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viii
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
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2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-11 Hatch
2
-12 Theft
2
-13 Content Theft-Deterrent/Alarm System
(Option)
2
-16 PASS-Key II
2
-22 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-23 Ignition Positions
2
-25 Starting Your Engine
2
-28 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2
-29 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-33 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-37 Parking Brake
2
-38 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-39 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)2
-40 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
2
-40 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-41 Engine Exhaust
2
-42 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2
-42 Windows
2
-44 Tilt Wheel
2
-44 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-50 Exterior Lamps
2
-52 Interior Lamps
2
-54 Mirrors
2
-55 Storage Compartments
2
-58 Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels (Option)
2
-65 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-72 The Instrument Panel--Your
Information System
2
-76 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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2-28
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
(Canada Only)
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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2-29 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is attached to the outside of the underhood
fuse box.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
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2-36
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for
good performance.
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear when you downshift,
or if you race the engine when you downshift, you can
damage the clutch or transmission.
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
When this light comes on,
you can only shift from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4)
instead of FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2). This helps
you to get the best possible
fuel economy.This light will come on under these conditions:
The engine coolant temperature is greater than
170F (77C),
You are going 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h) and
You are at 35 percent throttle or less.
When the SKIP SHIFT light is on, the gearshift lever
will let you shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) only.
Once you are in FOURTH (4), you can press the clutch
again and shift into another gear.
Follow the shift speeds listed below when the SKIP
SHIFT light is on.
Computer
-Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds
1st to 4th @ 15 mph (24 km/h)
4th to 5th @ 25 mph (40 km/h)*
5th to 6th @ 49 mph (64 km/h)**
Each time you come to a stop, the engine's Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) determines when to activate the
SKIP SHIFT upshift system. The SKIP SHIFT upshift
system is bypassed when you accelerate very quickly
from a stop.
*30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.
**45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.
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2-81 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the
red area, your engine is
approaching an
overheating condition.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Low Coolant Light ( 5.7L V8 Engine)
This warning light should
come on briefly while you
are starting your engine. If
the light doesn't come on,
have it repaired.
Your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant indicator
that is designed to detect when the coolant level drops
below the set limit. If the low coolant level sensor (on
the radiator) detects that the level drops while the engine
is running, the low coolant indicator will light and
remain lit until the ignition is turned to OFF. Check the
coolant level and add coolant as needed.
The low coolant light might stay on after filling the
radiator. Turn the ignition to OFF, then restart the engine
to verify that the low coolant light goes out. See ªEngine
Coolantº in the Index.
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2-82
NOTICE:
Driving with the low coolant light on could cause
your vehicle to overheat. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index. Your vehicle could be damaged, and it
wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
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3-3
BI-LEVEL: Air is directed through the upper air
vents and the heater ducts.
VENT: Air flows through the upper air vents.
HEATER: This setting directs most of the air
through the heater ducts and some of the air through the
windshield defroster vents.
BLEND: Air is directed through the windshield
defroster vents and the heater ducts.
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster vents and some of the
air through the heater ducts.
Cooling
The air conditioner works best if you keep your
windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows
just long enough for the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air control knob to A/C for normal cooling.
For faster cooling turn the knob to MAX.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
1. Turn the air control knob to heater.
2. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
If your vehicle is equipped with an engine coolant
heater, you can use it in cold weather (around
20F/
-8C or lower) to improve heater performance
on initial start up. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in
the Index.
Bi-Level Heating
You may want to use Bi-Level heating on cool, but
sunny days. This setting directs cool air toward your
body and warmer air toward your feet.
1. Turn the air control knob to Bi
-Level.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.