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2-16 Testing the Alarm
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window, then
get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open.
2. From outside of the vehicle, with the door open, lock
the vehicle using the power door lock or the remote
keyless entry transmitter and close the door. Wait
30 seconds until the SECURITY light goes off.
3. Reach in and unlock the door using the manual lock
and open the door. The horn will sound and the
headlamps will flash.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to see
if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To
replace the fuse, see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the
Index. If the fuse does not need to be replaced, you may
need to have your vehicle serviced.
To reduce the possibility of theft, always activate the
theft
-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
Valet Lockout Button
Pressing the VALET
lockout button located
inside the glove box to ON
will disable the use of the
power trunk, fuel door and
garage door openers.
Pressing this button again
will make these features
reusable. Locking the
glove box with the door
key will also help to secure
your vehicle.
Note: The remote keyless entry transmitter can't be used
to open the trunk or fuel door if the VALET lockout
button is in the ON position.
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2-17
PASS-Key II
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key II
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key II is a passive
system. The system is
armed when the key is
removed from the ignition.
PASS
-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that is read by the system in your vehicle. If the key
resistor matches the code stored in the vehicle system,
the vehicle's fuel and starting systems will be enabled. If
an incorrect key is used, the vehicle's fuel and starting
systems are disabled for three minutes. Additional
attempts during this lockout period will not start the car,
even with the correct key.If the engine does not start and the STARTING
DISABLED REMOVE KEY message is displayed in
the Driver Information Center, your key should be
checked for damage. Starting may be attempted with an
undamaged key immediately. See your dealer or a
locksmith for key service.
If the STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY and
WAIT 3 MINUTES messages are displayed, the key
should be cleaned. After three minutes, try again. A
START CAR message will appear at this time. If the
engine still does not start, wait three minutes and try a
duplicate key. At this time, fuses should be checked (see
ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index). If the engine
does not start with the duplicate key, your vehicle needs
service. See your dealer for service.
If the THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEM, CAR MAY NOT
START message is displayed during vehicle operation, a
fault has been detected in the system. This means the
PASS
-Key II system is disabled and is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts. See your dealer
for service.
If an ignition key is lost or damaged, see your dealer or
a locksmith to have a new key made.
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2-18
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be injured or even killed. They could
operate power windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in
the vehicle with children.
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2-19
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five different positions.
ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things
like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. To get into ACCESSORY, push in the key
and turn it toward you. The steering wheel will remain
locked, just as it was before you inserted the key.
LOCK (B): Before you put the key in, the ignition will
be in LOCK. This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it 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.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK does. Use OFF if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed).
RUN (D): This position is for driving.
START (E): This position starts the engine.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned from
RUN to OFF:
Radio
Power Windows
Sunroof
Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or
if any door is opened. If you want power for another
10 minutes, turn the ignition key to RUN, then back
to OFF, then to LOCK. Always leave your key in
LOCK when using RAP. If you leave your key in
any other position than LOCK, your battery will
discharge prematurely.
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2-20
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.
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2-21
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.
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 engine 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 ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
A. Engine Oil Dipstick Location
B. Engine Coolant Heater Cord
C. Transaxle Dipstick/Fluid Fill Location
In very cold weather, 0F (
-18C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
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2-24
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake
-Transaxle
Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply your
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
-- push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the
shift lever button on the floor shift console models as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button
before moving the shift lever on floor shift console
models.) See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
has stopped.
Also use this gear to rock your vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your
transaxle. See ªStuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the
Index for additional information.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.
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2-29 Steering Column Shift Lever (DeVille and
DeVille d'Elegance Only)
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:
Pull the lever toward you.
Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).