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STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the
key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is
above ±12ÉC (10ÉF) and the engine does not start
within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to
OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and
the engine does not start in 15 seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and
hold. Turn the key to START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then
release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine
speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant,
which improves starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster system to respond
quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23ÉC (-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not harm the engine,
so the heater can be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
3
2
1
5
4
Starting
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BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not
indicate a performance concern with the vehicle's
brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake
systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal
or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such
noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however, they may be
heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as
cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a
ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking,
the brake linings may be worn-out and should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking
system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump
motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed
during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled
with noise while braking under panic conditions or
on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle's anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to
drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard
during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is
found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
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The ABS operates by
detecting the onset of
wheel lockup during
brake applications and
compensates for this
tendency. The wheels
are prevented from
locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of
an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with
loss of front braking traction.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster
momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned
to the ON position. If the light does not illuminate
momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to
flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on,
the anti-lock brake
system is disabled and
normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your
brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency
from the four wheel ABS is required, apply
continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing
you to retain full steering control of your vehicle
and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the
vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce
P!
BRAKE
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stopping distance. Always leave enough room
between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of
you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with
this braking technique. However, avoid taking any
unnecessary risks.
Hydraulic brake booster system (Hydroboost)
The Hydroboost system receives fluid pressure from
the power steering pump to provide power assist
during braking.
The sound of the pump operating may be heard by
the driver, but this is a normal characteristic of the
system.
For Hydroboost-equipped vehicles operating under
normal conditions, the noise of the fluid flowing
through the booster may be heard whenever the
brake is applied. This condition is normal. Vehicle
service is not required.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes
very poor, even when the pedal is strongly depressed,
it may indicate the presence of air in the hydraulic
system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible and seek service immediately.
Parking brake
Apply the parking
brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To
set the parking brake,
apply the brake pedal
and pull the parking
brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning
lamp in the instrument
cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated
(when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking
brake is released.
P!
BRAKE
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Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First
Gear) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a
moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail,
the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle
in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies
only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance
will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle
will be adversely affected.
To release the parking
brake, the brake
handle may need to be
pulled up slightly to
release pressure before
pushing in the button.
Push the button on the
end of the parking
brake handle and push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the parking brake applied will
cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Controlysystem. This system helps you
maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery road
surfaces. The system operates by detecting and
controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of
the electronic and mechanical elements already
present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to
be detected by the Traction Controlyportion of the
ABS computer. Any excessive wheel spin is
controlled by automatically applying and releasing
the rear brakes in conjunction with engine torque
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STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help steer
the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or the extreme left for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power
steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on
the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could
be caused by any of the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being
moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON
position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P
(Park) with ignition in the ON position and the
brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
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2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be
rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at
normal operating temperature or damage to
the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few
minutes or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the
brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the
brakes may not be working properly. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
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Driving with an automatic overdrive
transmission with console gearshift and O/D off
switch
Your automatic
overdrive transmission
provides fully
automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or
with the O/D OFF
switch depressed.
Driving with the
gearshift lever in D
(Overdrive) gives the
best fuel economy for
normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and
then shift manually.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
(if equipped)
Use the following
procedure to put your
vehicle in gear.
1. Start the engine.
2. Depress and hold
the brake pedal.
3. Push and hold the
thumb button.
4. Move gearshift lever
out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move
the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another
position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
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