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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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2-19
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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2-23
Automatic Transaxle Operation
The automatic transaxle may have either a shift lever
located on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
Console Shifter Column Shifter
PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It's the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index. If
you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
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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).
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2-30 Console Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the shift lever
all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
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).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the
engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you've moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it
toward you (or, if you have the console shift lever,
without first pressing the button). If you can, it means
that the shift lever wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
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2-31 Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift
into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's
seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in
the Index.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a
Trailerº in the Index.
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 is
in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transaxleº in the Index.
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2-35
Express-Down Window
This feature is present on the driver's power window.
Pressing the control rearward into the second position then
releasing it will lower the window completely. If you want
to stop the window as it is lowering, press the control
forward. Press the control forward to raise the window.
Note: The first position on the power window
control operates the driver's power window in the
non
-express mode.
Rear Window Lockout
This button is located near
the power window controls
on the driver's side. Pressing
this button down will disable
the rear window controls.
This is a useful feature if you
have children as passengers.
Press the button again to
allow your passengers to
reuse their window controls.
Horn
The horn can be sounded by pressing on the center of
the steering wheel pad.
Tilt Wheel
Tilt steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. Raising the steering wheel to the
highest level gives your legs more room when you enter
and exit the vehicle.
Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward you to tilt
the wheel. Adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable
position and then release the lever to lock the wheel
in place.