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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.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, and it features an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument cluster. This display
must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of
being moved out of the PARK (P) position. This means
that if your key is in OFF, but not locked, there will be a
small current drain on your battery which could
discharge your battery over a period of time. If you have
a need to leave your key in the ignition in OFF for an
extended period for any reason, it is recommended that
you disconnect the battery cable from the battery to
prevent discharging your battery.
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You can use the DOME OVERRIDE button, located
below the headlamp knob, to set the dome lamps to
automatically come on when the doors are open, or to
remain off.
If the DOME OVERRIDE button is pushed in, the dome
lamps will not come on.
If the DOME OVERRIDE button is out, your interior
lamps will work as usual.
If the button is pressed in, the interior lamps will not
come on when any of the vehicle's doors are open. This
feature is helpful when you want to leave your door(s)
open for an extended period of time and do not want to
run the battery down. The button is located next to the
lamp switch.Reading Lamps (Option)
If your vehicle has reading lamps, press the button next
to the lamp to turn the lamp on or off.
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NOTICE:
Holding a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating can make it overload,
damaging the lighter and the heating element.
Just push the lighter all the way in and let go.
When it's done, it will pop back by itself.
To remove the front ashtray, pull up on the tab with a
key or screwdriver inserted in the tab, and lift the
ashtray out.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You
can also swing them from side to side.
Visor Vanity Mirror (Option)
Some visors have mirrors built in, with or without
lamps. Just lift the mirror cover on each visor to turn the
lamps on, if you have them.
Accessory Power Outlets
You can plug auxiliary electrical equipment into
accessory power outlets. Just pull on the outlet cover
and follow the proper installation instructions that are
included with any electrical equipment that you install.
One accessory power outlet is located on the passenger's
side of the front storage compartment.
These circuits are protected by a fuse and have
maximum current levels.
NOTICE:
When using the accessory power outlets, maximum
electrical load must not exceed 25 amps. Always
turn off any electrical equipment when not in use.
Leaving electrical equipment on for extended
periods will drain your battery.
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CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Charging System Light
This light should come on
briefly when you turn on the
ignition, before starting the
engine, as a check to show
you it is working.
After the engine starts, the light should go out. If it stays
on or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with your charging system. It could indicate a
problem with the generator drive belt, or some other
charging system problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this light on, it
helps to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
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2-54 Voltmeter
When your engine is not
running, but the ignition is
on (in the RUN position),
this gage shows your
battery's state of charge in
DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. Readings between the
low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full power at
engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.You can only drive for a short time with the reading in
either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off all
unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on when you set your parking brake. The light
will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release fully.
If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it
means you have a brake problem.
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON light is on or not
working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on
-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This may take several days of routine
driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does
not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine Soon Light) (7.4L Gasoline
Engine -- Except California)
If this light comes on or flashes while you are driving,
two things may happen.
First, you won't notice any difference in engine
performance, but your tail pipe emissions may increase.
Second, your engine may not run properly or may stall
without warning. If either of these things happen, drive
or tow your vehicle to your dealer for service.
This light should come on when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is
working. If it does not come on at all, have it repaired.
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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3-26 Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
THEFTLOCK is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio
functions whenever battery power is removed.
The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or
ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the
radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is
activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.
When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display
LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery
power has been interrupted. If your battery loses power
for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret
code before it will operate.
Activating the Theft
-Deterrent Feature
The instructions which follow explain how to enter your
secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is
recommended that you read through all nine steps
before starting the procedure.
NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse
between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to
time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4.
1. Write down any three or four
-digit number from
000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from
the vehicle.2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN.
3. Turn the radio off.
4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down
until
--- shows on the display. Next you will use the
secret code number which you have written down.
5. Press MN and 000 will appear on the display.
6. Press MN again to make the last two digits agree
with your code.
7. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree
with your code.
8. Press AM
-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written down.
The display will show REP to let you know that you
need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your
secret code.
9. Press AM
-FM and this time the display will show
SEC to let you know that your radio is secure.
The LED indicator by the volume control will begin
flashing when the ignition is turned off.
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When battery power is removed and later applied to a
secured radio, the radio won't turn on and LOC will
appear on the display.
To unlock a secured radio, see ªUnlocking the
Theft
-Deterrent Feature After a Power Lossº earlier
in this section.
Understanding Radio Reception
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to come and go.
Tips About Your Audio System
Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable
until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher
volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud
and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by
adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe
sound level before your hearing adapts to it.
To help avoid hearing loss or damage:
Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.
Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably
and clearly.