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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4±speed automatic
transaxle
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle's battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
²Start the engine
²Depress the brake pedal
²Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
²Come to a complete stop
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If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlysystem off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Controly(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
Vehicle Curb Weight± is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
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Cargo Weight± includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)± is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) ± including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)± is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the driver's door or door pillar. The total load on each
axle must never exceed its GAWR.
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.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
dealership.
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GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)± is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
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.
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Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
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
²Practice 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.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If 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.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
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All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
It is not recommended to tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front
drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
²Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
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Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPassenger compartment fuse
panel description
16 10A Not used (spare)
17 15A Stop lamp, Speed control
deactivation switch
18 15A Parklamps, PWM (backlighting),
Autolamps
19 10A Heated mirrors, Rear defrost
switch indicator
20 10A Restraints (air bag module/OCS
module)
21 15A Transmission range sensor
(transmission position switch)
22 15A Front washer pump,
Electrochromatic mirror,
Compass, Cluster (RUN/ACC),
Integrated Control Panel (ICP)
logic, Rear wiper (wagon only),
Rear washer (wagon only)
23 30A Front wiper motor
24 Ð Not used
25 20A Power point
26 20A Power locks, Liftgate
(wagon)/Trunk (sedan) release
27 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS),
Speed control, Traction control,
Brake-shift interlock, A/C function
switch (manual A/C only),
Temperature blend door (manual
A/C only), Defrost coil
28 15A Turn signals, Back-up lamps
29 20A Cigar lighter
Roadside Emergencies
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Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp rating Power distribution box
description
1 60A** Fuse junction panel
2 30A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
3 60A** Fuse junction panel
4 10A CB Low speed cooling fan
5 40A** Cooling fan
6 Ð Not used
7 40A** Starter relay, Ignition switch
8 Ð Not used
9 20A** Cooling fan (passenger side)
10 20A** Cooling fan (driver side)
11 50A** Rear defrost (sedan only)
12 Ð Not used
13 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module pump feed
14 Ð Not used
15 20A* ABS module valve solenoid
16 20A* Fuel pump relay
17 20A* CD
18 10A* (Vulcan engine only)
A/C clutch relay, PCM keep alive power
Ð (Duratec engine only) Not used power
19 Ð Not used
20 Ð Not used
21 Ð Not used
22 5A* (Vulcan engine only) Heated PCV valve
10A*
(Duratec engine only)A/C clutch relay, PCM keep alive power
23 Ð Starter motor relay
24 Ð Fan relay
25 Ð Wiper speed relay
26 10A* Alternator
27 5A* Rear control unit, Antenna
28 15A* HEGO sensor, Transmission shift
solenoid, Canister vent, A/C clutch
relay
Roadside Emergencies
158