When driving at slow speeds off road underhigh load conditions, use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation will maximizethe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Under severe operating conditions, the airconditioning may cycle on and off to preventthe engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds thatcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.Once you have reduced your vehicle speed,ease your vehicle back onto the road. Donot turn the steering wheel sharply whilereturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of theroad and slow down gradually beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather than attemptan abrupt dangerous direction change.Remember, your primary concern should beyour safety and the safety of others.
Emergency Maneuvers
If you must make a sudden emergencydirection change, avoid over-driving yourvehicle. Turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as you need to avoid theemergency. Apply smooth pressure to theaccelerator pedal or brake pedal as needed.Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration andbraking changes. Abrupt changes couldincrease the risk of vehicle roll over, loss ofvehicle control and personal injury. Use allavailable road surface to bring your vehicleto under control.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding and do not attempt any sharpsteering wheel movements.
Your vehicle responds differently to steering,accelerating and braking on different roadsurfaces when changing from one type ofsurface to another.
Sand
When driving over sand, avoid driving atexcessive speeds. This will cause yourvehicle momentum to work against you. Yourvehicle could become stuck that may requireassistance from another vehicle. Remember,if you proceed with caution you may be ableto back out the way you came.
Do not drive in deep sand for an extendedperiod. This will cause the all-wheel drivesystem to overheat. You will see a warningmessage in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 113).
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Start climbing a steep slope or hill in a lowgear rather than downshifting to a low gearfrom a high gear after you have started yourclimb. This reduces strain on the engine andthe possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround. Turning could cause the vehicle toroll over. Instead, reverse back to a safelocation.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, and youcould lose control of your vehicle.
To avoid brake overheating, come down ahill in the same gear you used to go up thehill. Do not come down in neutral. Move thetransmission selector lever to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking to keep the front wheels rollingand to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. Apply thebrakes steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains or cables,then it is critical that you drive cautiously.Keep speeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
In snow and ice, all-wheel drive vehicles haveadvantages over two-wheel drive vehiclesbut can still skid. When driving on snowy oricy roads, should you start to slide, turn thesteering wheel in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control.
On snow and ice, avoid suddenly applyingpower and avoid quick change of direction.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a stop.
Avoid sudden braking. An all-wheel drivevehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice.However, an all-wheel drive vehicle will notstop any faster, as braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident toroad conditions.
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Make sure that you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehicles forstopping. On ice and snow, you should drivemore slowly than usual, and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, steadily apply the brake.Your vehicle has a four wheel anti-lock brakesystem, do not pump the brake pedal. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 189).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud orsnow, shift between forward and reversegears, and, in a steady pattern, stop betweenshifts. Press lightly on the accelerator witheach shift. Rocking your vehicle this way maydislodge your vehicle.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, damage to the transmission andtires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle provides predictableperformance whether your vehicle is loadedor empty. For this reason, we recommendthat you do not make modifications to yourvehicle (lift kits or stabilizer bars) or usereplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load or device(ladder or luggage racks). Modifications toyour vehicle that raise the center of gravitymay cause your vehicle to tip if you shouldlose vehicle control.
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 thatyou frequently inspect your vehicle's chassiscomponents if your vehicle is subject tooff-road use.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out and anauthorized dealer should check them. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, anauthorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 312).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Switchthe engine off, move the transmission to park(P) and apply the parking brake. Inspect theaccelerator pedal and the area around it forany items or debris that may be obstructingits movement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate at whichyou press the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal. Emergency brake assistcan reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on. Ifthe light does not illuminate duringstart up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lockbraking system may be disabled. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifthe anti-lock brake system is disabled,normal braking is still effective.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators (page103).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp also illuminatesmomentarily when you switch theignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminatewhen you switch the ignition on,or begins to flash at any time, havethe system checked by an authorized dealer.If the brake warning lamp illuminates withthe parking brake released, have the systemchecked immediately.
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HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces theconventional handbrake. The operatingswitch is located on the instrument panel tothe left of the steering wheel.
WARNING: Always set the parkingbrake and leave your vehicle with thetransmission in position P.
