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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a stamped
plate on the left front corner on the body of the vehicle,
visible through the windshield. This number also ap-
pears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label as a
convenient record of your vehicle identification number
and optional equipment.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
6 INTRODUCTION
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NGeneral Information....................18
NTransmitter Battery Service...............18
mVehicle Theft Alarm.....................19
NTamper Alert.........................19
NSecurity System Manual Override...........20
mTrunk Lock And Release..................20
mTrunk Safety Warning....................20
NTrunk Internal Emergency Release..........21
mPower Windows........................21
NWind Buffeting........................22
mOccupant Restraints.....................22
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................23
NPretensioners.........................26NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................27
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............28
NSeat Belt Extender......................28
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............29
NChild Restraint........................34
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........42
mSafety Tips............................42
NExhaust Gas..........................42
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................43
NPeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................43
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition, lock the doors, and
close the windows when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the
gearshift knob push button has returned to the out
position. Turn the key to the Lock position and remove
the key.
NOTE:If you try to remove the key before you place
the lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the key cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key
clockwise slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system may trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
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Trunk Internal Emergency Release
NOTE:
As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emer-
gency Release lever is built into the trunk latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked
inside the trunk, the trunk can be simply opened by
pulling on the glow-in-the-dark handle attached to the
trunk latching mechanism. See picture.
POWER WINDOWS
The window controls on the driver's door operate all
windows.
The driver's window switch has an Auto Down feature.
Press the window switch past the detent, release, and the
window will go down automatically.
To open the window part way, pull the window switch
part way and release it when you want the window to
stop.
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Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or in certain open or partially open
positions. This is a normal occurrence and can be mini-
mized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear windows
open, open the front and rear windows together to
minimize the buffeting.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, and
front airbags for both the driver and front passenger. If
you will be carrying children too small for adult-size
belts, your seat belts also can be used to hold infant and
child restraint systems.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck-
led up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision which includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of
ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle.Everyonein a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.
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must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
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CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION
WARNING!
The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does, and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants of a vehicle in a collision. Therefore
it is important that all occupants wear their seat belts
at all times when riding in a convertible. Studies
have shown that it is generally safer to remain inside
a vehicle during a collision, than to be ejected from
the vehicle.
NOTE:The top and top storage area should be thor-
oughly dry before lowering the top.
To Lower The Top:
NOTE:
To avoid damage to the convertible top or its
components, your vehicle is equipped with a feature that
prevents convertible top operation at speeds over 10 mph
(16 km/h).
CAUTION!
To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear
selector in the Park position before lowering or
raising the top.
1. To avoid damage to either the top or the rear window,
check the top storage area at the rear of the vehicle
interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or other items.
Be sure that child seat flip up bars are lowered. Do not
use the top storage area for other storage purposes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the On position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 47
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3. Release the top from the windshield header by pulling
both latch handles rearward until the latch hooks are free.
4. Press the Power Top Switch to disengage the top pins
from the header. As soon as the top is free, close both
latch handles.
NOTE:The Power Top Switch has two detent positions
for lowering the convertible top. Pressing and holding
the Power Top Switch lightly in the first detent position
will automatically lower the convertible top. Pressingand holding the switch in the second detent position will
lower all four windows and the top to the full down
position.
CAUTION!
Damage to the top material could result if the latch
handles are not completely closed when the top is
lowered. The convertible top cover cannot be in-
stalled while the latch handles are open.
48 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE