Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
mph (km/h)
Gear Upshift
To
From
15 mph (24 km/h)
2
1
25 mph (40 km/h)
3
2
40 mph (64 km/h)
4
3
45 mph (72 km/h)
5
4
50 mph (80 km/h)
6
5
The instrument cluster will display your
currently selected gear. The transmission will automatically upshift if
your engine speed is too high or downshift
if your engine speed is too low.
Note:
The system will stay in manual control
until you make another shift button selection.
For example, drive (D).
Brake-Shift Interlock Override WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are working.
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If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if your engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to your transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to your transmission
and tires may occur, or your engine may
overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you can help rock your vehicle out by shifting
between forward and reverse gears,
stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
When a system malfunction is present,
a warning message appears in the
information display. See Information
Messages (page 118). This means the system
is not functioning correctly and only
front-wheel drive is available. Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: When the system overheats and
switches to front-wheel drive, a warning
message appears in the information display.
This may occur if you operate your vehicle
in extreme high load conditions or with
excessive wheel spin (for example, deep
sand). To resume all-wheel drive function,
stop your vehicle in a safe location and turn
off the ignition. When the system cools,
normal all-wheel drive function will return.
The information display indicates, for about
five seconds, this return.
Note: When using the spare tire, a warning
message may appear in the information
display. This message turns off after
reinstalling the repaired or replaced road
tire and you switch on the ignition. Note:
Re-install the repaired tire or replace
the tire as soon as possible. Different tire
sizes between the front and rear axles can
cause system damage, or turn off the
all-wheel drive.
This system anticipates wheel spin and
transfers power to the rear wheels before
the spin occurs. Even when wheel spin is not
occurring, the system is continuously
adjusting power distribution to the wheels,
in an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every time
you switch on the ignition.
The all-wheel drive system does not require
maintenance.
The all-wheel drive system gives your vehicle
some limited off-road capabilities. Operating
your vehicle in conditions other than
moderate sand, snow, mud or rough roads
could subject it to excessive stress and heat.
This could result in system damage. Your
vehicle warranty will not cover this damage. The information display indicates the power
distribution between the front and rear
wheels. The more the area is filled the more
power is being distributed to that wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With All-
Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive vehicles are capable of
driving on moderate sand, snow, mud and
rough roads. All-wheel drive has operating
characteristics that are somewhat different
from two-wheel drive, both on and off the
freeway.
Note:
It may be useful to switch the traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain off road
conditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
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(If Equipped)E142669
When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the air
conditioning may cycle on and off to prevent
the engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds that
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
Once you have reduced your vehicle speed,
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road. It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of the
road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than attempt
an abrupt dangerous direction change.
Remember, your primary concern should be
your safety and the safety of others.
Emergency Maneuvers
If you must make a sudden emergency
direction change, avoid over-driving your
vehicle. Turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as you need to avoid the
emergency. Apply smooth pressure to the
accelerator pedal or brake pedal as needed.
Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration and
braking changes. Abrupt changes could
increase the risk of vehicle roll over, loss of
vehicle control and personal injury. Use all
available road surface to bring your vehicle
to under control.In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding and do not attempt any sharp
steering wheel movements.
Your vehicle responds differently to steering,
accelerating and braking on different road
surfaces when changing from one type of
surface to another.
Sand
When driving over sand, avoid driving at
excessive speeds. This will cause your
vehicle momentum to work against you. Your
vehicle could become stuck that may require
assistance from another vehicle. Remember,
if you proceed with caution you may be able
to back out the way you came.
Do not drive in deep sand for an extended
period. This will cause the all-wheel drive
system to overheat. You will see a warning
message in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 118).
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(If Equipped)
To resume operation, switch the ignition off
and allow the system to cool down for a
minimum of 15 minutes. After the system has
cooled down, you will see a brief message
display in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 118).
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Tips when driving over sand:
• Keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail.
• Shift to a lower gear.
• Apply the accelerator slowly.
• Drive steadily through the terrain.
• Avoid excessive wheel spin.
• Avoid reducing the tire pressures. Mud and Water
Mud
Avoid sudden changes in vehicle speed or
direction when you are driving in mud. Even
all-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in
mud. If your vehicle does slide, steer in the
direction of the slide until you regain control
of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off excess
mud stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
Drive slowly through high water. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims. If the ignition
system gets wet, your vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes will not stop your vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while slowly moving the
vehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down a
hill or steep incline, always try to drive
straight up or straight down the sloping
terrain.
Note: To maintain traction and avoid
possibly rolling your vehicle, avoid turning
on steep slopes or hills. When you drive on
a hill, determine beforehand the route you
will use. Do not drive over a hill without first
seeing what is on the other side. Do not drive
in reverse over a hill without the aid of an
observer.
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MKC (TME), enUSA All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
Start climbing a steep slope or hill in a low
gear rather than downshifting to a low gear
from a high gear after you have started your
climb. This reduces strain on the engine and
the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around. Turning could cause the vehicle to
roll over. Instead, reverse back to a safe
location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and you
could lose control of your vehicle. To avoid brake overheating, come down a
hill in the same gear you used to go up the
hill. Do not come down in neutral. Move the
transmission selector lever to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking to keep the front wheels rolling
and to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. Apply the
brakes steadily. Do not pump the brake
pedal.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditions
that require tire chains or cables, then
it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep
speeds down, allow for longer stopping
distances and avoid aggressive steering to
reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle
control which can lead to serious injury or
death. If the rear end of your vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your vehicle. Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage. In snow and ice, all-wheel drive vehicles have
advantages over two-wheel drive vehicles
but can still skid. When driving on snowy or
icy roads, should you start to slide, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide
until you regain control.
On snow and ice, avoid suddenly applying
power and avoid quick change of direction.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a stop.
Avoid sudden braking. An all-wheel drive
vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice.
However, an all-wheel drive vehicle will not
stop any faster, as braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident to
road conditions.
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Make sure that you allow sufficient distance
between your vehicle and other vehicles for
stopping. On ice and snow, you should drive
more slowly than usual, and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, steadily apply the brake.
Your vehicle has a four wheel anti-lock brake
system, do not pump the brake pedal. See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page
182).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud or
snow, shift between forward and reverse
gears, and, in a steady pattern, stop between
shifts. Press lightly on the accelerator with
each shift. Rocking your vehicle this way may
dislodge your vehicle.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature,
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than
a minute, damage to the transmission and
tires may occur or the engine may overheat. Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle provides predictable
performance whether your vehicle is loaded
or empty. For this reason, we recommend
that you do not make modifications to your
vehicle (lift kits or stabilizer bars) or use
replacement parts not equivalent to the
original factory equipment.
We recommend that you use caution when
your vehicle has either a high load or device
(ladder or luggage racks). Modifications to
your vehicle that raise the center of gravity
may cause your vehicle to tip if you should
lose vehicle control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly may
void the warranty, increase your repair cost,
reduce vehicle performance and operational
capabilities, and adversely affect you and
your passenger's safety. We recommend that
you frequently inspect your vehicle's chassis
components if your vehicle is subject to
off-road use.
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MKC (TME), enUSA All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a
metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out and should
be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an
authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy Wheels
(page 305). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 107).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes. Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power. If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn
the engine off, shift to position
P and apply
the parking brake, and then inspect the
accelerator pedal for any interferences. If
none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at which
you press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal. Emergency brake assist can
reduce stopping distances in critical
situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock
braking system may be disabled and may
need to be serviced. If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the brake
warning lamp illuminates with the
parking brake released, have your brake
system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal will pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.
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