Page 47 of 221
Î
Î
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
45
TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
INDICATOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING (EPS)
INDICATOR
DOOR-OPEN INDICATORLOW FUEL
INDICATOR
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING INDICATORS
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.50)
(P.50)
(P.47)
(P.46)
(P.47) PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.46,184)
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATORLOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR (P.47)
(P.47,183)
(P.47) OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
(P.52)
INFORMAITION
DISPLAY MAINTENANCE MINDER
INDICATOR(P.133)
(P.48)
(P. 47)
(P. 49)
(P.47)
(P.46, 182)
(P.48)
(P.50)
(P. 48)
(P.49)
(P.40, 182) DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR
——y
y
(yy
Page 49 of 221

See page .
This indicator comes on if the trunk
lid is not closed tightly.This indicator normally comes on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position and goes of f
af ter the engine starts. If it comes on
at any other time, there is a problem
in the electric power steering system.
If this happens, stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and turn off the engine.
Reset the system by restarting the
engine. If the indicator does not go
of f , or comes back on while driving,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
have it checked. With the indicator
on,theEPSisturnedoff,makingthe
vehicle harder to steer.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when you push the
START button. If it comes on at any
other time, there is a problem with
theABS.If thishappens,haveyour
vehicle checked at a dealer. With
this indicator on, your vehicle still
has normal braking ability but no
anti-lock f unction. For more
inf ormation, see page . This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates a potential
problem with your f ront airbags or
automatic seat belt tensioners. For
more information, see page .
This indicator comes on if either
door is not closed tightly.
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See pagef or inf ormation on operating the
cruise control.
25
127 183
103
Instrument Panel Indicators
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
Trunk-open IndicatorElectric Power Steering
(EPS) Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator Door-open Indicator
Cruise Control Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
47
——y
y
(yy
Page 72 of 221

The convertible top on your vehicle
lowers and raises electrically.
It is advisable to raise the top
whenever you park the vehicle. This
helps to protect the vehicle f rom
unexpected weather changes, and
f rom thef t of your valuables.Bef ore operating the convertible top,
make sure the vehicle is parked on
level ground, the rear def ogger is of f ,
and there is enough clearance above
the top.
Apply the parking brake. The
convertible top will not operate
unless the parking brake is f ully
engaged.
Thereisalatchoneachside.Push
in the tabs, and pull the locking
levers down.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position.
1.
2.
3.
Lowering the Convertible Top
Convertible Top
70
LATCH
TAB
LOCKING LEVER
Park your vehicle in the shade
whenever possible. Extended
exposure to sunlight can cause the
convertible top to deteriorate. Do not operate the convertible top if
the vehicle is on a jack, a hoist, or on
jack stands. Never drive the vehicle with the
convertible top half open. Do not operate the top if it is wet,
dirty, or covered with ice or snow. Do not operate the convertible top in
f reezing weather. Y ou can damage
the material and the mechanism.
——y
y
(yy
Page 78 of 221
To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up f ully. To release it, pull up
slightly, push the button, and lower
the lever. The parking brake
indicator on the instrument panel
should go out when the parking
brake is f ully released (see page ).
When you f inish, move the
selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns the
adjustment switch of f to keep your
settings.
If you try to drive the vehicle without
releasing the parking brake, the ABS
indicator may come on, and the ABS
may not work properly.
If you drive at certain speeds without
f ully releasing the parking brake, a
beeper sounds continuously.
4.
46
Parking Brake
Mirrors, Parking Brake
76
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake applied can damage the rear
brakes and axles.
——y
y
(yy
Page 121 of 221
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual transmission. It also includes
important inf ormation on parking
your vehicle, and the braking system.........................
Driving Guidelines .120
........................
Preparing to Drive .121
.......................
Starting the Engine .122
...................
Manual Transmission .123
...........................................
Parking .125
.............................
Braking System .125
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .126
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
........................................
System .128
...........................
Towing a Trailer .129
Driving
Driving
119
——y
y
(y
y
Page 127 of 221

Make sure the convertible top and
the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb, and put the transmission in
f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
CONT INUED
Parking
Parking T ipsBraking System
Parking, Braking System
Driving
125
——y
y
(y
y
Page 128 of 221

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much f aster than a
person.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
may hear some noise. This is normal:
it is the ABS rapidly pumping the
brakes. On dry pavement, you will
need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates.
However, you may f eel the ABS
activate immediately if you are trying
to stop on snow or ice.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Braking System Design
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
126
——y
y
(y
y
Page 129 of 221
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. it only helps with steering
control during braking.
ABS Indicator
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
127
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
——y
y
(y
y