
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a
metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels
(page 316).
Note: Depending on applicable laws and
regulations in the country for which your
vehicle was originally built, your brake lamps
may flash during heavy braking. Following
this, your hazard lights may also flash when
your vehicle comes to a stop. See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 105). Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power. If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move
the transmission to park (P), switch the
engine off and apply the parking brake.
Inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidly
by measuring the rate at which you press the
brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal,
and can reduce stopping distances in critical
situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily illuminates
when you turn the ignition on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the system
may be disabled. Have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brake
system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
191
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing BrakesE144522 E144522

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive
wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels and,
when needed, reduces engine power at the
same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL WARNING
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily if the system
detects a failure. Make sure you did not
manually disable the traction control system
using the information display controls or the
switch. If the stability control and traction
control light is still illuminating steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with the
traction control disabled could lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial 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, a
message appears in the information display
showing system status.
You can switch the system off by either using
the information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General Information
(page 109).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off or
on.
System Indicator Lights and Messages The stability and traction control
light:
193
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Traction ControlE138639

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving braking
system, aftermarket roof racks,
suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of your
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the electronic stability control
system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and
adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front
center console, the tunnel, and the front
seats in order to minimize the risk of
interfering with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the
electronic stability control system could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. WARNINGS
Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’ s always possible to lose control
of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input
for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose control
of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal
injury or property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; this
could reduce the operator’ s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. If your electronic stability
control system activates, SLOW DOWN. The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability control
or the traction control system, you may
experience the following conditions:•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction control
systems do not enhance your vehicle's
ability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control system
you may experience the following conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• 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 your
foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal
may move as the system applies higher
brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
195
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Stability Control

The indicator, current gap setting
and set speed appear in the
information display.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Note:
When adaptive cruise control is active,
the speedometer may vary slightly from the
set speed displayed in the information
display.
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press SET+ or SET-.
3. A green indicator light, the current gap setting and your set speed appear in the
information display.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. 5.
A vehicle image illuminates if the system
detects a vehicle in front of you.
Following a Vehicle WARNINGS
When following a vehicle, your vehicle
does not decelerate automatically to a
stop, nor does your vehicle always
decelerate quickly enough to avoid a crash
without driver intervention. Always apply the
brakes when necessary. Failing to do so may
result in a crash, serious injury or death. Adaptive cruise control only warns of
vehicles detected by the radar sensor.
In some cases there may be no warning or
a delayed warning. You should always apply
the brakes when necessary. Failure to do so
may result in a crash, serious injury or death. Note:
When you are following a vehicle and
you switch on a direction indicator, adaptive
cruise control may provide a small temporary
acceleration to help you pass.
Note: The brakes may emit noise when
applied by the system.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the
same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in the
same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts to
maintain a preset gap distance. A vehicle
graphic illuminates in the instrument cluster.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gap from
the vehicle ahead until:
• The vehicle in front of you accelerates to
a speed above the set speed.
• The vehicle in front of you moves out of
the lane you are in.
• Your vehicle speed falls below
12 mph
(20 km/h).
• You set a new gap distance.
The system applies the brakes to slow your
vehicle to maintain a safe gap distance from
the vehicle in front. The system only applies
limited braking. You can override the system
by applying the brakes.
210
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Cruise ControlE144529 E164805 E164805

When you override the system, the
green indicator light illuminates
and the vehicle image does not
appear in the information display.
The system resumes operation when you
release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle
speed decreases to the set speed, or a lower
speed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
• Press SET+ or SET- to change the set
speed in small increments.
• Press the accelerator or brake pedal until
you reach the desired speed. Press SET+
or
SET-.
• Press and hold
SET+ or SET- to change
the set speed in large increments.
Release the control when you reach the
desired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active. Canceling the Set Speed
Press
CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The set
speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note: Only use resume if you are aware of
the set speed and intend to return to it.
Press
RES. Your vehicle speed returns to
the previously set speed and gap setting.
The set speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Automatic Cancellation
Note: If the engine speed drops too low, an
audible warning sounds and a message
appears 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 the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for an
extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
Select a lower gear when the system is
active in situations such as prolonged
downhill driving on steep grades, for
example in mountainous areas. The system
needs additional engine braking in these
situations to reduce the load on the vehicle ’s
regular brake system to prevent it from
overheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Note: You erase the set speed and gap
setting when you switch the system off.
Press
OFF when the system is in standby
mode, or switch the ignition off.
212
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Cruise ControlE144529

Action
Cause
Do not use the system in these conditions because it may not detect
any vehicles ahead.
Water, snow or ice on the surface of the road may interfere with the
radar signals.
Wait a short time or switch to normal cruise control.
You are in a desert or remote area with no other vehicles and no
roadside objects.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage warning with no actual block. This ha\
ppens, for example, when driving
in sparse rural or desert environments. A false blocked condition either self clears, or clears after you restart your vehicl\
e.
Switching to Normal Cruise Control WARNING
Normal cruise control will not brake
when your vehicle is approaching
slower vehicles. Always be aware of which
mode you have selected and apply the
brakes when necessary. You can change from adaptive cruise control
to normal cruise control through the
information display. The cruise control indicator light
replaces the adaptive cruise
control indicator light if you select
normal cruise control. The gap setting does
not display, and the system does not respond
to lead vehicles. Automatic braking remains
active to maintain set speed.
215
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Cruise ControlE71340

This system is designed to alert the driver of
certain collision risks. A radar detects if your
vehicle is rapidly approaching another
vehicle traveling in the same direction as
yours.
If it is, a red warning light illuminates and an
audible warning chime sounds. The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light illuminates,
the brake support prepares the brake system
for rapid braking. This may be apparent to
the driver. The system does not automatically
activate the brakes but, if the brake pedal is
pressed, full force braking is applied even if
the brake pedal is lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs if the driver
applies the vehicle ’s brakes. The brake pedal
must be pressed just like any typical braking
situation. The warning system sensitivity can be
adjusted to one of three possible settings by
using the information display control. See
General Information (page 109). Note:
If collision warnings are perceived as
being too frequent or disturbing then the
warning sensitivity can be reduced, though
the manufacturer recommends using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer
and later system warnings.
See General
Information (page 109).
Blocked Sensors 231
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Driving AidsE156130 E156131 E145632

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or the
GAWR specified on the certification
label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended gross
trailer weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Note:
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays, related
to towing. See Fuses (page 267). Your vehicle's load capacity designation
is by weight, not by volume, so you
cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect
these components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement
affects your vehicle when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest to
the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items centered
between the left and right side trailer
tires. •
Load the heaviest items above the
trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not
allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the correct
rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected, the
trailer frame should be level, or
slightly angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may
be present due to the increased payload
weight. Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing is located in the
Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page 236).
You can also find information in the
RV
& Trailer Towing Guide available at your
authorized dealer, or online.
241
MKT (TP4) , enUSA, Edition date: 201703, First Printing Towing