TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
PRECAUTIONS
Use the following guidelines when towing
your vehicle. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in vehicle damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Note: Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
Note: If you are unsure of the vehicle’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - GASOLINE,
AWD
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. You must recreational tow your
vehicle with all four wheels off the ground,
such as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - GASOLINE,
FWD
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. Place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
Note: Release the parking brake before
towing your vehicle. See Manually
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
(page 220).
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)/
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV)
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing. An example of
recreational towing is towing your vehicle
behind a motorhome. These guidelines
ensure that you do not damage the
transmission.
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 137).
You can tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground under the following
conditions:
• You switch Neutral Tow on.
• Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
• You release the parking brake.
• You do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
Switching Neutral Tow On
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory mode.
2. Press the menu button on the steering wheel to enter the information display
main menu.
3. Select Settings .
4. Select Neutral Tow.
5. Follow the instructions on the information display.
6. Fully press the brake pedal.
7. Shift into neutral (N).
8. Switch the ignition off.
Note: Switching neutral tow on requires
battery power.
316
Towing Your Vehicle
Note:If the parking brake is applied, a
message appears in the information display.
Note: If your vehicle has an ignition key, you
cannot remove the key from the ignition
when the transmission is in neutral (N) and
your vehicle is off.
Note: Start the engine and allow it to run
for a few minutes at the beginning of each
day, and every six hours or fewer. With the
engine running and your foot on the brake,
shift into drive (D) and then into reverse (R)
before shifting back into neutral (N). Before
continuing to tow, switch neutral tow on.
EMERGENCY TOWING -
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)/PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV)
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle
transport trailer, it can be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain and transmission configuration,
under the following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
• You switch Neutral Tow on.
• You release the parking brake.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (55 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Switching Neutral Tow On
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory mode.
2. Press the menu button on the steering wheel to enter the instrument cluster
display main menu.
3. Select Settings .
4. Select Neutral Tow.
5. Follow the instructions on the information display. 6. Fully press the brake pedal.
7. Shift into neutral (N).
8. Switch the ignition off.
Note:
Failure to follow these instructions
could result in damage to the transmission.
Note: Switching neutral tow on requires
battery power.
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 137).
Switching Neutral Tow Off
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory
mode.
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Shift into park (P).
EMERGENCY TOWING - 8-
SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION – 8F24
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a
member of a roadside assistance program,
your roadside assistance service provider.
317
Towing Your Vehicle
Protected Component
Fuse Rating
Fuse Location
Ignition switch.
10 A
4
Lock.
20 A
5
Unlock.
Moonroof.
10 A
6
Passenger door module.
30 A
7
Parking assist control
module.
5 A
8
Electrochromatic mirror.
5 A
9
Image processing module A.
Extended power module.
10 A
10
Power liftgate.
5 A
11
Hands-free liftgate actu-
ation module.
Telematics control unit
module.
Head up display module.
5 A
12
Keyless keypad switch.
Driver door lock.
15 A
13
Driver door module.
30 A
14
Extended power module.
15 A
15
Not used (spare).
15 A
16
SYNC.
15 A
17
Receiver transceiver
module.
Integrated control panel.
Wireless accessory charging
module.
7.5 A
18
Headlamp switch pack.
7.5 A
19
Not used (spare).
10 A
20
Climate control.
7.5 A
21
E-shifter module.
Instrument cluster.
7.5 A
22
Gateway module
326
Fuses
WHAT IS THE BATTERY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life.
HOW DOES THE BATTERY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WORK
If excessive battery drain is detected, the
system temporarily disables some
electrical systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message could appear in the information
display to alert you that battery protection
actions are active. This message is only for
notification that an action is taking place,
and not intended to indicate an electrical
problem or that the battery requires
replacement.
BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
LIMITATIONS
After battery replacement, or in some
cases after charging the battery with an
external charger, the battery management
system requires eight hours of vehicle sleep
time to relearn the battery state of charge.
During this time, your vehicle must remain
fully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery state
of charge, the battery management system
could temporarily disable some electrical
systems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery management
system works correctly, do not connect an
electrical device ground connection
directly to the battery negative post. This
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it could
adversely affect battery performance and
durability. This could also affect the
performance of other electrical systems in
the vehicle.
RESETTING THE BATTERY
SENSOR
When you install a new battery, reset the
battery sensor by doing the following:
1. Switch the ignition on, and leave the engine off.
Note: Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10
seconds.
