
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.
Depending on the type of system you have
on your vehicle, you can either turn the
system off using the information display
or by pressing the button.
Switching the System Off Using
the Information Display Controls
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this feature
already enabled. If required, you can switch
this feature off using the information
display controls. See (page 96).
Switching the System Off Using a
Switch
(If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrument
panel.
Press the button. You will see a message
in conjunction with an illuminated icon in
the display. Press the button again to
return the system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction control
system off, stability control remains fully
active. 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. 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.
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS ™) with Cross Traffic Alert
(If Equipped) WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the
Blind Spot Information System as a
replacement for using the interior
and exterior mirrors and looking over your
shoulder before changing lanes. The Blind
Spot Information System is not a
replacement for careful driving. The Blind Spot Information System is
designed to aid you in detecting vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot zone
(A). The detection area is on both sides of
your vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately
10 ft
(3 m) beyond the bumper. The system is
designed to alert you if certain vehicles
enter the blind spot zone while driving.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn you
of vehicles approaching from the sides
when the transmission is in reverse (R). Note:
The Blind Spot Information System
does not prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects; nor detect parked vehicles,
people, animals or infrastructure (fences,
guardrails, trees, etc.). It's only designed to
alert you to vehicles in the blind zones.
Note: When a vehicle passes quickly
through the blind zone, typically fewer than
two seconds, the system does not trigger.
Using the Systems
The Blind Spot Information System turns
on when you start the engine and you drive
you vehicle forward above
5 mph
(8 km/h); it remains on while the
transmission is in drive (D) or neutral (N).
If shifted out of drive (D) or neutral (N),
the system enters cross traffic alert mode.
Once shifted back into drive (D), the Blind
Spot Information System turns back on
when you drive your vehicle above
5 mph
(8 km/h).
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not function in reverse (R) or park (P)
or provide any additional warning when a
turn signal is on.
Note: Cross Traffic Alert is designed to
detect approaching vehicles from up to 46 ft
(14 m)
away, though coverage decreases
when the sensors are blocked. Reversing
slowly helps increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.
Note: For manual transmission vehicles,
the Cross Traffic Alert will be active only if
the transmission is in reverse (R). If your
vehicle is rolling backwards and the
transmission is not in reverse (R) then Cross
Traffic Alert will not be active.
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A
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•
Driving in reverse faster than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If your vehicle has a factory equipped
tow bar and it is towing a trailer, the sensors
will detect the trailer and turn the Blind Spot
Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems
off to avoid false alerts. For non-factory
equipped tow bars, you may want to turn
the Blind Spot Information System off
manually.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by either the Blind Spot
Information or the Cross Traffic Alert
systems that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the Blind Spot
Information System warning indicator will
illuminate and a message will appear in
the information display.
All other system faults will display only
with a message in the information display.
See
Information Messages (page 99).
Switching the Systems Off and On
You can temporarily switch off one or both
systems in the information display. See
(page
96). When you switch off the Blind
Spot Information System, you will not
receive alerts and the information display
will display a system off message.
Note: The Cross Traffic Alert system always
switches on whenever the ignition is
switched on. However, the Blind Spot
Information System will remember the last
selected on or off setting. One or both systems cannot be switched
off when MyKey is used.
See Principle of
Operation (page 58).
You can also have one or both systems
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off, the system can
only be switched back on at an authorized
dealer.
ECO MODE
This system assists you in driving more
efficiently by constantly monitoring
characteristics of gear changing,
anticipation of traffic conditions and
speeds while driving.
The value of these characteristics is
represented by petals shown in the display,
with five petals being the most efficient.
The more efficiently you drive, the better
the rating, and the better your vehicle's
overall fuel economy.
Note: These efficiency values do not result
in a defined fuel consumption figure. It might
vary as it is not only related to these driving
habits, but also influenced by many other
factors such as short trips and cold starts.
Note: Frequent short trips, where the engine
does not fully warm up, will also increase
fuel consumption
The system is accessed using the
information display control. See
(page
96).
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WARNING
Exceeding the Safety
Compliance Certification
Label vehicle weight rating limits
could result in substandard
vehicle handling or performance,
engine, transmission and/or
structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of
control and personal injury. GCW (Gross Combined Weight)
- is the Gross Vehicle Weight plus
the weight of the fully loaded
trailer. GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) - is the maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle
and the loaded trailer, including
all cargo and passengers, that the
vehicle can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle
’s braking system is rated
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GVW

1. Tow only with your vehicle in the
forward direction. Release the parking
brake.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
Note: The maximum towing speed is
70 mph (112 km/h).
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Emergency Towing WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. You can flat-tow (all wheels on the
ground, regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration) your disabled
vehicle (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle) under the following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so you
tow it in a forward direction.
• You place the transmission in neutral
(N). If you cannot place the
transmission in neutral (N), you may
need to override it. See Transmission
(page
141).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 107). Note:
There must be battery power to move
the transmission's internal components to
neutral (N) properly in Step 3. In addition,
moving the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position without first switching the ignition
to the on position limits the towing
capability to
35 mph (56 km/h) and 50 mi
(80 km).
1. Release the parking brake.
2. Switch the ignition to the on position.
3. Press the brake pedal, and then move the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position.
4. Wait for a message in the information and entertainment display indicating
that the transmission is ready, and then
switch off the ignition and release the
brake pedal.
5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. See
Changing the
12V Battery (page 217).
Note: The anti-theft system does not work
until you reconnect the battery cable.
Note: The maximum towing speed is
70 mph (112 km/h)
.
Note: There is no limit on towing distance.
After towing, start the engine within 15
minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page
217).
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 107).
Note: There must be battery power to move
the transmission's internal components to
neutral (N) properly in Step 3. In addition,
moving the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position without first switching the ignition
to the on position limits the towing
capability to
35 mph (56 km/h) and 50 mi
(80 km).
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1. Release the parking brake.
2. Switch on the ignition by pressing the
keyless start button, but do not apply
the brake pedal.
3. Press the brake pedal, and then move the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position. Release the brake pedal.
4. Wait for a message indicating that the transmission is ready in the information
and entertainment display, and then
switch off the ignition by pressing the
keyless start button.
5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. You need the door
key to lock and unlock doors when the
battery cable is disconnected. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 217).
Note: The anti-theft system does not work
until you reconnect the battery cable.
Note: The maximum towing speed is
70 mph (112 km/h).
Note: There is no limit on towing distance.
After towing, start the engine within 15
minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page
217).
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
•When running errands, go to the
furthest destination first and then
work your way back home.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds. (Traveling
at 65 mph/105 kph uses about 15%
less fuel than traveling at 75 mph/121
kph).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size. •
Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
There are also some things you may want
to avoid doing because they reduce your
fuel economy:
• Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
• Avoid revving the engine before turning
off the car.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4
kilometers/liter] is lost for every 400
lbs [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
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Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works. FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Always make sure that the floor
mats are properly attached to the
retention posts in the carpet that are
supplied with your vehicle. Floor mats must
be properly secured to both retention posts
to make sure mats do not shift out of
position. Never place floor mats or any other
covering in the vehicle foot well that
cannot be properly secured to
prevent them from moving and interfering
with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle. Never place floor mats or any other
covering on top of already installed
floor mats. Floor mats should always
rest on top of vehicle carpeting surface and
not another floor mat or other covering.
Additional floor mats or any other covering
will reduce the pedal clearance and
potentially interfere with pedal operation. Check attachment of floor mats on
a regular basis. Always properly
reinstall and secure floor mats that
have been removed for cleaning or
replacement.
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