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 fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
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 system applieshigher brake force.
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.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 150).
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ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
Parallel Parking Assist
WARNINGS
You must remain in your vehiclewhen the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required. Failureto take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
The sensors may not detect objectsin heavy rain or other conditions thatcause interference.
Active park assist does not apply thebrakes under any circumstances.
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not detect traffic alongside or behindyour vehicle during an Active Park Assistmaneuver.
The system detects an available parallelparking space and automatically steersyour vehicle into the space (hands-free)while you control the accelerator, gearshiftand brakes. The system visually andaudibly guides you when parking yourvehicle.
If you are uncomfortable with the proximityto any vehicle or object, you may chooseto override the system by grabbing thesteering wheel or by pressing the activepark assist button.
The system may not correctly operate inany of the following conditions:
•You use a spare tire or a tiresignificantly worn more than the othertires.
•One or more tires are improperlyinflated.
•You try to park on a tight curve.
•Something passes between the frontbumper and the parking space. Forexample, a pedestrian or cyclist.
•The edge of the neighboring parkedvehicle is high off the ground. Forexample, a bus, tow truck or flatbedtruck.
•The weather conditions are poor. Forexample, during heavy rain, snow orfog.
Note: Keep the sensors on the bumper orfascia free from snow, ice and largeaccumulations of dirt. Covered sensors canaffect the system's accuracy. Do not cleanthe sensors with sharp objects.
Note:The sensors may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb ultrasonic wavesor cause ultrasonic interference. Forexample, motorcycle exhaust, truck airbrakes or horns.
Note:Following a change in tire size, thesystem must recalibrate and operation maybe impaired for a short time.
Do not use the system if:
•You have attached a foreign objectclose to the sensors on the front or rearof your vehicle. For example, a bike rackor trailer.
•You attach an overhanging object tothe roof. For example, a surfboard.
•A foreign object damages or obstructsthe front or rear bumper or sidesensors.
•The correct tire size is not in use on yourvehicle. For example, a mini-spare tire.
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Troubleshooting the System
Possible CauseSymptom
You may have the traction control system switched off.The system does not look for aspace.The transmission is in reverse (R). Your vehicle mustbe moving forward to be able to detect a parking space.
The sensors may be covered. For example, snow, iceor dirt buildup. Covered sensors can affect how thesystem functions.
The system does not offer aparking space.
There is not enough room in the parking space for yourvehicle to safely park.
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver onthe opposite side of the parking space.
The parking space is more than 5 ft (1.5 m) or less than16 in (0.4 m) away.
Your vehicle speed is greater than 22 mph (35 km/h).
You recently disconnected or replaced the battery. Aftera battery disconnect, you must drive your vehicle on astraight road for a short period of time.
Your vehicle is rolling in the opposite direction of thecurrent transmission position. For example, rollingforward when in reverse (R).
The system does not positionthe vehicle correctly.
An irregular curb along the parking space prevents thesystem from aligning your vehicle properly.
Improperly parked vehicles or objects are boarding thespace.
Your vehicle is too far past the parking space. Thesystem performs best when you drive the samedistance past the parking space.
You have incorrectly installed or maintained the tires.For example, not inflated correctly, improper size, or ofdifferent sizes.
A repair or alteration changes the detection capabilities.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way backhome).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may wantto avoid doing because they reduce yourfuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hillyterrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
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.
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Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard No. 139. Grades B and Arepresent higher levels ofperformance on the laboratorytest wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Tire label: A label showing theOE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,recommended inflation pressureand the maximum weight thevehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number(TIN): A number on the sidewallof each tire providing informationabout the tire brand andmanufacturing plant, tire size anddate of manufacture. Also referredto as DOT code.
Inflation pressure: A measureof the amount of air in a tire.
Standard load: A class ofP-metric or Metric tires designedto carry a maximum load at 35 psi(2.41 bar)[36 psi (2.5 bar) forMetric tires]. Increasing theinflation pressure beyond thispressure will not increase the tire’sload carrying capability.
Extra load: A class of P-metric orMetric tires designed to carry aheavier maximum load at 42 psi(2.9 bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure willnot increase the tire’s loadcarrying capability.
kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit ofair pressure.
PSI: Pounds per square inch, astandard unit of air pressure.
Cold tire pressure: The tirepressure when the vehicle hasbeen stationary and out of directsunlight for an hour or more andprior to the vehicle being driven for1 mi (1.6 km).
Recommended inflationpressure: The cold inflationpressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition) or Tire Label located onthe B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver’s door.
B-pillar: The structural memberat the side of the vehicle behindthe front door.
Bead area of the tire: Area of thetire next to the rim.
