2-16
Ignition Positions
Your ignition switch is located on the instrument panel.
With the ignition key in the switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions.
OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition switch,
the switch is in OFF. It's also the only position from which
you can remove your key. This position locks your
ignition and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? 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.
ACC (B): This position lets you turn off the ignition.
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is off. Your steering wheel will
unlock. Use ACC if you must have your vehicle pushed
or towed.
ON (C): This position is where the key returns after you
start the vehicle. With the engine off, you can use ON to
display some of your warning and indicator lights.
START (D): This position starts your engine.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With retained accessory power, the power windows,
audio system and sunroof (if equipped) will continue to
work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to
OFF and none of the doors is opened.
2-20
PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your 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.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control. You must fully apply your
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it
all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake
pushed down. Then move the shift lever out of
PARK (P), being sure to press the shift lever button.
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
is stopped.
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.
2-25 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 the PARK (P)
position, 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. If you can, it means
that the shift lever wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
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.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
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).
2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You must fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº
in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the
shift lever button as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P) into the gear
that you wish.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down, but still can't
shift out of PARK(P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACC.
2. Apply and hold the brake.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine, and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.
2-29
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the switch.
To raise the window, press and hold the switch forward.
The driver's window
controls also include a
lock
-out switch. Press
LOCK to stop front and rear
passengers from using their
window switches.
The driver can still operate all windows with the lock
on. Press the other side of the LOCK switch for normal
window operation.
Full Floating Horn
The full floating horn is designed so that you may press
anywhere on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest
level to give your legs more room when you exit and
enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the wheel and pull the lever
located on the left side of your steering column. Move
the wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever
to lock the wheel in place.
2-32
You can set the wiper speed for a long delay or short
delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light
rain or snow. Push the lever up one click to INT
(intermittent), then turn the band, located on the lever, to
adjust the delay time. Turn the band down for a longer
delay, up for a shorter delay. The wiper speed can only
be adjusted when the lever is in the INT position, not in
HI or LO.
Be sure to clear the ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they're frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.Windshield Washer
At the end of the right-hand lever on the steering wheel,
there is a wiper symbol. To spray washer fluid on the
windshield, push the button on the end of the lever. The
wipers will run for several sweeps and then either stop
or return to your preset speed.
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.
2-39
Parade Mode
The instrument panel brightness control has an added
feature called parade mode to assist you in seeing
certain instrument panel controls if your headlamps are
on in the daylight. Without turning the courtesy lamps
on, turn the instrument panel brightness thumbwheel all
the way to the top. The radio, season/trip odometer,
gearshift selection indicator on the instrument panel
cluster and the heating and air conditioning controls will
come on at their maximum brightness. This will occur
only with the parking lamps or headlamps on.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door is opened, several lamps come on. These
lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easy for you to
enter and leave your vehicle. You can also turn these
lamps on by turning the interior lamps dial all the way
up or by turning on each individual lamp.
Illuminated Entry
Your courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for a set
time whenever you press UNLOCK on the remote
keyless entry transmitter (if equipped).If you open a door, the lamps will stay on while it's open
then turn off automatically about 25 seconds after you
close it. If you press UNLOCK and don't open a door,
the lamps will turn off after about 40 seconds.
Illuminated entry includes a feature called theater
dimming. With theater dimming, the lamps don't just
turn off at the end of the delay time. Instead, they slowly
dim after the delay time until they go out. The delay
time is cancelled if you turn the ignition key to ON, so
the lamps will dim out right away. When the ignition is
on, illuminated entry is inactive, which means the
courtesy lamps won't come on unless a door is opened.
Illumination on Door Handle Activation
Illumination on door handle activation is a standard
feature intended to provide enhanced security and
convenience by allowing the driver to activate the
vehicle interior illumination without unlocking or
opening any vehicle door.
The ignition must be off and the doors locked for the
illumination on door handle activation to work. The
illumination on door handle activation feature can
function in two ways.
2-40
If the driver pulls and releases any front door handle
within one second, the interior lamps will illuminate until:
The ignition is turned to ON,
the power door locks are activated or
an illumination period of 25 seconds has elapsed.
Or, if the driver pulls and holds any front door handle
for more than one second, the interior lamps will
illuminate until:
The ignition is turned to ON,
the door handle is released or
an illumination period of 50 seconds has elapsed.
If during the illumination period a door is opened, the timed
illumination period will be cancelled, though the interior
lamps will remain on because a vehicle door is open.
Delayed Illumination
The delayed illumination feature will continue to
illuminate the interior for 25 seconds after all doors have
been closed so that you can find the ignition and buckle
your seat belt at night. Delayed illumination will not occur
while the ignition is in ON. After 25 seconds have elapsed,
the interior lamps will slowly fade out. The lamps will
fade out before 25 seconds have elapsed if you:Turn the ignition to ON.
Lock all doors using your remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped).
Lock the doors using the power door lock switch.
If during the delayed illumination period a door is opened,
the timed illumination period will be cancelled, though the
interior lamps will remain on because a door is open.
Exit Illumination
To see better when exiting your vehicle at night, your
vehicle is equipped with an exit illumination feature.
The interior lamps will illuminate for up to 25 seconds
when you remove your key from the ignition. After 25
seconds have elapsed, the interior lamps will slowly
fade out. The lamps will fade out before the 25 seconds
have elapsed if you:
Turn the ignition to ON.
Lock all doors using your remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped).
Lock the doors using the power door lock switch.
When any door is opened, exit illumination is cancelled.
The interior lamps will stay on when any door is open.
The interior lamps may stay on for up to 25 seconds
after all the doors have been closed if they have not been
locked. See ªDelayed Illuminationº in the Index.