Page 71 of 271

To Activate:
Press the ON/OFF switch to turn the speed control
system ON. To turn the system OFF, press the ON/OFF
switch again. The system should be turned OFF when not
in use. The CRUISE Indicator in the instrument cluster
will light up when the Speed Control is ON.
NOTE:You must press the ON button to activate the
system each time the engine is started.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system ON
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you aren't using it.
To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed and the
system is ON, press and release the SET button. Release
the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected
speed. The speed control is now Engaged.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL
button, or normal brake or clutch pressure will deactivate
speed control without erasing the memory. Pushing the
ON/OFF button or turning off the ignition turns the
speed control system off and erases the memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME/ACCEL button. Resume can be used at any
speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting:
When the speed control is Engaged (actively controlling
to a SET speed), speed can be increased by pressing and
holding the RESUME/ACCEL button. When the button
is released, a new set speed will be established.
Tapping the RESUME/ACCEL button once will result in
a 2 mph (3 km/h) increase in the SET speed. Each time
the button is tapped, the SET speed increases. For ex-
ample tapping the button three times will increase speed
by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71
3
Page 87 of 271

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
2. Traction Control Ð If Equipped
This display indicator illuminates momentarily
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. The indicator will blink during an
active traction event, but will remain solid when the
system is deactivated or if a system malfunction occurs.
The Traction Control indicator will turn ON if:
²The Traction Control system is in use.
²The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
²There is an Anti-Lock Brake system malfunction or
Traction Control system malfunction.
²The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator. This is to prevent overheating of the
brake system and is a normal condition. The system will
remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the Traction Control indicator.
3. Cruise Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
This light will also illuminate for a 5±second bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position.
4. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb replaced. If the
light stays on, or comes on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
5. Tachometer
The red area of the scale shows the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 87
4
Page 129 of 271

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................132
NAutomatic Transaxle...................132
NManual Transaxle.....................132
NNormal Starting......................132
NExtreme Cold Weather
(Below -20ÉF Or -29ÉC).................133
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................134
NAfter Starting........................134
mBattery And Engine Block Heaters Ð If
Equipped
............................134
mAutomatic Transaxle....................135
NBrake/Transmission Interlock.............135NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................136
NFour Speed Automatic Transaxle..........137
NReset Mode.........................137
NGear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................137
mManual Transaxle......................139
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............140
NDownshifting........................140
NCruise Control.......................140
mParking Brake.........................141
mBrake System.........................142
5
Page 140 of 271

NOTE:During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-
cant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting. This
is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for both fuel economy and
performance, it should be upshifted as listed. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts
during cruise conditions (relatively steady speeds) will
result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as
indicated.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED SHIFT
SPEEDS
ENGINE
SIZEMINIMUM ACCELERATION SHIFT
SPEEDS
1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.7L 15 mph 25 mph 35 mph 45 mph
(24
km/h)(40
km/h)(56
km/h)(72
km/h)
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade, shift
down early so that the engine will not be overburdened.
Cruise Control
In most cases, the cruise control system will not operate
with the transmission in 1st or 2nd gear.
140 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 262 of 271

Compact Disc Player..................97,102
Compact Spare Tire..................... 155
Compass.............................. 92
Compass Calibration..................... 94
Console............................... 55
Contract, Service....................... 254
Convertible............................ 47
Convertible Boot........................ 50
Convertible Top......................... 47
Convertible Top Maintenance.............. 221
Cooling System........................ 207
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 208
Coolant Capacity..................... 232
Coolant Level........................ 209
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 209
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 208
Inspection........................... 207
Points to Remember................... 210
Pressure Cap........................ 209
Radiator Cap........................ 209
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 211
Selection of Coolant................... 208
Corrosion Protection.................... 216Crankcase Emission Control System......... 200
Cruise Control.......................... 70
Cruise Light........................... 87
Customer Assistance.................... 252
Daytime Running Lights.................. 66
Dealer Service......................... 193
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 124
Defroster, Windshield..................43,124
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 191
Dimmer Control........................ 65
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 67
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 214
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 209
Engine Oil.......................... 197
Door Ajar Warning...................... 14
Door Locks............................ 12
Door Locks, Automatic................... 14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 73
Drive Belts............................ 198
262 INDEX