Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
• Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
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• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
WARNING: If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do not rapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but your safety is more important. If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Tire and wheel alignment A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment periodically. Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer. Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an independent rear suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels. The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
Tire rotation Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the Scheduled Maintenance chapter) will help your tires wear more evenly, providing better tire performance and longer tire life.
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(front tires at top of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires. Note: If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical problem involved before tire rotation. Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use only and should not be used in a tire rotation. Note: After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL Both U.S. 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.
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Information on “P” type tires P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size, load index and speed rating. The definitions of these items are listed below. (Note that the tire size, load index and speed rating for your vehicle may be different from this example.) 1. P: Indicates a tire, designated by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA), that may be used for service on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks. Note: If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing Association). 2. 215: Indicates the nominal width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire. 3. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio which gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. 4. R: Indicates a “radial” type tire. 5. 15: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter. 6. 95: Indicates the tire’s load index. It is an index that relates to how much weight a tire can carry. You may find this information in your owner’s guide. If not, contact a local tire dealer. Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by federal law. 7. H: Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure. The tires on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load and inflation pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted for the difference in conditions. The ratings range from 81 mph (130 km/h) to 186 mph (299 km/h). These ratings are listed in the following chart.
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Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by federal law.
Letter rating
Speed rating - mph (km/h)
81 mph (130 km/h)
87 mph (140 km/h)
99 mph (159 km/h)
106 mph (171 km/h)
112 mph (180 km/h)
118 mph (190 km/h)
124 mph (200 km/h)
130 mph (210 km/h)
149 mph (240 km/h)
168 mph (270 km/h)
186 mph (299 km/h)
Note: For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph
(240 km/h), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph (299 km/h), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): 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.
9. M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT: All Terrain, or
AS: All Season.
10. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of
plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and
sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the
tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
11. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label, which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’s door, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
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12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades • 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 one and one-half (11⁄2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
• Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
• Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Indicates the tire manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than the recommended pressure on the vehicle label. The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
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Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires “LT” type tires have some additional information beyond those of “P” type tires; these differences are described below. Note: Tire Quality Grades do not apply to this type of tire. 1. LT: Indicates a tire, designated by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA), that is intended for service on light trucks. 2. Load Range/Load Inflation Limits: Indicates the tire’s load-carrying capabilities and its inflation limits. 3. Maximum Load Dual lb (kg) at psi (kPa) cold: Indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual; defined as four tires on the rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle). 4. Maximum Load Single lb (kg) at psi (kPa) cold: Indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single; defined as two tires (total) on the rear axle.
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Information on “T” type tires “T” type tires have some additional information beyond those of “P” type tires; these differences are described below: T145/80D16 is an example of a tire size. Note: The temporary tire size for your vehicle may be different from this example. Tire Quality Grades do not apply to this type of tire. 1. T: Indicates a type of tire, designated by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA), that is intended for temporary service on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks. 2. 145: Indicates the nominal width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire. 3. 80: Indicates the aspect ratio which gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall. 4. D: Indicates a “diagonal” type tire. R: Indicates a “radial” type tire. 5. 16: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
Location of the tire label You will find a Tire Label containing tire inflation pressure by tire size and other important information located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. Refer to the payload description and graphic in the Vehicle loading section.
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
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 under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale 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
telltale 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.
The tire pressure monitoring system complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
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following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
WARNING: The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure
should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, see Inflating your tires in this chapter. Failure to properly maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Changing tires with a TPMS Each road tire is equipped with a tire pressure sensor located inside the tire/wheel cavity. The pressure sensor is attached to the valve stem. The pressure sensor is covered by the tire and is not visible unless the tire is removed. Care must be taken when changing the tire to avoid damaging the sensor. It is recommended that you always have your tires serviced by an authorized dealer. The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using an accurate tire gauge, refer to Inflating your tires in this chapter.
Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) The tire pressure monitoring system measures pressure in your four road tires and sends the tire pressure readings to your vehicle. The low tire pressure warning light will turn on if the tire pressure is significantly low. Once the light is illuminated, your tires are under-inflated and need to be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Even if the light turns on and a short time later turns off, your tire pressure still needs to be checked. Visit www.checkmytires.org for additional information. When your temporary spare tire is installed When one of your road tires needs to be replaced with the temporary spare, the TPMS will continue to identify an issue to remind you that the damaged road wheel/tire needs to be repaired and put back on your vehicle.
