or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat
Belt Indicator Light will flash or remain on continuously.
Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.
14. Turn Signal Indicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn
signals when the turn signal lever is operated.
A tone will chime, and an EVIC/DID message
will appear if either turn signal is left on for
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTE:If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
15. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
336 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
WARNING!(Continued)
Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 339
▫Run Flat Tires — If Equipped.............558
▫Spare Tires — If Equipped...............558
▫Tire Spinning........................561
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................561
▫Life Of Tire.........................562
▫Replacement Tires.....................562
!TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES).......564
!TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS.....566
!TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .568
▫Base System.........................572
▫Premium System — If Equipped...........574
▫General Information...................579
!FUEL REQUIREMENTS..................579
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................580
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............580
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles.......581
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................582
▫Materials Added To Fuel................582
▫Fuel System Cautions...................583
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings.............584
!FLEXIBLE FUEL (2.4L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED...........................584
▫E-85 General Information...............584
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................586
▫Fuel Requirements....................586
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.............587
470 STARTING AND OPERATING
•Battery charge is low.
•The vehicle is on a steep grade.
•Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an accept-
able cabin temperature has not been achieved.
•HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower
speed.
•HVAC set to MAX A/C.
•Engine has not reached normal operating temperature.
•The transmission is not in a forward gear.
•Hood is open.
•Vehicle is in 4LO transfer case mode.
•Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pressure.
Other Factors Which Can Inhibit Autostop Include:
•Fuel level.
•Accelerator pedal input.
•Engine temp too high.
•5 MPH threshold not achieved from previous AU-
TOSTOP.
•Steering angle beyond threshold.
•ACC is on and speed is set.
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven several
times without the STOP/START system going into a
STOP/START READY state under more extreme condi-
tions of the items listed above.
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode
While in a forward gear, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is depressed.
The transmission will automatically re-engage upon en-
gine restart.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 477
WARNING!(Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the
right or left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
•Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
•Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Economy
Under-inflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnor-
mal wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the
need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side
door.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 553
CAUTION!(Continued)
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.
NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underin-
flation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if underinflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light.”
•Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 571
no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning
limit in any of the four active road tires. The vehicle
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15.5 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive
this information.
General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation.
The TPM sensors are regulated under one of the follow-
ing licenses:
United StatesGQ4-61T
Canada1470A-42T
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L Engine
These engines are designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide excel-
lent fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded “regular”
gasoline having an octane rating of 87. The
use of premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will
not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these
engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle. Over 40 auto
manufacturers worldwide have issued and endorsed
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 579
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weigh-
ing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
592 STARTING AND OPERATING