Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use the Roadside Service (U.S. and Canada) or Roadside Service (Mexico).
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.
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.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to keep warm, but be careful.
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.
See also:
Compass Calibration
The compass can be manually
calibrated. Only calibrate the
compass in a magnetically clean
and safe location, such as an open
parking lot, where driving the
vehicle in circles is not a dange ...
Starting the Vehicle Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START VEHICLE
This message is displayed when attempting to start the vehicle without first
pressing the brake pedal.
SERVICE KEYLESS START SYSTEM
This message is displayed if ...
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 900 kg (2,000 lbs) needs to have its own
brake system that is adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions for the tra ...