
traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC
system to Partial Off mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
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WARNING!
• When temperatures are below the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery mayfreeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could rupture or explode and
cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be brought above the freezing point
before attempting a jump-start.
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an inadver-
tent electrical contact. You could be severely injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away from the battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage due to
battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in personal injury.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rocking motion.
Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:
• Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or less. Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more than 2 seconds,
you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
• To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to “Partial Off ” mode by momen-
tarily pressing the ESC Off
switch. For further information on ESC, refer to the Owner's
Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between REVERSE and DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission overheating
and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
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