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 Memory (Option)
2
-9 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
2
-14 Hatch/Trunk
2
-19 Theft-Deterrent System
2
-20 PASS-Key
2-21 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-22 Ignition Switch
2
-24 Starting Your Engine
2
-26 Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
2
-28 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-31 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-35 Parking Brake
2
-36 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-38 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)2
-38 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
2
-39 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-39 Engine Exhaust
2
-40 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-40 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2
-41 Selective Real Time Damping (Option)
2
-43 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-49 Exterior Lamps
2
-53 Interior Lamps
2
-54 Mirrors
2
-57 Storage Compartments
2
-62 Roof Panel (If Equipped)
2
-69 Convertible Top (Option)
2
-76 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-80 Warning Lights, Gages and Messages
2
-94 Driver Information Center (DIC)
2-26
Racing or Other Competitive Driving
See your Warranty Book before using your vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving.
NOTICE:
If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, your engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels
can damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil
level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near 1 quart (1 L)
above the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range on the engine oil dipstick.
For information on how to add oil, see ªAdding
Oilº under ªEngineº in the Index. After the
competitive driving, remove excess oil so that the
level on the dipstick is not above the upper mark
that shows the proper operating range.
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
The engine coolant heater is located on the driver's side
of the engine under the manifold.
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.
2-27 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is attached to the generator
bracket assembly, between the generator and the
windshield washer fluid tank.With the headlamps
closed, route the cord in the opening between the
headlamp door and the fender panel on the driver's
side of the vehicle. Do not pinch the cord when
closing the hood.
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
11 0
-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.
3-11 Air Conditioning
On very hot days, the vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically if you open the windows
long enough to let hot inside air escape. Then keep the
windows closed in order to allow the air conditioning
to work best. Maximum cooling will occur when the
recirculate setting is operating, airflow direction is in the
upper mode, and the temperature control knob (on a
manual climate control system) is turned all the way to
the blue area. These settings will be selected by the
automatic electronic dual climate control system if
operating in AUTO when maximum cooling is required.
When the air conditioning is on, you may sometimes
notice slight changes in the vehicle's engine performance
and power. This is normal. The system is designed to
help fuel economy while maintaining the desired
cooling level.
The air conditioning removes moisture from the air,
so you may notice water dripping from under the
vehicle when it is idling or after it has been turned off.
This is normal.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep the windows closed.
Maximum heating will occur when airflow direction is
in the lower mode and the temperature control knob
(on a manual climate control system) is all the way in
the red area. These settings will be selected by the
automatic electronic dual climate control system if
operating in AUTO when maximum heating is required.
The bi
-level setting is designed for use on sunny days
when the air is only moderately warm or cool. On days
like these, the sun may adequately warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
The bi
-level setting will direct cooler airflow to your
upper body and warmer air to the floor area.
If you have the optional engine coolant heater and use it
during cold weather 0F (
-18C) or lower, the heating
system will provide heat more quickly because the
coolant is already warmed. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº
in the Index.
3-13 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 fan is running.
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, turn 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 area around the base of the center
instrument panel console and air path under the seats
clear of objects. This helps air circulate throughout
the vehicle.
Audio Systems
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the
most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it
first. Find out what your audio system can do and how
to operate all of its controls to be sure you're getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio
system even after the ignition is turned off. See
ªRetained Accessory Powerº in the Index.
Setting the Clock
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears.
Press and hold MN until the correct minute appears.
4-31
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.
5-11
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. See ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº in the Index
for information on driving to a safe place in
an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high
-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
3. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ()
or THIRD (3) for automatic transmissions.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive.
Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the
warning doesn't come back on, you can drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you're parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see ªOverheated
Engine Protection Operating Modeº listed previously
in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-13
The coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD
mark. If it isn't, you may have a leak at the pressure cap
or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water
pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don't touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
See ªOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Modeº in the Index for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.