2011 Jeep Patriot Owners Manual

Leaving the audio device connected to the iPod威/USB/ MP3 control system may charge it to the required level. Using This Feature By using iPod cable or external USB device to connect to USB port: • The audio device can be played on the vehicle’s sound system, providing metadata (artist, track title, album, etc.) information on the radio display.

• The audio device can be controlled using the radio buttons to Play, Browse, and List the iPod威 contents. • The audio device battery charges when plugged into the USB/AUX connector (if supported by the specific audio device)

Controlling The iPod姞 Or External USB Device Using Radio Buttons To get into the iPod威/USB/MP3 control mode and access a connected audio device, either press the “AUX” button on the radio faceplate or press the VR button and say ⬙USB⬙ or ⬙Switch to USB⬙. Once in the iPod威/USB/MP3
control mode, audio tracks (if available from audio device) start playing over the vehicle’s audio system. Play Mode When switched to iPod威/USB/MP3 control mode, the iPod威 or external USB device automatically starts Play

mode. In Play mode, the following buttons on the radio faceplate may be used to control the iPod威 or external USB device and display data: • Use the TUNE control knob to select the next or previous track. • Turning it clockwise (forward) by one click, while playing a track, skips to the next track or press the VR button and say ⬙Next Track⬙. • Turning it counterclockwise (backward) by one click, will jump to the previous track in the list or press the VR button and say ⬙Previous Track⬙ • Jump backward in the current track by pressing and holding the << RW button. Holding the << RW button long enough will jump to the beginning of the current track. • Jump forward in the current track by pressing and

holding the FF >> button.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 267

jump backward or forward respectively, seconds.

• A single press backward << RW or forward FF >> will for five • Use the << SEEK and SEEK >> buttons to jump to the previous or next track. Pressing the SEEK >> button during play mode will jump to the next track in the list, or press the VR button and say ⬙Next or Previous Track⬙. • While a track is playing, press the INFO button to see the associated metadata (artist, track title, album, etc.) for that track. Pressing the INFO button again jumps to the next screen of data for that track. Once all screens have been viewed, the last INFO button press will go back to the play mode screen on the radio. • Pressing the REPEAT button will change the audio device mode to repeat the current playing track or press the VR button and say ⬙Repeat ON⬙ or ⬙Repeat Off⬙.

268 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Press the SCAN button to use iPod威/USB/MP3 de- vice scan mode, which will play the first 10 seconds of each track in the current list and then forward to the next song. To stop SCAN mode and start playing the desired track, when it is playing the track, press the SCAN button again. During Scan mode, pressing the << SEEK and SEEK >> buttons will select the previ- ous and next tracks. • RND button (available on sales code RES radio only): Pressing this button toggles between Shuffle ON and Shuffle OFF modes for the iPod威 or external USB device, or press the VR button and say ⬙Shuffle ON⬙ or ⬙Shuffle Off⬙. If theRND icon is showing on the radio display, then the shuffle mode is ON.

List Or Browse Mode During Play mode, pressing any of the buttons described below, will bring up List mode. List mode enables scrolling through the list of menus and tracks on the audio device. • TUNE control knob: The TUNE control knob functions in a similar manner as the scroll wheel on the audio device or external USB device. • Turning it clockwise (forward) and counterclock- wise (backward) scrolls through the lists, displaying the track detail on the radio display. Once the track to be played is highlighted on the radio display, press the TUNE control knob to select and start playing the track. Turning the TUNE control knob fast will scroll through the list faster. During fast scroll, a slight delay in updating the information on the radio display may be noticeable.

• During all List modes, the iPod威 displays all lists in “wrap-around” mode. So if the track is at the just turn the wheel backward bottom of the list, (counterclockwise) to get to the track faster. • In List mode, the radio PRESET buttons are used as shortcuts to the following lists on the iPod威 or external USB device. • Preset 1 – Playlists • Preset 2 – Artists • Preset 3 – Albums • Preset 4 – Genres • Preset 5 – Audiobooks • Preset 6 – Podcasts

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269

• Pressing a PRESET button will display the current list on the top line and the first item in that list on the second line. • To exit List mode without selecting a track, press the same PRESET button again to go back to Play mode. • LIST button: The LIST button will display the top level menu of the iPod威 or external USB device. Turn the TUNE control knob to list the top-menu item to be selected and press the TUNE control knob. This will display the next sub-menu list item on the audio device, then follow the same steps to go to the desired track in that list. Not all iPod威 or external USB device sub-menu levels are available on this system. • MUSIC TYPE button: The MUSIC TYPE button is another shortcut button to the genre listing on your audio device.

