²If the shoulder belt contacts the child's face or neck,
move the child closer to the center of the vehicle.
Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an
arm or behind their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
2
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle isstopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve-
hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.
²On hardtop models, keep the tailgate window closed
when driving your vehicle. On fabric top models, do
not drive with the rear window curtain up unless the
side curtains are also open. This will prevent carbon
monoxide and other poisonous exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a indicator check when the ignition switch is
first turned on. If the indicator is not lit during starting,
have it serviced. 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 feel the air
directed against the windshield.
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 all 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,
coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2
mCassette Tape And Player Maintenance......148
mCD/DVD Disc Maintenance..............149
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones.......149
mClimate Controls......................149
NHeater Only Ð If Equipped..............150NAir Conditioning Ð If Equipped..........151
NOperating Tips.......................154
mRear Window Features Ð Hard Top Only....154
NRear Window Defogger.................154
NRear Window Wiper/Washer.............155
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
4
15. Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. The red
zone to the far right indicates possible overheat-
ing. Seek authorized service immediately if the
gauge operates in the red zone. In U.S. vehicles,
temperature is indicated in degrees fahrenheit; in
Canadian vehicles in degrees centigrade.
16. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to
8 seconds when the ignition is first turned
on. If the light does not come on for 6 to 8
seconds, stays on or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized
dealer.
17. Check Gauges Warning Light
This light monitors the engine coolant tem-
perature, engine oil pressure, and voltage
gauges. If it detects an extreme condition a
chime will sound and the light will come on. If the
light comes on, check the operation of these gauges for
a malfunction condition.18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine,
and automatic transmission control systems.
The light will illuminate when the ignition is in the
ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have
the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº may flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being On in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The controls for the heating and ventilation system in this
vehicle consist of three rotary control knobs. These com-
fort controls can be set to obtain desired interior condi-
tions.
NOTE:For the HVAC to operate efficiently and reduce
the possibility of fog build up on the interior of the
windows, the air exhausters should be kept clear at all
times. The air exhausters are the slots located on the rear
tailgate.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 149
4
Bi-Level
Air comes from both instrument panel and floor
outlets. Also, a slight amount of airflow may be
noticed at the defrost outlet located at the base of the
windshield.
Floor
Air comes from the floor outlets. Also, a slight
amount of airflow may be noticed at the defrost
outlet located at the base of the windshield.
Mix
Air comes from the floor and defrost outlets with
air being directed through the demisters. This
mode works best in cold or snowy conditions. It
allows you to stay comfortable while keeping the
windshield clear.Defrost
Air comes from the windshield outlets with a
slight amount of air being directed through the
floor and demisters. Use this setting when necessary
to defrost or defog your windshield.
Air Conditioning Ð If Equipped
Blower Switch
The blower switch is the rotary knob to the left of the
controls. Turn the knob to the right to one of the four
positions to obtain the blower speed you desire.
NOTE:The blower motor will run until the system is
turned to the ªOffº (ªOº) position or the ignition is
turned OFF.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
4
Recirculation
Select this position when the outside air con-
tains smoke, odors, high humidity, or if rapid
cooling is desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows through the
panel outlets in this mode. Also, a slight amount of
airflow may be noticed at the defrost outlet located at
the base of the windshield.
Panel
Outside air flows through the air conditioning
system, and then through the outlets located in
the instrument panel. Also, a slight amount of
airflow may be noticed at the defrost outlet located at
the base of the windshield.
Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the air conditioning
system, and then through the outlets located in
the instrument panel and those located on the floor.
Also, a slight amount of airflow may be noticed at the
defrost outlet located at the base of the windshield.Panel
Outside air comes from the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. Each of these outlets can be individu-
ally adjusted to direct the flow of air. Also, a slight
amount of airflow may be noticed at the defrost outlet
located at the base of the windshield.
Floor
Outside air comes from the floor outlets. Also, a
slight amount of airflow may be noticed at the
defrost outlet located at the base of the windshield.
Mix
Air comes from the floor and defrost outlets. This
mode works best in cold or snowy conditions. It
allows you to stay comfortable while keeping the
windshield clear.
Defrost
Air comes from the windshield outlets with a
small amount being directed through the floor
outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost
your windshield.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 153
4