
8  
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
Some car components have colored labels with symbols indicating 
precautions to be observed when using this component. It is important to 
follow all warnings when operating your vehicle. See below for the 
definition of each symbol  Úpage 43.
Red Warning Lights
Air Bag Warning Light Úpage 49
Brake Warning Light  Úpage 49
Battery Charge Warning Light  Úpage 50
Red Warning Lights
Door Open Warning Light Úpage 51
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light  Úpage 51
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light  Úpage 51
Oil Pressure Warning Light  Úpage 51
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If  Equipped
 Ú page 51
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light  Úpage 52
Transmission Fault Warning Light  Úpage 52
Engine Oil Level Warning Light  Úpage 52
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 8   

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE33
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel 
outlets and floor outlets. A slight 
amount of air is directed through the 
defrost and side window demister 
outlets.
NOTE:
Bi-Level mode is designed under comfort condi -
tions to provide cooler air out of the panel 
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A 
slight amount of air is directed 
through the defrost and side window 
demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, 
defrost, and side window demister 
outlets. This setting works best in cold 
or snowy conditions that require extra 
heat to the windshield. This setting is good for 
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on 
the windshield.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for 
suggested control settings for various weather 
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected 
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide 
proper corrosion protection and to protect 
against engine overheating. OAT coolant 
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended  
Ú page 259.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and 
defroster performance, make sure the engine 
cooling system is functioning properly and the 
proper amount, type, and concentration of 
coolant is used  Ú page 259. Use of the Air 
Recirculation mode during Winter months is not 
recommended because it may cause window 
fogging.
Vacation/Storage  
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of 
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, 
run the air conditioning system at idle for about 
five minutes in fresh air with the blower setting 
on high. This will ensure adequate system 
lubrication to minimize the possibility of 
compressor damage when the system is started 
again.
Window Fogging  
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside of the 
glass in mild, rainy and/or humid weather. To 
clear the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode 
and increase the front blower speed. Do not use 
the Recirculation mode without A/C for long 
periods, as fogging may occur.
2
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 33   

44GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL  
Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the 
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in 
the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump arrow symbol points 
to the side of the vehicle where the 
fuel door is located.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine 
coolant temperature. Any reading within 
the normal range indicates that the 
engine cooling system is operating satis -
factorily.
The pointer will likely indicate a higher 
temperature when driving in hot weather 
or up mountain grades. It should not be 
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the 
normal operating range. 4. Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions 
per minute (RPM x 1000).
5. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, 
this display shows the instrument cluster 
display messages  Ú page 44.
 Instrument Cluster Display Location
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY 
Your vehicle will be equipped with an 
instrument cluster display, which offers useful 
information to the driver. With the ignition in the 
OFF mode, opening/closing of a door will 
activate the display for viewing, and display the 
total miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. The 
steering wheel mounted controls allow you to 
scroll through the main menus and submenus. 
You can access the specific information you 
want and make selections and adjustments.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. 
You or others could be badly burned by steam 
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an 
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle 
overheats  Ú
page 229.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system 
could damage your vehicle. If the 
temperature gauge reads “H,” pull over and 
stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air 
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops 
back into the normal range. If the pointer 
remains on the “H,” turn the engine off 
immediately and call an authorized dealer for 
service.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 44   

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL51
Door Open Warning Light  
This indicator will illuminate when one 
or more door(s) are not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving and a door is opened, 
there will also be a single chime.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning 
Light 
This warning light will illuminate to 
inform of a problem with the ETC 
system. If a problem is detected while 
the vehicle is running, the light will 
either stay on or flash depending on the nature 
of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the 
vehicle is safely and completely stopped and 
the transmission is placed in the PARK (P) 
position. The light should turn off. If the light 
remains on with the vehicle running, your 
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an 
authorized dealer for service as soon as 
possible. If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is 
running, immediate service is required and you 
may experience reduced performance, an 
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your 
vehicle may require towing. The light will come 
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or 
MAR/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as 
a bulb check. If the light does not come on 
during starting, have the system checked by an 
authorized dealer.Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light  
This warning light warns of an 
overheated engine condition. If the 
engine coolant temperature is too 
high, this indicator will illuminate and 
a single chime will sound. If the temperature 
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will 
sound for four minutes or until the engine is 
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over 
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning 
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the 
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the 
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not 
return to normal, turn the engine off 
immediately and call for service  Ú page 207.
Oil Pressure Warning Light  
This warning light will illuminate to 
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the 
light turns on while driving, stop the 
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as 
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A 
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is 
corrected. This light does not indicate how 
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level 
must be checked under the hood.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If 
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to 
warn of a high transmission fluid 
temperature. This may occur with 
strenuous usage such as trailer 
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and 
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the 
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until 
the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you 
may continue to drive normally.
3
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 51   

