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Obtaining Replacement Keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be ob-
tained from your authorized dealer.
Important!
Removing the key from the steering lock activates the
start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Turning the key in the steering lock to the ON/RUN
position deactivates the start lock-out.
NOTE:In case the engine cannot be started, and START
and ERROR are shown in the odometer display field, the
system is not operational. Contact an authorized dealer.
Ignition Key Removal
Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
NOTE:For vehicles with automatic transmissions, if
you try to remove the key before you place the shift lever
in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the
key cylinder. If this occurs, turn the key clockwise
slightly, then remove the key as described.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 61 of 288
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
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Page 73 of 288

EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Headlights and Parking Lights
When the headlight switch is turned clockwise from OFF
to the first position, the parking lights, taillights, side
marker lights, license plate lights and instrument panel
lights are all illuminated.
The headlights turn on when the switch is turned to the
second position.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are left on after the
ignition is turned off, a warning will sound if the driver’s
door is opened.
Daytime Running Lights (Where Applicable)
VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The low beam headlights, parking lights, side marker
lights, taillights and license plate lights are automatically
switched on whenever the vehicle is started and the
transmission gear selector is in a driving position.
VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The low beam headlights, parking lights, side marker
lights, taillights, and license plate lights are automatically
switched on whenever the vehicle is started and the
parking brake is released.
For nighttime driving, the exterior lights switch should
be in the low beam position to permit activation of the
high beam headlights.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73
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To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, pull the speed control
lever toward you, and then release. The resume feature
can be used at any speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
NOTE:Moving the gear selector lever to the “N”
position will switch the speed control off.
Using Speed Control On Hills
Your vehicle is equipped with interactive speed control.
This feature activates when driving up or down hills with
the speed control engaged and the driver’s foot off the
accelerator.
WARNING!
Speed control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
For vehicles with automatic transmission:
On a downgrade or an upgrade, downshifting will occur
automatically to allow the engine’s braking power to
maintain the set speed. When more level roadway is
reached, the transmission will automatically upshift to
fifth gear.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
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Page 105 of 288

If the charging system indicator light comes on, or a loss
of power steering assistance is noticeable while the
engine is running, this may indicate that the accessory
drive belt has broken. Should this condition occur, the
belt must be replaced before continuing to operate the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
The accessory drive belt also drives the water pump.
Operating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause
engine overheating and possible severe engine dam-
age.
16. High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the
headlights are in the high beam setting.
To activate the high beams, push the multifunction
control lever past the point of resistance, toward the
instrument panel.
17. Electronic Digital Clock
A digital readout in the instrument cluster shows the
time in hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch
is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF/LOCK position,
timekeeping is accurately maintained.
The display can be adjusted with the knob/button lo-
cated to the left of the clock.
18. Gear Indicator
For automatic transmission vehicles, the current gear
shift selector range is indicated in the gear range indica-
tor display.
19. Push Button for Time Setting
To adjust the time display, turn the key in the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN or ACC position. The knob/
button located just to the left of the clock is used to
change the time. Pull out the knob and turn it to the left
for hour adjustment; pull out the knob and turn it to the
right for minute adjustment.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 105
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Page 129 of 288

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................131
▫Normal Starting......................131
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................132
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................132
▫After Starting........................133
Transmission Shifting...................133
▫Manual Transmission..................133
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............134
▫Automatic Transmission................135
▫Stopping...........................136
▫Maneuvering........................137▫Park Position........................137
▫Reverse............................138
▫Neutral............................138
▫Drive..............................139
▫AutoStickGear Selection...............139
▫Gear Ranges.........................140
▫Program Mode Selector Switch............140
▫Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode) . . . 141
Parking Brake.........................142
Brake System.........................144
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............144
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Page 131 of 288

STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Be sure that the parking brake is engaged and that
selector lever is in the NEUTRAL or PARK position
(gearshift lever in Neutral). Turn the key in the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN position. Apply the brakes before
shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Do not depress the accelerator. Simply turn the key in the
ignition switch clockwise to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine will not run,
turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion and repeat the starting procedure. If there are several
unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the
nearest authorized dealer.
Vehicles with manual transmissions:
Do not depress the accelerator. Fully depress the clutch
pedal, otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the
integrated safety interlock. Simply turn the key in the
ignition switch clockwise to the START position and
release when the engine starts. The starter will engage
until the engine is running. If the engine will not run,
turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion and repeat the starting procedure. If there are several
unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the
nearest authorized dealer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 131
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Page 133 of 288

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Manual Transmission
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline. To place the transmis-
sion in REVERSE, lift up on the shifter knob, push it to
the left and pull it back.
STARTING AND OPERATING 133
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