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To restore the full functionality of the tire pressure monitoring system, have the damaged road wheel/tire repaired and remounted on your vehicle. For additional information, refer to Changing tires with a TPMS in this section. When you believe your system is not operating properly The main function of the tire pressure monitoring system is to warn you when your tires need air. It can also warn you in the event the system is no longer capable of functioning as intended. Please refer to the following chart for information concerning your tire pressure monitoring system:
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Low tire pressure warning light Solid warning light
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Possible cause Customer action required
Tire(s) under-inflated
1. Check your tire pressure to ensure tires are properly inflated; refer to Inflating your tires in this chapter. 2. After inflating your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure as shown on the Tire Label (located on the edge of driver’s door or the B-Pillar), the vehicle must be driven for at least two minutes over 20 mph (32 km/h) before the light will turn off.
Spare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in use. Repair the damaged road wheel/tire and reinstall it on the vehicle to restore system functionality. For a description on how the system functions, refer to When your temporary spare tire is installed in this section. If your tires are properly inflated and your spare tire is not in use and the light remains on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TPMS malfunction
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Low tire pressure warning light Flashing warning light
Possible cause Customer action required
Spare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in use. Repair the damaged road wheel and re-mount it on the vehicle to restore system functionality. For a description of how the system functions under these conditions, refer to When your temporary spare tire is installed in this section. If your tires are properly inflated and your spare tire is not in use and the TPMS warning light still flashes, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TPMS malfunction
When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the tire pressure monitoring system may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn off after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
overnight with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(21 kPa) for a drop of 30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. This lower
pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower
than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS warning
light for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is on,
visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more tires
are flat, repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If any
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tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest location where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the recommended inflation pressure.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS The original equipment tires on your vehicle have an all-weather tread design to provide traction, handling, and braking performance in year-round driving. You may install ⬙snow⬙ tires for improved traction when driving in areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving conditions.
WARNING: If you choose to install snow tires on your vehicle, they must be the same size, construction, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard, and they must be installed on all four wheels. Mixing tires of different size or construction on your vehicle can adversely affect your vehicle’s handling and braking, and may lead to loss of vehicle control.
WARNING: Do not use snow chains or cables on this vehicle as they may cause damage to your vehicle which may lead to loss
of vehicle control.
VEHICLE LOADING This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability. Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle’s weight ratings from the vehicle’s Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label: Base Curb Weight – is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment. Vehicle Curb Weight – is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
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Payload – is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is carrying. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found on the Tire Label on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door (vehicles exported outside the US and Canada may not have a Tire Label). Look for “THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX kg OR XXX lb.” for maximum payload. The payload listed on the Tire Label is the maximum payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any aftermarket or authorized-dealer installed equipment has been installed on the vehicle, the weight of the equipment must be subtracted from the payload listed on the Tire Label in order to determine the new payload.
WARNING: The appropriate loading capacity of your vehicle can be limited either by volume capacity (how much space is
available) or by payload capacity (how much weight the vehicle should carry). Once you have reached the maximum payload of your vehicle, do not add more cargo, even if there is space available. Overloading or improperly loading your vehicle can contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
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Example only:
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Cargo Weight – includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment. GAW (Gross Axle Weight) – is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These
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numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo + passengers. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
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• Example only:
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WARNING: Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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WARNING: Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the original tires because they may
lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
WARNING: Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit: 1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.). In metric units (635-340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.) 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity: • Another example for your vehicle with 1400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and four friends average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh approximately 30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 – (5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and your golf bags. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x 99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg. • A final example for your vehicle with 1400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
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you have been planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of
the vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for
12-100 lb. (45 kg) bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity
to transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) - (12
x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have enough
cargo capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 -
540 = -103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at least
240 lb. (104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then
the load calculation would be:
1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (9 x
45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
TRAILER TOWING
WARNING: Never tow a trailer with this vehicle. Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through
an authorized dealer.
RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motor home. Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate Controls chapter for more information. Note: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these instructions after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly: • Tow only in the forward direction. • Release the parking brake. • Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral). • Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer to Starting in the
Driving chapter).
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you should always obey local speed limits.
