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x(Delay):Move the lever to the&position, then
turn the
xband up for more frequent wipes or
down for less frequent wipes.
6(Low Speed):Slow wipes.
1(High Speed):Fast wipes.
8(Mist):Single wipe, move the lever down, then
release it. Several wipes, hold the lever down.
Clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before
using them.
If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw
them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker stops the motor until it cools. If the motor
gets stuck, turn the wipers off, clear away the snow
or ice, and then turn the wipers back on.
As an added safety feature, if the wipers are on for
more than 15 seconds, the vehicle’s headlamps turn
on automatically. They turn off 15 seconds after
the wipers are turned off.
Windshield Washer
Press the button at the end of the windshield wiper
lever until the washers begin.
{WARNING:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
When the button is released, the washers stop, but the
wipers continue to wipe about three times or resume
the previous speed.
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Headlamps
The band on the lever located on the left side of the
steering column, operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has the following four
positions:
2(Headlamps):Turns on the headlamps, parking
lamps, and taillamps.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps and
taillamps only.
AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):Automatically
turns on the Daytime Running Lamps during daytime,
and the headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps
at night.
P(Off/On):Turn the band to this position to turn on
the Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada, this
position only works when a vehicle is in the P (Park)
position.
To turn on the Automatic Headlamp System, turn the
switch to off/on. To turn them off, turn the switch to off/on
again. This is a momentary control switch that springs
back when released. The Automatic Headlamp System
always turns on at the beginning of an ignition cycle.
Headlamps on Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened and the ignition is turned
off while leaving the lamps on, a warning chime will
sound.
Headlamps Off in Park
This feature works when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and it is dark outside. To turn the headlamps
off when it is dark outside but keep other exterior lights
on, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp
position.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
This function does not work for vehicles first sold in
Canada.
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Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature keeps the headlamps
on for 20 seconds after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF,
then the headlamps automatically turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction
lever up one position and then back to AUTO.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. Fully functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada. The vehicle has a light sensor
on top of the instrument panel that controls the DRL.
Do not cover this sensor or the head lamps will be
on when they are not needed.
The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
•The ignition is on.
•The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
•The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (This applies only to vehicles that
are first sold in Canada).
•The light sensor detects daytime light.
•The parking brake is released or the vehicle is not
in P (Park).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights
are not on unless you turn the exterior lamps control to
the parking lamp position.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when they are needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Do not cover the sensor or the automatic headlamp
system will turn on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
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The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once
the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL
if it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument
panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 4-13.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles first sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in P (Park) for this
function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button for this feature is
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam headlamps
are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
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Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move
up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increaseengine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW
BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-42.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The battery run-down feature is designed to protect the
vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading lamps, or dome
lamp) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery run-down protection system automatically shuts
the lamp off after 20 minutes. This prevents draining
of the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
•Open any door.
•Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
button.
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Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light
comes on whenever the
cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 4-7for more information.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when
the high-beam headlamps
are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 4-5
for more information.
Fuel Gage
When the ignition is on, the fuel gage shows how much
fuel is left in the fuel tank. When the indicator nears
empty, a LOW FUEL message appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-42for more information. The
vehicle still has a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be
fueled soon. An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
United StatesCanada
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DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems.
A message clears when the vehicle’s condition is no
longer present. To acknowledge a message and clear it
from the display, press and hold any of the DIC
buttons. If the condition is still present, the warning
message comes back on the next time the vehicle is
turned off and back on. With most messages, a warning
chime sounds when the message displays. Your
vehicle may have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch. See
Automatic Headlamp System on page 4-11for more
information.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch. See
Automatic Headlamp System on page 4-11for more
information.
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake fluid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-30for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 6-20,Engine Oil on page 6-17, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 7-3for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 4-7for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. Make sure that the
door(s) are closed completely.
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DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to a preferred setting.
All of the features listed may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the features available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the features were set when your
vehicle left the factory, but may have been changed
from their default state since that time.
To change feature settings, use the following procedure:
Entering Personalization Menu
1. Turn the ignition on while the vehicle is stopped.
To avoid excessive drain on the battery, it is
recommended that the headlamps are turned off.
2. Press and hold the information and reset buttons at
the same time for one second, then release to enter
the personalization menu.
If the vehicle speed is greater than 2 mph (3 km/h),
only the UNITS menu will be accessible.
3. Press the information button to scroll through the
available personalization menu modes.
Press the reset button to scroll through the available
settings for each mode.If you do not make a selection within ten seconds,
the display will go back to the previous information
displayed.
Personalization Menu Modes
OIL LIFE RESET
When this feature is displayed, you can reset the engine
oil life system. To reset the system, seeEngine Oil
Life System on page 6-20. See “OIL LIFE” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 4-40for more
information.
UNITS
This feature allows you to select the units of
measurement in which the DIC will display the vehicle
information. When UNITS appears on the display, press
and hold the reset button for at least one second to
scroll through the available settings:
ENGLISH (default in United States):All information
will be displayed in English units.
METRIC (default in Canada):All information will be
displayed in metric units.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the information button while the desired setting is
displayed on the DIC.
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Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s three
control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not
rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed
or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If the traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more
limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is
slippery until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize
warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or
packed snow on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
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•Watch for animals.
•When tired, pull off the road.
•Do not wear sunglasses.
•Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But,
as we get older, these differences increase. A
50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{WARNING:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
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