Page 86 of 397

2-16
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)
NOTICE:
The trunk release handle was not designed to be
used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk release handle could damage it.
There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle
located inside the trunk near the latch. This handle will
glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle
up to open the trunk from the inside.
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.
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2-17
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
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still 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.
Move the valet lockout switch to ON.
Leave only the valet key.
Take all other keys and the Remote Keyless Entry
transmitter with you.
Theft-Deterrent System
If the ignition is off and
any door is open, the
SECURITY light will flash,
reminding you to activate
the system.
The light will also flash if the battery has been
disconnected and reconnected.
To arm the system, do the following:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door using the power door lock or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY
light should come on and stay on.
3. Close all the doors. The SECURITY light should go
off within about 30 seconds.
When the theft
-deterrent system activates, the horn will
sound and the lamps will flash for about 30 seconds
when the door or trunk is opened without the key or the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
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2-18
Remember, the theft-deterrent system won't activate if
you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock
button or the remote keyless entry transmitter.
To avoid activating the alarm by accident,
do the following:
Always unlock a door with a known key or use the
remote keyless entry transmitter. (Using a known
key or pressing the unlock button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter disables the theft
-deterrent
system.) Unlocking a door any other way, such
as using an unknown key, will activate the
alarm system.
The vehicle should be locked with the door key after
the doors are closed if you don't want to activate the
theft
-deterrent system.
If you activate the alarm by accident, unlock the driver's
door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm by
using the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter or by starting the vehicle with a known key.
The alarm won't stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.
Testing the Alarm
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window, then
get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open.
2. From outside of the vehicle, with the door open, lock
the vehicle using the power door lock or the remote
keyless entry transmitter and close the door. Wait
30 seconds until the SECURITY light goes off.
3. Reach in and unlock the door using the manual lock
lever and open the door. The horn will sound and the
headlamps will flash.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to
see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº
in the Index. If the fuse does not need to be replaced,
you may need to have your vehicle serviced.
To reduce the possibility of theft, always activate the
theft
-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
Page 89 of 397

2-19
Valet Lockout Switch
The valet lockout switch is
located inside the glovebox.
Pushing the VALET lockout switch to ON will disable
the use of the power trunk, fuel door and garage door
openers. Pushing the switch to OFF again will make
these features reusable. Locking the glove box with the
key will also help to secure your vehicle.
The remote keyless entry transmitter cannot be used to
open the trunk or fuel door if the valet lockout switch is
in ON. Also, the valet key will not unlock the glovebox
or trunk.
PASS-Key III
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key III is a passive
theft
-deterrent system. This
means you don't have to do
anything different to arm or
disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove
the key from the ignition.
Your PASS
-Key III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
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2-22
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
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the
switch to four different positions.
If you cannot start your vehicle and you are unable to
remove your key from the ignition, see ªShift Lock
Releaseº in the Index.
OFF (A): This is the only position in which you can
insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
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2-23
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? 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.
ACCESSORY (B): This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off the
engine, but still turn the steering wheel. If your vehicle
has a column shifter, you will still be able to move the
shift lever. Use ACCESSORY if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example,
if your vehicle is being pushed or towed).ON (C): This position is for driving. If your vehicle has
a floor (console) shifter and you turn off the engine, the
transaxle will lock. If you need to shift the transaxle out
of PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.
START (D): 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
ON to OFF:
Radio
Power Windows
Sunroof
Power to these accessories will stop after 10 minutes or
if any door is opened. If you want power for another
10 minutes, turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY,
then back to OFF. Always leave your key in OFF when
using RAP.
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2-27
Column Shifter (Digital and Analog Cluster similar)
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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of
PARK (P)º in the Index.
Page 105 of 397

2-35
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. 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.
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).