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1-32
The right front passenger's frontal and side impact air
bags will be turned on anytime the AOS system senses
that a person of adult size is sitting in the right front
passenger seat. When the air bags are turned on,
the ON light in the rearview mirror will stay on to
remind you that the air bags are on.
United States Canada
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel ever comes on, it means that something
may be wrong with the air bag system. If this
ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly,
because an adult
-size person sitting there may
not have the protection of the air bags. See ªAir
Bag Readiness Lightº in the Index for more on
this, including important safety information.
Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect
how well the AOS system operates. You may not want
to use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your
vehicle has the AOS system.
Page 46 of 371
1-34
Rear Seat Passengers
It's very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up!
Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear
seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who aren't safety belted can be thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
Rear Seat Passenger Positions
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All three rear seating positions have lap
-shoulder belts.
Here's how to wear one properly.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don't let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across
you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you
more slowly.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Page 64 of 371

1-52
CAUTION:
If the ON light comes on when you have a child
restraint installed in the right front passenger
seat, it means that the AOS system has not
turned off the right front passenger's frontal
and side impact air bags. If this ever happens
and you're using a rear
-facing infant restraint,
perform the steps to install the restraint again.
See ªSecuring a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Positionº in the Index. If the air bags
still don't turn off, install the infant restraint in a
rear seat position and have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible. Don't use a rear
-facing infant
restraint in the right front passenger's seat unless
the air bags have been turned off.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown booster seats should
wear the vehicle's safety belts.
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1-55
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you
in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at
the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system
earlier in this section.
If the frontal air bags inflate, you'll also need to replace
the driver's and right front passenger's safety belt
buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new buckle
assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.
Page 68 of 371

2-
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 Windows
2
-6 Keys
2
-8 Door Locks
2
-11 Remote Keyless Entry System
2
-14 Trunk
2
-17 Theft
2
-18 Theft-Deterrent System
2
-20 PASS-Key III
2
-22 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-22 Ignition Positions
2
-24 Starting Your Engine
2
-25 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-27 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-31 Parking Brake
2
-33 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-35 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-35 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-36 Engine Exhaust2
-36 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-37 Tilt Wheel
2
-38 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-46 Exterior Lamps
2
-51 Interior Lamps
2
-53 Mirrors
2
-57 Storage Compartments
2
-59 Sun Visors
2
-65 Sunroof (Option)
2
-66 HomeLink Transmitter (If Equipped)
2
-70 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-75 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-89 Driver Information Center (DIC)
2
-100 Vehicle Programming and Personalization
Features (If Equipped)
2
-108 Navigation (Option)
2
-109 Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) (Option)
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2-5
Anti-Pinch Feature
If a hand, an arm or another object is above the middle
of the window and is in the way of the power window
express
-closing, the window will stop at the obstruction
and express
-open to a preset factory position.
CAUTION:
Pressing and holding the power window control
button will turn off the anti
-pinch feature.
If this happens, a power window won't stop if
something gets in the way. You or others could
be injured, and your window could be damaged.
Be careful not to press and hold the power window
control button.
Rear Window Lockout
Press the LOCK button
down to disable the rear
passenger's window
switches. A light on
the button will illuminate
to indicate that the
rear window switches
are disabled.
When this feature is active, the driver will still have
control of all windows. Press the LOCK button again
to allow the passengers to use their window switches.
After pressing the button, the light will go out to
indicate that the rear window switches are again active.
Page 83 of 371
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.
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2-17
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
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.
Lock all doors except the driver's.
Give the valet key to the valet. Then take the master
key with you.