5
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 137
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .. ................... 137
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System . . ..... 138
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS . . ........................ 142
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped. .
................................................... 142
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation Operation — If Equipped. .
............ 146
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .. 148
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . . .................. 151
Occupant Restraint Systems Features .. ..... 151
Important Safety Precautions. . ..................... 152
Seat Belt Systems . . ...................................... 152
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) . . .... 158
Child Restraints . . ........................................... 166
SAFETY TIPS . . ....................................................... 176
Transporting Passengers .. ............................ 176
Transporting Pets . . ........................................ 176
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle . .
................................................. 176
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle . .
.................................... 177
Exhaust Gas . . ................................................ 178
Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . ....................... 178
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS......................... 179
ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED .. ... 179
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .. ....................... 182
Preparations For Jacking .. ........................... 182
Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage . . ............ 183
Jacking And Changing A Tire . . ..................... 184
JUMP STARTING . . ............................................... 186
Preparations For Jump Start .. ...................... 187
Jump Starting Procedure . . ............................ 188
REFUELING IN AN EMERGENCY –
IF EQUIPPED . .
..................................................... 189
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .. ........................ 190
MANUAL PARK RELEASE .. ................................ 190
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .. ............................ 192
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .. ....................... 193
All Wheel Drive (AWD) Models .. .................... 194
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Models . . ............... 194
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) . ................................................................. 194
E
VENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .. ...................... 194
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 195
Maintenance Plan .. ....................................... 196
ENGINE COMPARTMENT . . .................................. 199
3.6L Engine .. ................................................ 199
5.7L Engine . . ................................................ 200
Checking Oil Level . . ....................................... 201 Adding Washer Fluid .
.
................................... 201
Maintenance-Free Battery . . ......................... 201
Pressure Washing . . ....................................... 202
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE . . .................................. 202
Engine Oil ...................................................... 202
E ngine Oil Filter . . ........................................... 203
Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . ............................. 203
Air Conditioner Maintenance. . ...................... 204
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection . . ................. 205
Body Lubrication . . ......................................... 206
Windshield Wiper Blades. . ............................ 206
Exhaust System . . ........................................... 208
Cooling System . . ........................................... 209
Brake System . . ............................................. 212
Automatic Transmission . . ............................ 212
All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped . . ........ 213
Rear Axle. ....................................................... 213
F uses. ............................................................. 214
B ulb Replacement . . ...................................... 221
TIRES . .................................................................... 225
T ire Safety Information .. ............................... 225
Tires — General Information . . ...................... 232
Tire Types. ...................................................... 235
S pare Tires — If Equipped. . ........................... 236
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care. . ....................... 238
Snow Traction Devices. . ................................ 239
Tire Rotation Recommendations . . .............. 240
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 77
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
warning light.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
ma
lfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure
warning light. When the system detects a
malfunction, the warning light will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction warning light after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate
that Forward Collision Warning is off
Ú page 146.
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set Without
Target Vehicle Light — If Equipped
This will display the distance setting for
the ACC system when the system is
en
gaged Ú page 94.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With
Target Vehicle Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and
a vehicle in front is detected Ú page 94.
Cruise Control Set Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when
the cruise control is set to the desired
s p
eed Ú page 92.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when
the front fog lights are on Ú page 40.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket
tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
3
STARTING AND OPERATING 113
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown
on the “Vehicle Certification Label”. This
information should be used for passenger and
luggage loading as indicated.
Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight
Ra
ting (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR).
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label
affixed to the drivers side B-pillar or the rear of the
driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
Name of manufacturer
Month and year of manufacture
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Month, Day, and Hour of manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
t h
e VIN.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, and
cargo. The total load must be limited so that you do
not exceed the GVWR.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not exceed
the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
ve
hicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale
to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the
v
e
hicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
an
d shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store
heavier items down low and be sure you distribute
their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all loose
items securely before driving. If weighing the
loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is within the
specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles
and the way the brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs
Ú page 113.
Refer to the “Tire Placard” for your vehicle's
proper tire pressure.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving
condition can result if either rating is exceeded.
You could lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
4
114 STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
cov
erage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will
assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR
Ú page 113.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight
of all cargo, consumables, and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put
y
ou
r fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The
entire weight of the trailer must be supported by
the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR
Ú page 113.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted
on the hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider
this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) can be a mechanical
telescoping link that can be installed between the
hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically
provides adjustable friction associated with the
telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a
sw
aying trailer and automatically applies individual
wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch
ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are the most popular on the
market today and they are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.
