
Note:When a vehicle passes quickly throughthe blind spot zone, typically fewer than twoseconds, the system does not trigger.
Using the System
The Blind Spot Information System turns onwhen you start the engine and you drive yourvehicle forward above 3 mph (5 km/h).
For automatic transmissions, the Blind SpotInformation System remains on while thetransmission is in drive (D). If shifted intoreverse (R) or park (P) the Blind SpotInformation System turns off. Once shiftedback into drive (D), the Blind Spot InformationSystem turns back on when you drive yourvehicle above 3 mph (5 km/h).
For manual transmissions, the Blind SpotInformation System is on for all gears exceptthe reverse (R).
Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not function in reverse (R) or park (P).
System Lights and Messages
The Blind Spot Information Systemilluminates an amber alert indicator in theoutside mirror on the side of your vehicle theapproaching vehicle is coming from.
The alert indicator dims when the systemdetects nighttime darkness.
System Sensor Blockage
The system uses radar sensors that arelocated behind the bumper fascia on eachside of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud and snowin front of the sensors and/or driving in heavyrain can cause system degradation. Also,other types of obstructions in front of thesensor can cause system degradation. Thisis referred to as a ‘blocked’ condition.
Note:Do not apply bumper stickers and/orrepair compound to these areas, this cancause degraded system performance.
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Trailer Brake Controller Connector (If
Equipped)
The connector is located under theinstrument panel above the brake pedal.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailerlamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;this may damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up toget the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip. Whenturning, make wider turns so the trailerwheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off automatically when you aretowing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
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•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy and transmissioncooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission in park(P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back ofthe trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your vehicle.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in water,replace the rear axle lubricant. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies or vehicle transporttrailer), it can be flat-towed (all wheels on theground, regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•Shift into neutral (N). If you cannot shiftthe transmission into neutral (N), you mayneed to override it. See Transmission(page 175).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position whenbeing towed.
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1. Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal and START/STOPto switch on your vehicle.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedaland press START/STOP to switch offyour vehicle.
4. You can attempt to start the vehicle bypressing the brake pedal andSTART/STOP, or press START/STOPwithout pressing the brake pedal.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which can causepersonal injury. Therefore, do not allowflames, sparks or lighted substances tocome near the battery. When working nearthe battery, always shield your face andprotect your eyes. Always provide correctventilation.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flush immediatelywith water for a minimum of 15 minutes andget prompt medical attention. If acid isswallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Use only adequatelysized cables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your automatictransmission vehicle.
Note:Attempting to push-start a vehicle withan automatic transmission may causetransmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure the twovehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNING: Do not attach the cablesto fuel lines, engine rocker covers, theintake manifold or electrical componentsas grounding points. Stay clear of movingparts. To avoid reverse polarityconnections, make sure that you correctlyidentify the positive (+) and negative (-)terminals on both the disabled and boostervehicles before connecting the cables.
WARNING: Do not attach the end ofthe positive cable to the studs or L-shapedeyelet located above the positive (+)terminal of your vehicle’s battery. Highcurrent may flow through and causedamage to the fuses.
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Roadside Emergencies

Engine coolant reservoir. SeeEngine Coolant Check (page 288).A.
Engine oil filler cap. See EngineOil Check (page 286).B.
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine OilDipstick (page 286).C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See BrakeFluid Check (page 294).D.
Battery. See Changing the 12VBattery (page 295).E.
Engine compartment fuse box.See Fuses (page 262).F.
Air filter assembly. See Changingthe Engine Air Filter (page 301).G.
Automatic transmission dipstick.See Automatic Transmission FluidCheck (page 292).
H.
Washer fluid reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid Check (page 295).I.
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.7L
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Automatic transmission dipstick.See Automatic Transmission FluidCheck (page 292).
H.
Washer fluid reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid Check (page 295).I.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
MINA
MAXB
ENGINE OIL CHECK
To check the engine oil level consistentlyand accurately, do the following:
1.Make sure the parking brake is on. Makesure the transmission is in park (P) orneutral (N).
2. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
3. Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
4.Switch the engine off and wait 15 minutesfor the oil to drain into the oil pan. Checking the engine oil level too soonafter you switch the engine off may resultin an inaccurate reading.
5. Open the hood. See Opening andClosing the Hood (page 282).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with aclean, lint-free cloth. See Under HoodOverview (page 284).
7.Replace the dipstick and remove it againto check the oil level. See Under HoodOverview (page 284).
8. Make sure that the oil level is betweenthe maximum and minimum marks. If theoil level is at the minimum mark, add oilimmediately. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 355).
9. If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note:Do not remove the dipstick when theengine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not remove the fillercap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additivesbecause they are unnecessary and couldlead to engine damage that may not becovered by the vehicle Warranty.
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Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and the vehiclemay not be able to accelerate with fullpower until the coolant temperaturereduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a long orsteep grade in high ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle speedcaused by reduced engine power in orderto manage the engine coolant temperature. Your vehicle may enter this mode if certainhigh-temperature and high-load conditionstake place. The amount of speed reductiondepends on vehicle loading, grade andambient temperature. If this occurs, there isno need to stop your vehicle. You cancontinue to drive.
The air conditioning may automatically turnon and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolant temperaturedecreases to the normal operatingtemperature, the air conditioning turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves fullyinto the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service engine soonmessages appear in your information display,do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so. Fully apply the parking brake, shiftinto park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop after severalminutes, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart theengine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives because they are unnecessary andcould lead to transmission damage that maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The transmission does not consume fluid.However, if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly you should check the fluid level. If younotice a sign of leaking fluid, contact anauthorized dealer.
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Checking the Transmission Fluid Level
WARNING: The dipstick andsurrounding components are hot. Usegloves when moving components andchecking the transmission fluid level.Failure to follow this warning could resultin serious personal injury.
Only check the transmission fluid level whenthe engine is at normal operatingtemperature 179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).Normal operating temperature is reachedafter driving approximately 20 mi (30 km).
Minimum.A
Maximum.B
Note:Check the fluid level with the enginerunning and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluidcap in a counterclockwise direction. SeeUnder Hood Overview (page 283).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipeit with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace thecap and dipstick and remove it again tocheck the fluid level.
4.Make sure that the fluid level is betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks. If the fluidlevel is at the MIN mark, add fluidimmediately. See Adding TransmissionFluid.
5.Replace the automatic transmission fluidcap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise untilyou feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum range(below point A) add the correct specificationfluid to be within the hash mark area. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 349).
Note:If the fluid level is below the minimumrange do not drive your vehicle. A low fluidlevel can damage the transmission.
Correct Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the hash mark area(between points A and B) do not add anyfluid.
High Fluid Level
If the fluid level is above the maximum range(above point B) fluid may need to beremoved. High fluid levels may be causedby a overheating condition. If you haveoperated your vehicle at high speeds, towinga trailer or in city traffic during hot weather,allow your vehicle to cool for a minimum of30 minutes before rechecking the level.
Note:An overfill condition can damage thetransmission.
Adding Transmission Fluid*
1. Rotate the automatic transmission fluidcap in a counterclockwise direction.
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AB