270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!

• Leaving the iPod威 or external USB device (or any supported device) anywhere in the vehicle in extreme heat or cold can alter the operation or damage the device. Follow the device manufactur- er’s guidelines. • Placing items on the iPod威 or external USB device, or connections to the iPod威 or external USB device in the vehicle, can cause damage to the device and/or to the connectors.

WARNING!

Do not plug in or remove the iPod威 or external USB device while driving. Failure to follow this warning could result in an accident.

Bluetooth Streaming Audio (BTSA) Music can be streamed from your cellular phone to the Uconnect™ phone system. Controlling BTSA Using Radio Buttons To get into the BTSA mode, press either “AUX” button on the radio or press the VR button and say “Bluetooth Streaming Audio”. Play Mode When switched to BTSA mode, some audio devices can start playing music over the vehicle’s audio system, but some devices require the music to be initiated on the device first, then it will get streamed to the Uconnect™ phone system. Seven devices can be paired to the Uconnect™ phone system, but just one can be selected and played. Selecting Different Audio Device 1. Press PHONE button to begin.

the audio device or ask the

2. After the ⬙Ready⬙ prompt and the following beep, say ⬙Setup⬙, then ⬙Select Audio Devices⬙. 3. Say the name of Uconnect™ phone system to list audio devices. Next Track Use the SEEK UP button, or press the VR button on the radio and say “Next Track” to jump to the next track music on your cellular phone. Previous Track Use the SEEK DOWN button, or press the VR button on the radio and say “Previous Track” to jump to the previous track music on your cellular phone. Browse Browsing is not available on a BTSA device. Only the current song that is playing will display info.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 271

STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS The remote sound system controls are located on the rear surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to access the switches.

Remote Sound System Controls (Back View Of Steering Wheel)

272 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL The right-hand control is a rocker-type switch with a pushbutton in the center and controls the volume and mode of the sound system. Pressing the top of the rocker switch will increase the volume, and pressing the bottom of the rocker switch will decrease the volume. Pressing the center button will make the radio switch between the various modes available (AM/FM/SAT/ CD/HDD/AUX/VES, etc.). The left-hand control is a rocker-type switch with a pushbutton in the center. The function of the left-hand control is different depending on which mode you are in. The following describes the left-hand control operation in each mode. Radio Operation Pressing the top of the switch will “Seek” up for the next listenable station and pressing the bottom of the switch will “Seek” down for the next listenable station.

The button located in the center of the left-hand control will tune to the next preset station that you have pro- grammed in the radio preset pushbutton. CD Player Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once will go to the beginning of the current track, or to the beginning of the previous track if it is within one second after the current track begins to play. If you press the switch up or down twice, it plays the second track; three times, it will play the third, etc. The center button on the left side rocker switch has no function for a single-disc CD player. However, when a multiple-disc CD player is equipped on the vehicle, the center button will select the next available CD in the player.

CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the following precautions: 1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the surface. 2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth, wiping from center to edge. 3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch- ing the disc. 4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners, or anti-static sprays. 5. Store the disc in its case after playing. 6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight. 7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become too high.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 273
If you experience difficulty in playing a particu- NOTE: lar disc, it may be damaged (i.e., scratched, reflective coating removed, a hair, moisture or dew on the disc) oversized, or have protection encoding. Try a known good disc before considering disc player service.

RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated by relocating the mobile phone antenna. This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be turned down or off during mobile phone operation when not using Uconnect™ (if equipped).

CLIMATE CONTROLS The air conditioning and heating system is designed to make you comfortable in all types of weather.

274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL Manual Heating And Air Conditioning

Blower Control

Rotate this control to regulate the amount of air forced through the ven- tilation system in any mode. The blower speed increases as you move the control to the right from the “O” (OFF) position. There are seven blower speeds.

NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Remote Start, the climate controls will not function during Remote Start operation if the blower control is left in the “O” (Off) position.

The Manual Temperature Controls consist of a series of outer rotary dials and inner push knobs.

Temperature Control

Rotate this control to regulate the tem- perature of the air inside the passenger compartment. Rotating the dial left into the blue area of the scale indicates cooler temperatures, while rotating right into the red area indicates warmer temperatures.

If your air conditioning performance seems NOTE: lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con- denser located in front of the radiator for an accumula- tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275

Mode Control (Air Direction)

Rotate this control to choose from sev- eral patterns of air distribution. You can select either a primary mode as identified by the symbols on the con- trol, or a blend of two of these modes. The closer the setting is to a particular symbol, the more air distribution you

receive from that mode. Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow. NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers for maximum airflow to the rear. Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

276 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL NOTE: For all settings, except full cold or full hot, there is a difference in temperature between the upper and lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but cool conditions. Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets with a small amount flowing through the defrost and side

window demist outlets. Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demist outlets. This setting works best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi- mum blower and temperature settings for best wind- shield and side window defrosting. NOTE: • The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix, Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air Conditioning (A/C) button is not pressed. This dehu- midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary. • For information on operating the Rear Defrost, refer to “Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea- tures Of Your Vehicle”.

Recirculation Control

Pressing the Recirculation Control button will put the system in recirculation mode. This can be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are pres- ent. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the control button to illuminate. NOTE: • Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended. • The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp weather will cause windows to fog on the inside, because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Select the outside air position for maximum defogging. • The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging when the recirculation button is pressed and the mode control is set to panel or panel / floor.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 277

ing the mode control selection.

• The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb- • When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

Air Conditioning Control

Press this button to engage the Air Conditioning. A light will illuminate when the Air Conditioning system is engaged. Rotating the dial left into the blue area of the scale indicates cooler temperatures, while rotating right into the red area indicates warmer tem- peratures.

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.

278 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• MAX A/C For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculation buttons at the same time. • ECONOMY MODE If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn OFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then, move the temperature control to the desired temperature. Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If Equipped The Automatic Temperature Control system automati- cally maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle at the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.

Automatic Temperature Control

Automatic Operation Operation of the system is quite simple. 1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on the right) and the Blower Control knob (on the left) to AUTO. NOTE: The AUTO position performs best for front seat occupants only.

2. Dial in the temperature you would like the system to maintain by rotating the Temperature Control knob. Once the comfort level is selected, the sys- tem will maintain that level automati- cally using the heating system. Should

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 279
the desired comfort level require air conditioning, the system will automatically make the adjustment. You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting the “O” (OFF) position on the blower control stops the system completely and closes the outside air intake. The recommended setting for maximum comfort for the average person is 72°F (22°C); however, this may vary.

without affecting automatic operation.

280 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL NOTE: • The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytime • Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button while in AUTO mode will cause the LED in the control button to flash three times and then turn off. This indicates that the system is in AUTO mode and requesting the air conditioning is not necessary. • If your air conditioning performance seems lower than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser located in front of the radiator for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.

Blower Control

For full automatic operation or for automatic blower operation, turn the knob to the AUTO position. In manual mode there are seven blower speeds that can be individual selected. In off position the blower will shut off.

Manual Operation This system offers a full complement of manual override features, which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic, Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode Pre- ferred Automatic. This means the operator can override the blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired. The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by rotating the Blower Control knob (on the left). NOTE: Please read the Automatic Temperature Control Operation Chart that follows for details.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 281

282 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control knob (on the right) to one of the following positions. • Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow. NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers for maximum airflow to the rear. • Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE: For all settings, except full cold or full hot, there is a difference in temperature between the upper and lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but cool conditions.

Air is directed through the floor outlets with a small amount flowing through the defrost and side

• Floor

window demist outlets. • Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demist outlets. This setting works best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield. • Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi- mum blower and temperature settings for best wind- shield and side window defrosting.

• Air Conditioner Control

Press this button to turn on the air conditioning during manual operation only. When the air conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air will flow through the outlets selected with the Mode control dial. Press this but- ton a second time to turn OFF the air conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when manual compressor operation is selected. • Recirculation Control

The system will automatically control recircu- lation. However, pressing the Recirculation Control button will put the system in recircu- lation mode. This can be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the control button to illuminate.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 283

NOTE: • When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled. • In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or defrost/ floor mode in order to improve window clearing. Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these modes are selected. • Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow Recirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, or defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the recircula- tion while in these modes will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then turn off.