You also have the option of trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly, or trailering with all four wheels off the ground. For other towing requirements, refer to Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition 1. Off— locks the gearshift lever and allows key removal. 2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the vehicle is not running. 3. On— all electrical circuits operational and warning lights will illuminate. This is the position the key is in when you’re driving. 4. Start— starts the vehicle and electrical power systems. Preparing to start your vehicle Engine starting is controlled by the electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT). For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the vehicle in this chapter.
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
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order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. 2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off. • Make sure the parking brake is
set.
• Make sure the gearshift lever is in
P (Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start).
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Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information regarding the warning lights.
Starting the vehicle
1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then release the key.
After releasing the key from the 4
(start) position, a vehicle symbol
(called the Ready Indicator Light)
will illuminate in the instrument
cluster to indicate the vehicle is
ready to drive. The engine may not start because this hybrid vehicle is
equipped with Silent Key Start (SKS). This fuel saving feature allows
your vehicle to be “ready to drive” without requiring the gas engine to be
running. This light will remain on while the vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not, to indicate the vehicle is capable of movement
(using its electric motor, engine, or both). The vehicle’s computer will
determine if an engine start is required at key-on. The engine will start if
it is necessary for cabin heating or windshield defrost. The engine will
also be started when outside temperatures are low.
Note: The vehicle may be turned off at any time by turning the key to
the off position.
3. Once the “Ready Indicator Light” is on, release the parking brake,
apply the brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note: After the engine has started the first time, it may stop running to
conserve fuel after it is warmed-up and the battery is sufficiently
charged.
Note: If the vehicle does not start, put the gearshift lever into P (Park),
turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds, then attempt to start the vehicle
again. If the vehicle still does not start, it may require refueling, jump
starting, or service. For information on jump starting the vehicle, refer to
Jump starting in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.
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Guarding against exhaust fumes Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged
(cheater) adapters.
Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for proper and safe operation: • For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.” Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
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block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order to prevent possible shock or fire. • Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and similar items.
• Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately a half hour. • Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean them, use a dry cloth. Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional electricity. Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
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and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer. Refer to Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for information on the brake system warning light.
BRAKE
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake application and compensates for this
tendency. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation
may be observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or mechanical noise
you may feel or hear is normal. In addition, the ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled and
the ABS light is on, normal braking
is still effective. If your BRAKE
warning lamp illuminates with the
parking brake released, have your
brake system serviced immediately.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance and does not
decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes.
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Regenerative Braking System (RBS) Your vehicle uses a feature known as regenerative braking. This is used to simulate the engine braking of an internal combustion engine and assist the standard brake system while recovering some of the energy of motion and storing it in the battery to improve fuel economy. The standard brake system is designed to fully stop the car if regenerative braking is not available. During regenerative braking, the motor is spun as a generator to create electrical current. This recharges the high voltage battery and slows the vehicle. In effect, once the accelerator pedal is released, the motor changes from an energy user to an energy producer. When the accelerator pedal is released or the brake pedal is applied, the brake controller automatically detects the amount of deceleration requested and optimizes how much of the deceleration will be produced by regenerative braking. The remaining portion is generated by standard friction braking. When the battery is almost fully charged, the amount of regenerative braking is limited to avoid overcharging, and the requested deceleration is produced by standard friction braking alone. Regenerative braking does not take the place of the standard friction brakes; it only assists them. Regenerative braking has also been designed to interact with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Regenerative braking is disabled when the ABS is activated or the battery is fully charged.
Parking brake To set the parking brake (1), pull the parking brake handle up as far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated until the parking brake is released.
BRAKE
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly, then push the handle down.
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WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRAC姞 STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTrac威 system. The AdvanceTrac威 system provides the following stability enhancement features for certain driving situations: • Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid • Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
or lateral slides
WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system, aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the AdvanceTrac威 system. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac威 system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac威 sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac威 system could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
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 AdvanceTrac威 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. If your AdvanceTrac威 system activates, SLOW DOWN.
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WARNING: If a failure has been detected within the AdvanceTrac威 system, the stability control light will illuminate
steadily, and you may hear a chime. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the brake system, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
The AdvanceTrac威 system automatically enables each time the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTrac威 system (TCS and ESC) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires it. The AdvanceTrac威 system includes a stability control switch on the instrument panel, a stability control light and a stability control off light in the instrument cluster. Both the stability control light and the stability control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The stability control light may illuminate (flash) during certain driving situations which cause the AdvanceTrac威 system to operate. If the stability control light illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the AdvanceTrac威 system. When AdvanceTrac威 performs a normal system self-check, some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off. When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac威 you may experience the following: • A slight deceleration of the vehicle • The stability control light will flash. • If your foot is on the brake pedal, a vibration in the pedal • If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe condition.
• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual. Traction control system (TCS) Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
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Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work separately or in tandem; engine traction control and brake traction control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds. During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash. If TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking and Electronic stability control (ESC) will continue to function during the cool-down period. The engine traction control and brake traction control systems may be deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching off AdvanceTrac威 section below. Electronic stability control (ESC) Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide laterally. During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash. Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate ESC, which include but are not limited to: • Taking a turn too fast • Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle • Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces • Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road • Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice • Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
versa
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Switching off AdvanceTrac威 If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac威 system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle. To switch off the traction control system, press the stability control switch. Full features of the AdvanceTrac威 system can be restored by pressing the stability control switch again or by turning off and restarting the engine. When the traction control system is off, the stability control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control switch again will turn off the stability control off light. In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
OFF
Control switch functions
Default at start-up
Control switch pressed momentarily Control switch pressed again after deactivation
AdvanceTrac威 Features
Stability control light Illuminated during bulb
check
Not
Stability control off light Illuminated during bulb
check
Illuminated
illuminated
solid
ESC
Traction control
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Not
Not
illuminated
illuminated
Enabled
Enabled
STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
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If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and steering assist will return to normal. The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may display in the message center, refer to the Message center in the Driver Controls chapter for more information.
WARNING: The EPS system has diagnostics checks that continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation
of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer.
WARNING: If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
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A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering seem to wander/pull.
Speed sensitive steering The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At lower speeds the assist is increased to improve maneuverability. If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your authorized dealer.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P (Park): 1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition key to the off position, and remove the key. 2. Using a screwdriver (or similar tool), carefully pry off and remove the chrome trim ring (1) from the shifter base. 3. Open the storage compartment lid and carefully pry the trim panel (2) up from rear attachments on the storage compartment and disconnect it from the console to expose the inside of the gearshift.
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4. Locate the brake shift interlock lever on the driver’s side of the shifter assembly. 5. Apply the brake pedal. Using a screwdriver (or similar tool), press and hold the brake shift interlock lever while pulling the gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position and into the N (Neutral) position. 6. Install the trim panel (2) and chrome ring (1) in reverse order. 7. Apply brake pedal, start the vehicle, and release the parking brake. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is used.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (eCVT) OPERATION
Driving
Understanding the gearshift positions of the eCVT P (Park) This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: • Start the engine • Release the parking brake • Press the brake pedal • Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park): • Come to a complete stop • Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle
R (Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to roll; hold the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral) position. The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in the N (Neutral) position. Do not idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for extended periods as this will discharge your high voltage battery. D (Drive) The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.
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L (Low) • Provides maximum engine braking. • The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed. WARNING: When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R (Reverse) and when using the RSS.
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WARNING: This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING: Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
The RSS detects obstacles up to six feet (two meters) from the rear bumper with a decreased coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper, (refer to the figures for approximate zone coverage areas). As you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle is less than 10 inches (25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound continuously. If the RSS detects a stationary or receding object further than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the side of the vehicle, the tone will sound for only three seconds. Once the system detects an object approaching, the tone will sound again.
While receiving a warning the radio volume will be reduced to a predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return to the previous value. The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the message center allows the driver to disable the system. Refer to Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information. Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
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sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The rearview camera system,
located on the trunk, provides a
video image which appears in the
rearview mirror or on the navigation
screen (if equipped), of the area
behind the vehicle. It adds
assistance to the driver while
reversing or reverse parking the
vehicle.
To use the camera system, place the transmission in R (Reverse); an
image will display in the rearview mirror or on the navigation screen (if
equipped). The area displayed on the screen may vary according to the
vehicle orientation and/or road condition.
• (1) Rear bumper
• (2) Red zone
• (3) Yellow zone
• (4) Green zone
Always use caution while backing.
Objects in the red zone are closest
to your vehicle and objects in the
green zone are further away. Objects
are getting closer to your vehicle as
they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones.
Use the side mirrors and rearview mirror to get better coverage on both
sides and rear of the vehicle.
Image delay if displayed through the rear view mirror:
When shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any other gear, the image in
the rearview mirror will remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off
to assist in parking.