2. Flash the high beam headlamps five times, ending with the high beams off.
3. Press and release the brake pedal three times.
The battery warning lamp flashes three
times to confirm that the reset is
successful.
RECYCLING AND DISPOSING OF
THE 12V BATTERY
E107998
Make sure that you dispose of
old batteries in an
environmentally friendly way.
Seek advice from your local authority
about recycling old batteries.
342
Maintenance
PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE
FOR STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, the following maintenance
recommendations ensures your vehicle
stays in good operating condition.
Under various conditions, long-term
storage may lead to degraded engine
performance or failure unless you use
specific precautions to preserve your
vehicle.
General
• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and weather damage.
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oil
contains contaminants which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast
idle with the climate controls set to
defrost until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine
is running.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housings
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Hybrid Battery Systems
We recommend the following actions for
your vehicle:
• When storing your vehicle for greaterthan 30 days the state of charge
should be approximately 50%.
Additionally we recommend
disconnecting the 12V battery which
will reduce system loads on the HV
battery.
12 Volt Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
Brakes
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
355
Storing Your Vehicle
LOCATING THE TIRE LABEL
The tire label or safety
certification label is on the driver
side B-pillar or the edge of the
driver door. It contains information
on the recommended front and
rear tire inflation pressures. See
Locating the Safety
Compliance Certification
Labels (page 288).
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
E142542
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
The Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A .
These Tire Quality Grades are
determined by standards that the
United States Department of
Transportation has set. Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
They do not apply to deep tread,
winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, light truck or LT type
tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined
in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department of
Transportation Tire quality
grades:
The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires us to give
you the following information
about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear 1½ times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
357
Wheel and Tire Information
In general, tires should be
replaced after six years
regardless of tread wear.
However, heat caused by hot
climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the
aging process and may require
tires to be replaced more
frequently.
You should replace your spare
tire when you replace the road
tires or after six years due to
aging even if it has not been
used.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification
Number
Both United States and Canada
Federal regulations require tire
manufacturers to place
standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and
describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also
provides a U.S. DOT Tire
Identification Number for safety
standard certification and in case
of a recall.
This begins with the letters DOT
and indicates that the tire meets
all federal standards. The next
two numbers or letters are the
plant code designating where it
was manufactured, the next two
are the tire size code and the last
four numbers represent the week
and year the tire was built. For
example, the numbers 317 mean
the 31st week of 1997. After 2000, the numbers go to four digits. For
example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in
between are identification codes
used for traceability. This
information is used to contact
customers if a tire defect requires
a recall.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING:
Do not exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.
WARNING: Do not use snow chains
on snow-free roads.
WARNING: Only fit snow chains to
specified tires.
WARNING: If your vehicle is fitted
with wheel trims, remove them before
fitting snow chains.
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
366
Wheel and Tire Information
WARNING: Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the
laws of physics. It's always possible to
lose control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk
of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability
control system is an indication that at
least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator's ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
WARNING: Wheels and tires must
be the same size, load index and speed
rating as those originally fitted on the
vehicle. Use of any other tire or wheel
can affect the safety and performance
of your vehicle. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels can
cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer
case or power transfer unit failure.
Follow the recommended tire inflation
pressures found on the Safety
Compliance Certification label, or the
Tire Label on the B-Pillar or the edge of
the driver door. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, or personal injury
or death.
The tires on your vehicle could have
all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. In some climates you will
need to use snow tires and chains on your
vehicle in emergency situations or if
required by law.
Note: The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.
Do not remove these components from your
vehicle when using snow tires and chains. Note:
Driving too fast for road conditions
creates the possibility of loss of vehicle
control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in
damage to vehicle components.
Follow these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
• Chains may damage aluminum wheels.
• Use ultra low profile cables, 10 mm or less in dimension as measured on the
sidewall of your tire, only with
225/60R18 all season tires.
• Do not use snow chains or cables with 225/55R19, or 245/45R20.
• Not all S-class snow chains or cables meet these restrictions. Chains of this
size restriction will include a tensioning
device.
• Purchase chains or cables from a manufacturer that clearly labels body
to tire dimension restrictions. The snow
chains or cables must be mounted in
pairs on the rear tires only.
• When driving with snow chains do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) or the
maximum speed recommended by the
chain manufacturer, whichever is less.
• Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any wiring or
brake lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables to prevent
vehicle damage.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snow
chains or cables, please contact your
authorized dealer.
367
Wheel and Tire Information