284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you can temporarily put the system into Recirculation Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However, under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode, the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When these conditions are present, and the Recirculation button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn off. This tells you that you are unable to go into Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the possibility of window fogging.

Operating Tips

NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for suggested control settings for various weather condi- tions.

Summer Operation The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper coolant selection. Winter Operation Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is not recommended because it may cause window fogging. Vacation Storage Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor damage when the system is started again.

Window Fogging Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re- moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win- dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid weather. NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used for long periods as fogging may occur. Side Window Demisters A side window demister outlet is located at each end of the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct air toward the side windows when the system is in the FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at the area of the windows through which you view the outside mirrors.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 285

Outside Air Intake Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice, slush, and snow. A/C Air Filter — If Equipped The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas- senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service information or see your authorized dealer for service. Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service intervals.

286 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . . . 291
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped . . . . . 291
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
▫ Extreme Cold Weather

(Below –20°F Or ⫺29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 293

䡵 Manual Transmission — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 294
▫ Five–Speed Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 294
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
䡵 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped . . . . . . 296

▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System . . . . . . 297
▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

288 STARTING AND OPERATING 䡵 AutoStick威 — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
▫ Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
䡵 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 302
䡵 On-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
䡵 Off-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

▫ When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The

4WD Lock Lever Engaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand . . . . . . . . . 304
▫ Hill Climbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 316
䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 319
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 319
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 320
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 322
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual

Transmission Or Off-Road Package Only . . . . 323
. . . . . . . . . 325

▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

And ESC Off Indicator Light

. . . . . . . . . . . . 327

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 332
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 333
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 334
䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 341
▫ Radial Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire

And Wheel – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped . . . . . . . . 342

STARTING AND OPERATING 289
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 343
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 348
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . . . 349
▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
▫ Premium System – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 353
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

290 STARTING AND OPERATING 䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ 2.0L And 2.4L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 359
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 364

䡵 Adding Fuel

䡵 Vehicle Loading

▫ Vehicle Certification Label

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
▫ Trailer Towing Weights

(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . 370
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

STARTING PROCEDURES Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seri- ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

Manual Transmission – If Equipped Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake, press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift lever in NEUTRAL.

STARTING AND OPERATING 291

pressed to the floor.

NOTE: • The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is • If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the key.

Automatic Transmission – If Equipped The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes before shifting to any driving gear. NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting out of PARK.

292 STARTING AND OPERATING Tip Start Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage automatically when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 sec- onds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure. Normal Starting Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal. Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans- mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow the procedure carefully. Refer to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emer- gencies” for further information.

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F or ⫺29°C) To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail- able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start If the engine fails to start after you have followed the “Normal Starting” and “Extreme Cold Weather” proce- dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious personal injury.

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CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

After Starting The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord. The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

294 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause electrocution.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

Five–Speed Manual Transmission

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended without having the parking brake fully applied. The parking brake should al- ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an incline.

Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal.

Shift Pattern

Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in third gear. For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, fifth gear is recommended. Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, and never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NOTE: During cold weather, until the transmission lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.

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Recommended Shift Speeds To use your manual fuel economy, it should be upshifted as listed in the following table.

transmission for optimal

Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds

Units in mph (km/h)

Engine

Size

All En- gines

Accel- eration Rate Accel Cruise

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

14 (23) 12 (19)

23 (37) 18 (29)

29 (47) 25 (40)

45 (72) 32 (52)

Downshifting Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and prolong engine life.

296 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

If you skip more than one gear while downshifting or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down to second or first gear when descending a steep grade. When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade, downshift early so that the engine will not be overburdened.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

NOTE: The Continuously Variable Automatic Transmis- sion (CVT) changes ratios in a continuous manner. This may sometimes “feel” as if it is slipping, but this is normal and does not harm anything.

a complete stop.

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow- ing precautions are not observed: • Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to • Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed. • Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed. • Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

NOTE: You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down while shifting out of PARK.

