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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows
the electrical
accessories such as the
radio to operate while
the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the
steering wheel, automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories
without locking the steering wheel. This position
also allows the automatic transmission shift lever to
be moved from the P (Park) position without the
brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the
OFF position, the automatic transmission
shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning
lights illuminated. Key position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as
soon as the engine starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain
control system. This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field
strength of radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the
accelerator before or during starting. Only use the
3
1
2
5
4
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Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4
(ON) without turning
the key to 5 (START).
2. Turn the key to 5
(START), then release
the key as soon as the
engine starts.
Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five
seconds on the first try, turn the key to 3 (OFF),
wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try
again; this will allow the engine to crank with the
fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant
which aids in starting and heater/defroster
performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below. For
best results, plug the heater in at least three hours
before starting the vehicle. The heater can be
plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not
use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
3
2
1
5
4
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Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped
for a long period of time, open the windows at least
2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating or air
conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal,
continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is
present, the brake linings may be worn-out and
should be inspected by a qualified service
technician. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Refer toBrake system
warning lightin the
Instrument Cluster
chapter for information
on the brake system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS). This system helps you
maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the
ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be
observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or
mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
The ABS lamp in the
instrument cluster
momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be
disabled and may need to be serviced.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
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system is off, the indicator will be illuminated. If a
system fault is detected while the traction control
system in on, the indicator lamp on the traction
control switch will be illuminated and your vehicle
should be serviced.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions
can cause you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of severe personal injury or
property damage. The occurrence of a Traction
Controlevent is an indication that at least some
of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe road event,
SLOW DOWN.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor
traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s
specified size tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could
result in a permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being
moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON
position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P
(Park) with ignition in the ON position and the
brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
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2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the
brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the
OFF position, the automatic transmission
shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove
the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the
brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the
brakes may not be working properly. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive
transmission with console gearshift and O/D off
switch
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive
learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This
feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the
vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm
and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the
4–speed automatic transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P
(Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove
the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute
or damage to the transmission and tires may
occur, or the engine may overheat.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that
prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal
is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the
gearshift lever in the neutral position.
3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and
release the parking brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then
slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing
on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Failure to fully depress the
clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased shift
efforts and prematurely wear components in the
transmission. Make sure the floor mat is properly
positioned so it doesn’t interfere with the full
extension of the clutch pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal or use the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at
135
24
R
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a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will
reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your
vehicle is moving faster than 24 km/h (15 mph).
This will damage the clutch.
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best
fuel economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 18 km/h (11 mph)
2 - 3 31 km/h (19 mph)
3 - 4 48 km/h (30 mph)
4 - 5 64 km/h (40 mph)
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop
before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so
may damage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position
and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can only be moved into R
(Reverse) by moving it from left of 3 (Third) and
4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse). This
is a lockout feature that protects the transmission
from accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse)
from 5 (Overdrive).
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral
position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1
(First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
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