
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, see your authorized dealer.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for
four 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 pressing the A/C control button,
selecting the defrost mode and placing 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 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.
NOTE:Use of the air conditioning may cause puddles
of water to form under the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

Convertible top switch lamp
flashes quickly and a quick
audible beep is heardMaximum hydraulic pump
run-time reached
Power window motor(s) or
rear spoiler inoperative
Vehicle speed greater than 9
mph (15 km/h) during top
operation
Top operation suspended
longer than 10 minutes
Convertible top switch lamp
flashes rapidlyGeneral top control module
fault
CONSOLE FEATURES
The console has a power outlet/cigar lighter, an ash tray
with a coin holder, a cupholder, and the passenger airbag
light. In addition, there are switches to control the heated
seats, rear spoiler, electronic stability program (ESP),
hazard flashers, central locking, rear defroster and tow-
ing alarm.Operating controls for the heating and air conditioning
systems, power windows, power mirrors, convertible top
switch (if equipped), and the automatic transmission
program mode selector switch (if equipped) are also
located in the console.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 61
3

Coin Holder
With the ashtray open, folding down the cover plate
reveals the coin holder, which can accommodate nine
coins in various sizes up to a U.S. quarter. The coin slots
are shaped to retain the coins, and the cover plate ensures
that the coins remain in the coin holder.
Power Outlet/Cigar Lighter
The dual-purpose power outlet is located in the console,
next to the passenger airbag off warning light. The power
outlet can accommodate a lighter or electrical accessoriesup to a maximum of 15 amps. The outlet is protected by
a 15 amp fuse, located behind the fuse cover on the left
end of the instrument panel.
The lighter will operate only when the ignition switch is
in the ON/ACC position. It heats up when pushed in and
pops out automatically when ready for use. To preserve
the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the heating
position.
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

24. Airbag Light
The operational readiness of the airbag sys-
tem is verified by the airbag indicator light
in the instrument cluster when turning the
key in the ignition switch to the ACC or
ON/RUN position. If no fault is detected, the light
will go out after approximately 4 seconds. After the
lamp goes out, the system continues to monitor the
components and circuitry of the airbag system and
will indicate a malfunction by coming on again.
The light will come on and remain on for 4 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.
WARNING!
In the event a malfunction of the airbag is indicated,
the airbag may not be operational. For your safety,
we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized
dealer immediately to have the system checked;
otherwise the airbag may not be activated when
needed in an accident, which could result in serious
or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
25. Telescoping Wheel Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indi-
cator light does not go out after starting the engine, the
telescoping steering column is not locked properly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
4

Underhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 5 Amp
BeigeGarage Door Opening Signal,
TPM and Seat Heater
2 5 Amp
BeigeOccupant Restraint Controller
Passenger Airbag Off
3 5 Amp
BeigeIndicator, Safety Restraint System
and Indicator, Passenger Airbag
Off
4 7.5 Amp
BrownHeated Mirror
5 15 Amp
BlueRadio (Coupe)
5 20 Amp
YellowRoof Control Module (Roadster)
6 5 Amp
BeigeExterior Mirror Adjustment, Left
And Right (Coupe)
6 40 Amp
OrangeRoof Hydraulic Unit (Roadster)
7 5 Amp
BeigeElectronic Transmission Control
(Park/Reversing Lock) and BCM
8 15 Amp
BlueRadio
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 103
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 215
Adding Fuel.......................... 166
Aiming Headlights...................... 238
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 205
Air Conditioning....................121,208
Air Conditioning Filter................... 256
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 209
Air Conditioning System................. 208
Air Pressure, Tires...................153,154
Airbag................................ 28
Airbag Deployment...................... 32
Airbag Light........................31,109
Airbag Maintenance...................... 38
Airbag On/Off Switch..................36,40
Alignment and Balance.................. 163
Antenna.............................. 120
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 243
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 103
Appearance Care....................... 222
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 13
Automatic Transmission...............135,220Fluid and Filter Changes................ 221
Fluid Level Check..................... 220
Fluid Type.......................... 220
Special Additives..................... 221
Autostick............................. 139
Ball Joints............................ 210
Battery............................104,207
Saving Feature........................ 72
Belts, Drive........................... 205
Belts, Seat............................. 21
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 211
Brake Assist System...................... 85
Brake, Parking......................... 142
Brake System.......................144,217
Anti-Lock........................... 144
Hoses.............................. 218
Master Cylinder...................... 219
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle . . . 46,152
Bulbs, Light........................... 235
Capacities, Fluid....................... 241
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 168
274 INDEX

Garage Door Opener..................... 92
GasCap .............................. 166
Gasoline............................. 243
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 165
Gear Ratios........................... 241
Glass Cleaning......................... 225
Glove Compartment..................... 65
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 172
Headlights
Aiming............................. 238
Cleaning............................ 225
Dimmer Switch....................... 76
Heater............................... 121
Hood Latch Maintenance................. 211
Hood Release.......................... 70
Hoses............................... 217
Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System....................... 207
Illuminated Entry....................... 72
Infant Restraint......................... 39Inside Rearview Mirror................... 66
Instrument Cluster....................... 99
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 98
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 225
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 226
Interior Appearance Care................. 224
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 178
Jack Operation......................... 174
Jump Starting......................... 181
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System..................... 14
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 28
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 22
Light Bulbs........................... 235
Lights
Airbag...........................31,109
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 103
Back-Up............................ 237
INDEX 277
10

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 47
Safety Tips............................. 46
Schedule, Maintenance................... 249
Seat Belts.............................. 21
And Pregnant Women.................. 27
Extender............................ 27
Inspection........................... 47
Maintenance......................... 226
Operating Instructions.................. 24
Reminder........................... 104
Seats................................. 68
Cleaning............................ 224
Service Assistance...................... 258
Service Contract........................ 260
Service Manuals........................ 263
Shift Speeds........................133,134
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 183
Snow Chains.......................... 158
Snow Tires............................ 159
Soft Top............................... 52
Spark Plugs........................... 205
Specifications.......................... 241
Standing Lights......................... 74Starting.............................. 131
Cold Weather........................ 132
Emergency (Jump Starting).............. 181
Engine Fails to Start................... 132
Steering
Linkage............................ 210
Power............................. 152
Storage.............................. 239
Storage Bin............................ 62
Stuck, Freeing......................... 184
Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 166
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 28
Telescoping Steering Column............... 79
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......... 173
Theft Alarm............................ 17
Theft System........................... 17
TIREFIT.............................. 174
Tires .............................153,264
Air Pressure......................... 154
Alignment.......................... 163
Balancing........................... 163
Chains............................. 158
280 INDEX