2013 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual

knob and choose Merge Calls.

5. To add more callers to the

conference call, repeat Steps 1
through 4. The number of callers that can be added is limited by your wireless service carrier.

Ending a Call Turn or press the MENU/SEL knob and select Hang Up. Muting a Call

To Mute a Call Turn or press the MENU/SEL knob and select Mute Call.

To Cancel Mute Turn or press the MENU/SEL knob and select Mute Call.

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Pairing A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired to the Bluetooth system and then connected to the vehicle before it can be used. See your cell phone manufacturer's user guide for Bluetooth functions before pairing the cell phone. If a Bluetooth phone is not connected, calls will be made using OnStar Hands-Free Calling, if available. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1 for more information.

Pairing Information . A Bluetooth phone with MP3
capability cannot be paired to the vehicle as a phone and an MP3 player at the same time. . Up to five cell phones can be

paired to the Bluetooth system. The pairing process is disabled when the vehicle is moving.

Infotainment System 7-27

. Pairing only needs to be

completed once, unless the pairing information on the cell phone changes or the cell phone is deleted from the system.

. Only one paired cell phone can be connected to the Bluetooth system at a time. If multiple paired cell phones are within range of the system, the system connects to the first available paired cell phone in the order that they were first paired to the system. To link to a different paired phone, see “Linking to a Different Phone” later in this section.

Pairing a Phone 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” This command

can be skipped.

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones The in-vehicle Bluetooth system can send numbers during a call. This is used when calling a menu-driven phone system. 1. Turn or press the MENU/SEL

knob and select Enter Number. 2. Enter the character sequence.

See “Entering a Character Sequence” in Operation on page 7‑4 for more information.

Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)

Using Voice Recognition See the infotainment manual for more information. To use voice recognition, press the b / g button located on the steering wheel. Use the commands below for the various voice features. For additional information, say “Help” while you are in a voice recognition menu.

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7-28

Infotainment System

3. Say “Pair.” The system responds with instructions and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN is used in Step 5.

4. Start the pairing process on the cell phone that you want to pair. For help with this process, see your cell phone manufacturer's user guide.

5. Locate the device named “Your

Vehicle” in the list on the cell phone. Follow the instructions on the cell phone to enter the PIN provided in Step 3. After the PIN is successfully entered, the system prompts you to provide a name for the paired cell phone. This name will be used to indicate which phones are paired and connected to the vehicle. The system responds with “ has been successfully paired” after the pairing process is complete.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to pair

additional phones.

Listing All Paired and Connected Phones The system can list all cell phones paired to it. If a paired cell phone is also connected to the vehicle, the system responds with “is connected” after that phone name. 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “List.”

Deleting a Paired Phone If the phone name you want to delete is unknown, see “Listing All Paired and Connected Phones.” 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “Delete.” The system asks

for which phone to delete.

4. Say the name of the phone you

want to delete.

Connecting to a Different Phone To connect to a different cell phone, the Bluetooth system looks for the next available cell phone in the order in which all available cell phones were paired. Depending on which cell phone you want to connect to, you may have to use this command several times. 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “Change phone.”

If another cell phone is found, the response will be “ is now connected.” If another cell phone is not found, the original phone remains connected.

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Storing and Deleting Phone Numbers The system can store up to 30
phone numbers as name tags in the Hands-Free Directory that is shared between the Bluetooth and OnStar systems. The following commands are used to delete and store phone numbers. Store: This command will store a phone number, or a group of numbers as a name tag. Digit Store: This command allows a phone number to be stored as a name tag by entering the digits one at a time. Delete: This command is used to delete individual name tags. Delete All Name Tags: This command deletes all stored name tags in the Hands-Free Calling Directory and the Destinations Directory.

Using the “Store” Command 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Store.” 3. Say the phone number or group of numbers you want to store all at once with no pauses, then follow the directions given by the system to save a name tag for this number.

Using the “Digit Store” Command If an unwanted number is recognized by the system, say “Clear” at any time to clear the last number. To hear all of the numbers recognized by the system, say “Verify” at any time. 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Digit Store.”

Infotainment System 7-29

3. Say each digit, one at a time,

that you want to store. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. After the last digit has been entered, say “Store,” and then follow the directions given by the system to save a name tag for this number.

Using the “Delete” Command 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Delete.” 3. Say the name tag you want to

delete.

Using the “Delete All Name Tags” Command This command deletes all stored name tags in the Hands-Free Calling Directory and the Destinations Directory.

