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A (OFF):This is the only position in which you can
insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition
and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use things
like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine
is off. This position will allow you to turn off the engine. If
your vehicle has a column shifter, you will still be able to
move the shift lever. Use ACCESSORY if you must have
your vehicle in motion while the engine is off, for example,
if your vehicle is being pushed or towed.
C (ON):This position is for driving. If your vehicle has a
console shifter and you turn off the engine, the
transaxle will lock. If you need to shift the transaxle out
of PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.
D (START):This position starts the engine.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned
from ON to OFF:
Cellular Telephone
Radio
Power Windows
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Sunroof
Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or if
a door is opened. If you want power for another 10
minutes, close all the doors and turn the ignition key to
ON and then back to OFF. If the cellular phone is
being used while retained accessory power is active,
the timer is suspended to avoid interruption of the call.
The timer resets to 10 minutes at the end of the call.
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PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot 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 rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not 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 will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-33. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-41.
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) while the
ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease 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 wish. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-36. Column Shifter (Digital and Analog Cluster similar)
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Performance Shifting (DTS Only)
When your vehicle detects a change in driving
conditions, it will automatically initiate the appropriate
performance shift mode. When this occurs, the
gear display on the instrument panel cluster will change
to indicate that the transaxle has shifted to a different
gear. For example, the gear display on the cluster may
indicate 3 or 2 even though the gearshift is still in
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X). Once the performance
shift mode ends, the gear display on the instrument
panel cluster will return to normal.
Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to do
the following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P), and
prevent movement of the console shift lever (DTS
only) out of PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a
position other than OFF. The shift lock release is
always functional except in the case of a dead
battery or low voltage (less than 9 V) battery.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver’s door.
This vehicle has a PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake
pedal. To set the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot and push the
parking brake pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
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