
2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch the battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.
3. Reassemble the transmitter case. Snap the halves
together and test transmitter operation.
VEHICLE THEFT ALARM
The system monitors the doors, trunk, and ignition for
unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
up to 18 minutes. For the first three minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights and interior lights will flash.
Then the horn will stop and if the source of the trigger is
still present, the lights will continue to flash for another
15 minutes.
NOTE:The engine will not start until you disarm the
system.
To set the alarm:
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch,
the key, or the Keyless Entry Transmitter and close all
doors.
3. The light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly
for 15 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. If
the light comes on but does not flash, the system is still
armed, but there is a problem in the trunk circuit. After 15
seconds the light will continue to flash slowly. This
shows that the system is fully armed.
To disarm the system:
Unlock a front door using either the key or the Keyless
Entry Transmitter.
Tamper Alert
If the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock a front door
using either a key or the Keyless Entry Transmitter, the
alarm had been triggered. Check the vehicle for tamper-
ing.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº or ªEXTREME COLD
WEATHERº procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNORMAL STARTINGº or ªEX-
TREME COLD WEATHERº procedure should be re-
peated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
BATTERY AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS Ð If
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood near the air cleaner
housing.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
174 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle's OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or
start the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD
system isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes...................... 142
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 208
Adding Fuel.......................... 164
Aiming Headlights...................... 232
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 198
Air Conditioning....................... 122
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 126
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 202
Air Conditioning System..............122,201
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 153
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment...................... 32
Airbag Light.....................32,34,43,87
Airbag Maintenance...................... 34
Alarm, Panic........................... 17
Alarm System........................19,92
Alignment and Balance.................. 158
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 209
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 208
Capacities........................... 232
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 142
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 90Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 19
Appearance Care....................... 216
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks.................... 14
Automatic Transaxle...............135,186,213
Filter.............................. 215
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 215
Fluid Level Check..................... 214
Interlock System....................10,136
Reset Mode......................... 137
Selection Of Lubricant................. 214
Shifting............................ 137
Special Additives..................... 215
Autostick............................. 160
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 78
Ball Joints............................ 203
Battery............................... 200
Emergency Starting.................... 181
Gas Caution......................183,201
Heater............................. 134
Jump Starting........................ 181
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 18
260 INDEX

Traction Control....................70,87,144
Trailer Towing......................... 166
Minimum Requirements................ 166
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 166
Warnings........................... 166
Transaxle............................. 213
Additives........................... 215
Automatic.......................... 213
Filter.............................. 215
Manual..........................139,186
Selection of Lubricant.................. 214
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 89
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 73
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 15
Tread Wear Indicators................... 157
Trip Computer.......................... 92
Trip Odometer.......................... 89
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................67,88Underhood Fuses....................... 223
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 257
Universal Transmitter.................... 73
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 58
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 149
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 218
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................196,232
Voltmeter.............................. 88
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 14
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 174
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................68,205
Washing Vehicle........................ 217
Waxing and Polishing................... 217
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 158
Wind Buffeting......................... 22
270 INDEX