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7-30

Infotainment System

To delete all name tags: 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Delete all name tags.” Listing Stored Numbers The list command will list all stored numbers and name tags.

Using the “List” Command 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Directory.” 3. Say “Hands-Free Calling.” 4. Say “List.” Making a Call Calls can be made using the following commands. Dial or Call: The dial or call command can be used interchangeably to dial a phone number or a stored name tag.

Digit Dial: This command allows a phone number to be dialed by entering the digits one at a time. Re-dial: This command is used to dial the last number used on the cell phone.

Using the “Dial” or “Call” Command 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Dial” or “Call.” 3. Say the entire number without pausing or say the name tag.

Once connected, the person called will be heard through the audio speakers.

Calling 911 Emergency 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Dial” or “Call.” 3. Say "911."

4. Say “Dial” or “Call.”

Using the “Digit Dial” Command The digit dial command allows a phone number to be dialed by entering the digits one at a time. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. If an unwanted number is recognized by the system, say “Clear” at any time to clear the last number. To hear all of the numbers recognized by the system, say “Verify” at any time. 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Digit Dial.” 3. Say each digit, one at a time,

that you want to dial. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard

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followed by a tone. After the last digit has been entered, say “Dial.”

Once connected, the person called will be heard through the audio speakers.

Using the “Re-dial” Command 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. After the tone, say “Re-dial.” The

system dials the last number called from the connected cell phone.

Once connected, the person called will be heard through the audio speakers. Receiving a Call When an incoming call is received, the audio system mutes and a ring tone is heard in the vehicle. . Press b / g to answer the call. . Press > / i to ignore a call.

Call Waiting Call waiting must be supported on the cell phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier. . Press b / g to answer an

incoming call when another call is active. The original call is placed on hold.

. Press b / g again to return to

the original call. To ignore the incoming call, no action is required.

. Press > / i to disconnect the current call and switch to the call on hold.

Three-Way Calling Three-way calling must be supported on the cell phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier. 1. While on a call, press b / g. 2. Say “Three-way call.”

Infotainment System 7-31

3. Use the dial or call command to dial the number of the third party to be called.

4. Once the call is connected, press b / g to link all callers together.

Ending a Call Press > / i to end a call. Muting a Call During a call, all sounds from inside the vehicle can be muted so that the person on the other end of the call cannot hear them. To mute a call, press b / g , and then say “Mute Call.” To cancel mute, press b / g , and then say “Un-mute Call.” Transferring a Call Audio can be transferred between the Bluetooth system and the cell phone.

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Infotainment System

The cell phone must be paired and connected with the Bluetooth system before a call can be transferred. The connection process can take up to two minutes after the ignition is turned to ON/RUN.

To Transfer Audio from the Bluetooth System to a Cell Phone During a call with the audio in the vehicle: 1. Press b / g. 2. Say “Transfer Call.”

To Transfer Audio to the Bluetooth System from a Cell Phone During a call with the audio on the cell phone, press b / g. The audio transfers to the vehicle. If the audio does not transfer to the vehicle, use the audio transfer feature on the cell phone. See your cell phone manufacturer's user guide for more information.

Voice Pass-Thru Voice pass-thru allows access to the voice recognition commands on the cell phone. See your cell phone manufacturer's user guide to see if the cell phone supports this feature. To access contacts stored in the cell phone: 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” This command

can be skipped.

3. Say “Voice.” The system responds “OK, accessing .”

The cell phone's normal prompt messages will go through their cycle according to the phone's operating instructions.

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones The Bluetooth system can send numbers and the numbers stored as name tags during a call. You can use this feature when calling a menu-driven phone system. Account numbers can also be stored for use.

Sending a Number or Name Tag During a Call 1. Press b / g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone.

2. Say “Dial.” 3. Say the number or name tag

to send.

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Clearing the System Unless information is deleted out of the in-vehicle Bluetooth system, it will be retained indefinitely. This includes all saved name tags in the phone book and phone pairing information. For information on how to delete this information, see the previous sections on “Deleting a Paired Phone” and “Storing and Deleting Name Tags.”

Trademarks and License Agreements

Infotainment System 7-33

Manufactured under license from Dolby® Laboratories. Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent #'s: 5,451,942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 5,978,762; 6,487,535 & other U.S. and worldwide patents issued & pending. DTS and the Symbol are registered trademarks and DTS Digital Surround and the DTS logos are trademarks of DTS, Inc. Product includes software. All Rights Reserved.

