Three-way catalytic converter cautions
· Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involving the electrical, fuel or distributor
ignition systems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Do not continue to operate
your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or other unusual operating conditions, such as
engine overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage the three-
way catalytic converter.
· Do not park your car over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
· Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), with an intermittently firing or flooded engine, can cause three-
way catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
· Remember that tampering or unauthorized modifications to the engine or the vehicle may be illegal and can cause
three-way catalytic converter or exhaust system
overheating. This includes:
- Altering fuel injection setting or components.
- Altering emission system components or location or removing components.
- Repeated use of leaded fuel.
NOTE: Unleaded fuel is required for cars with three-way catalytic converters.
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1. Fasten the seat belt.
WARNING!
Before starting, check that the seat, steering wheel and mirrors are adjusted properly. Make sure the brake pedal can
be depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary. Refer to section "front seats".
2. Apply the parking brake, if not already set. The gear selector (automatic transmission) is locked in the (P)ark
position (SHIFT LOCK).
Manual transmission: the clutch must be fully depressed.
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position*. Allow the starter to operate
for up to 10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine fails to start, repeat step 3.
For cold starts at altitudes above 6000 ft (1800 meters), depress the accelerator pedal halfway and turn the key to the
starting position. Release the pedal slowly when the engine starts.
* If the key is left in the Drive position (position II) for more than 30 seconds, it must be turned to position 0 and then
turned to the Start position (position III) again in order to start the car. See page 21
for ignition key positions.
4. To release the gear selector from the (P)ark position (automatic transmission), the ignition key must be in position II
and the brake pedal must be depressed. See page 95
for instructions on manually releasing the SHIFTLOCK
system.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
NOTE: (Automatic transmission only)
Your car is equipped with a KEYLOCK system. When the engine is switched off, the gear selector must be in the
( P )ark position before the starting key can be removed from the ignition switch.
5. Select the desired gear. The gear engages after a slight delay (automatic transmission) which is especially noticeable
when selecting R.
CAUTION : (Automatic transmission only)
The engine should be idling; never accelerate until after you feel the gear engage! Toorapid acceleration immediately
after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and premature transmission wear.
NOTE : Selecting P or N (automatic transmission) when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time will help
prevent overheating of transmission oil.
WARNING!
Always place the gear selector (automatic transmission) in Park and apply the parking brake before leaving the
vehicle. Never leave the car unattended with the engine running.
Always open the garage doors fully before starting the engine inside a garage to ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very poisonous.
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