Page 5 of 363

iv
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.
In the notice area, we tell you about something that can
damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would
not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid
the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,
used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:
ªEngine Compartment Overviewº
ªInstrument Panelº
ªComfort Controlsº
ªAudio Systemsº
Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.
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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
-11 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-17 Trunk
2
-18 Theft
2
-20 Passlock
2-20 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-21 Ignition Positions
2
-22 Starting Your Engine
2
-23 Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-29 Parking Brake
2
-30 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-32 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-33 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-33 Engine Exhaust2
-34 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-34 Horn
2
-35 Tilt Wheel
2
-35 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-42 Exterior Lamps
2
-45 Interior Lamps
2
-48 Mirrors
2
-52 Storage Compartments
2
-53 Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
2
-54 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-56 OnStar System (If Equipped)
2
-59 Power Sunroof (Option)
2
-60 HomeLink Transmitter (If Equipped)
2
-64 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-68 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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2-21
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key
to four different positions.
Your ignition switch is located on the instrument panel.
A (OFF): This position locks your ignition and
transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature. It's also the
only position from which you can remove your key.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY): This position lets you turn off the
ignition. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers when the engine is off. In this position
your steering wheel will unlock. Use ACCESSORY if you
must have your vehicle pushed or towed.
C (ON): This position is where the key returns to
after you start the vehicle. With the engine off, you
can use ON to display some of your warning and
indicator lights.
D (START): This position starts your engine.
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2-43
(Parking Lamps): Turning the switch to
this position turns on the parking lamps together with
the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamp
Instrument Panel Lights
(Headlamps): Turning the switch to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
Turn the control to OFF to turn off the lamps.
A warning chime will sound, indicating the lamps are on
when the driver's door is open and the ignition switch is
in the OFF or ACCESSORY position.
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic
Headlamp Control
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lamps are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn't covered.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on,
the exterior lamp control is not in the headlamp
position position and
the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and
other lamps won't be on. The instrument panel won't be
lit up either.
Page 130 of 363
2-66 Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how fast
you're going, about how much fuel is in your tank and many other things you need to drive safely and economically.
United States version shown, Canada similar
Your instrument panel cluster includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages.
Page 132 of 363
2-68 Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in thousands
of revolutions per minute (rpm).
NOTICE:
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in
the shaded area, or engine damage may occur.
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
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2-69
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
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.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON, a chime will come on
for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds, then
it will flash for about
55 seconds.
If the driver's belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Page 138 of 363

2-74 Precision Control System (PCS) Warning
Light (Option)
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly as you start your engine.
If the light doesn't come on then, have it serviced so it will
be ready to warn you if there's a problem.
If the PCS warning light comes on, it means there may
be a problem with your Precision Control System. When
this light comes on, so will the TRAC OFF light and
both the Precision Control System and the Traction
Control System will not be functioning. If these lights
come on, try to reset the system (stop; turn off the
engine; then start the engine again). If the PCS and
TRAC OFF lights remain on, it means there is a
problem and you should see your dealer for service.
Reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
Low Traction Active (LOW TRAC) Light
Your LOW TRAC (Low
Traction Active) light may
come on for one of the
following reasons:
The Precision Control System (PCS) (if equipped) is
active and is adjusting brake pressure to help your
vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you
are steering. The PCS activates when the computer
senses that your vehicle is starting to spin, as might
happen if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery
surface on the road, and assists the driver by
selectively applying any one of the vehicle's brakes.
The system is designed to help you in bad weather or
other difficult driving situations by making the most
of whatever road conditions will allow. When the
system is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration
in the brake pedal. This is normal.
The optional Traction Control System is active and is
limiting wheel spin. You may feel the system
working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions
may exist, so adjust your driving accordingly.