USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:When a system malfunction is present,a warning message appears in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 114). This means the systemis not functioning correctly and onlyfront-wheel drive is available. Have yourvehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:When the system overheats andswitches to front-wheel drive, a warningmessage appears in the information display.This may occur if you operate your vehiclein extreme high load conditions or withexcessive wheel spin (for example, deepsand). To resume all-wheel drive function,stop your vehicle in a safe location and turnoff the ignition. When the system cools,normal all-wheel drive function will return.The information display indicates, for aboutfive seconds, this return.
Note:When using the spare tire, a warningmessage may appear in the informationdisplay. This message turns off afterreinstalling the repaired or replaced roadtire and you switch on the ignition.
Note:Re-install the repaired tire or replacethe tire as soon as possible. Different tiresizes between the front and rear axles cancause system damage, or turn off theall-wheel drive.
This system anticipates wheel spin andtransfers power to the rear wheels beforethe spin occurs. Even when wheel spin is notoccurring, the system is continuouslyadjusting power distribution to the wheels,in an attempt to improve straight line andcornering, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every timeyou switch on the ignition.
The all-wheel drive system does not requiremaintenance.
The all-wheel drive system gives your vehiclesome limited off-road capabilities. Operatingyour vehicle in conditions other thanmoderate sand, snow, mud or rough roadscould subject it to excessive stress and heat.This could result in system damage. Yourvehicle warranty will not cover this damage.
The information display indicates the powerdistribution between the front and rearwheels. The more the area is filled the morepower is being distributed to that wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive vehicles are capable ofdriving on moderate sand, snow, mud andrough roads. All-wheel drive has operatingcharacteristics that are somewhat differentfrom two-wheel drive, both on and off thefreeway.
Note:It may be useful to switch the tractioncontrol off. This allows for more wheel spinand engine torque in certain off roadconditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
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To resume operation, switch the ignition offand allow the system to cool down for aminimum of 15 minutes. After the system hascooled down, you will see a brief messagedisplay in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 114).
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operation willmaximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Tips when driving over sand:
•Keep all four wheels on the most solidarea 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 ordirection when you are driving in mud. Evenall-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction inmud. If your vehicle does slide, steer in thedirection of the slide until you regain controlof your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off excessmud stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
Drive slowly through high water. Traction orbrake capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the wheel rims. If the ignitionsystem gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes will not stop your vehicle asquickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressureto the brake pedal while slowly moving thevehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, have the powertransfer unit (PTU) or rear axle serviced byan authorized dealer.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, always try to drivestraight up or straight down the slopingterrain.
Note:To maintain traction and avoidpossibly rolling your vehicle, avoid turningon steep slopes or hills. When you drive ona hill, determine beforehand the route youwill use. Do not drive over a hill without firstseeing what is on the other side. Do not drivein reverse over a hill without the aid of anobserver.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Start climbing a steep slope or hill in a lowgear rather than downshifting to a low gearfrom a high gear after you have started yourclimb. This reduces strain on the engine andthe possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround. Turning could cause the vehicle toroll over. Instead, reverse back to a safelocation.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, and youcould lose control of your vehicle.
To avoid brake overheating, come down ahill in the same gear you used to go up thehill. Do not come down in neutral. Move thetransmission selector lever to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking to keep the front wheels rollingand to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. Apply thebrakes steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditionsthat require tire chains or cables, thenit is critical that you drive cautiously. Keepspeeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
In snow and ice, all-wheel drive vehicles haveadvantages over two-wheel drive vehiclesbut can still skid. When driving on snowy oricy roads, should you start to slide, turn thesteering wheel in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control.
On snow and ice, avoid suddenly applyingpower and avoid quick change of direction.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a stop.
Avoid sudden braking. An all-wheel drivevehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice.However, an all-wheel drive vehicle will notstop any faster, as braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident toroad conditions.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame 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 control lightilluminates steadily if the systemdetects a failure. Make sure you did notmanually disable the traction control systemusing the information display controls or theswitch. If the stability control and tractioncontrol light is still illuminating steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle with thetraction control disabled could lead to anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou 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 information displayshowing system status.
You can switch the system off by either usingthe information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See General Information(page 109).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system off oron.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight:
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•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 illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving brakingsystem, aftermarket roof racks,suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stability controlsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarket stereoloudspeaker as far as possible from the frontcenter console, the tunnel, and the frontseats in order to minimize the risk ofinterfering with the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNINGS
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to lose controlof a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputfor the conditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to lose controlof your vehicle increasing the risk of personalinjury or property damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tires haveexceeded their ability to grip the road; thiscould reduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your electronic stabilitycontrol system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•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 and yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
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Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides by applyingbrakes to one or more of the wheelsindividually and, if necessary, reducingengine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which itchanges by applying the brakes to one ormore 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 193).Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control androll stability control systems off, but whenyou shift into reverse (R), the systemsdeactivate.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on. See Using Traction Control (page193).
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AA
B
BB
B
The system determines the clearance to thefront and rear of your vehicle andautomatically steers your vehicle out of aparallel parking space (hands-free) while youcontrol the accelerator, gearshift and brakes.The system visually and audibly guides youto enter traffic.
After the system directs your vehicle pastthe adjacent vehicle or object, it guides youto take control of the steering to completethe exit out of the parking space.
Note:If the clearance in front of your vehicleallows easy departure, the Parallel Park OutAssist feature may not be available.
Note:You are responsible for controllingyour vehicle and making sure the path isclear prior to pulling into traffic.
Note:If your vehicle speed exceedsapproximately 3 mph (5 km/h) or youinterrupt the maneuver, the system switchesoff and you need to take full control of yourvehicle.
Deactivating the Active Park AssistFeature
You can manually deactivate the system by:
•Pressing the Active Park Assist buttonduring an active maneuver.
•Grabbing the steering wheel during anactive maneuver.
•Driving above approximately 22 mph(35 km/h) for 30 seconds while searchingfor a parking space.
•Driving above approximately 6 mph(10 km/h) during an active parallel parkingmaneuver.
•Driving above approximately 3 mph(5 km/h) during an active parallel park outassist maneuver.
•Switching the traction control system off.
Certain vehicle conditions may alsodeactivate the system, for example:
•The traction control system activates.
•There is an anti-lock brake systemactivation or failure.
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