far back as possible and use the proper
child restraint (Refer to “Child Re-
straints” in this section for further
information).
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder
belt behind them or under their arm.
5. You should read the instructions provided
with your child restraint to make sure that
you are using it properly.
6. All occupants should always wear their lap
and shoulder belts properly.
7. The driver and front passenger seats
should be moved back as far as practical
to allow the front air bags room to inflate.
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If
your vehicle has side air bags, and deploy-
ment occurs, the side air bags will inflate
forcefully into the space between occu-
pants and the door and occupants could
be injured.
9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs
to be modified to accommodate a dis-
abled person, refer to the “Customer As-
sistance” section for customer service
contact information.WARNING!
• NEVER use a rearward facing child re-
straint on a seat protected by an ACTIVE
AIRBAG in front of it, DEATH or SERI-
OUS INJURY to the CHILD can occur.
• It is advisable to always carry children in
a child restraint system on the rear seat,
which is the most protected position in
the event of a collision.
• Should it be necessary to carry a child on
the passenger side front seat in a rear-
facing child restraint system, the pas-
senger side front air bag must be deac-
tivated. Always make sure the airbag
deactivation indicator light is illumi-
nated when using a child restraint sys-
tem. The passenger seat must also be
positioned backward as far as possible
to avoid the child restraint system from
coming into contact with the dashboard.
• A deploying passenger front air bag can
cause death or serious injury to a child
12 years or younger, including a child in
a rear-facing child restraint.
Seat Belt Systems
Buckle up even though you are an excellent
driver, even on short trips. Someone on the
road may be a poor driver and could cause a
collision that includes you. This can happen
far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save
lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of
injuries in a collision. Some of the worst
injuries happen when people are thrown from
the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility
of ejection and the risk of injury caused by
striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in
a motor vehicle should be belted at all times.
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)
Front Seat and Second Row BeltAlert (If
Equipped)
BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind
the driver and outboard front seat passenger
to buckle their seat belts. The Belt Alert
feature is active whenever the ignition switch
is in the START or ON/RUN position.
SAFETY
100
Initial Indication
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition
switch is first in the START or ON/RUN posi-
tion, a chime will signal for a few seconds. If
the driver or outboard front seat passenger is
unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in
the START or ON/RUN position, the respec-
tive Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn solid
red and remain red until the seat belt is
buckled. The respective Seat Belt Reminder
Light will turn solid green once the seat belt
is buckled. After the driver and outboard front
seat passenger have buckled their seat belts
all Seat Belt Reminder Lights will turn off.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert
is not active when the outboard front passen-
ger seat is unoccupied.
BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated
when the vehicle is moving above a specified
vehicle speed range and the driver or out-
board front seat passenger is unbuckled (the
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not
active when the outboard front passenger
seat is unoccupied). The BeltAlert warning
sequence starts by blinking the respectiveSeat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an
intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert warn-
ing sequence has completed, the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will remain solid red until the
driver and outboard front seat passenger are
buckled. The BeltAlert warning sequence
may repeat based on vehicle speed until the
driver and occupied outboard front seat pas-
senger seat belts are buckled. The driver
should instruct all occupants to buckle their
seat belts.
Change of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger
unbuckles their seat belt while the vehicle is
traveling, the BeltAlert warning sequence will
begin until the seat belts are buckled again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert
is not active when the outboard front passen-
ger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert may be
triggered when an animal or other items are
placed on the outboard front passenger seat
or when the seat is folded flat (if equipped). It
is recommended that pets be restrained in
the rear seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or
pet carriers that are secured by seat belts,
and cargo is properly stowed.Rear Seat BeltAlert (If Equipped)
Rear Seat BeltAlert shows the driver whether
the seat belts in the rear seat are buckled or
unbuckled (if equipped with Rear Seat
BeltAlert). When the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position, a Seat Belt Re-
minder Light
located in the upper right
corner of the instrument cluster turns on for
each second row seat position (if equipped
with Rear Seat BeltAlert). The Rear BeltAlert
warning sequence is activated when the ve-
hicle is moving above a specified vehicle
speed range.
If a second row seat belt is buckled, the Rear
BeltAlert Reminder light for that seating po-
sition will illuminate solid green. If a rear seat
passenger is not wearing the seat belt, the
BeltAlert warning sequence will start (if
equipped with Rear Seat BeltAlert). The re-
spective Seat Belt Reminder light will illumi-
nate solid red. If the seat belt is not buckled
when the vehicle exceeds a specified speed,
the Rear Seat Belt Reminder light will flash
red and a continuous chime will sound for
approximately 30 seconds if there is no
change of status of the rear seat belt buckles.
101
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder
belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull down-
ward until the entire seat belt is extracted.
3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat
belt retracts, you will hear a clicking
sound. This indicates the seat belt is now
in the Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt
and allow it to retract completely to disen-
gage the Automatic Locking Mode and acti-
vate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) lock-
ing mode.
WARNING!
• The seat belt assembly must be replaced
if the switchable Automatic Locking Re-
tractor (ALR) feature or any other seat
belt function is not working properly
when checked according to the proce-
dures in the Service Manual.
WARNING!
• Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in colli-
sions.
• Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode
to restrain occupants who are wearing
the seat belt or children who are using
booster seats. The locked mode is only
used to install rear-facing or forward-
facing child restraints that have a har-
ness for restraining the child.