116 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
p a
rt of the combined weight of occupants and
cargo, and it should never exceed the weight refer -
enced on the “Tire and Loading Information”
p l
acard Ú page 225.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing the
w
e
ight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or equip -
ment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
a d
ds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire And Loading Infor -
mation” placard for the maximum combined
w e
ight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Engine/Transmission Frontal AreaMaximum GTWMaximum Trailer TW (See Note)
3.6L Automatic 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lb (454 kg) 100 lb (45 kg)
5.7L Automatic 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lb (454 kg) 100 lb (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading
can cause a loss of control, poor performance
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure
or
tires.
SAFETY 139
(Continued)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC
corrects for oversteering or understeering of the
vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate
wheel(s) to counteract the above conditions.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.
Oversteer — when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
ve
hicle path intended by the driver and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual
path does not match the intended path, ESC
applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer
condition.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
l
oc
ated in the instrument cluster will start to flash
as soon as the ESC system becomes active. The
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
flashes when the TCS is active. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
W h
enever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for
most driving conditions. Alternate ESC modes
should only be used for specific reasons as noted
in the following paragraphs.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi -
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
t h
at wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. The capabilities of an ERM-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeop -
ardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. ESC
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC
also cannot prevent accidents resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
v e
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the handling
characteristics of your vehicle, and may nega -
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
C h
anges to the steering system, suspension,
braking system, tire type and size or wheel size
may adversely affect ESC performance. Improp -
erly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
d e
grade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifi-
cation or poor vehicle maintenance that
r e
duces the effectiveness of the ESC system
can increase the risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING!
6
SAFETY 143
BSM Warning Light
The BSM detection zone covers approximately one
la
ne width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft
( 3
.8 m). The zone length starts at the outside
r e
arview mirror and extends approximately 10 ft
( 3
m) beyond the rear fascia/bumper of the
v e
hicle. The BSM system monitors the detection
zones on both sides of the vehicle when the vehicle
speed reaches approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or
h i
gher and will alert the driver of vehicles in these
areas.
NOTE:
The BSM system DOES NOT alert the driver
about rapidly approaching vehicles that are
outside the detection zones.
The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT
change if your vehicle is towing a trailer. There -
fore, visually verify the adjacent lane is clear for
b ot
h your vehicle and trailer before making a lane change. If the trailer or other object (i.e.,
bicycle, sports equipment) extends beyond the
side of your vehicle, this may result in the BSM
warning light randomly alerting on the trailer or
even remaining illuminated the entire time the
vehicle is in a forward gear
Ú page 122.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may
experience drop outs (blinking on and off) of the
side mirror warning indicator lamps when a
motorcycle or any small object remains at the
side of the vehicle for extended periods of time
(more than a couple of seconds).
The BSM system can become blocked if snow, ice,
mu
d, or other road contaminations accumulate on
the rear fascia/bumper where the radar sensors
are located. The system may also detect blockage
if the vehicle is operated in areas with extremely
low radar returns such as a desert or parallel to a
large elevation drop. If blockage is detected, a
“Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, Wipe Rear
Corners” message will display in the cluster, both
mirror lights will illuminate, and BSM and RCP
alerts will not occur. This is normal operation. The
system will automatically recover and resume
function when the condition clears. To minimize
system blockage, do not block the area of the rear
fascia/bumper where the radar sensors are
located with foreign objects (bumper stickers,
bicycle racks, etc.) and keep it clear of road
contaminations.
Sensor Location (Driver Side Shown)
The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the
d e
tection zones by illuminating the BSM warning
light located in the outside mirrors in addition to
sounding an audible (chime) alert and reducing the
radio volume if the corresponding turn signal is
activated
Ú page 146.
The BSM system monitors the detection zone from
t h
ree different entry points (side, rear, front) while
driving to see if an alert is necessary. The BSM
system will issue an alert during these types of
zone entries.
6
SAFETY 149
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire
care and maintenance or to provide warning of
a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi
-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
v e
hicle’s handling and stopping ability.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility
to maintain correct tire pressure using an accu -
rate tire pressure gauge, even if underinflation
h a
s not reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS Warning Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire
pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual
tire pressure in the tire.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses
w i
reless technology with wheel rim mounted
electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure levels.
Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the
receiver module
Ú page 254.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check the tire
p r
essure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
Receiver module.
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors.
Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System
messages, which display in the instrument
cluster.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low
Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Warning Light will illuminate in
t h
e instrument cluster and a chime will
sound when tire pressure is low in one or
more of the four active road tires. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display an “Inflate to XX”
message and a graphic showing the pressure
values of each tire with the low tire pressure values
shown in a different color.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may
result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
The TPMS sensor is not designed for use on
aftermarket wheels and may contribute to a
poor overall system performance or sensor
damage. Customers are encouraged to use
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
wheels to ensure proper TPMS feature opera -
tion.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an
aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended
that you take your vehicle to an authorized
dealer to have your sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the TPMS
sensor.
6