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The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Un-
der certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following functions:∙ Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a non-slipping drive
wheel on the same axle.
∙ Controls brake pressure and engine out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
∙ Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol- low the steered path despite in-
creased steering input)
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot pre-
vent loss of vehicle control in all driving situ-
ations. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel flashes
to note the following:
∙ The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to
help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
∙ You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
∙ Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indi-
cator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come on
in the instrument panel. The VDC system au-
tomatically turns off when these indicator
lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
indicator light illumi-
nates to indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping drive
wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this
occurs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or
feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a malfunc-
tion.
WARNING
∙The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by careless
or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-137
Page 415 of 540

To shut off the engine in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following
procedure:
– Rapidly push the push-button ignitionswitch three consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
– Push and hold the push-button ignition switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When
the low tire pressure warning light is lit, and
the “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning
appears in the vehicle information display,
one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. If equipped, the system also
displays pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire) on the display screen by sending a signal
from a sensor that is installed in each wheel. If
the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the TPMS will activate and warn you of
it by the low tire pressure warning light. This
system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h).
For additional information, refer to “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible reminders”
in “Instruments and controls” section and the
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in
the “Starting and driving” sections of this
manual.
WARNING
∙ Radio waves could adversely affect elec-tric medical equipment. Those who use a
pacemaker should contact the electric
medical equipment manufacturer for the
possible influences before use.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3
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play screen by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel.
The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above
16 mph (25 km/h). Also, this system
may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while
driving).
For additional information, refer to
“Low tire pressure warning light” in the
“Instruments and controls” section,
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving”
section and “Flat tire” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the
spare) often and always prior to long
distance trips. The recommended tire
pressure specifications are shown on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label or the Tire and Loading In-
formation label under the “Cold Tire
Pressure” heading. The Tire and Load-
ing Information label is affixed to thedriver side center pillar. Tire pressures
should be checked regularly because:
∙ Most tires naturally lose air over time.
∙ Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over potholes or other ob-
jects or if the vehicle strikes a curb
while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at mod-
erate speeds.
TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
provides visual and audible signals
outside the vehicle for inflating the
tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure. For additional information,
refer to “TPMS with Tire Inflation In-
dicator” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
Incorrect tire pressure, including un-
der inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WARNING
∙ Improperly inflated tires can fail suddenly and cause an accident.
∙ The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label. The vehicle weight ca-
pacity is indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Do not
load your vehicle beyond this ca-
pacity. Overloading your vehicle
may result in reduced tire life, un-
safe operating conditions due to
premature tire failure, or unfavor-
able handling characteristics and
could also lead to a serious acci-
dent. Loading beyond the speci-
fied capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle
components.
∙ Before taking a long trip, or when- ever you heavily load your vehicle,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure
that the tire pressures are at the
specified level.
8-28
Do-it-yourself