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If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to a
point midway between ON and START. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.
6. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
7. Tachometer
The silver area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
8. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the ignition key is
turned from OFF to the ON position, and the light will
turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
70 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Random Play (RND)
Press the Random button to play the tracks on the
selected disc in random order for an interesting change of
pace.
Random can be cancelled by pressing the button a second
time or by ejecting the CD from the changer.
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio Mode (If
Equipped)
Refer to the Satellite Radio section of the Owner’s
Manual.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.
CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.An ERR symbol will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
•Excessive vibration
•Disc inserted upside down
•Damaged disc
•Water condensation on optics
SATELLITE RADIO—IF EQUIPPED
Satellite radio uses direct satellite to receiver broadcast-
ing technology to provide clear digital sound, coast to
coast. The subscription service provider is Sirius™Satel-
lite Radio. This service offers up to 100 channels of music,
sports, news, entertainment, and programming for chil-
dren, directly from its satellites and broadcasting studios.
System Activation
To activate your Sirius Satellite Radio service, call the
toll-free number 888-539-7474, or visit the Sirius web site
at www.sirius.com. Please have the following informa-
tion available when activating your system:
80 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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▫Radial-Ply Tires......................115
▫Compact Spare Tire....................115
▫Tire Spinning........................116
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................117
▫Replacement Tires.....................117
▫Alignment And Balance.................118
Tire Chains...........................119
Snow Tires...........................119
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........120
Selecting Fuel.........................121
▫2.4L Turbo..........................121▫Spark Knock.........................121
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................121
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............122
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................122
▫Materials Added To Fuel................122
▫Fuel System Cautions..................123
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............123
Adding Fuel..........................124
▫Fuel Tank Filler Cap...................124
Vehicle Loading.......................125
94 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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.
Manual Transaxle
Place the gear selector in NEUTRAL, press the clutch
pedal to the floor, and fully apply the parking brake
before starting the engine.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
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 5 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 proce-
dure.
Starting in Cold Weather (Below 32°For0°C)
Slightly depress and hold the accelerator before starting
the engine. Turn the key to the START position. When the
engine starts, release the key, then the accelerator pedal.
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If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, turn the key
OFF wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. 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 improperly, so follow the
procedure carefully. See section 6 of this manual for
jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°For-29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
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. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
“NORMAL STARTING”procedure.
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.
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Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in Reverse (manual
transaxle). To release the parking brake, apply the brake
pedal and pull up on the parking brake lever. Push the
release button and lower the lever fully.
When parking on a hill,, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a
uphill grade.You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
Parking Brake Lever
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BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if themalfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically“pumps”the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
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WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your SRT-4 pro-
vides mechanical steering capability in the event power
assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
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