Image delay if displayed through the navigation screen:
After shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any gear other than P (Park),
the image in the navigation screen will remain until the vehicle speed
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reaches 5 mph (8 km/h), only if the rear camera delay feature is on, or until any navigation radio button is pressed. Note: The default setting for the rear camera delay is off. Press the “Settings” button found on the navigation screen to set the rear camera delay feature to on or off. Refer to the Navigation System supplement for more information. The camera lens for the camera is located on the trunk. Keep the lens clean so that the video image remains clear and undistorted. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Note: If the camera system image is not clear or seems distorted, it may be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other substance. If this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the reverse camera system.
WARNING: The camera system is a reverse aid supplement device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with
the rearview mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING: Objects that are close to either corner of the bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the camera system.
WARNING: Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
WARNING: Do not use the camera system with the trunk open.
If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your authorized dealer to have your rear video system checked for proper coverage and operation. Night time and dark area use At night time or in dark areas, the camera system relies on the reverse lamp lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that both reverse lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the dark. If either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the camera system, at least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and functioning.
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the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Servicing • If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have • If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
BLIND SPOT MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED) Blind spot mirrors have an integrated convex spotter mirror built into the upper outboard corner of the outside mirrors. They are designed to assist the driver by increasing visibility along the side of the vehicle. For more information on your side view mirrors, refer to Exterior mirrors in the Driver Controls chapter. Driving with blind spot mirrors Before a lane change, check the main mirror first, then check the blind spot mirror. If no vehicles are present in the blind spot mirror and the traffic in the adjacent lane is at a safe distance, signal that you are going to change lanes. Glance over your shoulder to verify traffic is clear, and carefully change lanes. When the approaching vehicle is at a distance, its image is small and near the inboard edge of the main mirror. As the vehicle approaches, the image becomes larger and begins to move outboard across the main mirror (1). As the vehicle approaches its image will transition from the main mirror and begin to appear in the blind spot mirror (2). As the vehicle leaves the blind spot mirror it will transition to the driver’s peripheral field of view (3).
WARNING: Objects in the blind spot mirror are closer than they appear.
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS姞) WITH CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (CTA) (IF EQUIPPED) The BLIS威 is a convenience feature that aids the driver in assessing whether a vehicle is within an area on either side of the vehicle extending rearward from the outside mirrors to approximately 10 feet (three meters) beyond the bumper. This area is referred to as the blind zone. The BLIS威 will alert the driver to the presence of motorized vehicles in these areas while driving on roads and freeways. The system is not designed to prevent contact with other vehicles or objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to assist the driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect infrastructure, pedestrians, or cyclists.
WARNING: To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLIS威 as a replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS威 is not a replacement for careful driving and only an assist.
The BLIS威 has an yellow indicator (also referred to as the alert) located in the left and right exterior mirrors. When the vehicle is started, the BLIS威 automatically illuminates both indicators for several seconds indicating the system is operating. The first time you place the transmission in D (Drive) after starting the engine and drive forward at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) the BLIS威 becomes active. Afterwards, the BLIS remains active for all speeds including 0 mph (0 km/h). BLIS威 is also active if the transmission is placed in N (Neutral). If the transmission is shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral) the system will enter the CTA mode (see CTA operation below). Once shifted back in to D (Drive) the BLIS威 mode will activate once driven above 3 mph (5 km/h).
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The BLIS威 will trigger the alert for vehicles that enter your blind zone
from the rear or merge in to the blind zone from the side. Vehicles that
you pass, or a vehicle that enters the blind zone from the front, will
trigger the alert only after the vehicle is present in the blind zone for
three seconds. Note: For vehicles that pass through the blind zone
quickly, typically less than two seconds, the BLIS威 will not illuminate the
alert.
The BLIS威 consists of two radar
sensors each located rearward of
the rear wheel hidden behind the
bumper fascia. Do not place any
type of bumper sticker in this area.
Note: The BLIS威 typically will not
detect parked vehicles, humans,
animals, or infrastructure (fences,
guard rails, trees, etc.). The BLIS威
does not function when the transmission is in R (Reverse) or P (Park).
The BLIS威 does not provide any additional warning when your turn
signal is activated.
BLIS威 detection limitations: Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the
blind spot zones may not be detected. Below is a list of circumstances
that may cause non-detection:
• Debris build-up on the rear quarter panel fascias
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone
• Vehicles passing through the blind zone at very fast rates
• Severe weather conditions
• When several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone.
