
Automatic Transaxle Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, the shift
lever is located on the console between the seats.
Movement between certain positions requires pushing
the shift lever toward the passenger side while shifting.
This prevents you from changing positions unexpectedly
by blocking the straight movement of the shift lever
while the vehicle is moving.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 2-27.
Ensure that the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to apply
your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P) while holding the brake pedal down, see
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on
page 2-28.
2-21

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
When shifting from NEUTRAL (N) to REVERSE (R), you
need to apply the regular brake and push the shift
lever down and toward the passenger side of the vehicle
and then forward.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, seeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-26.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart while you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
while the engine is running at high speed may
damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
2-22

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-16
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-21Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Tone............................3-25
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-26
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-28
Cruise Control Light......................................3-29
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-29
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light.....3-29
Fuel Gage...................................................3-30
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-30
Secondary Information Center (SIC).................3-31
Clock..........................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-32
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-32
Charging System Light..................................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-34
Hold Mode Light...........................................3-34
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-34
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-37
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-38
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-38
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
The hazard warning
flasher button is located
in the center of the
instrument panel.
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is not in the
ignition switch.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on your steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
Your vehicle has a tilt wheel which allows you to adjust
the steering wheel before you drive. You can raise it
to the highest level to give your legs more room when
you exit and enter the vehicle.
The tilt wheel lever is
located underneath the
steering column slightly
to the left.
To tilt the steering wheel, hold the wheel and push the
lever down. Then, move the wheel to a comfortable
position and pull the lever up to lock the wheel in place.
3-6

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal/multifunction lever away from you.
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
also will be on if the
ignition is turned to ON.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high-beam headlamps come on, then
release the lever to turn them off.
Windshield Wipers
Use this lever located on the right side of the steering
wheel to operate the windshield wipers. The ignition
must be turned to ON to operate the windshield wipers.
Sedan shown, Hatchback similar
3-8