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
WARNING!(Continued)
your vehicle harder to control. You could
have a collision. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control system (EBC). This
system includes Electronic Brake Force Distri-
bution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Traction Control System (TCS), Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC), and Electronic
Roll Mitigation (ERM). These systems work
together to enhance both vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Hill
Descent Control (HDC).
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the
braking torque between the front and rear axles
by limiting braking pressure to the rear axle.
This is done to prevent overslip of the rear
wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to pre-
vent the rear axle from entering ABS before the
front axle.
Brake System Warning LightThe red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn
on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on
or comes on while driving, it indicates that the
brake system is not functioning properly and
that immediate service is required. If the “Brake
System Warning Light” does not come on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides
increased vehicle stability and brake perfor-
mance under most braking conditions. The sys-
tem automatically prevents wheel lock, and
enhances vehicle control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure
that the ABS is working properly each time the
vehicle is started and driven. During this self-
check, you may hear a slight clicking sound as
well as some related motor noises.
ABS is activated during braking when the sys-
tem detects one or more wheels begins to lock.
Road conditions such as ice, snow, gravel,
bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops may increase the likelihood of ABS acti-
vation(s).
You also may experience the following when
ABS activates:
•The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run
for a short time after the stop).
•The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
•Brake pedal pulsations.
187
•A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of
the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
•The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to in-
terference caused by improperly installed
or high output radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Instal-
lation of such equipment should be per-
formed by qualified professionals.
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will di-
minish their effectiveness and may lead to
a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down
or stop.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by the condi-
tion of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent collisions, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner that could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
ABS is designed to function with the OEM tires.
Modification may result in degraded ABS per-
formance.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning LightThe amber “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will
turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains
on or comes on while driving, it indicates that
the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required. How-
ever, the conventional brake system will con-
tinue to operate normally if the “Brake System
Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the
brake system should be serviced as soon as
possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light”
does not come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, have the light re-
paired as soon as possible.
188
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)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust
system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions re-
paired promptly. Until repaired, drive with
all side windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your
vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and
other poisonous exhaust gases from en-
tering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)The locking gas cap is inside the fuel filler door,
on the left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap
is for use with this vehicle.
1. Turn off the engine.2. Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap and
turn the key one-quarter turn to the right,
then rotate the fuel cap to the left to remove.
3. After removing the gas cap, place the gas
cap tether cable over a hook on the inside of
the fuel door. This keeps the gas cap sus-
pended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.
4. Rotate the ignition key back to the left to
remove the key from the cap.
5. To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck
and tighten to the right until at least one click
is heard.NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,
the fuel tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until
you hear one click. This is an indication
that cap is properly tightened.
•If the gas cap is not tightened properly,
the MIL will come on. Be sure the gas cap
is tightened every time the vehicle is
refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageIf the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose or improperly installed,
a “gASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Odometer/Trip Odometer in the instrument clus-
ter. Refer to “Warning And Indicator Lights” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information. Tighten the fuel filler cap prop-
erly and push the odometer/trip odometer RE-
SET button to turn the message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. Refer to “On-
board Diagnostic System” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
212
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and that it will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully se-
cured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You
could lose control of your vehicle and have
an accident.
•All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed on your vehicle.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance, or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the frame or hook re-
tainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Always, block
or"chock"the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.Towing Requirements — Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
•Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
for the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper
tire inflation procedures.
•Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
•Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and
Operating” for the proper inspection
procedure.
•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – Gen-
eral Information” in “Starting and Operating”
for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying ca-
pacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
217
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