Note:When you apply the electric parkingbrake in certain conditions, for example ona steep hill, the electric parking brake mayreapply the brakes within three to tenminutes.
Note:You may notice various noises whenyou apply and release the electric parkingbrake. This is normal and no cause forconcern.
Applying the electric parking brake
WARNING: The brake system warninglamp will flash during an electric brake apply.If the brake system warning lamp continuesto flash there could be a problem with yourelectric parking brake. Have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
Note:The brake system warning lamp willilluminate for ten seconds if you have turnedthe ignition off after the electric parkingbrake has been applied, or the electricparking brake has been applied after theignition has been turned off.
Note:The electric parking brake will notautomatically apply. You must apply theelectric parking brake using the electricparking brake switch.
Pull the switch to apply the electric parkingbrake.
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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 stability controlsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarket stereoloudspeaker as far as possible from the frontcenter console, the tunnel, and the frontseats in order to minimize the risk ofinterfering with the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to lose controlof a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputfor the conditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to lose controlof your vehicle increasing the risk of personalinjury or property damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tires haveexceeded their ability to grip the road; thiscould reduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your electronic stabilitycontrol 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
If the transmission is in drive (D) or any otherforward gear (for example, low (L), sport (S)or any forward gear in a manualtransmission), the front sensing systemprovides audio warnings when your vehicleis moving below a speed of 7 mph (12 km/h)and an obstacle is located inside thedetection area.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
Parallel Parking, Parallel Park OutAssist
WARNING: You must remain in yourvehicle when the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required. Failure to take caremay result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The sensors may not detectobjects in heavy rain or other conditions thatcause interference.
WARNING: Active park assist does notapply the brakes under any circumstances.
WARNING: The system is designed toaid the driver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You are stillresponsible to drive with due care andattention.
Note:Active Park Assist is a multi-stepprocess and may require you to shift yourtransmission multiple times. Follow theon-screen instructions until you complete theparking process.
Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not detect traffic alongside or behindyour vehicle during an Active Park Assistmaneuver.
Active Park Assist detects an availableparallel parking space and automaticallysteers your vehicle into the space(hands-free) while you control theaccelerator, gearshift and brakes. The systemvisually and audibly guides you to park yourvehicle.
If you are uncomfortable with the proximityto any vehicle or object, you may choose tooverride the system by grabbing the steeringwheel or by pressing the Active Park Assistbutton.
Parallel Park Out Assist automatically steersyour vehicle out of a parallel parking space(hands-free) while you control theaccelerator, gearshift and brakes. The systemvisually and audibly guides you to entertraffic.
The system may not correctly operate in anyof the following conditions:
•You use a spare tire or a tire significantlyworn more than the other tires.
•One or more tires are improperly inflated.
•You try to park on a tight curve.
•Something passes between the frontbumper and the parking space. Forexample, a pedestrian or cyclist.
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Parking Aids
Note:You can also switch the system onafter you have already driven partially orcompletely past a parking space. Press theActive Park Assist button and the systeminforms you if you have recently passed asuitable parking space.
When the system finds a suitable space, itdisplays a message and a tone sounds. Stopyour vehicle and follow the instructions onthe screen. If your vehicle is moving veryslowly, you may need to pull forward a shortdistance before the system is ready to park.
Note:You must observe that the space thesystem selects remains clear of obstructionsat all times during the maneuver.
Note:Drive your vehicle within 5 ft (1.5 m)and as parallel as possible to the othervehicles while passing a parking space.
Note:The system always offers the lastparking space it detects. For example, if yourvehicle detects multiple spaces while youare driving, it offers the last one.
Note:If driven above approximately 22 mph(35 km/h), the system shows a message toalert you to reduce your vehicle speed.
Automatically Steering into a ParkingSpace
Note:If your vehicle speed exceedsapproximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or youinterrupt the maneuver, the system switchesoff and you need to take full control of yourvehicle.
When you shift the transmission into reverse(R), with your hands off the steering wheeland nothing obstructing its movement, yourvehicle steers itself into the space(hands-free). The system displays instructionsto move your vehicle backward and forwardin the space.
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