BLIS威 false alerts
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
when the BLIS威 will alert with no object present in the blind zone. This
is known as a false alert. Some level of false alerts are normal.
Circumstances that may cause a false alert are; guardrails, freeway
concrete walls, cyclone fencing, sharp turns around a pole or building, or
coming to a stop with a vehicle directly behind but very close. False
alerts are temporary and self-correct.
Cross traffic alert (CTA) system operation
The CTA system warns the driver of approaching vehicles when R
(Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is backing out of a front-in parking
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spot. It sounds a series of tones and flashes the BLIS威 indicator found on the exterior mirror on the side of the approaching vehicle. Additionally, the message center will display either, VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT or VEHICLE COMING FROM LEFT to warn the driver from which direction vehicles are approaching. The system is not designed to prevent contact with other vehicles or objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to assist the driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect infrastructure, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, NEVER use the CTA system as a replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors
and looking over your shoulder before backing out of a parking space. CTA is not a replacement for careful driving and only an assist.
The CTA system detects vehicles approaching up to 45 feet (14 meters) away (approximately the width of five parking spaces). Coverage decreases when vehicles and objects in close proximity block the CTA sensors (refer to figure for approximate zone coverage areas [sensor obstructed to vehicle on left]). Backing slowly from the parking spot in these situations helps to increase the sensor coverage and effectiveness.
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CTA coverage also decreases when parking at shallow angles (refer to figure for approximate zone coverage areas [sensor obstructed to vehicle on left]).
(24 km/h)
obstructed by an adjacently parked vehicle or object.
CTA detection limitations: Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the blind spot zones may not be detected. Below is a list of circumstances that may cause non detection: • Debris build-up on the rear quarter panel fascias • The rear quarter panel radar beams are obstructed or partially • Approaching vehicles passing at speeds greater than 15 mph • Severe weather conditions • Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5 km/h) • Backing out of an angled parking spot CTA false alerts Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances when the BLIS威 will alert with no object present when backing up. This is known as a false alert. Some level of false alerts are normal. Circumstances that may cause a false alert when backing up are backing out of a garage, backing in to a parking space, and objects very close to the sensor. False alerts are temporary and self-correct.
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CTA and reverse sensing system (RSS) interaction CTA works along with the Reverse Sensing System (RSS) (if equipped). Become familiar with the warning tones of both systems. BLIS威-CTA on/off and disable operation The BLIS威 and/or the CTA can be turned off via the message center. Turning the BLIS威 off does not turn off the CTA and vice versa. If either the BLIS威 or CTA is turned off, the systems will automatically turn back on at the next ignition key cycle. When either the BLIS威 or CTA is turned off, the message center displays BLIND SPOT SYS OFF and/or CTA SYSTEM OFF. When the BLIS威 or CTA system is off, the driver will not receive alerts. Refer to Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter. The BLIS威-CTA can be disabled permanently even after an ignition key cycle. This must be done by your dealership service technician. Once either of the systems are disabled, enabling must also be performed at the dealership. When disabled, the message center will display BLIND SPOT DISABLED and/or CTA DISABLED. BLIS威-CTA fault operation If the BLIS威-CTA senses a fault on either the left or right sensor, the BLIS威 alert indicator will go ON and remain ON and the message center will display BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT or CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAULT. For faults that may cause the associated left or right alert indicator not to illuminate, only the message center faults will occur. Blocked sensor An extreme build-up of materials on the left and/or right quarter panel fascias such as mud or snow can cause degraded performance of the BLIS威. Also, heavy rain can cause the same effect. The BLIS威 can detect this degraded performance and issue a blocked warning to the driver via the message center. If condition is determined by the system, the message center displays BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE or CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE warning and the appropriate left and/or right exterior mirror alert indicator will illuminate. The message center warning may be cleared by the driver but the exterior mirror alert indicator will remain illuminated.
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WARNING: Just prior to the system recognizing a blocked condition and alerting the driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLIS威 as a replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS威 is not a replacement for careful driving and only an assist.
