CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
position, an ISO oil level icon appears in the trip odom-
eter window and a “clock” icon in the cumulative
odometer display. Pressing the knob to the left of the
speedometer twice within one second displays one of the
following messages:
•OK
•-1.0 Q (-1.0L)
•-1.5 Q (-1.5L)
•-2.0 Q (-2.0L)
•HIThe indicated amount of oil must be added to the engine
if the message -2.0 Q (-2.0L) blinks and a signal sounds.
The HI message indicates that the excess oil must be
removed from the pan to avoid possible engine or
catalytic converter damage. If the ISO oil level icon and
“clock” icon remain on when attempting to check oil
level and no message follows, or if the low engine oil
level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction in the
engine oil level system is indicated. A conveniently
located dipstick allows manual checking of the oil level.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
29. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (7.5
liters), this symbol will light and remains lit until
fuel is added.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Call up the user menu, then press the right rotary
control/push button repeatedly until AUDIO PH or PH
MUTE is displayed (depending on the currently selected
setting, you may need to turn the knob also for your
selection).
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
RADIO ANTENNA
The radio antenna is located in the rear liftgate glass on
the coupe vehicles and mounted on the left rear body
panel on the roadster vehicles. The antenna requires no
maintenance.
CAUTION!
Window tint films applied to the liftgate glass of
coupe vehicles can significantly degrade radio recep-
tion if they contain any metallic content. Before
applying any film to increase occupant privacy or
reduce the heating effect of the sun, make sure that
the film does not contain any metallic substances.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127
4
Basic Setting - Air Conditioner
Press the air conditioning ON/OFF switch. The
light in the switch will illuminate. Select a
temperature for each side of the passenger
compartment. Select the air volume with the
fan control switch, at least to position 1. Set the air
distribution control switch to one of the positions shown
above. Open center air outlets. Open left and right side
air outlets.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not run if
the fan control switch is not set to position 1 or higher.
NOTE:The dot between the air distribution control
icons is a mix position between the two modes.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence,
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Defrosting
Set the temperature selectors to the maximum
heating position, set the fan control to position 5,
and the air distribution to the defrost position. Close the
center air outlets. Close the left and right side air outlets.
Turn the defroster outlets for the side windows to the
detent position.
Defogging Windows Fogged Up On Inside
Press the A/C button; the indicator light should illumi-
nate. Switch off the air recirculation; the indicator light
should go out. Set the air distribution control switch to
the defrost position. Increase air volume with the fan
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
control switch to position 1 or higher. Close the center,
left, and right side air outlets. Turn the defroster outlets
for the side windows to the detent position.
NOTE:The air conditioner removes moisture from the
air inside your vehicle. The quickest and most efficient
method for defogging your windows, even if the air
temperature in your vehicle is cool, is to use the air
conditioner. Make sure that you press the A/C button to
defog your windows.
Windshield Fogged Up On Outside
Switch on the windshield wipers. Set the air distribution
control switch to the defrost position. Increase air volume
with the fan control switch. Close the center and right
side air outlets. Turn the defroster outlets for the side
windows to the detent position.
Ventilation
To receive outside air through the panel outlets, turn off
the Air Conditioning ON/OFF switch. The light in the
switch should be off. Set the controls as above for basic
air conditioning.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 131
4
Climate Control - OFF
To switch the climate control off, set the air volume
control switch to position 0. The fresh air supply to the
vehicle interior is shut off. While driving, use this setting
only temporarily, otherwise the windshield could fog up.
Rear Window Defroster
Turn the key in the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position. To select, press the rear
window defroster button once and release. The
indicator light in the switch should illuminate.
To cancel, press the rear window defroster button again
and release.
NOTE:Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed before activating the defroster. The rear win-
dow defroster uses a large amount of power. To keep the
battery drain to a minimum, turn off the defroster as soon
as the window is clear. The defroster is automatically
turned off after a maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
If several components in the vehicle are consuming
power simultaneously, or the battery is only partially
charged, it is possible that the defroster will automati-
cally turn itself off. When this happens, the indicator lightinside the switch starts blinking. As soon as the battery
has sufficient voltage, the defroster automatically turns
itself back on.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Air Recirculation/REST
This mode can be selected to temporarily re-
duce the entry of annoying odors or dust into
the vehicle’s interior. Outside air does not flow
into the vehicle’s interior. To select, press the
recirculation button. To cancel, press the recirculation
button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below approximately 40°F (5°C);
132 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
after approximately 30 minutes, at outside temperatures
above approximately 40°F (5°C); after approximately five
minutes, if the A/C button is pressed.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode for approximately 30
minutes, thereby increasing the cooling capacity perfor-
mance. Press the recirculation button again to extend the
recirculated air mode.
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST)
With the engine switched off, it is possible to
continue heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume is controlled automatically. Select a
temperature for each side of the passenger
compartment. Set the air distribution control switch to
the desired position.
To select, turn the key in the ignition switch to the ACC
or the OFF/LOCK position or remove. Press the recircu-
lation button. The indicator light in the button illumi-
nates. This function selection will not activate if the
battery charge level is insufficient.To cancel, press the recirculation button. The indicator
light in the button goes out. The system will automati-
cally shut off if you turn the key in the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position, after approximately 30 minutes,
or if the battery voltage drops.
NOTE:This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner
system that uses R-134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
Dust Filter (If Equipped)
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out before
outside air enters the passenger compartment through
the air distribution system.
NOTE:Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield
free of snow and debris.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133
4
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD),
when starting from a stopped position. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in THIRD.
NOTE:If there is a need to restart your engine, you
must recycle your ignition switch to the OFF position
before restarting the engine.
For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting.
This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for both fuel economy
and performance, it should be upshifted as shown in the
chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration.
Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively
steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and
may be used as indicated.
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6
MPH 15 25 40 45 50
(km/h) (24) (40) (64) (72) (80)
140 STARTING AND OPERATING
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, control the vehicle speed by
gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and
never abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
only slight acceleration. Rocking a vehicle free in this
manner may cause the ABS or traction system malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on. Turn off the engine and
restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.
Park Position
The PARK position is to be used when parking the
vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped. The PARK
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever
in PARK to secure the vehicle.
NOTE:The key can be removed from the ignition
switch only with the selector lever in the PARK position.
With the key removed, the selector lever is locked in the
PARK position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
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