Driving on Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.

The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often.

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with the transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine Overheating on page 10‑20.

    See also:

    Airbag System Messages
    SERVICE AIR BAG This message displays if there is a problem with the airbag system. Have your dealer inspect the system for problems. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑16 and Airbag System ...

    Ignition Transmission Lock Check
    While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position. • The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only when the shift lever is in P (Park). †...

    Heated Mirrors
    For vehicles with heated mirrors: (Rear Window Defogger): Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 8‑4 for more informati ...