Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.
{CAUTION:
For up to 20 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still in ate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are too close to an
airbag when it in ates. Avoid wires wrapped
with yellow tape, yellow coverings or yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag systems. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is quali ed to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front or
sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet
metal or height, they may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance before you
modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two
of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on
page 7-2
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At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-5.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
quali ed technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
The vehicle’s doors may be locked and unlocked, and
the trunk can be opened from approximately 3 feet (1 m)
up to 60 feet (18 m) away with the remote keyless
entry transmitter. If your vehicle has the remote vehicle
start feature, you can also start the vehicle’s engine
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Remote Keyless Entry
with Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
without Remote Start
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Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about four years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not
work at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it is probably time to change the battery.
The KEY FOB BATT LOW message in the vehicle’s
DIC will display if the remote keyless entry transmitter
battery is low.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry
transmitter do the following:
1. Insert a at object, with a thin edge, into the notch
located below the vehicle locator/panic alarm
button, and separate the bottom half from the top
half of the transmitter.
2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new
one. Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery
faces up. Use one three-volt, CR2032, or
equivalent, type battery.
3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
cover is on tight, so water will not get inside the
transmitter.
4. Test the operation of the transmitter with the
vehicle.
2-7
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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