SAFETY187
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make 
Outside The Vehicle
Tires 
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and 
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails, 
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or 
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. 
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. 
Check the lug nut/bold torque for tightness. 
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold 
inflation pressure.
Lights    
Have someone observe the operation of brake 
lights and exterior lights while you work the 
controls. Check turn signal and high beam 
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches 
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks  
Check area under the vehicle after overnight 
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. 
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or 
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause 
should be located and corrected immediately.
NEVER place any objects under the floor 
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects 
could change the position of the floor mat 
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and 
re-installed, always properly attach carpet 
to the floor and check the floor mat 
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet. 
Fully depress each pedal to check for inter -
ference with the accelerator, brake, or 
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap 
and water to clean your floor mats. After 
cleaning, always check your floor mat has 
been properly installed and is secured to 
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners 
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING!  (Continued)
6
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY207
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables
1. Disconnect the negative 
(-)
  end of the 
jumper cable from the engine ground of 
the vehicle with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the  negative  (-) jumper cable from the 
negative  (-) post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive  (+) end of the 
jumper cable from the positive  (+) post of 
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the  positive  (+) jumper cable from the 
positive  (+) post of the vehicle with the 
discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your 
vehicle you should have the battery and 
charging system inspected at an authorized 
dealer.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS 
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be 
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can 
reduce the potential for overheating by taking 
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase 
the engine idle speed while preventing 
vehicle motion with the brakes. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down 
an impending overheat condition: 
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. 
The A/C system adds heat to the engine 
cooling system and turning the A/C off can 
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to 
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and 
the blower control to high. This allows the 
heater core to act as a supplement to the 
radiator and aids in removing heat from the 
engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power 
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery, 
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices, 
etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough 
without engine operation, the vehicle’s 
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade 
battery life and/or prevent the engine from 
starting.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot 
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from 
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming 
from under the hood, do not open the hood 
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never 
try to open a cooling system pressure cap 
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.7
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217
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING 
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil 
change indicator system. The oil change 
indicator system will remind you that it is time to 
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil 
change indicator message will illuminate. This 
means that service is required for your vehicle. 
Operating conditions such as frequent 
short-trips, trailer tow, extended engine idle 
time, extremely hot or cold ambient 
temperatures will influence when the “Oil 
Change Required” message is displayed. 
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the 
change oil message to illuminate as early as 
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have 
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, 
within the next 500 miles (805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change 
indicator message after completing the 
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change 
is performed by someone other than an 
authorized dealer, to reset the message  
Úpage 46. NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change 
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 
350 hours of engine run time or 12 months, 
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine 
run or idle time is generally only a concern for 
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Vehicles that are operated in a dusty and 
off-road environment, or predominately at idle 
or very low engine RPM are known as Severe 
Duty vehicles. It is recommended that you 
change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 
350 hours of engine run time.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual 
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign 
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the 
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir 
and brake master cylinder, fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior 
lights.
Maintenance Plan
Refer to the maintenance schedule for the 
required maintenance intervals. More frequent 
maintenance may be needed in severe 
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short 
trip driving. In some extreme conditions, 
additional maintenance not specified in the 
maintenance schedule may be required.
8
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220SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or 150,000  
miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first. X
X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
1. Change engine air filter every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) if operated in dusty and off-road environment.
2. The brake fluid must be changed every 24 months. This interval is time based only, mileage intervals do not apply.
3. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If 
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance. This 
could cause an accident.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 220