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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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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B
BB
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in reverse (R) andwhen using the sensing system.
The system may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb reflection.Always drive with due care and attention.Failure to take care may result in a crash.
Traffic control systems, inclementweather, air brakes, external motorsand fans may affect the correct operation ofthe sensing system.This may cause reducedperformance or false alerts.
The system may not detect small ormoving objects, particularly those closeto the ground.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped withMyKey™, the sensing system cannot beturned off when a MyKey™ is present. SeePrinciple of Operation (page 59).
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 with sharpobjects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage to thebumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned orbent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alerts.
Note:Certain add-on devices installedaround the bumper or fascia may createfalse alerts. For example, large trailerhitches, bike or surfboard racks, license platebrackets, bumper covers or any other devicethat may block the normal detection zoneof the system. Remove the add-on device toprevent false alerts.
Note:When a trailer is connected to yourvehicle, the rear parking aid may detect thetrailer and therefore provide an alert. Disablethe rear parking aid when a trailer isconnected to prevent the alert.
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 through theinformation display menu or from the pop-upmessage that appears once you shift thetransmission into reverse (R). See GeneralInformation (page 109).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the information display.See Information Messages (page 114).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear sensors are only active when thetransmission is in reverse (R). As your vehiclemoves closer to the obstacle, the rate of theaudible warning increases. When theobstacle is less than 12 in (30 cm) away, thewarning sounds continuously. If the systemdetects a stationary or receding objectfarther than 12 in (30 cm) from the corners ofthe bumper, the tone sounds for only threeseconds. Once the system detects an objectapproaching, the warning sounds again.
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Parking Aids
Switching Cruise Control Off
Note:You erase the set speed when youswitch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in stand bymode, or switch the ignition off.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL
WARNINGS
Always pay close attention to changingroad conditions when using adaptivecruise control. The system does not replaceattentive driving. Failing to pay attention tothe road may result in a crash, serious injuryor death.
Do not use the adaptive cruise controlwhen entering or leaving a highway,on roads with intersections or roundaboutsor non-vehicular traffic or roads that arewinding, slippery, unpaved, or steep slopes.
Do not use the system in poor visibility,for example fog, heavy rain, spray orsnow.
WARNINGS
Do not use the system when towing atrailer with aftermarket trailer brakecontrols. Aftermarket trailer brakes will notfunction properly when you switch thesystem on because the brakes areelectronically controlled. Failing to do so mayresult in loss of vehicle control, which couldresult in serious injury.
Do not use tire sizes other than thoserecommended because this can affectthe normal operation of the system. Failureto do so may result in a loss of vehiclecontrol, which could result in serious injury.
Adaptive cruise control may not detectstationary or slow moving vehiclesbelow 6 mph (10 km/h).
Adaptive cruise control does not detectpedestrians or objects in the road.
Adaptive cruise control does not detectoncoming vehicles in the same lane.
Adaptive cruise control is not a crashwarning or avoidance system.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert,drive safely and be in control of the vehicleat all times.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed tomaintain the set gap between you and thevehicle in front of you in the same lane. Youcan select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor that projectsa beam directly in front of your vehicle.
The adaptive cruise controls are on thesteering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On
Press ON.
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When you override the system, thegreen indicator light illuminatesand the vehicle graphic does notappear in the information display.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or a lowerspeed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press SET+ or SET- to change the setspeed in small increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the desired speed. Press SET+or SET-.
•Press and hold SET+ or SET- to changethe set speed in large increments.Release the control when you reach thedesired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The setspeed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Press RES. Your vehicle speed returns tothe previously set speed and gap setting. The set speed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Automatic Cancellation
Note:If the engine speed drops too low, anaudible warning sounds and a messageappears in the information display.Automatic braking releases.
The system does not operate below 12 mph(20 km/h).
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The tires lose traction.
•The engine speed is too low.
•You apply the parking brake.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes for anextended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
Select a lower gear when the system isactive in situations such as prolongeddownhill driving on steep grades, forexample in mountainous areas. The systemneeds additional engine braking in thesesituations to reduce the load on the vehicle’sregular brake system to prevent it fromoverheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Note:You erase the set speed and gapsetting when you switch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in standbymode, or switch the ignition off.
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When active, the system monitors youralertness level based upon your drivingbehavior in relation to the lane markings andother factors.
System Warnings
Note:The system does not issue warningsbelow approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).
The warning system has two stages. First,the system issues a temporary warning thatyou need to take a rest. This message onlyappears for a short time. If the systemdetects further reduction in driving alertness,it may issue another warning that remains inthe information display for a longer time. Youcan press OK on the steering wheel controlto clear the warning.
System Display
When active, the system runs automaticallyin the background and only issues a warningif required. You can view the status at anytime using the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 109).
The alertness level is shown by six steps ina colored bar.
The current assessment of your alertness iswithin a typical range.
The current assessment of your alertnessindicates that you should rest as soon assafely possible.
The status bar travels from left to right as thecalculated alertness level decreases. As themeter approaches the rest icon, the colorturns from green to yellow to red.
The yellow position indicates the firstwarning is active and the red positionindicates the second warning is active.
Note:If you have recently received awarning, you should consider resting, evenif the current assessment is within the typicalrange.
Note:If the camera sensor cannot track theroad lane markings, or if your vehicle speeddrops below approximately 40 mph(64 km/h), the alertness level changes togrey for a short time and the informationdisplay informs you that the system isunavailable.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
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Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuouslymonitor the system. If a fault is detected, amessage displays in the information display.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso. Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on and watchthe information display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
If the system detects an error, you maynot feel a difference in the steering,however a serious condition may exist.Obtain immediate service from an authorizeddealer, failure to do so may result in loss ofsteering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspension components.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
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Driving Aids