"Made for iPod and iPhone" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod or iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod or iPhone may affect wireless preformance. iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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Infotainment System

2 NOTES

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Climate Controls

Climate Control Systems

Climate Controls

8-1

The vehicle's heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation can be controlled with this system.

Climate Control Systems

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Automatic Climate Control

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Air Vents

Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Maintenance

Passenger Compartment Air

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

1. Fan Control 2. Air Delivery Mode Controls 3. Temperature Control 4. Outside Air 5. Front Defrost 6. Rear Window Defogger 7. Recirculation

8. Air Conditioning A (Fan Control): Turn to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turn the knob completely to T to turn the fan off. Temperature Control: Turn to increase or decrease the temperature.

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8-2

Climate Controls

Air Delivery Mode Control: To change the current mode, select one of the following: F (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets. * (Bi-Level): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets. 7 (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets. W (Defog): Clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and floor outlets. 0 FRONT (Front Defrost): Clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield and side window outlets. For best results, clear all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting. Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear. For vehicles with Fuel Economy Mode, the climate controls may take longer to heat or cool the cabin and

the rear window defogger will turn off sooner, when this feature is in use. See Fuel Economy Mode on page 9‑29. Air Conditioning A/C (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning on or off. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature falls below freezing, the air conditioning will not work. h (Recirculation): Press to turn on the recirculation. An indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated inside the vehicle. It helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle or prevent outside air and odors from entering. The air conditioning may come on under certain conditions. To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the vehicle faster, recirculation may be automatically selected in warm weather. The recirculation light will not come on. To override this feature, select outside air.

% (Outside Air): Press to turn on the outside air. An indicator light comes on. Outside air is circulated throughout the vehicle. Rear Window Defogger 1 REAR (Rear Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off after about 10 minutes. It can also be turned off by turning the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. If turned on again, it runs for about five minutes before turning off. The ignition must be on to use the rear window defogger. Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear. Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.

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Automatic Climate Control System

The vehicle's heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation can be controlled with this system.

1. Fan Control 2. AUTO (Automatic Operation) 3. Air Delivery Mode Controls 4. Front Defrost 5. Recirculation 6. Temperature Control 7. Power

8. Driver and Passenger Heated

Seats

9. Rear Window Defogger 10. Air Conditioning

Climate Controls

8-3

Automatic Operation The system automatically controls the fan speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and recirculation to heat or cool the vehicle to the selected temperature. When the AUTO indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. To place the system in automatic mode: 1. Press AUTO. 2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then adjust the temperature as needed. To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the vehicle faster, recirculation may be automatically selected in warm weather. The recirculation light will not come on. Press the h to select recirculation; press it again to select outside air.

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8-4

Climate Controls

Manual Operation O (Power): Press to turn the climate control system on or off. A (Fan Control): Turn to increase or decrease the fan speed. Adjusting the fan speed while in automatic mode places the fan under manual control. The AUTO indicator light turns off. The air delivery mode remains in automatic control. Temperature Control: Turn to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle. H / G (Air Delivery Mode Control): Press mode up or mode down to cycle through the different air delivery modes. The current mode is shown on the display. Select from the following: F (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets. * (Bi-Level): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets.

7 (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets. W (Defog): Clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and floor outlets. 0 FRONT (Front Defrost): Clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield and side window outlets. Selecting defrost disables the automatic mode. For best results, clear all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting. Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear. For vehicles with Fuel Economy Mode, the climate controls may take longer to heat or cool the cabin and the rear window defogger will turn off sooner, when this feature is in use. See Fuel Economy Mode on page 9‑29.

Air Conditioning A/C (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning on or off. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature falls below freezing, the air conditioning will not work. When in AUTO, the air conditioning will come on automatically as needed. h (Recirculation): Press to turn on the recirculation. Press to alternate between recirculation and outside air, if the vehicle does not have a separate outside air button. The indicator light turns on when recirculation is selected. Air is recirculated inside the vehicle. It helps quickly cool the air inside the vehicle or prevent outside air and odors from entering. % (Outside Air, If Equipped): Press to turn on the outside air. An indicator light comes on. Outside air is circulated throughout the vehicle.

