
86STARTING AND OPERATING  
(Continued)
GEAR SELECTOR
The transmission gear selector has PARK, 
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (+/-) 
shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using 
the AutoStick shift control. Toggling the gear 
selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the 
AutoStick position (beside the DRIVE position) will 
manually select the transmission gear, and will 
display the current gear in the instrument cluster 
as 1, 2, 3, etc.
NOTE:If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK, 
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed 
forward) it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) 
position (beside the DRIVE position). In AutoStick 
mode, the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is 
displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the gear 
selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for 
access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts 
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along 
with environmental and road conditions. The 
transmission electronics are self-calibrating; 
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may 
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, 
and precision shifts will develop within a few 
hundred miles (kilometers).
The 9-speed transmission has been developed to 
meet the needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles. Software and calibration is refined to 
optimize the customer’s driving experience and 
fuel economy. By design, some vehicle and 
driveline combinations utilize 9th gear only in very 
specific driving situations and conditions.
Gear Selector Lock Button
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when 
the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is 
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake 
pedal when shifting between these gears.
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting 
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
GEAR RANGES
PARK (P)
The engine can be started in this range. Never 
attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
When parking on a hill, apply the EPB before 
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the 
load on the transmission locking mechanism may 
make it difficult to move the gear selector out of 
PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front 
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and 
away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the key fob.
CAUTION!
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to 
allow the selected gear to engage before 
accelerating. This is especially important when 
the engine is cold.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute 
for the parking brake. Always apply the 
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to 
guard against vehicle movement and possible 
injury or damage.
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88STARTING AND OPERATING  
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and 
highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts 
and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The 
transmission automatically upshifts through all 
forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such 
as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading 
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong 
head winds or while towing a heavy trailer), use the 
AutoStick shift control to select a lower gear. Under 
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve  performance and extend transmission life by 
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal 
operating limits, the transmission controller may 
modify the transmission shift schedule, reduce 
engine torque, and/or expand the range of torque 
converter clutch engagement. This is done to 
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the 
Transmission Temperature Warning Light may 
illuminate and the transmission may operate 
differently until the transmission cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation 
may be modified depending on engine and 
transmission temperature as well as vehicle 
speed. This feature improves warm up time of the 
engine and transmission to achieve maximum 
efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter 
clutch, and shifts into EIGHTH or NINTH gear, are 
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm. 
Normal operation will resume once the 
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable 
level.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission 
feature providing manual shift control, giving you 
more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to 
maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable 
upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall 
vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more control during passing, city driving, 
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer 
towing and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position 
(beside the DRIVE position), it can be moved 
forward and rearward. This allows the driver to 
manually select the transmission gear being used. 
Moving the gear selector forward (-) triggers a 
downshift, and rearward (+) an upshift. The current 
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift 
up or down when the driver moves the gear 
selector rearward (+) or forward (-), except as 
described below.
The transmission will automatically upshift 
lower and higher when necessary to prevent 
engine overspeed.
The transmission will automatically downshift 
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) 
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to 
FIRST or SECOND gear (depending on model) 
when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver 
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as 
the vehicle is accelerated.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the 
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe 
practices that limit your response to changing 
traffic or road conditions. You might lose control 
of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any 
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL 
can cause severe transmission damage.
For Recreational Towing  Ú
page 119.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle  Ú page 232.
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STARTING AND OPERATING95
(Continued)
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC 
will apply limited braking or accelerate (not to 
exceed the original set speed) automatically to 
maintain a preset following distance, while 
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance 
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled) 
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you. 
Always be aware of the feature selected  
Ú page 297.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The Cruise Control buttons (located on the right 
side of the steering wheel) operate the ACC 
system.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience 
system. It is not a substitute for active driver 
involvement. It is always the driver’s responsi -
bility to be attentive of road, traffic, and 
weather conditions, vehicle speed, distance to 
the vehicle ahead; and, most importantly, 
brake operation to ensure safe operation of the 
vehicle under all road conditions. Your 
complete attention is always required while 
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle. 
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a 
collision and death or serious personal injury.
The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming 
vehicles, and stationary objects (e.g., a 
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a 
disabled vehicle).
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather 
conditions into account, and may be 
limited upon adverse sight distance condi -
tions.
Does not always fully recognize complex 
driving conditions, which can result in 
wrong or missing distance warnings.
You should turn the ACC system off:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, 
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa -
tions (i.e., in highway construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway off 
ramp; when driving on roads that are winding, 
icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have steep 
uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe driving 
at a constant speed.
WARNING!
