Page 49 of 399

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What makes an air bag inflate?
In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag
sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result
of
a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium
azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which
inflates a cloth bag. The inflator, cloth bag, and related hardware are all
part
of the air bag inflator modules packed inside the steering wheel and
in the instrument panel in front
of the passenger.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collieions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. The air
bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags
distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not
provide protection in many types of collisions, including rollovers and
rear and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not
toward the air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more
than a supplement to safety belt protection in moderate to severe frontal
and near-frontal collisions.
What will you see after an air bag inflation?
After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly deflate. This occurs so
quickly that some people may not even realize that the air bag inflated.
Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the
driver’s air bag or the instrument panel for the passenger’s bag may be
hot for a short time, but the portion of the bag that comes into contact
with you will not be hot
to the touch. There will be small amounts of
smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. The air bag
will
not impede the driver’s vision or ability to steer the vehicle, nor will it
hinder the occupants from exiting the vehicle.
36
Page 74 of 399
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I 8
Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so
small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the
shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder,
so that in a crash the
child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.
If the
child is
so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s
face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat
position, the one that has only a lap belt.
-
61
Page 97 of 399

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The other positions let you perform these functions:
ACC: Accessory lets you use things like the radio and the windshield
wipers when the engine is off.
To get into “ACC”, push in the key and turn
it toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was
before you inserted the key.
OFE This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering
wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like “Lock.” Use “Off”
if you
must have your car in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your
car
is being pushed).
RUN This is the position for driving.
STARE This starts your engine.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in “Lock” and you can’t turn it, be sure
it is all the way in.
If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with
your hand. Using
a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch.
If none of this works, then your vehicle needs
service. I-
STARTING YOUR ENGINE
Move your shift lever to “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral). Your engine won’t
start in any other position
-- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re
already moving, use “N” (Neutral) only.
I-
Page 99 of 399

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your
vehicle.
If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the
way the fuel injection system operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer.
If you
don’t, your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this
Manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle.
See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
ENGINE COOLANT HEATER (ENGINE
BLOCK HEATER) (CANADA ONLY)
(OPTION)
In very cold weather, 0°F (-18O C) or colder, the engine coolant warmer
can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Usually, the coolant warmer should be plugged in a minimum
of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To use the coolant warmer:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet.
-
t. *
Page 103 of 399
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging your transaxle. see “If You’re Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice
or Snow” in the Index.
N (Neutral)
In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To
restart when you’re already moving, use “N” (Neutral) only. Also, use
“N’ when your vehicle is being towed.
I
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out of “P” (Park)
or “N” (Neutral) with the engine racing isn’t covered\
by your
warrantv. l-
@ Automatic Overdrive
This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for
passing, and you’re:
- Going less than about 35 mph (56 kmh), push your accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
- Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
90
Page 104 of 399

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or if it seems not
to shift gears
as you go faster, something may be wrong with a
transaxle system sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged.
So, if this happens, have your vehicle
serviced right
away. Until then, you can use “2” (Second Gear)
when you
are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and @
(Overdrive) for higher speeds.
3 (Third Gear)
This is like
@, but you never go into Overdrive.
Here are some times
you might choose “3” instead of 0:
- When driving on hilly, winding roads
- When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears
- When going down a steep hill
2 (Second Gear)
This position gives
you more power but lower fuel economy. You can
use
“2” on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes
off
and on.
NOTICE:
Don’t drive in “2” (Second Gear) for more than 5 miles (8 km),
or at speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your
transaxle. Use
“@” or “3” as much as possible.
Don’t shift into
“2” unless you are going slower than 65 mph
(105 km/h), or you can damage your engine.
I
91
Page 106 of 399
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you move out
of “P” (Park) or
“N”
(Neutral), if your
engine is running,
your parking brake
should go
off. If it
doesn’t, you have a
parking brake
problem and should
have it fixed.
In the
meantime, you can
still release your
parking brake. Just pull on the manual
release lever, as
shown.
I NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to
overheat. You may have
to replace them, and you could also
damage other parts
of your vehicle.
If you are on a hill: See “Parking on Hills” in the Index. That section
shows how to
turn your front wheels.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill: See “Towing a
Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to
do first to keep the
trailer from moving.
93
Page 107 of 399
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SHIFTING INTO “P’’ (PARK)
Steering Column Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into “P” (Park) position like this:
I
0 Pull the lever
toward you.