
The parking brake lever is located in the central tunnel.
To apply the parking brake, pull the parking brake lever
up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake,
pull the parking brake lever up slightly, push the center
button, then lower the parking brake lever completely.
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the
Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster display
will illuminate.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brakeshould always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle or
in a location accessible to children. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also be certain to leave a manual
transmission in REVERSE or FIRST gear. Failure
to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
Parking Brake Lever
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

When the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis-
sion controls (shift paddles on the steering wheel, and
gear selector buttons on the center console) are dis-
abled.
When the key is turned to the ON position, the current
transmission gear will be displayed in the instrument
cluster, along with theAUTOindicator. This indicates
the transmission is in Automatic mode.Operating Modes
The transmission has two normal operating modes
(except when the “Race” mode is selected on the DNA
switch):
• MANUAL mode: The driver must shift gears manu-
ally (using the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles).
• Automatic (AUTO) mode: The system shifts between
all forward gears automatically.
When the “Race” mode is selected via the DNA selector,
the only allowed transmission operating mode is
MANUAL.
MANUAL Mode
In this operating mode, the driver is responsible for
choosing the best gear to engage, depending on the
vehicle’s operating conditions. The current gear is dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
To activate/deactivate MANUAL mode, push the A/M
button on the center console when the transmission is in
any forward gear.
Use the “+” shift paddle to engage a higher gear, or the
“–” paddle to engage a lower gear.
Transmission Gear Selector
134 STARTING AND OPERATING

If a requested gear shift is not allowed (typically,
because it would cause engine overspeed or lugging),
an acoustic signal will sound and the transmission will
remain in the existing gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift during
closed-throttle decelerations, to prevent engine lugging.
When coming to a stop, the transmission will automati-
cally select FIRST (1st) gear. The driver must manually
upshift the transmission (by tapping the + shift paddle)
as the vehicle accelerates.
NOTE:To provide better comfort, the transmission will
up-shift to the next available gear if the engine speed
limit is reached. This feature is only available in NATU-
RAL and ALL WEATHER Modes.
AUTO Mode
In AUTO mode the transmission shifts gears automati-
cally depending on vehicle speed, engine RPM, and
accelerator pedal position.
AUTO is the default operating mode at startup. When
in AUTO mode, AUTOappears in the instrument
cluster, adjacent to the current gear display.
To toggle between AUTO and MANUAL modes, push
the A/M button on the center console. Accelerating From A Stop
FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) can only be engaged (at a
stop) when the brake pedal is pressed.
To drive, press the brake pedal, and select 1 (1st) or R
(REVERSE) using the transmission gear selector buttons
on the center console. Then release the brake pedal and
smoothly press the accelerator pedal.
NOTE:
•
The vehicle will not “creep” when the brake pedal is
released, and may in fact roll down on an incline.
Leaving from a stop, the accelerator pedal must be
pressed to transmit driving torque to the wheels.
• When starting on a fairly steep incline, it may be
helpful to engage the parking brake.
• The vehicle can only be launched (from a stop) in
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). Second gear (or higher)
cannot be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
• If the brake pedal is not depressed (and the vehicle is
stationary for a period of time), the transmission will
automatically engage NEUTRAL (N).
• FIRST (1) and REVERSE (R) gears can only be
engaged at vehicle speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h). At
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 135

speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h), attempts to shift
from 1 to R (or R to 1) will only be allowed if the
vehicle speed drops below the 2 mph (3 km/h)
threshold within three seconds of the request; other-
wise, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL (N).
The driver should then repeat the request for 1st or R
once the vehicle has come to a stop.
Shift Paddles
In MANUAL mode, the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles (labeled + and -) control the transmission
shifting.
Tapping the (+) paddle will upshift the transmission to
the next higher gear, while tapping the (-) paddle will
downshift to the next lower gear. The current gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. If a requested shift
would cause engine lugging or overspeed, that request
will be ignored.
In AUTO mode, tapping a shift paddle will temporarily
place the transmission in MANUAL mode, and execute
the requested upshift or downshift (if allowable). The
transmission will then return to AUTO mode after a
brief interval. Pressing a shift paddle will only shift the transmission
one gear at a time. Holding a paddle depressed will not
command multiple shifts; the paddle must be pressed
multiple times in succession to generate multiple shifts.
Neutral (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. Always apply
the parking brake if you must exit the vehicle.
At engine startup, the transmission will automatically
select NEUTRAL (N) and AUTO mode. The brake pedal
must be pressed when starting the engine.
To select NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is stationary,
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON position (engine
running or not), press the brake pedal, and push the N
button on the transmission gear selector.
When the vehicle is moving (with ignition ON), push-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button will engage N, regardless
of whether the brake pedal is pressed.
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

