Page 84 of 399

2-27
Automatic Transaxle Operation
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P): This position
locks the front wheels.
It's the best position to
use when you start the
engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is 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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. 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, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle 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 the shift lever all the way into PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you
wish. See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in the Index.
Page 90 of 399
2-33
Shifting Into PARK (P)
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. If you're pulling a
trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into
PARK (P) by pushing
the lever all the way
toward the front of
your vehicle and then
to the left.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Page 92 of 399

2-35
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxleº in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease the pressure
on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you
ever hold the pedal down but still can't shift out of
PARK (P), try the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC. Open and close the
driver's door to turn off the RAP feature.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.
Page 109 of 399

2-52 Illuminated Entry
The illuminated entry system turns on the courtesy
lamps and the backlighting to the door switches and to
the exterior lamp control when a door is opened or if
you press the remote keyless entry transmitter unlock
button. If activated due to the transmitter, the lighting
will remain active for about 40 seconds. Since the
illuminated entry system uses the light sensor, it must be
dark outside in order for the courtesy lamps to turn on.
The courtesy lamps turn off approximately 25 seconds
after the last door is closed. They will dim to off if the
ignition key is placed in ON, or immediately deactivate
if the power locks are activated.
Parade Dimming
This feature prohibits dimming of the digital displays
and backlighting during daylight hours when the key is
in the ignition and the headlamps are on. This feature
operates with the light sensor for the Twilight Sentinel
and is fully automatic. When the light sensor reads
darkness outside and the parking lamps are active,
the digital displays can be adjusted by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob counterclockwise
to dim and clockwise to brighten lighting.
Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are located in the overhead
console. These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps
come on when a door is opened and it is dark outside.
The rear reading lamps will not come on when a front
door is opened.
The rear courtesy lamps are located on the rear headliner
above the rear seat outboard positions. When a rear door
is opened, both the front and rear reading lamps come
on with the courtesy lamps.
Press the button near each lamp to turn it on and off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle's electrical load and determine
when the battery is in a heavy discharge condition.
During times of high electrical loading, the engine
may idle at a higher revolutions per minute (rpm)
setting than normal to make sure the battery charges.
High electrical loads may occur when several of the
following are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps,
rear window defogger, the climate control fan at high
speeds, heated seats and engine cooling fans.
Page 115 of 399

2-58
Storage Compartments
Glove Box
The glove box is located in front of the passenger's seat
on the instrument panel. To lock the glove box door,
insert the master key into the lock cylinder and turn it
clockwise. Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock
the door.
Map Pocket
The map/storage pockets are located on each
front door as well as on the passenger's and driver's
front seatbacks.
Center Console Storage
The center console comes with a storage tray, a storage
compartment for CDs or tapes, a dual cupholder that
unfolds, a coinholder, an optional phone and an armrest.
The cupholder can be opened by pressing on the surface
panel located in front of the armrest and unfolding it.
Close the lid to secure it.
Convenience Net
The convenience net attaches to the floor of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net.
It can help keep them from falling over during sharp
turns or quick starts and stops.
The net is not for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can. When not using the net,
hook the net to the tabs securing it to the sill plate.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter (Option)
The ashtrays and cigarette lighters may be ordered
through your dealer.
NOTICE:
Don't put papers or other flammable items
into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them, causing
a damaging fire.
Page 133 of 399

2-76
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Your vehicle also has a Driver Information Center (DIC)
that works along with the warning lights and gages.
See ªDriver Information Center (DIC)º in the Index
for more information.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 70 seconds.
If the driver's belt is
already buckled, the light
will come on briefly, but the
chime will not sound.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG or the air bag symbol.
The system checks the air bag's electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors,
the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more information on the
air bag system, see ªAir Bagº in the Index.
United States Canada
This light will come on when you start your vehicle, and
it will flash for a few seconds. Then the light should go
out. This means the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
Page 134 of 399
2-77
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON.
If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Charging System Light
When you turn the key to
ON or START, this light
will come on briefly to
show that the generator and
battery charging systems are
working properly.
If this light stays on, you need service and you should
take your vehicle to the dealer at once. To save your
battery until you get there, turn off all accessories.
Page 135 of 399

2-78 Brake System Warning and Parking Brake
Indicator Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on
briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it
doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if
there's a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.