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Rear Window Defogger 1 REAR (Rear Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off after about 10 minutes. It can also be turned off by putting the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. If turned on again, it runs for about five minutes before turning off. The ignition must be on to use the rear window defogger. Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear. Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. L / M (Driver and Passenger Heated Seats): For vehicles with heated seats, see Heated Front Seats on page 3‑8.

Remote Start Climate Control Operation: For vehicles with the remote start feature, the climate control system may run when the vehicle is started remotely. The system uses the driver’s previous settings to heat or cool the inside of the vehicle. The rear defog may come on during remote start based on cold ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator light does not come on during a remote start. If the vehicle has heated front seats, they may come on during a remote start. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑4 and Heated Front Seats on page 3‑8. Sensors The solar sensor, located on top of the instrument panel near the windshield, monitors the solar heat. The climate control system uses the information to adjust the temperature, fan speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode. Do not cover the solar sensor or the system will not work properly.

Climate Controls

8-5

Air Vents

Center Air Vents Use the louvers located on the air vents to change the direction of the airflow. Use the thumbwheels to open or close off the airflow.

Side Air Vents Use the louvers located on the air vents to change the direction of the airflow or to open or close off the airflow.

Operation Tips . Clear away any ice, snow,

or leaves from air inlets at the base of the windshield that could block the flow of air into the vehicle.

. Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more effectively.

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8-6

Climate Controls

. Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors can adversely affect the performance of the system. Check with your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of the vehicle.

. Do not attach any devices to the

air vent slats. This restricts airflow and may cause damage to the air vents.

Maintenance

Passenger Compartment Air Filter The filter removes dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants from outside air that is pulled into the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled maintenance. See Maintenance Schedule on page 11‑2 for replacement intervals. To find out what type of filter to use, see Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 11‑13. The passenger compartment air filter can be accessed by removing the entire glove box. 1. Open the glove box completely

and locate the stop tab on top of the glove box door.

2. Push the stop tab upwards until

the stop tab is under the instrument panel assembly and the glove box is released.

3. Unsnap the tabs beneath the

glove box that connects it to the bottom of the instrument panel assembly.

4. Remove the glove box. 5. Locate the service door for the

passenger compartment air filter.

6. Push the two tabs upwards and release the latches holding the service door. Lift the service door.

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Climate Controls

8-7

7. Remove the old air filter. 8. 9. Close the service door and

Install the new air filter.

latches.

10. Re‐install the glove box. See your dealer if additional assistance is needed.

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8-8

Climate Controls

2 NOTES

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Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . 9-10
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-11
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-14
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-14

Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-19
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Retained Accessory

Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 9-23

Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Parking over Things

That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25

Engine Exhaust

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Running the Vehicle While

Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-26
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Fuel Economy Mode . . . . . . . . . 9-29

Drive Systems

All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29

Brakes

Antilock Brake

System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-31

Ride Control Systems

Traction Control

System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
StabiliTrak® System . . . . . . . . . 9-33

Driving and Operating

9-1

Cruise Control

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35

Object Detection Systems Forward Collision Alert (FCA)

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-40
Rear Vision

Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41

Lane Departure

Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44

Fuel

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-47
California Fuel

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-47
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 9-48
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Filling a Portable Fuel

Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51

Towing

General Towing

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51

Driving Characteristics and

Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51

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9-2

Driving and Operating

Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Trailer Sway

Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57

Conversions and Add-Ons

Add-On Electrical

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57

Driving Information

Distracted Driving Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving. Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction. Become familiar with the local laws in your area. To avoid distracted driving, always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the drive. . Do not use a phone in

demanding driving situations. Use a hands-free method to place or receive necessary phone calls.

. Watch the road. Do not read,

take notes, or look up information on phones or other electronic devices.

. Designate a front seat

passenger to handle potential distractions.

. Become familiar with vehicle

features before driving, such as programming favorite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device prior to driving.

. Wait until the vehicle is parked

to retrieve items that have fallen to the floor.

. Stop or park the vehicle to tend

to children.

. Keep pets in an appropriate

carrier or restraint.

. Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.

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{ WARNING

Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving.

Refer to the infotainment section for more information on using that system, including pairing and using a cell phone. If equipped, refer to the navigation manual for information on that system, including pairing and using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts on page 3‑11. . Assume that other road users

(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be

careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.

. Allow enough following distance

between you and the driver in front of you. Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.

{ WARNING

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.

(Continued)

Driving and Operating

9-3

WARNING (Continued)

Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.

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9-4

Driving and Operating

Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include: . Keep enough distance between

you and the vehicle in front of you.