activate the Speed Control. The Cruise Control Indica-
tor Light in the instrument cluster display will illumi-
nate. To turn the system off, rotate the end of the
multifunction lever to the O (off) position. The Cruise
Control Indicator Light will turn off. The system should
be turned off when not in use.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in
use is dangerous. You could accidentally set the
system or cause it to go faster than you want. You
could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system off when you are not using it.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has
reached the desired speed, move the speed control lever
upward (+), and release. Release the accelerator, and the
vehicle will operate at the set speed.
NOTE:The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed, and on level ground before setting the speed
control.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed
by tapping the speed control lever up (+).
The speed increment shown is dependant on the speed
of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h) units:
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Tapping the speed control lever up (+) once will
result in a one mph increase in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the lever results in an increase of
one mph.
• If the lever is continually help up, the set speed will
continue to increase until the lever is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Tapping the speed control lever up (+) once will
result in a two km/h increase in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the lever results in an increase of
two km/h.
• If the lever is continually help up, the set speed will
continue to increase until the lever is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

Indications On Display — If Equipped
When the sensors are activated, the parking sensor
display screen appears in the instrument cluster.
Obstacle presence and distance information is therefore
provided both by the acoustic signal and the instrument
cluster display.
The system indicates a detected obstacle by displaying
an arc in one or more positions according to the distance
of the obstacle and its position in relation to the vehicle.If an obstacle is detected in the rear central area, the
instrument cluster display shows all the arcs in the rear
central area, up to the one that corresponds to the
position of the obstacle itself.
The signal is similar for obstacles in the rear left or right
area.
The arc that corresponds to the position of the obstacle
will flash.
The color on the instrument cluster display depends on
the distance from and position of the obstacle.
The vehicle is close to the obstacle when the instrument
cluster display shows a single constant arc and emits a
continuous sound.
If there are several obstacles, the closest one is indi-
cated.
Activation/Deactivation
The sensors are automatically activated when REVERSE
gear is engaged. As the obstacle behind the vehicle gets
closer, the acoustic signal becomes more frequent.
Parking Sensor Display Screen
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 147

Fault Indication
Parking sensor failures, if any, will be indicated when
REVERSE gear is engaged by the switching on of the
warning light in the instrument cluster display.
General Warnings
When parking, take the utmost care over obstacles that
may be above or under the sensor.
Under certain circumstances, objects close to the vehicle
are not detected by the system and could therefore
cause damage to the vehicle or be damaged themselves.
Some conditions may influence the performance of the
parking sensors:
• The presence of ice, snow, mud or multiple layers of
paint on the sensor surface may cause reduced
sensitivity of the sensor itself and therefore reduce
the system performance.
• Mechanical interference (e.g washing the vehicle,
rain, strong wind, hail) may cause the sensor to
detect a non-existent obstacle (“echo interference”).
• The presence of ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brake systems of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
vehicle could alter the signals sent by the sensor. •
The variation in sensor position, caused by variation
in ride (due to suspension component wear), chang-
ing tires, overloaded vehicle, or tuning that lowers
the vehicle, for example, may affect parking sensor
system performance.
NOTE: The sensor must be free from mud, dirt snow or
ice in order for the system to operate correctly. Be
careful not to scratch or damage the sensors while
cleaning them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard cloths.
The sensors must be washed using clean water, with the
addition of car shampoo if necessary. When using
special washing equipment such as high pressure jets or
steam cleaning, clean the sensors very quickly keeping
the jet more than 4 inches (10 cm) away. Also, do not
apply stickers to the sensors.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the Parking Sensor system. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle, and be sure to
check for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, ob-
structions, or blind spots before backing up. You
are responsible for the safety of your surroundings
(Continued)
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate
action.
•On highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system
and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maxi-
mum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower
control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off
until the coolant temperature drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). The digital
warning light may switch on (together with a mes-
sage on the instrument cluster display) to indicate
that the coolant temperature is too high; in this case,
stop the engine and call for service.
180 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY