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Rear Seat Outlets
These outlets are located under the front seats and direct
warm air to the rear seat passengers. Air is directed
through these outlets when you select either the Floor,
Bi-Level, or Mix modes.
Rear Window Defroster
The Rear Window Defroster button is located to
the right of the Mode Control. Press this button
once to turn on the Rear Window Defrost and a second
time to turn them off. A light above the button shows that
the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 10
minutes of operation.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST modes. A small amount of air
is directed to the side window demisters in BI-LEVEL
mode as well. The air is directed at the area of the
windows through which you view the outside mirrors.
Windshield and Side Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by using the defrost position on the mode
control.
Your side windows may fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows,
select the Panel-Air Conditioning mode on the
Mode Control. Point the panel outlets toward the side
windows.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
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NOTE:Do not use the recirculation mode as it will not
clear windows under these conditions.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50 % concentration is
recommended.
Winter Operation
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only the low blower speeds for the first 10 minutes of
operation. During engine warm up in cold weather, use
the Defrost mode to direct any cold air away from vehicle
occupants. Use of the Recirculate-Air Conditioning Mode
during winter months is not recommended due to the
possibility of window fogging.
NOTE:See Operating Tips chart (for Manual A/C
Control) at the end of this section for suggested control
settings in different weather conditions.
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 139 of 292
Operating Tips (Manual A/C Control Only)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 139
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Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
Air Intake
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 141 of 292

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................144
▫Automatic Transaxle...................144
▫Manual Transaxle.....................144
▫Normal Starting......................144
▫Extreme Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C) .................145
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................146
▫After Starting........................146
Battery And Engine Block Heaters—
If Equipped
..........................146
Automatic Transaxle....................147
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............147▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition
Interlock System......................148
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........149
▫Reset Mode.........................149
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed
Automatic Transaxle...................149
Parking Brake.........................151
Brake System.........................153
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)—
If Equipped.........................153
Power Steering........................155
Traction Control—If Equipped...........155
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Tire Safety Information..................156
▫Tire Markings........................156
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........159
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........160
Ti re s—General Information...............164
▫Tire Pressure.........................164
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................165
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................167
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........167
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........168
▫Tire Spinning........................168
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................169
▫Replacement Tires.....................170
▫Alignment And Balance.................171
Tire Chains...........................171
Snow Tires...........................171
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........172
AutoStick—If Equipped................173
▫AutoStick Operation...................173
▫AutoStick General Information............173
Fuel Requirements.....................174
▫Spark Knock.........................174
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................175
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............175
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................176
▫Materials Added To Fuel................176
▫Fuel System Cautions..................176
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............177
Adding Fuel..........................177
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............177
Vehicle Loading.......................179
142 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 143 of 292
Trailer Towing........................179
▫Towing Requirements..................179
Flexible Fuel–(2.7L Engines With Automatic
Transmission Only)
.....................181
▫E-85 General Information................181
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................181
▫Fuel Requirements....................181▫Selection Of Engine Oil.................182
▫Starting............................183
▫Cruising Range.......................183
▫Replacement Parts.....................184
▫Maintenance.........................184
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Manual Transaxle
Fully apply the parking brake, press the clutch pedal to
the floor and place the gear selector in NEUTRAL before
starting the engine.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the“START’”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING