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When your vehicle is shipped from the factory, it will be
in Mode 4.
To change the mode do the following:
1. Follow the instructions for ªEntering Programming
Modeº listed previously.
2. Turn the interior lamps thumbwheel all the way to
the right and then back slightly to the left.
3. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set
for. You change the mode by turning the interior
lamps thumbwheel all the way to the right and then
back slightly to the left.
4. Repeat Step 2 until you hear the number of chimes
that matches the number of the mode you want.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
earlier in this section or program the next feature
available on your vehicle.Automatic Door Locks
With automatic door locks, all doors will automatically
lock when you shift out of PARK (P) and automatically
unlock when the ignition is turned to OFF.
To customize these features to your preference, see
ªProgrammable Modesº.
Programmable Modes
Your vehicle can be programmed to one of these modes.
Mode 1: Both Features Off (Automatic door locking
and unlocking are disabled.) You will always need to
lock your doors manually before driving to increase
occupant safety.
All doors will lock when you press the power door
lock switch rearward or when you press the LOCK
on the remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped).
All doors will unlock when you press the power door
lock switch forward or when you press UNLOCK on
the remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped).
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Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?
If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.
Close all windows.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all doors except the driver's.
Give the valet key to the valet. Then take the master
key with you.
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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
The ignition switch is located on the right side of the
steering column. With the key in the ignition switch,
you can turn the switch to five positions.
ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
off. To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
toward you. The steering wheel will stay locked.
LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition switch,
the switch is in LOCK. It's also the only position from which
you can remove the key. This position locks the ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
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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. Use OFF if you must have the
vehicle pushed or towed.
RUN (D): This position is where the key returns after
you start the vehicle. With the engine off, you can
use RUN to display some of the warning and
indicator lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With retained accessory power, the power windows,
audio system and sunroof will continue to work up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and
none of the doors are opened.
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.
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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 Transaxle Operation
The automatic transaxle has a shift lever on the console
between the seats. There is also a display of the gear
positions on the instrument panel cluster near the
speedometer and tachometer.Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle
vehicles when you're in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to
protect driveline components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks the front wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start the engine because the
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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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply
the regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is in RUN. 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. 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 the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transaxle, see ªStuck:
In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.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 the 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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FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power,
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift
lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won't shift into
first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If the front wheels can't turn, don't try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very deep
sand or mud or were up against a solid object.
You could damage the transaxle.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold the
vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This
could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use the
brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold the vehicle
in position on a hill.
Performance Shifting (If Equipped)
Press the performance shift
button, located on the side
of the console shift lever, to
allow the transaxle to shift
at higher engine speeds,
increasing firmness and
acceleration performance.
If you have a vehicle with the 3800 Supercharged
engine option, the PERFORMANCE SHIFT message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) will come on.
Downshifts will occur at a lower percentage of
accelerator use while you're in the performance
shift mode.
Press the button again to return to normal shifting.
The transaxle will then shift at lower engine speeds,
increasing fuel economy.
2-46
The driver's window switch also has an auto-down
feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of
the switch, and the driver's window will open a small
amount. If the rear of the switch is fully pressed and
released, the window will go all the way down.
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front
of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the
front of the switch.
On four
-door models, the driver's window switch also
includes a lock
-out feature. Push LOCK OUT to stop
front and rear passengers from using their window
switches. The driver can still control all the windows
with the lock on. Push LOCK OUT again for normal
window operation. When the orange band on the switch
is showing, the passengers can operate their windows.
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 steering 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 steering wheel and pull the
lever located on the left side of the steering column
below the turn signal/multifunction lever. Move the
steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the
lever to lock the wheel in place.