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If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you may be able to restart your
engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
®III+ system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
®III+ system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make
full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-40for more information.
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Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(OFF):This is the only position from which you
can remove the key. For a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle, the shift lever must be in PARK (P) with the
ignition in OFF to remove the key. For a vehicle
with a manual transaxle, the shift lever must be in
REVERSE (R) to remove the key. A warning chime will
sound if you open the driver’s door while the ignition
is off and the key is in the ignition.ACC (ACCESSORY):This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers while the engine is not running.
To use ACC, turn the key clockwise to the rst position.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-38.
Never try to push-start your vehicle, unless it has a
manual transaxle.
R(ON):This position is where the key returns to after
you start the engine and release the key. The ignition
switch will stay in this position while the engine is
running. But even while the engine is not running, you
can use ON to operate your electrical accessories and to
display some instrument panel warning lights. Use the
ON position for push-starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to the ON position for normal driving.
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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio,
retractable hardtop, if equipped, and power windows to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition
is turned OFF, or when the driver’s door is opened.
If the front passenger door is opened the windows and
sunroof function is discontinued.
Your radio and power windows will work when the
ignition key is ON or ACC. Once the key is turned from
ON to OFF, the radio will continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
Also, while in the RAP mode power window and
retractable hardtop, if equipped, operation is allowed
for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in the neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down. That is a safety
feature.
Starting Your 2.4L L4 ECOTEC®Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try
again to start the engine by turning the ignition key to
START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
“race” your engine when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let
the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
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