Page 91 of 383

2-29
Be sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
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) and release the shift
lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press
the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear
you wish. If you do not apply the brake after 15 seconds
once the ignition is turned on, you will receive a PRESS
BRAKE BEFORE SHIFT message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). 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
transmission. 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 transmission, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine
doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your 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.
Page 98 of 383
2-36
Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be 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.
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, use the steps
that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
remove the key from the ignition, the vehicle is
in PARK (P).
Page 100 of 383

2-38
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transmission
Operationº in the Index.
As a reminder, you will see a message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) that will say PRESS BRAKE
BEFORE SHIFT within 15 seconds unless the brake
is pressed.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear 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 until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by your dealer as soon
as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
Before you get out of your vehicle, move the shift lever
into REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed into REVERSE (R)
with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition
key to OFF, remove the key and release the clutch.
Page 115 of 383

2-53
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
This knob controls the
brightness of the instrument
panel lights when the
headlamps or parking lamps
are on.
Push and release the knob and it will pop out.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or
counterclockwise to dim them.
Be sure not to have this knob turned all the way down
with the lamps on during the day. Your Driver
Information Center (DIC) may not be visible.Parade Mode
The instrument panel brightness knob has an added
feature called parade mode to assist you in seeing
certain instrument panel controls if your headlamps are
on in the daylight. Turn the knob counterclockwise to
dim the instrument panel lights or clockwise to brighten
the lights. This will occur only with the parking lamps
or headlamps on.
Courtesy Lamps
When any door or the hatch/trunk lid is opened, the
interior lamps will go on (unless it's bright outside).
You can also turn on the courtesy lamps by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob all the way clockwise.
Exit and Entry Lighting
With entry lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
entering the vehicle for up to 20 seconds. With exit
lighting, the interior lamps will come on when the key is
turned to OFF or a door is ajar for about 20 seconds.
You can turn exit and entry lighting off by quickly
turning the headlamps on and off or by quickly turning
the courtesy lamps on and off.
Page 116 of 383

2-54
Reading Lamps
Your inside rearview mirror includes two reading lamps.
The lamps will go on when a door is opened. When the
doors are closed, each lamp can be turned on individually
by pressing the switch (each lamp has its own switch).
There is also an interior console flood lamp located
underneath the rearview mirror which comes on with the
headlamps or parking lamps.
Inadvertent Load Control
Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent you from
draining the battery in case the underhood lamp, vanity
mirror lamps, cargo lamps, reading lamps, console or
glove box lamps are accidentally left on. If you leave any
of these lamps on, they will automatically time out after
about 15 minutes. To reset it, all of the above lamps must
be turned off or the ignition key must be in ON.
Mirrors
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
An inside rearview mirror is attached above the
windshield. The mirror pivots so that you can adjust it.
You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull
the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push the tab
forward for daytime driving.
Page 119 of 383
2-57
Storage Compartments
Glove Box
To open the glove box, lift up on the lever. Use your door
key to lock or unlock it. The glove box has a light inside.
Instrument Panel Cupholder
The cupholder is located on the center console in front
of the ashtray. To open it, place your thumb on the left
side of the lid and push down. Raise the right side with
your index finger.
Center Console Storage
To use this storage area, pull up the lid on the driver's
side front edge of the console and swing it to the
passenger's side.
You can use the key to lock and unlock the console.
Don't leave the key in the lock, or it could be damaged
when the driver sits down.
The fuel filler door release button and accessory power
outlet are located inside the center console.
Page 125 of 383
2-63
NOTICE:
To avoid damage to the roof panel, paint and
weatherstripping, do not drop or rest it on its
edges. Place the roof panel in the egg
-shaped
stowage receivers after removing it from
the vehicle.
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake firmly
and shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF. Lower both sun visors
and turn them toward the door glass.
3. Open the rear liftgate and remove any items that may
interfere with proper storage of the roof panel.
4. Make sure to install the two egg-shaped stowage
receivers into the floor of the rear storage
compartment. Secure both receivers into their proper
positions by turning them counterclockwise.
5. Lower the windows and open the doors.
Page 132 of 383
2-70
When lowering and raising the convertible top, you will
use the following:
A. Front Edge of the Convertible Top
B. Rear Edge of the Convertible Top
C. Storage Compartment Lid
Lowering the Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don't leave the convertible out with the top down
for any long periods of time. The sun and rain
can damage the seat material and other things
inside the vehicle.
1. Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P). Shift a manual
transmission into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF. Lower both sun visors
and turn them toward the door glass.
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area may cause
the convertible top back glass to break.