Page 101 of 264

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For
vehicle equipped with a manual
transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the
key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift
lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake
pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
3
1
2
5
4
Driving
101
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Page 203 of 264

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected see “Shift strategy” in the driving section.
Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Maintenance and Specifications
203
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A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................82
and child safety seats ..............83
description ................................82
disposal ......................................86
driver air bag ............................84
indicator light ...........................85
operation ...................................84
passenger air bag .....................84
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................86
Air cleaner filter .......226–227, 234
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................204
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................106–107
Audio system
(see Radio) ................17, 19, 22, 26
Automatic transmission ............109
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................110
fluid, adding ............................222
fluid, checking ........................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............234
fluid, specification ..................240
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..237, 240
refill capacities ........................234
traction lok ..............................108
B
Battery .......................................202
acid, treating emergencies .....202jumping a disabled battery ....174
maintenance-free ....................202
replacement, specifications ...234
servicing ..................................202
BeltMinder ...................................77
Brakes ........................................105
anti-lock ...........................105–107
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................106
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............234
fluid, specifications .........237, 240
lubricant specifications ..237, 240
parking ....................................107
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................49
shift interlock ..........................109
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....234
Cassette tape player ...................26
CD changer .................................28
CD-single premium .........17, 19, 22
Certification Label ....................249
Child safety restraints ................91
child safety belts ......................91
Child safety seats ........................93
attaching with tether straps ....97
in front seat ..............................95
in rear seat ................................95
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............191
instrument panel ....................193
interior .....................................193
plastic parts ............................192
Index
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