WARNING!(Continued)
curate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave an automatic transmission in PARK, or
manual transmission in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center
console. To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up as firmly as possible. To release the
parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press
the center button, then lower the lever com-
pletely.When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the
automatic transmission is placed in gear,
the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If
vehicle speed is detected, a chime will
sound to alert the driver. Fully release the
parking brake before attempting to move
the vehicle.•This light only shows that the parking
brake is applied. It does not show the
degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. For vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mecha-
nism may make it difficult to move the gear
selector out of PARK. The parking brake should
always be applied whenever the driver is not in
the vehicle.
Parking Brake Lever
185
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allow-
ing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A
child or others could be seriously or fatally
injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector.
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-
dren. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
•
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave a
manual transmission in REVERSE or first
gear. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle
to roll and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted
brakes as standard equipment. In the event
power assist is lost for any reason (for example,
repeated brake applications with the engine off),
the brakes will still function. However, the effort
required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power sys-
tem operating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
result in abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose
normal capability, the remaining system will still
function with some loss of overall braking effec-
tiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal
travel during application and greater pedal force
required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the
brake fluid in the master cylinder drops, the
“Brake Warning Light” will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning
Light” on is dangerous. A significant de-
crease in braking performance or vehicle
stability during braking may occur. It will take
you longer to stop the vehicle or will make
(Continued)
186
Brake Assist System (BAS)The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Apply-
ing the brakes very quickly results in the best
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the
system, you must apply continuous braking
pressure during the stopping sequence, (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle, nor can it increase the trac-
tion afforded by prevailing road conditions.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The capabilities of a BAS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner, which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)The HSA system is designed to mitigate roll
back from a complete stop while on an incline. If
the driver releases the brake while stopped on
an incline, HSA will continue to hold the brake
pressure for a short period. If the driver does not
apply the throttle before this time expires, the
system will release brake pressure and the
vehicle will roll down the hill as normal.
The following conditions must be met in order
for HSA to activate:
•The feature must be enabled.
•The vehicle must be stopped.•Park brake must be off.
•Driver door must be closed.
•The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
•The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in for-
ward gear; vehicle backing uphill is in RE-
VERSE gear).
•HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all
forward gears. The system will not activate if
the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
For vehicles equipped with a manual trans-
mission, if the clutch is pressed, HSA will
remain active.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight roll-
ing may occur, such as on minor hills or with
a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer.
HSA is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s respon-
sibility to be attentive to distance to other
(Continued)
189
WARNING!(Continued)
vehicles, people, and objects, and most im-
portantly brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road con-
ditions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe con-
trol of your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
WARNING!
•If you use a trailer brake controller with
your trailer, the trailer brakes may be acti-
vated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold both the vehicle
and the trailer on a hill when the brake
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
pedal is released. In order to avoid rolling
down an incline while resuming accelera-
tion, manually activate the trailer brake or
apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to
releasing the brake pedal.
•HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when leaving your
vehicle. Also, be certain to leave the trans-
mission in PARK.
•Failure to follow these warnings may
cause the vehicle to roll down the incline
and could collide with another vehicle,
object or person, and cause serious or
fatal injury. Always remember to use the
parking brake while parking on a hill and
that the driver is responsible for braking
the vehicle.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting, proceed as follows:•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
•If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings,
refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, per-
form the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels
pointing straight forward).
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than
one-half turn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the
lower switch bank below the climate control
190
Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area away
from heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer
towing, all starts must be in first gear to avoid
excessive clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting or changes in
engine speed occur while in DRIVE, use the
AutoStick shift control to manually select a
lower gear ratio.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear ratio while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, will
improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat buildup. This action will also provide
better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the transmission fluid and filter asspecified for"police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing."Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
AutoStick
•When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent downshifts.
For example, choose"4"if the desired speed
can be maintained. Choose"3"or"2"if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
•To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid ex-
tended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experi-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and increase en-
gine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
222
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow None
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
•Key in ACC PositionNOT ALLOWED
Dolly TowFront FWD Models ONLY FWD Models ONLY
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer All OK OK
NOTE:
•
When recreational towing your vehicle, al-
ways follow applicable state and provincial
laws. Contact state and provincial Highway
Safety offices for additional details.
•Vehicles equipped with manual transmis-
sions may be recreational towed (flat
towed) at any legal highway speed, for
any distance, if the manual transmission
is in NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in
the ACC position.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with
an automatic transmission. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If these vehicles re-
quire towing, make sure all drive wheels
are OFF the ground.
•DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Inter-
nal damage to the transmission or transfer
case will occur if a dolly is used when
recreational towing.
223
WARNING!(Continued)
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is danger-
ous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and
fall on you. You could be crushed. Never
put any part of your body under a vehicle
that is on a jack. If you need to get under a
raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
•Never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on a jack.
•The jack is designed to be used as a tool
for changing tires only. The jack should not
be used to lift the vehicle for service pur-
poses. The vehicle should be jacked on a
firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery
areas.
Jack LocationThe jack and jack-handle are stowed under the
load floor in the cargo area.
Spare Tire StowageThe compact spare tire is stowed under the rear
load floor in the cargo area.
Spare Tire Removal
Lift up the load floor cover and remove the hold
down.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface,
avoiding ice or slippery areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of
the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far
enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit when operating the jack or chang-
ing the wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector in PARK (automatic
transmission) or REVERSE (manual trans-
mission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
6. Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally op-
posite of the jacking posi-
tion. For example, if chang-
ing the right front tire, block
the left rear wheel.
Spare Tire And Jack Stowage
229
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
while the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings
to help prevent personal injury or damage to
your vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible
before raising the vehicle.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an
automatic transmission in PARK; a manual
transmission in REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it
is on a jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on
a jack. If you need to get under a raised
vehicle, take it to a service center where it
can be raised on a lift.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated
and for lifting this vehicle during a tire
change.
•If working on or near a roadway, be ex-
tremely careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated,
are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the
ground.NOTE:
Refer to “Tires — General Information” in
“Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation about the spare tire, it’s use, and
operation.
1. Remove the scissors jack and lug wrench
from the spare wheel as an assembly. Turn
the jack screw to the left to loosen the lug
wrench and remove the wrench from the
jack assembly.
Jack Warning Label
230