
Drive (D) with Grade Assist
Activate grade assist through theinformation display settings menu.See General Information (page110).
Grade assist:
•Provides additional grade braking with acombination of engine motoring andhigh-voltage battery charging to helpmaintain vehicle speed when descendinga grade.
•As your vehicle determines the amountof engine motoring and high-voltagebattery charging, you may notice theengine speed increasing and decreasingto help maintain your vehicle speed whendescending a grade.
The grade assist lamp illuminatesgrey when the grade assist featureis switched on through theinstrument display settings menu. The lampchanges from grey to green when gradeassist is actively providing additional gradebraking.
Low (L)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•The transmission may be put into low (L)at any vehicle speed.
•Not intended for use under extended ornormal driving conditions and results inlower fuel economy.
Brake-Shift Interlock Override
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicleuntil you verify that the stoplamps areworking.
WARNING: When doing this procedure,you need to take the transmission out of park(P) which means your vehicle can roll freely.To avoid unwanted vehicle movement,always fully apply the parking brake prior todoing this procedure. Use wheels chocks ifappropriate.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fullyreleased, but the brake warning lampremains illuminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
Note:For some markets this feature isdisabled.
Note:This feature only functions if your12-volt battery has power. If vehicle batteryvoltage is not sufficient, an external 12-voltpower source (for example, jumper cables,battery charger or jump pack) may berequired to function the interlock overrideswitch.
Use the brake-shift interlock override tomove your transmission from the parkposition in the event of an electricalmalfunction. If your vehicle has a deadbattery, an external power source is required.
1. Apply the parking brake and turn yourignition off before performing thisprocedure.
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2. Locate your brake-shift interlock accessslot. The slot is located near the centerconsole. The access slot does not havea label.
Note:Make sure that you correctly identifythe access hole as not to damage the mediahub.
3. Using a tool, press and hold the brakeshift interlock switch. The shift buttonson the instrument panel flash when yourvehicle is in override mode.
4. With the override switch still held, pressthe neutral button (N) to shift from park.
5. Release the override button.
6. Your vehicle remains in Stay in Neutralmode for wrecker towing purposes orcan be shifted to the desired gear anddriven (if possible).
7. Release the parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may be able to rock it out by shiftingbetween forward and reverse gears,stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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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. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifthe vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
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 321).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 104).
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. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you rapidly brakeby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal.Brake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
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.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have your systemchecked by an authorized dealer. It alsoilluminates momentarily when you switch theignition on to confirm the lamp is functional.If it does not illuminate when you switch theignition on or begins to flash at any time,have the system checked by an authorizeddealer.
Note:The brake warning lamp mayilluminate and stay illuminated until youswitch off your vehicle as a result of drivingat high elevation.
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Regenerative Braking System
This feature is used to simulate the enginebraking of an internal combustion engineand assist the standard brake system whilerecovering some of the energy of motion andstoring it in the battery to improve fueleconomy. The standard brake system isdesigned to fully stop the car if regenerativebraking is not available. During regenerativebraking, the motor is spun as a generator tocreate electrical current. This recharges thebattery and slows the vehicle. In effect, oncethe accelerator pedal is released, the motorchanges from an energy user to an energyproducer.
When you release the accelerator pedal orpress the brake pedal, the brake controllerautomatically detects the amount ofdeceleration requested and optimizes howmuch of the deceleration will be producedby regenerative braking. The remainingportion is generated by standard frictionbraking. When the battery is almost fullycharged, the amount of regenerative brakingis limited to avoid overcharging, and therequested deceleration is produced bystandard friction braking alone.
Regenerative braking does not take theplace of the standard friction brakes; it onlyassists them. Regenerative braking has alsobeen designed to interact with the anti-lockbrake system. Regenerative braking isdisabled when the anti-lock brake system isactivated or the battery is fully charged.
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
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake and make sure you shift intopark (P). Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: If you drive extendeddistances with the parking brake applied,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
WARNING: The electric parking brakedoes not operate if the vehicle battery isrunning out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.You operate it with a switch instead of alever. The switch is on the center console orto the left-hand side of the steering wheel,on the lower part of the instrument panel.
Note:The electric parking brake makesnoises during operation. This is normal.
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Applying the Electric Parking Brake
Pull the switch upward.
The red warning lamp flashesduring operation and illuminateswhen the parking brake is applied.
Note:It remains illuminated for a shortperiod of time after you switch the ignitionoff.
If it continues to flash or does not illuminate,the system has malfunctioned. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:You can apply the electric parkingbrake when the ignition is off.
Note:The electric parking brake couldautomatically apply when you shift into park(P). See Transmission (page 191).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake in anEmergency
Note:Do not apply the electric parking brakewhen your vehicle is moving, except in anemergency. If you repeatedly use the electricparking brake to slow or stop your vehicle,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
You can use the electric parking brake toslow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Pull the switch upward and hold it.
The red warning lamp illuminates,a tone sounds and the stoplampsturn on.
The electric parking brake continues to slowyour vehicle down unless you release theswitch.
Manually Releasing the Electric ParkingBrake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the systemhas malfunctioned. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing aTrailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch upward and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the hill.
Release the switch and pull awayin a normal manner.
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Note:The Stop/Start system (if equipped)may stop the engine when you press thebrake pedal. If this occurs, it will restart onceyou press the accelerator pedal. Auto Holdstill holds your vehicle at a standstill with theengine off.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and tractioncontrol light illuminates steadily if the systemdetects a failure. Make sure you did notmanually disable the traction control systemusing the information display controls or theswitch. If the stability control and traction
control light is still illuminating steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle with thetraction control disabled could lead to anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the information displayshowing system status.
You can switch the system off by either usingthe information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See General Information(page 110).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system off oron.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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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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