. Avoid needless heavy braking. . Keep pace with traffic. If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering

Electric Power Steering (2.4L L4 Engine) If the vehicle has electric power steering, it does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort. If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, power steering assist may be reduced. Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down. See specific vehicle steering messages under Service Vehicle Messages on page 5‑30

Hydraulic Power Steering (3.6L V6 Engine) If your vehicle has hydraulic power steering, it may require maintenance. See Power Steering Fluid (2.4L L4 Engine) on page 10‑19 or Power Steering Fluid (3.6L V6 Engine) on page 10‑19. If power steering is lost because the engine stops or a system malfunctions, the vehicle can be steered but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem. Curve Tips

Take curves at a reasonable speed.

. Reduce speed before entering a

curve.

. Maintain a reasonable steady

speed through the curve

. Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

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Steering in Emergencies

There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.

. Holding both sides of the

steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.

. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

Off-Road Recovery

The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.

2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.

3. Turn the steering wheel to go

straight down the roadway.

Loss of Control

Skidding There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems: . Braking Skid — wheels are not

rolling.

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9-5

. Steering or Cornering Skid —

too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.

. Acceleration Skid — too much

throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions: . Ease your foot off the

accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.

. Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other

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9-6

Driving and Operating

material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt. Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.

Off-Road Driving All-wheel-drive vehicles can be used for off-road driving. Vehicles without all-wheel drive and vehicles not equipped with All Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface. To contact the tire manufacturer for more information about the original equipment tires,

see the Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance Information manual. Controlling the vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control the vehicle is to control the speed.

{ WARNING

When driving off-road, bouncing and quick changes in direction can easily throw you out of position. This could cause you to lose control and crash. You and your passengers should always wear safety belts.

Before Driving Off-Road . Have all necessary maintenance

and service work completed. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check inflation pressure in all tires, including the spare, if equipped.

. Read all the information about all-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.

. Make sure all underbody

shields, if equipped, are properly attached.

. Know the local laws that apply to

off-road driving.

To gain more ground clearance if needed, it may be necessary to remove the front fascia lower air dam. Notice: Operating the vehicle for extended periods without the front fascia lower air dam installed can cause improper air flow to the engine. Re‐attach the front fascia air dam after off-road driving.

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Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving

{ WARNING

. Unsecured cargo on the load

floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly.

. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. The heaviest things should be on the floor, forward of the rear axle.

. Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof.

For more information about loading the vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑14. Environmental Concerns . Always use established trails,

roads, and areas that have been set aside for public off-road recreational driving and obey all posted regulations.

. Do not damage shrubs, flowers,

trees, or grasses or disturb wildlife.

. Do not park over things that

burn. See Parking over Things That Burn on page 9‑25.

Driving on Hills Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what the vehicle can and cannot do.

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9-7

{ WARNING

Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can cause loss of control. Driving across hills can cause a rollover. You could be injured or killed. Do not drive on steep hills.

Before driving on a hill, assess the steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the vehicle and walk the hill before driving further. When driving on hills: . Use a low gear and keep a firm

grip on the steering wheel.

. Maintain a slow speed. . When possible, drive straight up

or down the hill.

. Slow down when approaching

the top of the hill.

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Driving and Operating

. Use headlamps even during the

day to make the vehicle more visible.

{ WARNING

Driving to the top of a hill at high speed can cause an accident. There could be a drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You could be seriously injured or killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert.

. Never go downhill forward or

backward with the transmission in N (Neutral). The brakes could overheat and you could lose control.

. When driving down a hill, keep

the vehicle headed straight down. Use a low gear because the engine will work with the brakes to slow the vehicle and help keep the vehicle under control.

{ WARNING

Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause loss of control and you or others could be injured or killed. Apply the brakes lightly when descending a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed under control.

If the vehicle stalls on a hill: 1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and then apply the parking brake.

2. Shift into P (Park) and then

restart the engine.

If driving uphill when the vehicle stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the parking brake, and back straight down.

Never try to turn the vehicle around. If the hill is steep enough to stall the vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it to roll over. If you cannot make it up the hill, back straight down the hill. Never back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake. The vehicle can roll backward quickly and you could lose control. If driving downhill when the vehicle stalls, shift to a lower gear, release the parking brake, and drive straight down the hill.

3.

If the vehicle cannot be restarted after stalling, set the parking brake, shift an automatic transmission into P (Park), and turn the vehicle off. 3.1. Leave the vehicle and

seek help.

