
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extreme Cold Weather (below -20°For-29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater and
battery blanket heater package (available from your
dealer) is recommended.
Ignition Key Positions
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
5

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”or“EXTREME COLD
WEATHER”procedures, 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”or“EX-
TREME COLD WEATHER”procedure should be re-
peated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
BATTERY AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS—If
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood near the air cleaner
housing.
146 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways—Slow down.
•In city traffic—While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Flasher Switch
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or
start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD
system isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 82
Ball Joints............................ 216
Battery............................... 213
Emergency Starting.................... 193
Gas Caution......................195,214
Heater............................. 146
Jump Starting........................ 193
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 19
Location.........................193,213
Belts, Drive........................... 210
Belts, Engine.......................... 212
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 216
Boot, Convertible Top.................... 52
B-Pillar Location....................... 160
Brake, Parking......................... 151
Brake System.......................153,224
Anti-Lock........................... 153
Fluid Check......................... 226
Hoses.............................. 225
Master Cylinder...................... 226
Warning Light........................ 95
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........147,149Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 43
Bulb Replacement...................... 240
Bulbs, Light........................... 239
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 246
Capacities, Fluid....................... 246
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 179
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 177
Oil (Engine)......................... 209
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 222
Car Washes........................... 230
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 177
Carpeting............................. 232
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 126
Cassette Tape Player...............102,110,113
Catalytic Converter..................... 211
CD Changer..................109,114,119,121
CD Player....................107,115,117,125
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 244
Central Locking......................... 14
Chains, Tire........................... 171
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 188
INDEX 279
10

Top Cover............................. 52
Towing.........................179,197,198
Disabled Vehicle...................... 197
Trailering........................... 179
Traction Control....................73,91,155
Traction Control Switch................73,155
Trailer Towing......................... 179
Minimum Requirements................ 179
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 179
Warnings........................... 179
Transaxle............................. 227
Additives........................... 229
Automatic.....................147,149,227
Autostick........................... 173
Filter.............................. 229
Overdrive........................... 150
Selection of Lubricant.................. 227
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 93
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 19
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 77
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 16Transporting Pets........................ 43
Tread Wear Indicators................... 169
Trip Computer.......................... 97
Trip Odometer.......................... 93
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 93
Trunk Release, Emergency...............21,22
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 21
Turn Signals.........................70,92
Underhood Fuses....................... 236
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 274
Universal Transmitter.................... 77
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 174
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 224
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 61
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 161
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 239
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 232
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 246
290 INDEX