1 — SET (+)/Accel
2 — CANC/Cancel
3 — SET (-)/Decel
4 — Distance Setting Decrease
5 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
6 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
7 — RES/Resume
8 — Distance Setting Increase
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STARTING AND OPERATING101
temporarily unavailable. If this occurs, try 
activating ACC again later, following an ignition 
cycle. If the problem persists, see an authorized 
dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have 
detection issues. In these cases, ACC may brake 
late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert 
and may need to intervene. The following are 
examples of these types of situations:
TOWING A TRAILER
Towing a trailer is not recommended when using 
ACC.
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that 
is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle 
merging in from a side lane. There may not be 
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset 
vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel, 
which can cause your vehicle to brake or 
accelerate unexpectedly.
 Offset Driving Condition Example
TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the 
system may increase or decrease the vehicle 
speed for stability, with no vehicle ahead detected. 
Once the vehicle is out of the curve, the system will 
resume your original set speed. This is a part of 
normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on 
hills. ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane 
depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic 
conditions, and the steepness of the hill.
NOTE:
The driver must maintain control of the vehicle, 
remain alert, and be ready to apply the brakes if 
needed.
ACC Hill Example
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STARTING AND OPERATING107
(Continued)
(Continued)
behind the fascia/bumper, or it could provide a 
false indication that an obstacle is behind the 
fascia/bumper.
Objects such as bicycle carriers, etc., must not 
be placed within 12 inches (30 cm) from the 
rear fascia/bumper while driving the vehicle. 
Failure to do so can result in the system misin
-
terpreting a close object as a sensor problem, 
causing a failure indication to be displayed in 
the instrument cluster. If it is necessary to keep the trailer hitch and hitch 
ball assembly mounted for a long period, it is 
possible to filter out the trailer hitch and hitch ball 
assembly presence within the sensor’s field of 
view. The filtering operation must be performed 
only by an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even 
when using Park Assist. Always check carefully 
behind your vehicle, look behind you, and be 
sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other 
vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots before 
backing up. You are responsible for safety and 
must continue to pay attention to your 
surroundings. Failure to do so can result in 
serious injury or death.
Before using Park Assist, it is strongly recom
-
mended that the ball mount and hitch ball 
assembly be disconnected from the vehicle 
when the vehicle is not used for towing. Failure 
to do so can result in injury or damage to vehi -
cles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be 
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia 
when the vehicle sounds the continuous tone. 
Also, the sensors could detect the ball mount 
and hitch ball assembly, depending on its size 
and shape, giving a false indication that an 
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Park Assist is only a parking aid and it is 
unable to recognize every obstacle, including 
small obstacles. Parking curbs might be 
temporarily detected or not detected at all. 
Obstacles located above or below the sensors 
will not be detected when they are in close 
proximity.
WARNING!
The vehicle must be driven slowly when using 
Park Assist in order to be able to stop in time 
when an obstacle is detected. It is recom -
mended that the driver looks over his/her 
shoulder when using Park Assist.
CAUTION!
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STARTING AND OPERATING113
front and rear curb weight values are determined 
by weighing your vehicle on a commercial scale 
before any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front 
and rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be 
determined by weighing it when it is loaded and 
ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a 
commercial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not 
been exceeded. The weight on the front and rear of 
the vehicle should then be determined separately 
to be sure that the load is properly distributed over 
the front and rear axle. Weighing the vehicle may 
show that the GAWR of either the front or rear axles 
has been exceeded but the total load is within the 
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from 
front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the 
specified weight limitations are met. Store the 
heavier items down low and be sure that the 
weight is distributed equally. Stow all loose items 
securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse 
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles 
and the way the brakes operate.
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 
coverage, 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 112.
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 
your 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  Úpage 112.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the 
GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If 
you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can 
change the way your vehicle handles. This could 
cause you to lose control. Also overloading can 
shorten the life of your vehicle.
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114STARTING AND OPERATING  
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch 
ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of 
the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied 
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control — Mechanical 
The trailer sway control is a 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.
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 commonly used to tow 
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying 
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are 
typically used for heavier loads to distribute trailer 
tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and 
the trailer axle(s). When used in accordance with 
the manufacturer's directions, it provides for a 
more level ride, offering more consistent steering 
and brake control thereby enhancing towing 
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway 
control also dampens sway caused by traffic and 
crosswinds and contributes positively to tow 
vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and 
a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are 
recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) 
and may be required depending on vehicle and 
trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross 
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
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.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing 
Hitch system may reduce handling, stability, 
braking performance, and could result in a 
collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be 
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. 
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac-
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle 
dealer for additional information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING115
TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATION
The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting 
the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)   
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lb (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lb (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Engine Maximum GTWMaximum Trailer TW (See Note)
1.3L Turbo AWD 2,000 lb (906 kg) with braked trailer 200 lb (90 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo and should never exceed the weight referenced on the 
Tire and Loading Information placard   Úpage 269.
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