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Driving and Operating

9-9

affects steering, accelerating, and braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Traction is reduced on hard packed snow and ice and it is easy to lose control. Reduce vehicle speed when driving on hard packed snow and ice.

{ WARNING

Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary greatly and the vehicle could fall through the ice; you and your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces only.

3.2. Stay clear of the path the

vehicle would take if it rolled downhill.

. Avoid turns that take the vehicle

across the incline of the hill. A hill that can be driven straight up or down might be too steep to drive across. Driving across an incline puts more weight on the downhill wheels which could cause a downhill slide or a rollover.

. Surface conditions can be a

problem. Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet grass can cause the tires to slip sideways, downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it can hit something that will trip it – a rock, a rut, etc. – and roll over.

. Hidden obstacles can make the

steepness of the incline more severe. If a rock is driven across with the uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into a rut or depression, the vehicle can tilt even more.

If an incline must be driven across, and the vehicle starts to slide, turn downhill. This should help straighten out the vehicle and prevent the side slipping.

{ WARNING

Getting out of the vehicle on the downhill side when stopped across an incline is dangerous. If the vehicle rolls over, you could be crushed or killed. Always get out on the uphill side of the vehicle and stay well clear of the rollover path.

Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice Use a low gear when driving in mud – the deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck. Traction changes when driving on sand. On loose sand, such as on beaches or sand dunes, the tires tend to sink into the sand. This

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Driving and Operating

Driving in Water

{ WARNING

Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could drown. If it is only shallow water, it can still wash away the ground from under your tires. Traction could be lost, and the vehicle could roll over. Do not drive through rushing water.

Notice: Do not drive through standing water if it is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Deep water can damage the axle and other vehicle parts. If the standing water is not too deep, drive slowly through it. At faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition system and the vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you get the exhaust pipe under water.

While the exhaust pipe is under water, you will not be able to start the engine. When going through water, the brakes get wet, and it might take longer to stop. See Driving on Wet Roads on page 9‑10. After Off-Road Driving Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody or chassis, or under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard. After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked. These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for damage and check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage. More frequent maintenance service is required. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule on page 11‑2 for more information.

Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep‐standing or flowing water.

{ WARNING

Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally. Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this

(Continued)

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Driving and Operating

9-11

WARNING (Continued)

happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle's tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet. Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include: . Allow extra following distance.

. Pass with caution. . Keep windshield wiping

equipment in good shape.

. Keep the windshield washer fluid

reservoir filled.

. Have good tires with proper

tread depth. See Tires on page 10‑37. Turn off cruise control.

Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: . Keep the vehicle well ventilated. . Keep the interior temperature cool.

. Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead and to the sides.

. Check the rearview mirror and

vehicle instruments often.

Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: . Keep the vehicle serviced and in

good shape.

. Check all fluid levels and brakes,

tires, cooling system, and transmission.

. Shift to a lower gear when going

down steep or long hills. { WARNING

If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.

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Driving and Operating

{ WARNING

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down and they could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. Steering may also be affected when ignition is off. You could crash. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.

. Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.

. Be alert on top of hills;

something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).

. Pay attention to special road

signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32° F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction.

Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves vehicle stability during hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 9‑30. Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice. Turn off cruise control on slippery surfaces.

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Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 13‑5. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:

Turn on the hazard warning flashers. Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

{ WARNING

Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

(Continued)

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9-13

WARNING (Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: . Clear away snow from around

the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe.

. Check again from time to

time to be sure snow does not collect there.

. Open a window about 5 cm

(2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air.

. Fully open the air outlets on

or under the instrument panel.

. Adjust the climate control

system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems” in the Index.

(Continued)

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑25.

To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.

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Driving and Operating

If the Vehicle Is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 9‑32.

{ WARNING

If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 56 km/h (35 mph).

Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle on page 10‑69.

Vehicle Load Limits It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification label.

{ WARNING

Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the (Continued)

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WARNING (Continued)

vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information Label

Label Example

A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle's center

pillar (B-pillar). With the driver's door open, you will find the label attached near the door lock post. The Tire and Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of the original equipment tires (3) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (4). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires on page 10‑37 and Tire Pressure on page 10‑44. There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight

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9-15

Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certification Label” later in this section.

Steps for Determining 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 1400 lbs and

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Driving and Operating

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 lbs).

5. Determine the combined

6.