Page 74 of 382

WARNING!
²The extender should only be used if the existing
belt is not long enough.
Persons who can use the standard seat belt should
not use an extender. Unnecessary use could result
in serious personal injury in the event of a colli-
sion.
²When not required, the extender must be removed
and stowed because the use of the extender when
not required may deactivate the seat belt locking
mechanism.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
When transporting infants or small children in your
vehicle, an appropriate child restraint system should
always be used. This is required by law in most states.
Child restraints specifically designed for infants and
small children are offered by several manufacturers. Only
choose a child restraint system with a label certifying it
complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
213.The child restraint system should be appropriate for your
child's weight and height and properly fit the vehicle's
seat.
All children should be restrained in a restraint device that
offers the maximum protection for their size and age.
·Children less than 1 year and less than 20 pounds must
ride in a rear-facing child safety seat only in the rear
seat.
·Children older than 1 year who weigh less than 40
pounds or are less than 40 inches tall should be in a
forward-facing restraint in the rear seat.
·Children who weigh more than 40 pounds or are more
than 40 inches tall - regardless of age - should use a
booster seat in the rear seat until the lap/shoulder belt
fits properly.
74 SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS
Page 113 of 382
CAUTION!
²If this light illuminates and the engine oil level is
not low, have your vehicle checked at an autho-
rized dealer.
²This warning light does not indicate the amount
of oil in the crankcase. This must be determined
by checking the oil level with the dipstick while
the engine is turned off.
Malfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
(OBD) system which monitors the emis-
sions, engine and automatic transaxle con-
trol systems. If a problem is detected in one
of these systems, this light may illuminate. Although
your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, have the system checked as soon as possible at an
authorized dealer.
This light will also illuminate for a few seconds, when the
ignition key is turned to the ªONº position. If it does not
go off after a few seconds, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer.
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 113
4
Page 125 of 382
The intermittent intervals are adjustable from approxi-
mately 3 to 18 seconds by rotating the adjusting knob at
the end of the stalk.
LO = Slow
HI = Fast
INTERMITTENT WIPERS
Use the intermittent feature when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a pause between cycles,
desirable.For maximum delay between wipes, rotate the knob
toward you. To shorten the delay, rotate the knob away
from you.
The delay can be regulated between approximately 3 and
18 seconds.
NOTE:Vehicle speed is monitored and the delay will be
shortened when the vehicle is moving above 10 mph (16
km/h) and lengthened when the vehicle is moving below
10 mph (16 km/h).
E13A1510
Adjusting knob
FAST
SLOW
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 125
4
Page 126 of 382

WINDSHIELD WASHER
The windshield washer can be operated by pulling the
lever toward you to spray fluid when the ignition key is
in either the ªONº or ªACCº position.
When washer fluid is sprayed, the wipers will automati-
cally operate several times.
The spraying fluid stops when the lever is released.
PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE WHEN USING
WIPERS AND WASHERS
CAUTION!
If the washer is used in cold weather, the washer
fluid sprayed onto the glass might freeze, resulting
in poor visibility. Heat the glass with the defroster
before using the washer.
NOTE
1. Do not use the wipers when the glass is dry; this could
scratch the glass and wear the wiper blades prematurely.
2. Before operating the wipers in cold weather, check to
be sure that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
windshield. Attempting to operate the wipers while the
blades are frozen could damage the wiper motor.
3. If the wipers become blocked by ice or other deposits
on the glass, the motor may be damaged even if the
wiper switch is OFF. If obstruction occurs, park your
E13A1300
126 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Page 141 of 382
mCruise/speed control....................187
NTo activate...........................188
NTo deactivate.........................192
NTo resume the set speed.................193
mTraction control (if so equipped)...........194
mCatalytic converter.....................195
mVehicle preparation before driving..........197
NSeat belts and seats....................197
NDefrosters...........................197
NTires...............................197NLights..............................198
NFluid leaks..........................198
NDriver..............................198
mSafe driving techniques..................198
mDriving, alcohol and drugs...............199
mTips for driving in various conditions........199
mOperation during cold weather............200
mTrailer Towing.........................201
NWarranty Requirements.................201
STARTING AND DRIVING 141
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Page 142 of 382

BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
Advanced automobile manufacturing techniques permit
you to operate your new vehicle without experiencing a
long break-in period of low-speed driving.
However, you can add to the future performance and
economy of your vehicle by observing the following
precautions during the first 300 miles (500 km).
It is recommended that you drive your vehicle at mod-
erate speeds during the break-in period.
1. Avoid racing the engine.
2. Avoid harsh driving such as fast starts, sudden accel-
eration, prolonged high-speed driving and abrupt appli-
cation of the brakes. These operations not only have a
detrimental effect on the engine but also cause increased
fuel and oil consumption, which could result in malfunc-
tion of engine components. Be particularly careful to
avoid wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear.
3. Do not overload the vehicle. Observe the seating
capacity. (See ªWeightsº page 359)
4. Do not use this vehicle for trailer towing during the
break-in period.
FUEL SELECTION
Your vehicle is designed to use unleaded gasoline only. It
is equipped with a fuel filler tube especially designed to
accept only the smaller diameter unleaded gasoline dis-
pensing nozzle.
WARNING!
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can
be burned or seriously injured when handling it.
When refueling this vehicle, always turn the engine
off and keep flames, sparks, and smoking materials
away. Always handle fuel in well-ventilated outdoor
areas.
142 STARTING AND DRIVING
Page 149 of 382

THEFT PROTECTION
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition switch and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lighted
area.
The ignition key can only be removed in the ªLOCKº
position. If the key is left in the lock cylinder, a warning
chime sounds when the driver's door is opened.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a Theft-alarm
system, refer to ªTheft-alarm systemº.
STEERING LOCK
Withdraw the key and the steering wheel will be locked.
Turn the steering wheel to confirm that it is locked.
CAUTION!
If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
(ACC(position to unlock the steering wheel.
STARTING
Tips for starting
1. Do not operate the starter motor continuously for
longer than 15 seconds at a time; doing so could run
down the battery. If the engine does not start, turn the
ignition switch back to ªLOCKº, wait a few seconds, and
then try again.
2. If the engine will not start because the battery is weak
or dead, refer to ªJump-starting the engineº section (page
273) for instructions on starting the engine.
3. The engine is well warmed up if the pointer of the
coolant temperature gauge starts to move. Extended
warm up operation will result in excessive fuel consump-
tion.
STARTING AND DRIVING 149
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Page 161 of 382

ªNº NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this position.
WARNING!
²Never move the lever to the ªNº position while
driving since you could accidentally move the
lever into the(P(or(R(position, damaging the
transaxle.
²To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped
on a slope, the engine should be started in the ªPº
(PARK) position, not in ªNº (NEUTRAL).
²Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when
the vehicle is in ªNº (NEUTRAL), or when shift-
ing into or out of ªNº (NEUTRAL), to maintain
control.
ªDº DRIVE
This position is used for most city and highway driving.
Engine shifting is done automatically, depending on road
conditions.
Selector positions Manual gate Autostick
Autostick is a driver-interactive transaxle that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, Autostick
is selected by pushing the selector lever from the ªDº
position into the manual gate. To return to ªDº range
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate.
In Autostick, gear shifts can be made rapidly by moving
the selector lever backward and forward. In contrast to a
manual transaxle, the Autostick allows gear shifts with
the accelerator pedal depressed.
STARTING AND DRIVING 161
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