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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
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-8 Remote Keyless Entry System
2
-12 Trunk
2
-15 Theft
2
-16 Theft-Deterrent System
2
-18 PASS-Key II
2
-19 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-19 Ignition Positions
2
-21 Starting Your Engine
2
-22 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-27 Parking Brake
2
-29 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-31 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-31 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-32 Engine Exhaust
2
-32 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-33 Tilt Wheel
2
-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-42 Exterior Lamps
2
-46 Interior Lamps
2
-48 Mirrors
2
-51 Storage Compartments
2
-53 Sun Visors
2
-54 OnStar System (If Equipped)
2
-57 Sunroof (Option)
2
-58 HomeLink Transmitter (Option)
2
-62 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-66 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-78 Driver Information Center (DIC)
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2-22
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
A. Engine Oil Dipstick Location
B. Engine Coolant Heater Cord
C. Transaxle Dipstick/Fluid Fill Location
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In very cold weather, 0F (-18C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm
-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting
your vehicle. At temperatures above 32F (0C),
use of the coolant heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver's side of
the engine, behind the transaxle dipstick/fluid fill
location (C) and next to the engine.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and
cause a fire. You could be seriously injured.
Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three
-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
won't reach, use a heavy
-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where you'll be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
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The outside temperature sensor is located near the front
grille. The sensor can be affected by road or engine
heat during idling, slow driving or when the engine is
first started after a short trip. In order to ensure proper
automatic climate control operation, the outside air
temperature display may not update as quickly as
expected. This is to allow the air surrounding the outside
temperature sensor to be as close to the actual outside
conditions as possible. This is determined by how much
time has elapsed since the vehicle has been turned off
and by vehicle speed.
Mode Switch
Press the MODE switch to deliver air through the floor,
middle or windshield outlets. The system will stay in
the selected mode until the MODE switch is pressed
again. Press the up or down arrow to cycle through
the available modes.Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
(Bi-Level): This setting directs air into your
vehicle in two ways. Cool air is directed to the upper
portion of your body through the four instrument
panel outlets while warmed air is directed to the floor.
Heater/Defrost): This setting directs air to the
floor outlets and toward the windshield.
(Heater): This setting directs warmed air through
the floor outlets. Some warm air is diverted to the
windshield to minimize fogging.
(Defrost): Press this button to quickly remove
fog or frost from the windshield. This setting sends
most of the airflow to the windshield with only a
small amount to the floor outlets.
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3-7 Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
Press the AC button or the TEMP/AUTO knob to turn
the system on and then select the proper mode to direct
airflow. The system will cool and dehumidify the air
inside the vehicle. Also while in the AUTO mode, the
system will use recirculation as necessary to cool the air.
You may also need to adjust the interior temperature and
the fan speed as needed.
When the air conditioner is on, you may sometimes
notice slight changes in your vehicle's engine speed
and power. This is normal because the system is
designed to cycle the compressor on and off to
maintain the desired temperature.
Heating
Press the MODE switch to select the heater mode.
Adjust the interior temperature to a comfortable level
and if the fan speed needs adjusting, press the up or
down arrow.
Outside air will be brought in and sent through the floor,
air conditioning or bi
-level outlets (depending on the
condition). The heater works best if you keep your
windows closed while using it.
Defogging and Defrosting
Use defrost to remove fog or ice from the windshield
quickly in extremely humid or cold conditions.
Press the MODE switch. If you select defrost mode,
adjust the fan speed by pressing the fan switch up or
down. If you select defrost mode from AUTO, the
system will control the fan speed. The temperature also
needs to be adjusted by turning the TEMP/AUTO knob.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost or defog modes.
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3-8 Rear Window Defogger
The lines you see on the rear window warm the glass.
When the rear window defogger is turned on, the rear
window and both outside rearview mirrors are heated to
remove ice and snow from the surface of the glass.
Press this button to
turn on the rear defogger.
The system will automatically shut off after 10 minutes.
If further defogging is desired, press the button again.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals
across the defogger grid on the rear window.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid or the
integrated rear window antenna, and the repairs
wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Ventilation System
Your vehicle's flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or the air
conditioning fan is running.
The front outlets are located in the center and at each
side of the instrument panel. You can adjust the
direction of airflow by moving the center control levers
or you can stop the airflow by moving the lever located
on each side of the outlets downward.
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3-9
The direction of airflow for the rear seats can also
be adjusted. Move the fan lever to adjust the fan
speed from low to high. Move the vent lever to direct
the airflow.Ventilation Tips
Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice,
snow or any other obstruction (such as leaves).
The heater and defroster will work far better,
reducing the chance of fogging the inside of
the windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather,
adjust the fan to the highest speed for a few
moments before driving off. This helps clear the
intake outlets of snow and moisture, and reduces
the chance of fogging the inside of the windows.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear
of objects. This helps circulate air throughout
your vehicle.
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Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you've been stopped by the snow.
Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats
-- anything you can wrap around yourself or
tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly.
This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it
keeps the battery charged. You will need a well
-charged
battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling
later on with your headlamps. Let the heater run for
a while.