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Brake/Transmission Interlock System This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK position, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON or START position (engine running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed before attempting to move the lever.

WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System This system prevents the key from being removed unless the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the key is in the ON or START position, and the brake pedal is pressed.

298 STARTING AND OPERATING Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.

Shift Lever

PARK This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range.

Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, and then place the shift lever in the PARK position.

WARNING!

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children inside a vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the ignition key in the ignition switch. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position: • When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever • Look at the instrument cluster to ensure it is in the

all the way forward until it stops.

PARK position.

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CAUTION!

Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the steering wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, dam- age to the steering column or shift lever could result. You must also press the brake pedal.

REVERSE This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL This range is used when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

300 STARTING AND OPERATING DRIVE This range is used for most city and highway driving.

AUTOSTICK姞 — IF EQUIPPED AutoStick威 is a driver-interactive transmission that offers six manual ratio changes to provide you with more control. AutoStick威 allows you to maximize engine brak- ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more control during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situations. Automatic ratio changes upward will only occur to protect the Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) and/or the engine from overspeed. Changes down will only happen at minimum engine speed to prevent stall- ing.

Operation NOTE: AutoStick威 is not functional until the CVT warms up in cold weather. AutoStick威 operation is activated in the DRIVE position by moving the shift lever side-to-side. Moving the shift lever to the (+) side will activate AutoStick威 and shift up to the next higher manual ratio, unless you are already operating in or near Overdrive, in which case sixth gear ratio will be selected. In like manner, moving the shift lever to (-) will activate AutoStick威 and shift to the next lower manual ratio. After AutoStick威 is activated, the manual ratio selected is displayed in the transmission ratio display and tipping the shift lever to the (+) or (-) direction will cause an upshift or downshift by one ratio.

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• If a downshift would cause the engine to overspeed, that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine. However, the CVT will stay in the manually selected ratio.

• If the system detects powertrain overheating,

the transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off. • If the system detects a problem, it will disable the AutoStick威 mode and the transmission will return to the automatic mode until the problem is corrected.

AutoStick威 Is Deactivated: • By holding the shift lever to (+) momentarily • When the shift lever is shifted out of DRIVE • When in sixth position, touching the shift lever to the • When heavy Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) applica-

right

tion is detected

General Information • If a ratio other than first is selected and the vehicle is brought to a stop, the transmission control logic will automatically select the first gear ratio. • If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to the rev limit, the transmission will automatically select the next higher ratio.

302 STARTING AND OPERATING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED This feature provides full time, on-demand, four–wheel drive (4WD).

Four-Wheel Drive Switch

Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi- tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loose

traction surfaces, activate the “4WD LOCK” switch by pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear wheels. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then go out. NOTE: Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting and Op- erating” for further information.

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.

They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto- rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS You will encounter many types of terrain driving off- road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area before proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control- ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore

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you will need to use your own good judgment on what is safe and what is not. When on a trail, you should always be looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while remembering what you are currently driving over.

CAUTION!

Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle exhaust system could cause a fire.

WARNING!

Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road situation.

304 STARTING AND OPERATING When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD Lock Lever Engaged When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road) and activate the 4WD LOCK. This will provide additional traction and activates the numerous off-road features to improve handling and control on slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low (L Off-Road) with 4WD LOCK engaged will allow the engine to operate in a higher power range. This will allow you to cross over obstacles and descend hills, with improved control and less effort. NOTE: For maximum off-road performance, premium fuel is recommended. While the vehicle will operate on regular fuel when in L Off-Road mode, the engine has been calibrated for maximum performance using pre- mium fuel.

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore, you should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the vehicle’s momentum. Snow In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at slower speeds, activate the 4WD LOCK and shift the transaxle to low (L Off-Road) if necessary. Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway. Over- revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh ⬙bite⬙ and help maintain your momen- tum.

CAUTION!

On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high engine RPM’s or vehicle speeds because engine brak- ing may cause skidding and loss of control.

Mud Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires and is very difficult to get through. You should use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and maintain your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before entering any mud hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck.

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Sand Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail maintain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneu- vers and maintaining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire surface area. You should use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and ESC turned off. Reduced tire pressure will drastically improve your traction and handling, while driving on the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal air pressure before driving on pavement or other hard surfaces. Be sure you have a way to reinflate the tires prior to reducing the pressure.

306 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu- vers.

Hill Climbing Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under- standing of your abilities and your vehicle’s limitations. Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to climb and should not be attempted. You should always feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You should always climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to climb a hill on an angle.

Before Climbing A Steep Hill As you approach a hill consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down? What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If every- thing looks good and you feel confident, then you should use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and proceed with caution maintaining your momentum as you climb the hill. Driving Up Hill Once you have determined your ability to proceed and have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade, the abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle

slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you approach the crest of the hill ease off the throttle and slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will provide a fresh ⬙bite⬙ into the surface and will usually provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and back straight down the grade using engine resistance along with the vehicle brakes.

WARNING!

Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in severe injury.

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Driving Down Hill Before driving down a steep hill you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill to regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident in your ability to proceed then make sure you are in low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and proceed with caution. Allow engine and hill descent braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.

WARNING!

Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking. Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose control and be seriously injured.

308 STARTING AND OPERATING Driving Across An Incline If at all possible avoid driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an incline places more weight on the down-hill wheels, which increases the possibilities of a down-hill slide or rollover. Make sure the surface has good traction with firm and stable soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle heading slightly up or down.

WARNING!

Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in severe injury.

If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift to REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing engine

and hill descent braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.

WARNING!

If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle, which may result in severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive straight up or down.

Driving Through Water Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water. Water crossings should be avoided if possible, and only be attempted when necessary in a safe responsible man- ner. You should only drive through areas which are

designated and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid damage to the environment. You should know your vehicles abilities and be able to recover it if some- thing goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. You want to use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and proceed very slowly with a constant slow speed {3-5 mph (5–8 km/h) maximum} and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle differentials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water ingestion.

STARTING AND OPERATING 309

CAUTION!

Water ingestion into the transaxle, transfer case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause permanent damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle components and your brakes will be less effective once wet and/or muddy.

Before You Cross Any Type Of Water As you approach any type of water you need to deter- mine if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If neces- sary, get out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be intruding on any wildlife and you can recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the water depth, current and bottom conditions. On

310 STARTING AND OPERATING soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in, effectively increas- ing the water level on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when determining the depth and the ability to safely cross. Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other Standing Water Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water types normally contain hidden obstacles and make it difficult to determine an accurate water depth, approach angle, and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If you are able to determine you can safely cross, than proceed using the low and slow method.

CAUTION!

Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effec- tiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.

After Driving Off-Road Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle ready when you need it. • Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust system for damage. • Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as

required.

• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus- pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values specified in the Service Manual. • Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and to fuel propeller shafts. • After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as possible.

STARTING AND OPERATING 311

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not have full braking power when you need it to prevent a collision. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as necessary. • If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation.

POWER STEERING The standard power steering system will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost.

312 STARTING AND OPERATING If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi- tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during parking maneuvers. NOTE: • Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate that there is a problem with the power steering system. • Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer- ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any way damage the steering system.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided when possible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

Power Steering Fluid Check Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici- pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho- rized dealer.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering system as the chemicals can damage your power steering components. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

STARTING AND OPERATING 313

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and with the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power steering fluid.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

PARKING BRAKE Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission in REVERSE or first gear.

314 STARTING AND OPERATING The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever completely.

Parking Brake

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will illuminate. NOTE: • When the parking brake is applied and the automatic transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting to move the vehicle. • This light only shows that the parking brake is ap- plied. It does not show the degree of brake application. When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it

difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The parking brake should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. • Do not leave the key in the ignition switch. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle. • Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a collision.

STARTING AND OPERATING 315

WARNING! (Continued)

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav- ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the parking brake released, a brake system malfunc- tion is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

(Continued)

BRAKE SYSTEM Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for

316 STARTING AND OPERATING any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How- ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required with the power system oper- ating.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake damage. You would not have your full braking capacity in an emergency.

If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa- bility, the remaining system will still function with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal travel during application and greater pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the

malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake fluid in the master cylinder drops, the “Brake Warning Light” will light.

WARNING!

Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per- formance or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to control. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immedi- ately.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake performance under most braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.

WARNING!

• Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop. • The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys- ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that af- forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. • The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. • The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

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The “ABS Warning Light” monitors the ABS System. The light will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as four seconds. If the “ABS Warning Light” remains on or comes on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the “Brake Warning Light” is not on. If the “ABS Warning Light” is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “ABS Warning Light” does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the bulb repaired as soon as possible.

318 STARTING AND OPERATING If both the “Brake Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning Light” remain on, the ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not functioning. Immedi- ate repair to the ABS is required. When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some related motor noises. These noises are the system per- forming its self-check cycle to ensure that the ABS working properly. This self-check occurs each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h). ABS is activated during braking under certain road or stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in- clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic stops. You may also experience the following when the brake system goes into anti-lock mode: • the ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a

short time after the stop)

• the clicking sound of solenoid valves • brake pedal pulsations • a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end

of the stop

These are all normal characteristics of ABS.

WARNING!

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) contains sophis- ticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. This in- terference can cause possible loss of Anti-Lock brak- ing capability. Installation of such equipment should be performed by qualified professionals.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type and tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer.

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional ad- vanced electronic brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions and are commonly referred to as ESC. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The system controls hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and

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help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Starting and Operating” for further information. Brake Assist System (BAS) The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The system detects an emergency braking situation by sens- ing the rate and amount of brake application and then applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak- ing pressure during the stopping sequence (do not “pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.

320 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

• The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevail- ing road conditions.

• The BAS cannot prevent collisions,

including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplan- ing. • The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Traction Control System (TCS) This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are in either the “Partial Off” or “Full Off” modes. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this section of this manual.

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the brake of the appropriate wheel and may also reduce engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or other vehicles.

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NOTE: Anytime the ESC system is in the “Full Off” mode, ERM is disabled. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this section for a complete explanation of the available ESC modes.

WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi- tions and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel lift or roll over may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or roll overs, especially those that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. The capabilities of an ERM- equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

322 STARTING AND OPERATING Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped This system maintains vehicle speed while descending hills during off-road driving situations. HDC will auto- matically apply the brakes to control downhill speed to between 4 mph (7 km/h) and 6 mph (9 km/h) depending on terrain. The system is activated by placing the vehicle in “Off-Road” mode and placing the shift lever in LOW or REVERSE. Refer to “Safe Off-Road Driving” in “Start- ing and Operating” for further information. When HDC is properly enabled, the “Hill Decent Control Light” in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

HDC has the capability to sense terrain and will only activate when the vehicle is descending a hill. It will not activate on level ground. If desired, HDC can be fully deactivated by putting the vehicle into ESC “Full Off” mode. This is done by pressing and holding the “ESC

Off” button for five seconds. Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this section of the manual. HDC operation can be overridden with brake application to slow the vehicle down below the HDC control speed. Conversely, if more speed is desired during HDC control, the accelerator pedal will increase vehicle speed like normal. When either the brake or the accelerator is released, HDC will control the vehicle back to the origi- nal set speed. HDC is only intended for low speed off-road driving. At vehicle speeds above 31 mph (50 km/h) HDC will no longer function. If the “HDC Indicator Light” begins to flash this indicates that the brakes are getting too hot and the vehicle should be stopped to allow the brakes to cool.

WARNING!

HDC is only intended to assist the driver in control- ling vehicle speed when descending hills. The driver must remain attentive to the driving conditions and is responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle speed.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual Transmission Or Off-Road Package Only The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the driver takes their foot off of the brake pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this short period of time, the system will release brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will release brake pressure in proportion to amount of throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in the intended direction of travel.

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HSA Activation Criteria The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to activate: • Vehicle must be stopped. • Vehicle must be on a 7% grade or greater hill. • Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back- ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).

WARNING!

There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than 8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system will not activate and slight rolling may occur. This could cause a collision with another vehicle or object. Always remember the driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.

324 STARTING AND OPERATING Disabling/Enabling HSA If you wish to turn on or off the HSA system, it can be done using the Customer Programmable Features in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un- derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa- tion. For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the following steps: NOTE: You must complete Steps 1 through 8 within 90 seconds. 1. Center the steering wheel straight forward). 2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 3. Apply the parking brake. 4. Start the engine.