Once blockage is removed, the system will require some driving time and detection of at least two vehicle object prior to realizing it is unblocked, or the driver can cycle the ignition key. If blocked and the ignition key is cycled, the system resets to unblocked. If however blockage is still present after the key cycle, the system will sense again that it is blocked after driving in traffic. The following table lists possible causes and actions for this message being displayed:
Heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall is interfering with the radar signals
The surface of the left or right radar is dirty or obstructed in some way The surface of the left or right radar is not dirty or obstructed
Clean the fascia area in front of
the radar, either left or right side,
or remove obstruction.
Drive normally in traffic for a few
minutes to allow the radar to
detect that it is no longer blocked.
Note: the vehicle must be in D
(Drive) and a few vehicles must
pass so that the BLIS威 can clear a
blocked state.
No action required by the driver.
The system will automatically go
unblocked once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops. Do not use BLIS威-CTA in
heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This is rare and known as a false blockage
warning. A false blocked condition will either self-clear or clear after a
key cycle.
Day and night brightness
The BLIS威-CTA alert will automatically dim when the headlamp switch is
in the parking, on, or autolamp position, and night time darkness has
been detected by the sun sensor.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may stall. Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage. Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available: • 24-hours, seven days a week • for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
responsibility)
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
Roadside assistance will cover: • a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been • battery jump start • lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s • fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of gasoline or 5.0 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a 12-month period. • winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or • towing – Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicles towed to an authorized dealer within 35 miles (56 km) of the disablement location or to the nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56 km) from the disablement location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in excess of 35 miles (56 km).
county maintained road, no recoveries.
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled, but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any roadside services.
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in the Warranty Guide in the glove compartment.
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U.S. Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers who require Roadside Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673. If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for towing to the nearest dealership within 35 miles (56 km). To obtain reimbursement information, U.S. Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673. Customers will be asked to submit their original receipts.
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call 1–800–665–2006.
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your wallet for quick reference. In Canada, the card is found in the Warranty Guide in the glove box. Canadian Roadside coverage and benefits may differ from the U.S. coverage. Please refer to your Warranty Guide or visit our website at www.ford.ca for information on Canadian services and benefits. Canadian customers who need to obtain roadside information, call 1-800-665-2006 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL The hazard flasher control is located on the instrument panel above the radio. The hazard flashers will operate when the ignition is in any position or if the key is not in the ignition. Press the flasher control and all front and rear direction signals will flash. Press the flasher control again to turn them off. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists. Note: With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
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Should your vehicle shut off after a collision due to this feature, you may restart your vehicle by doing the following: 1. Turn the ignition switch to the off position. 2. Turn the ignition switch to the on position. In some instances the vehicle may not restart the first time you try to restart and may take one additional attempt.
WARNING: Failure to inspect and if necessary repair fuel leaks after a collision may increase the risk of fire and serious injury. Ford Motor Company recommends that the fuel system be inspected by an authorized dealer after any collision.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses If electrical components in the vehicle are not working, a fuse may have blown. Blown fuses are identified by a broken wire within the fuse. Check the appropriate fuses before replacing any electrical components. Note: Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire.
15
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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse rating
2A 3A 4A 5A 7.5A 10A 15A 20A 25A 30A 40A 50A 60A 70A 80A
Mini fuses
Grey Violet Pink Tan
Brown
Red Blue Yellow Natural Green
— — — — —
Standard
fuses
Grey Violet Pink Tan
Brown
Red Blue Yellow Natural Green
— — — — —
Maxi fuses
Cartridge
maxi fuses
Fuse link cartridge
— — — — — — —
Yellow
—
Green Orange
Red Blue Tan
Natural
— — — — — — — Blue
— — — — — — — Blue
Natural
Natural
Pink Green Red Yellow
—
Black
Pink Green Red Yellow Brown Black
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Passenger compartment fuse panel The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses. To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel cover.
The fuses are coded as follows. Fuse Amp
Fuse/Relay Location
Rating
30A 15A
15A 30A 10A
20A
Protected Circuits
Driver smart window motor Brake on/off switch, Center high-mount stop lamp HEV battery fan 110V Inverter Keypad illumination, Brake shift interlock Turn signal lamps, Stop lamps
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Fuse/Relay Location
Fuse Amp
Rating
Protected Circuits
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
10A 10A 15A 15A 10A 7.5A 5A 10A
10A 15A 20A 20A 25A 15A 15A 15A
15A 20A 10A 10A 20A 5A 5A 5A 10A 10A 10A 5A
Low beam headlamps (left) Low beam headlamps (right) Courtesy lights Backlighting, Puddle lamps Not used (spare) Power outside mirrors