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 91 of 399

2-34 Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and
your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it.
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some
of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle,
so you can pull the shift lever out of 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 94 of 399

2-37
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.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've 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 after
you move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you're pulling a
trailer, also see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
Horn
The horn can be sounded by pressing on the center
of the steering wheel pad.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can raise the steering wheel to
the highest level to give your legs more room when
you enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold the wheel and pull the lever.
Then move the wheel to a comfortable position and
release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
Page 100 of 399

2-43 Windshield Washer
The windshield washer has both a ªdemandº mode and
a ªprogrammedº mode, depending on the amount of
windshield washer fluid you need.
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
To spray washer fluid on the windshield in the
programmed mode, press and release the button on
the tip of the lever. The washer will provide a measured
amount of fluid to the windshield and the wiper will
either stop or return to your original wiping speed.
To spray washer fluid on the windshield in the demand
mode, press and hold the button until you have enough
fluid, and the wipers will either stop or return to your
original wiping speed.
CHECK WASHER FLUID will be displayed on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) when the washer fluid
reaches a low level.
Cruise Control
The buttons to operate cruise control are located on the
steering wheel.
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This is helpful on
long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h). When cruise control is on, you
will see a CRUISE light on the instrument panel cluster.
Page 108 of 399

2-51
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Knob
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The knob for this feature is
located to the right of the
Twilight Sentinel lever.
Press the knob to release it to the outward position.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights and
counterclockwise to dim them. Press the knob to
return it to the original storage position.
Interior Lamp Lever
The interior lamp lever,
located in the overhead
console, has three positions:
OFF, AUTO and ON.
When the interior lamp lever is in OFF, the lamps are
turned off. Only the driver's door controls and ignition
switch backlighting functions will operate.
With the lever in AUTO and a front door is opened,
the overhead console light, front hush panel lamps and
rear footwell lamps in the door will automatically come
on. When the rear door is opened, all the front door
lighting and rear overhead lamps will come on.
When the lever is in ON, the courtesy lamps are
turned on. Also, all automatic interior lighting
functions are terminated.
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.