battery is reconnected. The exterior lights will flash, the
horn will sound, and the ignition will not start the
vehicle. If this occurs, disarm the system.
WINDOWS
Power Windows
The window controls on the driver’s door control all the
door windows.
There are single window controls on each passenger door
trim panel which operate the passenger door windows.The window controls will operate only when the ignition
switch is in the ON or ACCESSORY position.
The window lock switch on the driver’s door allows you
to disable the window controls on the passenger doors.
When the lock switch is pressed the window controls on
the passenger doors will not illuminate and the passen-
ger windows will be disabled.
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the win-
dows while operating the power window switches.
Such entrapment may result in serious injury or
death.
Auto Down Feature
The driver door power window switch, and some model
passenger door power window switches have an auto
Power Window Switches
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2
NOTE:Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open to allow airbag deploy-
ment.
WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be-
cause the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
•If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not stack luggage or other cargo
up high enough to block the location of the side
curtain airbag. The area where the side curtain airbag
is located should remain free from any obstructions.
•If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not have any accessory items
installed which will alter the roof, including adding
a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.
•Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.
•Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios etc.
Window Airbag
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will illuminate to aid visibility.
NOTE:The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could
cause it to fail when you need it. You could be
injured because the airbags are not there to protect
you. Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or stickers to
the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front
bumper, vehicle body structure, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a colli-
sion. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket equip-
ment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
•Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video
players on the right front passenger seat back. The
additional weight may cause the Occupant Classifi-
cation System to be unable to correctly classify the
right front occupant. This could allow the passenger
frontal airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on
your vehicle that it has airbags.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Next, move to the outside of the vehicle and push the
safety catch to the left. The safety catch is located under
the center front edge of the hood.
Use the hood prop rod — if equipped to secure the hood
in the open position.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 6
inches (15 cm) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
LIGHTS
Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights
These lights are mounted between the sun visors on the
overhead console. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn the light
OFF. The lights also turn on when a door is opened or the
dimmer control is turned fully upward, past the second
detent.
Hood Safety Catch
96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
WARNING!
TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The TCS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a
TCS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The traction control system is part of the elec-
tronic stability program (ESP). The traction
control system (TCS) warning light is located in
the instrument cluster. The TCS light will flash
as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to
spin. This indicates that the TCS system is active. If the
TCS warning light begins to flash during acceleration,
ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to theprevailing road conditions. When the TCS warning light
is illuminated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To
return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS,
press the electronic stability program switch (the TCS
warning light in the instrument cluster goes out). Avoid
spinning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
The electronic stability program switch is located on the
center of the instrument panel. To turn the traction
control system OFF press the electronic stability program
switch until the traction control Indicator in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the electronic
stability program switch.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107
3
To decrease speed while speed control is set, push the
lever down and hold (“COAST”). Release the lever when
the desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be
set.
Pushing down and releasing the lever (“COAST”) once
will result in a 1 mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time
the lever is pushed down and released, speed decreases.
To Accelerate For Passing:
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
Four speed automatic transmissions will experience a
downshift to 3rd gear while climbing uphill or descend-
ing downhill. This downshift to 3rd gear is necessary to
maintain vehicle set speed.
On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLink),
storage for sunglasses, and optional power sunroof
switches.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A continuous chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
(See page 247 for more information.)
2. Low Fuel Indicator Light
The Low Fuel Light will turn on when there is
approximately 2 gallons (9 liters) of fuel remain-
ing in the tank. This light will remain on until
fuel is added.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb. (See page 100 for more information.)
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. (See page 140 for more information.)
7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
15. Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. The letter “A” or
“B” will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in
and hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip
odometer to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer must be
in trip mode to reset.
16. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the Multi-Function lever away from
the steering wheel to switch the headlights to high
beam.
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s or
front passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will
sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if thedriver’s or front passenger’s seat belt remains unbuck-
led, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. (See page 32 for more information.)
19. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, how-
ever, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL