Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed and testedto provide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty. For this reason, we stronglyrecommend that you do not makemodifications such as adding or removingparts (i.e. lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by usingreplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load or device(i.e. ladder or luggage racks). Anymodifications to your vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity may cause your vehicle toroll over when there is a loss of vehiclecontrol.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly mayvoid the warranty, increase your repair cost,reduce vehicle performance and operationalcapabilities and adversely affect you andyour passenger's safety. We recommend youfrequently inspect your vehicle's chassiscomponents when your vehicle is subject tooff road usage.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance 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.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. 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 theroad; this could reduce the operator’sability to control the vehicle potentiallyresulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control 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
DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: The system is designedto aid the driver. It is not intended toreplace your attention and judgment. Youare still responsible to drive with due careand attention.
WARNING: At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system may notfunction if the sensor is blocked.
WARNING: Take regular rest breaksif you feel tired. Do not wait for the systemto warn you.
WARNING: Certain driving styles mayresult in the system warning you even ifyou are not feeling tired.
WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can all limitsensor performance.
WARNING: The system will notoperate if the sensor cannot track the roadlane markings.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fittedwith a suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:Keep the windshield free fromobstructions. For example, bird droppings,insects and snow or ice.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if thewindshield is damaged, the system may notfunction.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the systemactivates at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h).
The system automatically monitors yourdriving behavior using various inputsincluding the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your drivingalertness is reduced below a certainthreshold, the system will alert you using achime and a message in the informationdisplay.
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WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fittedwith a suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:The system works above 40 mph(64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as thecamera can detect one lane marking.
Note:When you select aid or alert and aidmode and the system detects no steeringactivity for a short period, the system alertsyou to put your hands on the steering wheel.The system may detect a light grip or touchon the steering wheel as hands off driving.
Note:The system may not function if thecamera is blocked, or if the windshield isdamaged or dirty.
When you switch the system on and itdetects an unintentional drift out of your laneis likely to occur, the system notifies orassists you to stay in your lane through thesteering system and information display. InAlert mode, the system provides a warningby vibrating the steering wheel. In Aid mode,the system provides steering assistance bygently counter steering your vehicle backinto the lane.
When the system is functioning in thecombined Alert and Aid mode, the systemfirst provides steering assistance by gentlycounter steering your vehicle back into thelane, followed by a warning that vibrates thesteering wheel if the vehicle is still out of thelane markings.
Switching the System On and Off
Note:The system on or off setting is storeduntil it is manually changed, unless a MyKey™is detected. If the system detects a MyKey™,it defaults to on and the mode is set to alert.
Press the button on the direction indicatorstalk to switch the system on or off.
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Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markings on the road?
Lane width is too narrow or too wide.
The camera has not been calibrated after a windshield replacement.
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads.
Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
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Driving Aids
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
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a faultis detected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch theignition off. After at least 10 seconds,switch the ignition on and watch theinformation display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
WARNING: If the system detects anerror, you may not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious condition mayexist. Obtain immediate service from anauthorized dealer, failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering 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
Changing the drive mode automaticallychanges the functionality of the followingsystems:
•Electronically power-assisted steeringsystem adjusts steering effort and feelbased on the mode you select. SeeSteering (page 280).
•Electronic stability control and tractioncontrol maintain your vehicle control inadverse conditions or high performancedriving. See Stability Control (page 233).
•Electronic throttle control enhances thepowertrain response to your inputs.
•Transmission controls optimize with shiftschedules tuned to each mode.
•Driveline settings optimize for eachmode.
Using the System
The system automatically tailors your vehicleconfiguration for each mode you select.
To change the drive mode setting, use thedrive mode selector on the center console.
Note:Mode changes are not available whenthe vehicle ignition is off or when the engineis not running.
•NORMAL – For everyday driving. Thismode is a perfect balance of excitement,comfort and convenience.
•EXCITE – For aggressive on-road driving.This mode increases throttle response,provides a sportier steering feel, alongwith quicker shifting. The suspensionstiffens, with an emphasis on handlingand control. The transmission also holdsgears longer, helping your vehicleaccelerate faster when shifting gears.
•CONSERVE – Enables efficient andresponsible driving. It helps delivermaximum fuel efficiency and increasesdriving range.
•NORMAL 4A – For general on-roaddriving. Use this mode on normal firmsurfaces such as dry or wet pavementand hard packed dirt or gravel roads.Delivers power to all four wheels, asrequired.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds the limitof your vehicle and could result inengine damage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Note: See Recommended TowingWeights (page 310).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,such as fuses or relays, related totowing. See Fuses (page 342).
Your vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so youcannot necessarily use all availablespace when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Inspectthese components periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop and load capacity. Whenboth the loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightly angleddown toward your vehicle, whenviewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder maybe present due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located inanother chapter of this manual. SeeLoad Limit (page 293).
You can also find information in the RV& Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
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Towing