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To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the
clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch
pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These
actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshifts (for best fuel economy) when
accelerating
5-speed manual transaxle
Shift from:
1 - 2 14 mph (23 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 36 mph (58 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R
(Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.
•Lift the locking ring (1), then
move the gearshift lever fully to
the right, then back into R
(Reverse) (2).
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Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition to position 1 (LOCK) and remove the key.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
VEHICLE LOADING–WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Safety Certification Label and Tire Label:
Base Curb Weight–is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
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GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)–is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s
door or door pillar. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)–is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer–including all cargo and
passengers–that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight–is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
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TRAILER TOWING
Refer to the following chart to determine how much weight your vehicle
can tow:
Model Passengers/Luggage
load - lbs. (kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lbs. (kg)
3–door 5/827 (375) 630 (286)
4/677 (307) 780 (354)
3/527 (239) 930 (422)
2/377 (171) 1080 (490)
1/227 (103) 1230 (558)
4–door and 5–door 5/827 (375) 585 (265)
4/677 (307) 735 (333)
3/527 (239) 885 (401)
2/377 (171) 1035 (469)
1/227 (103) 1185 (538)
Wagon 5/827 (375) 500 (227)
4/677 (307) 650 (295)
3/527 (239) 800 (363)
2/377 (171) 950 (431)
1/227 (103) 1100 (499)
This chart is based on the specified vehicle at a maximum GCW
(Vehicle Weight + Trailer Weight) equal to 4,300 lbs (1,950 kg).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or serious personal injury.
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Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
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Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transaxle damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey———
3A Violet Violet———
4A Pink Pink———
5A Tan Tan———
7.5A Brown Brown———
10A Red Red———
15A Blue Blue———
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural———
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A——Orange Green Green
50A——Red Red Red
60A——Blue—Yellow
70A——Ta n—Brown
80A——Natural—Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the CD stowage box to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse, use the fuse puller tool provided on the power
distribution box cover located in the engine compartment.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
33 20A Horn
34 20A Stand-alone decklid relay (sedan
only), Power sunroof
35 7.5A Interior lamps, Power mirrors
36 7.5A A/C switch, Instrument cluster
37 25A Decklid/Liftgate release
38—Not used
39—Not used
40 10A Back-up lamps (automatic
transaxle only)
41 7.5A Radio and cluster (accessory)
42 15A Stop lamps
43 15A Rear wiper, Sunroof (ignition)
44 20A Fog lamps
45 7.5A Recirculated air, Air conditioning
46 7.5A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
47 20A Cigar lighter/Power point
48 10A Data link connector
49 25A Rear defroster
50 7.5A Heated mirror, Heated backlite
indicator
51 7.5A Front passenger sensing system
52 15A Heated seats
53 10A Back-up lamps (manual transaxle
only), Speed control
54 25A Rear power windows
55 25A Front power windows
56 20A Front wipers
57 7.5A Position and side lights
(right-hand side)
58 7.5A Position and side lights (left-hand
side), License plate lamps
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