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect
you in a collision. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) monitors the internal cir-
cuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with the electrical Air Bag System Compo-
nents. Your vehicle may be equipped with the
following Air Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system when-
ever the ignition switch is in the START or
ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch is in
the OFF position or in the ACC position, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will
not inflate.
SAFETY
108
The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system
even if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light
in the instrument panel for approximately
four to eight seconds for a self-check when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position. After the self-check, the Air Bag
Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either
momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag
Warning Light if a malfunction is detected
that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the
malfunction. While the air bag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.• The Air Bag Warning Light does not come
on during the four to eight seconds when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter-
mittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any en-
gine related gauges are not working, the Oc-
cupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also
be disabled. In this condition the air bags
may not be ready to inflate for your protec-
tion. Have an authorized dealer service the air
bag system immediately.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t
have the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as a
bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if
it comes on as you drive, have an autho-
WARNING!
rized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light is
detected, which could affect the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System (SRS), the Redundant
Air Bag Warning Light will illuminate on the
instrument panel. The Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light will stay on until the fault is
cleared. In addition, a single chime will
sound to alert you that the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light has come on and a fault has
been detected. If the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving have an authorized
dealer service the vehicle immediately.
For additional information regarding the Re-
dundant Air Bag Warning Light refer to “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” section
of this manual.
109
electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an
accident, reset the system by following the
procedure described below. If you have any
doubt, contact an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System functions after an event, the
ignition switch must be changed from igni-
tion START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Care-
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the
engine compartment and on the ground near
the engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
• Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you
need it. You could be injured if the air
bag system is not there to protect you.
Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim
WARNING!
cover or the upper passenger side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the
front bumper, vehicle body structure, or
add aftermarket side steps or running
boards.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to
tell anyone who works on your vehicle
that it has an air bag system.
• Do not attempt to modify any part of your
air bag system. The air bag may inflate
accidentally or may not function prop-
erly if modifications are made. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
air bag system service. If your seat, in-
cluding your trim cover and cushion,
needs to be serviced in any way (includ-
ing removal or loosening/tightening of
seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle
to an authorized dealer. Only manufac-
turer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air
bag system for persons with disabilities,
contact an authorized dealer.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR
is to record, in certain crash or near crash-
like situations, such as an air bag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record
data related to vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time, typically
30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
• Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better under-
standing of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.
SAFETY
120
TOWING A DISABLED
VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing
a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service. If the transmission and drivetrain are
operable, disabled vehicles may also be
towed as described under “Recreational Tow-
ing” in the “Starting And Operating” section.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground 4WD MODELS
Flat Tow NONESee instructions under “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Oper-
ating”.
• Automatic Transmission inPARK
• Transfer Case inNEUTRAL
• Disconnect negative battery cable
• Tow inforwarddirection
Wheel Lift Or Dolly TowFrontNOT ALLOWED
RearNOT ALLOWED
FlatbedALL BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required
to prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only
tow bars and other equipment designed for
this purpose, following equipment manufac-
turer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towingdevice to main structural members of the
vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brack-
ets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.If you must use the accessories (wipers, de-
frosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN position, not the ACC
position.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
202
If the vehicle's battery is discharged, refer to
"Manual Park Release" in this section for
instructions on shifting the automatic trans-
mission out of PARK in order to move the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to
your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
• If the vehicle being towed requires steer-
ing, the ignition switch must be in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode, not in the OFF
mode.
Without The Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle
is towed with the ignition in the OFF mode.
The only approved method of towing without
the key fob is with a flatbed truck. Proper
towing equipment is necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
Four–Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing with
all wheelsOFFthe ground. Acceptable meth-
ods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with
one end of the vehicle raised and the opposite
end on a towing dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available and the
transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (in the forward direction, withALL
wheels on the ground),IFthe transfer case is
inNEUTRAL(N) and the transmission is in
PARK. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for detailed
instructions.
CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used
(if the remaining wheels are on the
ground). Internal damage to the trans-
mission or transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when
towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case dam-
CAUTION!
age. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
Tow Eye Usage
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow eye that
can be used to move a disabled vehicle.
When using a tow eye be sure to follow the
“Tow Eye Usage Precautions” and the “Tow-
ing A Disabled Vehicle” instructions in this
section.
The tow eyes are mounted below the front and
rear bumpers.
Tow Eye Usage Precautions
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with
tow eyes.
• Do not use a chain with a tow eye.
Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.
203
reduced vehicle loading may be required for
high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an
authorized tire dealer or original equipment
vehicle dealer for recommended safe operat-
ing speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to
fail. You could have a serious collision. Do
not drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum
capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types
of tires on your vehicle will cause your
vehicle to handle poorly. The instability
could cause a collision. Always use radial
ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
• The tire has not been driven on when flat.
• The damage is only on the tread section of
your tire (sidewall damage is not repair-
able).
• The puncture is no greater thana¼ofan
inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire re-
pairs and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that
have experienced a loss of pressure should be
replaced immediately with another Run Flat
tire of identical size and service description
(Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after
a rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid
loss of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat
mode. A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire
inflation pressure is of/or below 14 psi
(96 kPa). Once a Run Flat tire reaches therun flat mode it has limited driving capabili-
ties and needs to be replaced immediately. A
Run Flat tire is not repairable.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle
loaded at full capacity or to tow a trailer while
a tire is in the run flat mode.
See the tire pressure monitoring section for
more information.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice con-
ditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “In
Case Of Emergency” in your Owner’s Manual
for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous.
Forces generated by excessive wheel
speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A
tire could explode and injure someone. Do
not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
232