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AUDIO
374FM
Fading
and drifting stations — Generally, the effective range
of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you
may notice fading and drifting, which increase with the distance
from the radio transmitter. They are often accompanied by
distortion.
Multi path — FM signals are reflective, making it possible for
two signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this
happens, the signals will cancel each other out, causing a
momentary flutter or loss of reception.
Static and fluttering — These occur when signals are
blocked by buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing
the bass level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping — If the FM signal you are listening to is
interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station
nearby on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second
station until the original signal can be picked up again. AM
Fading — AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper
atmosphere
− especially at night. These reflected signals can
interfere with those received directly from the radio station,
causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference — When a reflected signal and a signal
received directly from a radio station are very nearly the same
frequency, they can interfere with each other, making it dif ficult
to hear the broadcast.
Static — AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical
noise, such as high tension power lines, l ightening, or electrical
motors. This results in static.
Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For the best performance for your cassette player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality
and tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean
them is by using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is
recommended.)
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STARTING AND DRIVING
385
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, seat cushion height,
seat cushion angle, head restraint height and steering wheel
angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to “ON”, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH
“START” — Starter motor on. The key will return to the
“ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 388.
“ON” — Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine
is not running. The battery will discharge and the
electronic ignition system could be damaged.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
386“ACC” — Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.
If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
“LOCK” —
Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn it from “ACC” to the “LOCK”
position. The selector lever must be put in the “P” position
before turning the key to the “LOCK” position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobilizer system is
automatically set. See “Engine immobilizer system” on page
16.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
“LOCK” position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to “ACC”.
If is not a malfunction if the needles on all meters and gauges
move slightly when the key is turned tp the “ACC”, “ON” or
“START” position.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
389
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page 494.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This
may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(standard type)
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in “ON”
position. ( )
31RY240
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STARTING AND DRIVING
397
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 524.
(h) Driving in snow mode
Use this mode when starting your vehicle in ice or snow.
To set the snow mode, push the switch. In the “ECT SNOW”
indicator on the instrument cluster is on. To cancel the snow
mode, push the switch again. The “ECT SNOW” indicator light
will go off when the snow mode is cancelled.
If the engine is turned off with the snow mode is on, the snow
mode is cancelled when the engine is restarted.
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