(front wheels pointing

5. Release the clutch pedal. 6. Rotate the steering wheel one-half turn to the left. 7. Press the “ESC Off” switch (located in the lower switch bank below the climate controls) four times within 20 seconds. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” should turn on and turn off two times. 8. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional half-turn to the right. 9. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm HSA is dis- abled. 10. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to it’s previous setting.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor- rects for over-steering or under-steering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over-steering or under-steering condi- tion. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over-steer or under-steer condition • Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than • Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than

appropriate for the steering wheel position.

appropriate for the steering wheel position.

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ESC Operating Modes The ESC system has three available operating modes for four-wheel drive equipped vehicles and two available operating modes for two-wheel drive equipped vehicles. Full On (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-Wheel Drive Models) This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever the vehicle is started the ESC system will be in this “On” mode. This mode should be used for most driving situations. ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” or “ESC Off” for specific reasons as noted below. Partial Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-Wheel Drive Models) This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch. When in “Partial Off” mode, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will be illumi- nated. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is

326 STARTING AND OPERATING in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation. NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situa- tion requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pressing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in motion. Full Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models Only) This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use when ESC stability features could inhibit vehicle maneu- verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by

five seconds,

pressing and holding the “ESC Off” switch for five seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is the “ESC Activation/ running. After Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate and the “ESC Off” message will appear in the odometer. Press and release the Trip Odometer button located on the instrument cluster to clear this message. In this mode, ESC is turned off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). At 35 mph (56 km/h) the system returns to “Partial Off” mode, as described above. When the vehicle speed drops below 30 mph (48 km/h) the ESC system shuts off. ESC is deactivated at low vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere with off-road driving however, ESC function returns to provide the stability feature at speeds above 35 mph (56 km/h). The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will al- ways be illuminated when ESC is off.

To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch. This will restore the “ESC On” mode of operation. NOTE: The “ESC OFF” message will display and an audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed into the PARK position from any other position, and then moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if the message was previously cleared.

WARNING!

With the ESC switched off, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emer- gency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not engage to assist in maintaining stability. “ESC Off” mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only.

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ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. It should go out with the engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho- rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo- cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/

328 STARTING AND OPERATING Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during ac- celeration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. NOTE: • The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen- tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON. • Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system • The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESC activation.

will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

1 — U.S. DOT Safety Standards Code (TIN) 2 — Size Designation 3 — Service Description

4 — Maximum Load

5 — Maximum Pressure 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades

NOTE: • P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H. • European-Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter ⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H. • LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric

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tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced- ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16. • Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M. • High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

330 STARTING AND OPERATING Tire Sizing Chart

Size Designation:

EXAMPLE:

P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards T = Temporary spare tire 31 = Overall diameter in inches (in) 215 = Section width in millimeters (mm) 65 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)

— Ratio of section height to section width of tire

10.5 = Section width in inches (in) R = Construction code

— ⬙R⬙ means radial construction —⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

15 = Rim diameter in inches (in)

EXAMPLE:

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Service Description:

95 = Load Index

H = Speed Symbol

— A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

— A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions — The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire Extra Load (XL) = Extra load (or reinforced) tire Light Load = Light load tire C, D, E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load — Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry Maximum Pressure — Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

332 STARTING AND OPERATING Tire Identification Number (TIN) The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire, however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT = Department of Transportation

— This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits) L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits) ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits) 03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

—03 means the 3rd week.

01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

—01 means the year 2001
— Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

Tire Terminology And Definitions

B-Pillar

Term

Cold Tire Pressure

Maximum Inflation Pressure

Recommended Inflation Pressure

Tire Placard

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Definition

The vehicle B-Pillar is a structural member of the body located between the front and rear door (of a four-door vehicle) running from the sill to the roof. Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a three hour period. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or KPa (kilopascals). The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire. The max inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall. Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard. A paper label permanently attached to the vehicle showing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the original equipment tire size and the recommended inflation pressure.

334 STARTING AND OPERATING Tire Loading And Tire Pressure

Tire Placard Location NOTE: The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver’s side B-Pillar.

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire and Loading Information Placard

Tire Placard Location

This placard tells you important information about the: 1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle 2) total weight your vehicle can carry 3) tire size designed for your vehicle 4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires. Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section of this manual.

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NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on