
When the system is active, your vehicle willremain stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows you time to move yourfoot from the brake to the acceleratorpedal. The brakes release automaticallywhen the engine has sufficient torque toprevent your vehicle from rolling down thegrade. This is an advantage when pullingaway on a slope, for example from a carpark ramp, traffic lights or when reversinguphill into a parking space.
The system will activate automatically onany slope that will cause significant vehiclerollback. For vehicles with a manualtransmission, you can switch this featureoff using the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 93). Thesystem will remain on or off depending onhow it was last set.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AutoHold, Hill Start Assist will not be availablewhile Auto Hold is active.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Bring your vehicle to a completestandstill. Keep the brake pedalpressed and select an uphill gear (forexample, first (1) when facing uphill orreverse (R) when facing downhill).
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system will activateautomatically.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle will remainon the slope without rolling away forabout two or three seconds. This holdtime will automatically be extended ifyou are in the process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will release automatically.
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch this feature on or off if yourvehicle is equipped with a manualtransmission and an information display.See General Information (page 93). Thesystem remembers the last setting whenyou start your vehicle.
If your vehicle is not equipped with amanual transmission and an informationdisplay, you cannot turn the system on oroff. When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on.
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Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction controllight illuminates steadily if thesystem detects a failure. Make sureyou did not manually disable the tractioncontrol system using the informationdisplay controls or the switch. If thestability control and traction control lightis still illuminating steadily, have thesystem serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle withthe traction control disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the informationdisplay showing system status.
You can switch the system off by eitherusing the information display controls orthe switch.
Using the Information DisplayControls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 93).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system offor on.
The switch illuminates when tractioncontrol is off.
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays onwhen you switch the traction controlsystem off.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the systemsapplies higher brake forces.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at whichit changes by applying the brakes to oneor more wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 167).
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Stability Control

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, pleaseread and understand the limitationsof the system as contained in thissection. Sensing is only an aid for some(generally large and fixed) objects whenmoving on a flat surface at parking speeds.Certain objects with surfaces that absorbultrasonic waves, surrounding vehicle'sparking aid systems, traffic controlsystems, fluorescent lamps, inclementweather, air brakes, and external motorsand fans may also affect the function ofthe sensing system; this may includereduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in reverse (R) andwhen using the sensing system.
This system is not designed toprevent contact with small or movingobjects. The system is designed toprovide a warning to assist the driver indetecting large stationary objects to avoiddamaging your vehicle. The system maynot detect smaller objects, particularlythose close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as largetrailer hitches, bike or surfboard racksand any device that may block thenormal detection zone of the system, maycreate false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. If the sensorsare covered, the system’s accuracy can beaffected. Do not clean the sensors withsharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:The sensing system cannot be turnedoff when a MyKey is present. See Principleof Operation (page 51).
Note:If you attach certain add-on devicessuch as a trailer or bike rack, the rear sensingsystem may detect that add-on device andtherefore provide warnings. It is suggestedthat you disable the rear sensing systemwhen you attach an add-on device to yourvehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system turns on automaticallywhenever you switch the ignition on.
The system can be switched off throughthe information display menu or from thepop-up message that appears once youshift the transmission into reverse (R). SeeGeneral Information (page 93).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages(page 101).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear sensors are only active when thetransmission is in reverse (R). As yourvehicle moves closer to the obstacle, therate of the audible warning increases.When the obstacle is less than 10 in(25 cm) away, the warning soundscontinuously. If the system detects astationary or receding object farther than10 in (25 cm) from the corners of thebumper, the tone sounds for only threeseconds. Once the system detects anobject approaching, the warning soundsagain.
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Parking Aids

ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNING
This system is designed to be asupplementary park aid. It may notwork in all conditions and is notintended to replace the driver’s attentionand judgment. The driver is responsible foravoiding hazards and maintaining a safedistance and speed, even when the systemis in use.
Note:The driver is always responsible forcontrolling the vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening if required.
The system detects an available parallelparking space and automatically steersthe vehicle into the space (hands-free)while you control the accelerator, gearshiftand brakes. The system visually andaudibly instructs you to park the vehicle.
The system may not function correctly ifsomething passes between the frontbumper and the parking space (i.e. apedestrian or cyclist) or if the edge of theneighboring parked vehicle is high from theground (i.e. a bus, tow truck or flatbedtruck).
Note:The sensors may not detect objectsin heavy rain or other conditions that causedisruptive reflections.
Note:The sensors may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Note:After a tire change the system will gothrough a relearning procedure. During thistime the system performance maydeteriorate.
The system should not be used if:
•a foreign object (i.e. bike rack or trailer)is attached to the front or rear of thevehicle or at another location close tothe sensors.
•an overhanging object (i.e. surfboard)is attached to the roof.
•the front bumper, rear bumper or sidesensors are damaged (i.e. in a collision)or obstructed by a foreign object (i.e.front bumper cover).
•a mini-spare tire is in use.
Using Active Park Assist
Press the button. The touch screendisplays a message and a correspondinggraphic to indicate it's searching for aparking space. Use the turn signal toindicate which side of the vehicle you wantthe system to search on.
Note:If the turn signal is not on, the systemautomatically searches on the vehicle'spassenger side.
Note:You can also activate the Active ParkAssist system after you have already drivenpartially or completely past a parking space.To do so, press the Active Park button andthe system will inform you if you haverecently passed a suitable parking space.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a setspeed without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. You can use cruisecontrol when your vehicle speed is greaterthan 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on windingroads, in heavy traffic or when theroad surface is slippery. This couldresult in loss of vehicle control, seriousinjury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed may increase abovethe set speed. The system will notapply the brakes but a warning displays.Failure to follow this warning could resultin serious personal injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if thevehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph(16 km/h) below the set speed while drivinguphill.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release ON.
The indicator appears in theinstrument cluster.
Note:Using cruise control with ECO Cruiseswitched on may change the operation ofthe system. This feature saves vehicleenergy by relaxing acceleration comparedto standard cruise control. For example, yourvehicle may temporarily lose speed whengoing uphill.
Energi vehicles: ECO Cruise can be turnedon or off through the information display.See Information Displays (page 93).
Hybrid vehicles: ECO Cruise is included inEcoSelect which is turned on or off usingthe ECO button on the center console.
For additional information, refer to ECOCruise and EcoSelect. See Unique DrivingCharacteristics (page 135).
Note:When you are going downhill whileusing cruise control, the battery chargingsystem and engine work together to helpmaintain your set speed. Engine noise mayincrease or decrease under these conditions.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
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GCW (Gross Combined Weight)- is the Gross Vehicle Weight plusthe weight of the fully loadedtrailer.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating) - is the maximumallowable weight of the vehicleand the loaded trailer, includingall cargo and passengers, that thevehicle can handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes shouldbe used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.TheGross Combined Weight mustnever exceed the GrossCombined Weight Rating.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight - is the highest possibleweight of a fully loaded trailer thevehicle can tow. It assumes avehicle with mandatory options,driver and front passenger weight(150 pounds [68 kilograms]each), no cargo weight (internalor external) and a tongue load of10–15% (conventional trailer) orking pin weight of 15–25% (fifthwheel trailer). Consult anauthorized dealer (or the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer) for moredetailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth WheelKing Pin Weight - refers to theamount of the weight that a trailerpushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples: For a 5000 pound(2268 kilogram) conventionaltrailer, multiply 5000 by 0.10 and0.15 to obtain a proper tongueload range of 500 to 750 pounds(227 to 340 kilograms). For an11500 pound (5216 kilogram) fifthwheel trailer, multiply by 0.15 and0.25 to obtain a proper king pinload range of 1725 to 2875 pounds(782 to 1304 kilograms).
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on theSafety Compliance CertificationLabel.
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower thevehicle’s GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weightrating limitation could resultin serious damage to the vehicleand/or personal injury.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
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Load Carrying

•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 348).
•Use the coach and brake coach displayto get feedback on your economicaldrive style. For more information, SeeInformation Displays (page 93).
Avoid these actions because they reduceyour fuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations anddecelerations. Accelerate and slowdown in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Avoid revving the engine beforeswitching off your vehicle.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.Approximately 1 mile per gallon (0.4kilometers per liter) is lost for every400 lb (180 kg) of weight carried.
•Avoid adding accessories that increaseaerodynamic drag to your vehicle suchas bug deflectors, car top carriers andski or bike racks.
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Things to keep in mind when you refuelyour vehicle:
•Fuel generates fewer vapors when it iscool and dark outside. Refuel yourvehicle in the early morning or lateevening.
•Use the recommended octane-ratedfuel. Using fuel below therecommended rating will lower yourfuel economy.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
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