Sidewall of the tire: Areabetween the bead area and thetread.
Tread area of the tire: Area ofthe perimeter of the tire thatcontacts the road when mountedon the vehicle.
Rim: The metal support (wheel)for a tire or a tire and tubeassembly upon which the tirebeads are seated.
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Information Contained on theTire Sidewall
Both U.S. and Canada Federalregulations require tiremanufacturers to placestandardized information on thesidewall of all tires. Thisinformation identifies anddescribes the fundamentalcharacteristics of the tire and alsoprovides a U.S. DOT TireIdentification Number for safetystandard certification and in caseof a recall.
Information on P Type Tires
P215/65R15 95H is an example ofa tire size, load index and speedrating. The definitions of theseitems are listed below. (Note thatthe tire size, load index and speedrating for your vehicle may bedifferent from this example.)
A.P: Indicates a tire, designatedby the Tire and Rim Association,that may be used for service oncars, sport utility vehicles,minivans and light trucks.Note: Ifyour tire size does not begin witha letter, this may mean it isdesignated by either the EuropeanTire and Rim TechnicalOrganization or the Japan TireManufacturing Association.
B.215: Indicates the nominalwidth of the tire in millimetersfrom sidewall edge to sidewalledge. In general, the larger thenumber, the wider the tire.
C.65: Indicates the aspect ratiowhich gives the tire's ratio ofheight to width.
D.R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.15: Indicates the wheel or rimdiameter in inches. If you changeyour wheel size, you will have topurchase new tires to match thenew wheel diameter.
F.95: Indicates the tire's loadindex. It is an index that relates tohow much weight a tire can carry.You may find this information inyour owner’s manual. If not,contact a local tire dealer.
Note:You may not find thisinformation on all tires because itis not required by federal law.
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G.H: Indicates the tire's speedrating. The speed rating denotesthe speed at which a tire isdesigned to be driven for extendedperiods of time under a standardcondition of load and inflationpressure. The tires on your vehiclemay operate at differentconditions for load and inflationpressure. These speed ratings mayneed to be adjusted for thedifference in conditions. Theratings range from 81 mph(130 km/h) to 186 mph(299 km/h). These ratings arelisted in the following chart.
Note:You may not find thisinformation on all tires because itis not required by federal law.
Speed ratingLetterrating
81 mph (130 km/h)M
87 mph (140 km/h)N
99 mph (159 km/h)Q
106 mph (171 km/h)R
112 mph (180 km/h)S
118 mph (190 km/h)T
124 mph (200 km/h)U
130 mph (210 km/h)H
149 mph (240 km/h)V
Speed ratingLetterrating
168 mph (270 km/h)W
186 mph (299 km/h)Y
Note:For tires with a maximum
speed capability over 149 mph
(240 km/h), tire manufacturers
sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed
capability over 186 mph (299
km/h), tire manufacturers always
use the letters ZR.
H.U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber (TIN): This begins withthe letters DOT and indicates thatthe tire meets all federalstandards. The next two numbersor letters are the plant codedesignating where it wasmanufactured, the next two arethe tire size code and the last fournumbers represent the week andyear the tire was built. Forexample, the numbers 317 meanthe 31st week of 1997. After 2000the numbers go to four digits. Forexample, 2501 means the 25thweek of 2001. The numbers inbetween are identification codesused for traceability. Thisinformation is used to contactcustomers if a tire defect requiresa recall.
I.M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT: All Terrain, or
AS: All Season.
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The tire suppliers may haveadditional markings, notes orwarnings such as standard load,radial tubeless, etc.
Additional InformationContained on the Tire Sidewallfor LT Type Tires
LT type tires have some additionalinformation beyond those of Ptype tires; these differences aredescribed below.
Note:Tire Quality Grades do notapply to this type of tire.
A.LT: Indicates a tire, designatedby the Tire and Rim Association,that is intended for service on lighttrucks.
B.Load Range and LoadInflation Limits: Indicates thetire's load-carrying capabilitiesand its inflation limits.
C.Maximum Load Dual lb (kg)at psi (kPa) cold: Indicates themaximum load and tire pressurewhen the tire is used as a dual,defined as four tires on the rearaxle (a total of six or more tires onthe vehicle).
D.Maximum Load Single lb(kg) at psi (kPa) cold: Indicatesthe maximum load and tirepressure when the tire is used asa single, defined as two tires(total) on the rear axle.
Information on T Type Tires
T type tires have some additionalinformation beyond those of Ptype tires; these differences aredescribed below:
T145/80D16 is an example of a
tire size.
Note:The temporary tire size foryour vehicle may be different fromthis example. Tire Quality Gradesdo not apply to this type of tire.
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